KNIGHT “What?” I snapped at her. “Be careful with your adjective, Jada. You know I don’t date my employees, and I have no plan on sleeping with any one of you. I practice fraternization policy at full length.” Jada asked me for a drink once, and I turned her down, even if it was just a friendly date. I didn’t want to give everyone the impression that it was okay, but her body language at that time said otherwise. “I’m sorry, Mr. Blackwell. I meant no offense.” “That’s exactly what you wanted to say. I wouldn’t date her if I were not sure I wouldn’t put my ring on her finger. Nirvana checked the list of the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, and I love her the way she is. I enjoy watching her being herself and not wasting her time in the mirror. She dresses just perfectly without showing much skin, but she’s the sexiest and the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. And trust me when I say this: I’d rather live alone than not marry her.” I found Kailin waiting and lis

KNIGHT Nirvana had an uneasy posture as she got into my house. She looked around the living room but hadn’t said anything. “Take a seat. You want coffee?” “I’m good.” She took a seat on the leather couch, and I went to the kitchen to take my coffee in the tumbler. I decided to work at home today, and maybe I could spend some time with her. When I came back to the couch, Nirvana was not there anymore. “Nirvana?” I followed her scent and found her in the hallway, looking at one of the paintings. “I really like this artist. He spent hours and hours perfecting his art. His masterpiece is classic. His traditional way of painting made him one of a kind. This encaustic painting is one of my favorites.” “Do you collect his paintings?” She chuckled as she looked at me. “You know how much his painting is worth? He is one of the subjects in the painting class I attended.” “Well, I have more of his paintings, and you can have them too if you choose to stay here.” “Tempting, but thank yo

NIRVANA “You haven’t answered my question.” He sounded pissed, so when he suggested to get out of the vineyards and drive, I didn’t resist. Irritation boiled down the surface, showing all over his face. “Nirvana, I’m not talking to myself here.” I couldn’t argue with an angry alpha, and I couldn’t tell him the truth either, at least if I could keep it to myself longer. “I heard you the first time, Knight.” Honestly, I wanted to stay, but I was not sure if we could work it out if Zarah couldn’t find a way to break the curse, and I would stay human for the rest of my life. I had already sacrificed a lot here. I left my life, my dream back in New York, left my grandfather alone to be with him. I was still not entirely sure if he would do the same if he were in my position. “And?” “Maybe I stay human forever. Are you okay with a weak human mate? I know you wished you had a mate like Shadow. Strong, powerful, gifted, and with a lot of connections, and I can’t compete.” “For fuck sak

NIRVANA I closed my gaping mouth when I couldn’t think of anything but fear. We stepped down to the crowded area. Men and women were waiting for the main events while the fight was still ongoing in the ring. “Five hundred for the opponents.” McKaye had just placed the bets, and the man on the table snorted at him before giving him the bet slip. “I’m not gonna bet for him.” “Just fifty bucks. Come on. This is your first underground fight club experience.” “Fine.” I rolled my eyes as I took some bills from my crossbody bag. “You guys are unbelievable.” After betting, we went to find Kailin. Her eyes widened to see me joining her. Roisin, Aspen, and the guys were also there. “This is insane.” “Oh, my Goddess!” She got up and pulled me into a hug. “Hey. You’re here,” Aspen said. Roisin, Maddox, the Goldilocks, and Zander waved. “It’s my initiation day. I guess I’m joining the club, but I’m terrified.” I turned to Kailin. “I thought you’re working.” “My boss is out, so there’s

KNIGHT “I have men and guns, and you’re the only guy in your merry band of misfits who can fight.” I chuckled when the first guy in the corner formed his hands into fists. “Don’t try me, Cadogan. I’m here as a courtesy call. The next time I step into this property, I either drop bodies or burn this building down to the ground. So, one last time, stay away from my boys.” I glanced over at the three guys. If they even stepped forward, I would beat them into pulps. I stepped out, not waiting for him to intimidate me with his minions and guns. I also knew how to use guns. I had it at home and in the pack house just in case people would come to harm us. “Is everything okay?” Luka asked as we walked out of the building. “Not even the slightest.” “What are we gonna do now?” “We have to be careful this time. I think I just poked the bear. The grizzly bear.” Luka laughed. “The ugly coyote. If it’s a panda, I would love to pet him.” We reached the parking lot, where everyone was waiti