Denied by Destiny: Trapped in the Shadows of the Mate Bond novel Chapter 372

~ Josie ~

“They stink.” Knox grunts out, his nose wrinkling from the smell.

“If you don’t want him to eat the car seats then he needs snacks.” I reach into the dog treat bag, fetching a handful of snacks.

“It’s not my car, tell him he can chew away.” Knox quips as I reach behind in the back seat to give Lobo some dog snacks.

We were two hours into the journey to the Clear Waters pack, Lobo’s restlessness starting to kick in.

I knew I couldn’t be away without Lobo, even if it is only for a few days. He’s my boy.

Knox didn’t seem keen in sharing a pack SUV with Auntie Alora and Ezra, and to be honest, with Lobo in the back it was probably the best option. Otherwise, we would have stopped at least five times already to give Lobo some leg space outside. At least with the back to himself he can stretch out.

Before leaving home I had gone to the hospital to explain to Doctor Abel that I would delay my return to work by a few days.

Any guilt I felt in telling him soon dispersed as he reassured me that he would be just fine and that the break from the pack would be good for my recovery.

When I told him it was the Clear Waters pack he seemed more enthused than me; telling me to swim every day to help build my strength back up.

I didn’t like not being at the hospital, but I can’t deny that being away for a few days was something I needed after everything that had happened recently.

By the time we arrive at the Clear Waters pack, I’m in the back seat with Lobo, his kanine body stretched across me as he sleeps.

As the car comes to a halt, Knox moves out of the vehicle only to open the back door and lift a sleeping Lobo off me and into his arms. Lobo doesn’t stir, he’s never been so comfortable around a male as he has been with Knox. It’s astonishing to watch. Not even Dad, and before Knox…he was his favourite.

As I step out of the vehicle, the memories I hold of the Clear Waters pack really do not do it any justice. This was a little piece of heaven, here on earth.

“Welcome Mr Knoxbridge.” Petra extends a welcoming hand out to Knox.

“Knox would be just fine,” Knox reaches his hand out, shaking Petra’s, awkwardly trying to not drop Lobo.

“Well I’ll let you all settle in, some refreshments are available in the kitchen and we will be hosting a welcome back pack BBQ this evening from 7pm.”

“Sounds perfect, Petra…thank you.” I step closer to her, placing my hands within hers to give a gentle squeeze, just to show my appreciation to her unwavering warmth in character.

I follow Auntie Alora and Ezra into the house, Knox behind me…still carrying a sleeping Lobo easily in his arms, as if he were a baby. I hadn’t given much thought to kids, but watching Knox carry my boy in his arms…gives me butterflies in my tummy.

“What’s up?” He turns to me, as I stand there staring at him as he places Lobo gently down in a dog bed. Then it clicks, and he understands…a smirk forming on the corner of his face.