Page 59 of Hard Knot

Everything about her is carefully crafted to appeal to traditional Alpha tastes.

As if sensing my assessment, she takes a step forward, perfectly manicured hand extended in a gesture that's probably meant to be welcoming but comes across as condescending.

"I'm Victoria Sinclair," she announces, her voice dripping with the kind of practiced sweetness that sets my teeth on edge. "Holmes's girlfriend."

The word hits me like a physical blow, though I maintain my neutral expression.

"I'm sure you've heard of me," she continues, either oblivious to or enjoying my discomfort. "My interior design firm has been featured in Architectural Digest three times this year alone and a multi-award winner. I’m sure we’re going to secure this year’s annual because we’ve never declined in popularity and grace. In fact," she gestures around the office with a proprietary air, "I helped transform this place from its plain Jane beginnings. It was practically provincial before I got my hands on it."

Well, that explains the soulless museum vibe.

"I'm just so excited about my transfer to Knot Academy," she gushes, smoothing down her skin-tight dress. I’m sure she’s bringing this up because Carter is still in his uniform, especially with him taking his blazer back from me so he could enjoy holding me from behind as we’d gone through the tour. "Of course, I'll need to be moved from Death Knot to Hard Knot. It's simply not appropriate for someone of my... refinement, to be housed with such dangerous elements. But that's just a formality, really."

She laughs, the sound as artificial as her curves.

"After all, I'm only joining to help Holmes and his pack with their little reformed status situation. They need an Omega of suitable breeding and background, don't you think?"

Why would I know or give a damn about all this shit?

The way I want to roll my eyes at her obvious play of theatrics.

I force my lips into a smile, even as something in my chest constricts painfully. It's not rejection that's making my heart race uncomfortably— this isn't rejection, not really.This is just... initiation.A reminder that nothing in life comes easily, especially not for the Forgotten Omega of Hard Knot Academy.

God, I'm such an idiot.

Five years of carefully constructed walls, of protecting myself from exactly this kind of situation, and I let them crumble for what? A few heated kisses and some pretty words?I can’t regret the sex though. That shit was addicting and sinfully delicious.The chemistry with Carter might be real, but clearly, I'm not the only one in the running for this position.

Position.

Like it's a job interview and not my entire future at stake.

My eyes drift back to Holmes, who hasn't moved or spoken since we entered.

The blindfold suddenly takes on new significance as I consider what it might mean for his other senses. They say when you lose one sense, the others compensate— become heightened to fill the void.

His hearing must be incredible.

The thought sends my mind spinning in unexpected directions.

If his hearing is enhanced, what about his other senses?

Touch? Taste? Smell?

The things he could do with those heightened senses...

The image that flashes through my mind is entirely inappropriate for the current situation, but I can't help the way my lips curve into a knowing smirk.

"What's so funny?" Victoria demands, her perfectly sculpted eyebrows drawing together in confusion and annoyance.

My smile only grows wider as I consider my response, knowing full well that Holmes can probably hear every subtle change in my breathing, every slight shift in my position.

This could get interesting…or chaotic. I’m willing to take my chances.

The tension in the room shifts, becoming charged with something electric as I prepare my response.

"I'm just amused," I say, letting every ounce of disdain drip from my voice, "because you keep talking like anyone actually wanted to know who the fuck you are."

Carter's laughter explodes through the room, sharp and uncontrolled. Even Felix can't maintain his usual stoic expression, his lips twitching as he adjusts his glasses.

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