Page 85 of Hard Knot

“I don’t need it off to fuck you right, Abbie,” he growls against my neck. “Just gotta work those hips a bit more for me, though I’m sure Felix can take a more bumpier route to make it easier.”

"If you two start again," Holmes growls, "I'm walking to class."

"Promise?" I can't help but tease, earning a low chuckle from Felix and an exasperated sigh from Holmes.

“Just get inside,” Holmes barks, and I decide to be good and not further angst him. Clearly something is up that’s stressing them but they don’t want to share now.

That’s okay. I’m sure they’ll share it with me if necessary.

As we pile into the truck, I catch a glimpse of the Omegas from the bathroom watching through the window. Theirexpressions are a mix of envy and confusion —probably trying to figure out how the Forgotten One ended up with not one but three of the most dangerous-looking Alphas on campus.

If they only knew.

Settling into my seat as Carter's arm slides possessively around my waist.

“You okay?” I quietly whisper to Carter as Felix is starting the car.

“Hmm?” Carter keeps his tone just as low, his eyes seeking mine.

“You were pacing before. You don’t pace…is something troubling you?”

“Observant, aren’t we, Omega?” he hums in praise and lays a very gentle kiss on my lips. I’m not expecting it to be so tamed and soft, which makes me pout in confusion. “Don’t stress about it, Abbie. Just businesses barking up the wrong door. I’ll handle it.”

We stare at one another for a moment, and I can see in his eyes that he does want to handle this without involving me.

I can trust him to do that.

"Okay. Just don’t hesitate to talk to me if you need anything, okay?” I’m not sure I’d be much help, especially when I really don’t know much about their Empires aside from their designated country associations.

“Yes, Abbie,” he hums happily, looking extra happy that I even care. He snuggles into my shoulder, kissing the nape of my neck lightly. “Thank you for caring.”

“You’re so silly,” I huff, but I find his hand, lightly squeezing it while I look out the window. I briefly notice Holmes’ reflection in the rearview, and I know he can’t necessarily see us, but I wonder what he’s thinking about.

Dismissing it, I just stare out the window, holding Carter’s hand while he rests against my shoulder, realizing today is going to be different.

Time to see what school is like with a set of Alphas…

Unexpected Opportunities

~ELIZABETH~

The administrative office smells like it always does.

A mix of stale coffee, old paper, and desperation.

I've been here enough times over the past five years that I could probably navigate it blindfolded, which is ironic considering my recent encounters with a certain blindfolded Alpha.

The forms in front of me are familiar too — annual declarations of my packless status, confirmations that I understand the "privileges" I'm forfeiting by remaining unclaimed, and of course, the standard holiday restrictions.

The words blur together after a while, but my father's voice echoes in my head:

"Read everything twice, Abbie. Even the fine print that makes your eyes hurt. Especially that print. The devil's in the details, and he's usually wearing a three-piece suit and calling himself a lawyer."

I smile slightly at the memory, remembering how he'd drill this into me during our late-night conversations in his study. He'd make me review contracts for his "cleaning company" —which we both knew was a front for more lucrative endeavors— teaching me to spot the subtle traps hidden in seemingly innocent clauses.

The pen feels heavy in my hand as I work through each page methodically. Section 4.3 outlines the specific limitations on off-campus activities: no leaving grounds during major holidays, no overnight stays in non-approved locations, and no participation in external events without explicit permission from the administration.

The same old cage, just with freshly polished bars.

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