Denied by Destiny Trapped in the Shadows of the Mate Bond novel Chapter 296

~Josie~

I wake up feeling warm, something I never feel. My mind is stirring but my eyes are still closed, trying to force my mind into submission.

My body was still exhausted but my mind was trying to wake up, trying to register something…trying to think.

Then I realise…it doesn’t recognise my third arm gripping at my waist, pressing my back against a wall. I didn’t remember having a third arm.

That’s because I don’t.

My eyes almost win against my mind, that call to sleep becoming stronger thanks to a heavenly scent of leather and sandalwood comforting me.

Leather and sandalwood….

My eyes shoot wide open, it dawning on me that I had fallen asleep next to Knox. I look down to find his arm placed across my stomach as he lays behind me, spooning me.

No wonder I was so warm, I didn’t sleep next to anyone. Not even George. It just wasn’t a thing for me.

A clearing of a throat makes my eyes dart to the door, Jaxon resting against it, his arms crossed over his chest. Not looking pleased.

“Do I need to worry about this?” A finger points between sleeping Knox and me.

“What?” I peel Knox’s arm off me, gently moving as not to disturb him.

“Is there something going on?”

“With Knox? I just fell asleep.” I try to push past his line of questioning…I don’t think he buys it though. That’s the thing with the triplet bond, you get a sense of the other’s emotions.

Luckily I was still waking up, using that in-between confused and tired state of mind to hide against the bond.

I wasn’t ready to be asked questions like that, I didn’t even know what Knox and I were. Yes I was gutted last night when he curtailed our kissing session but it was the right thing to do, especially with the door about to be knocked down by the club’s security. Then a shit storm happened, leaving him injured and me making sure he kept breathing.

“What’s going on…what time is it?” I play dumb, ignoring Jaxon’s intense stare.

“I was sent up to find you for dinner, lo and behold I couldn’t find you in your room. Didn’t think to ever find you asleep in here…what will George think?”