Page 97 of Hard Knot

My mind spins, trying to process this new information through the haze of betrayal and anger. All this time, all these games — and none of it even mattered.

The system was rigged from the start.

I feel Carter's eyes on me, heavy with something that might be regret or might be pity. Felix has gone completely still, his usual restless energy frozen in shock.

And Holmes...Holmes just stands there.

Silent and untouchable behind his blindfold.

The laugh that bubbles up from my chest is hollow, empty of everything except bitter acknowledgment.

"Well," I say, impressed by how steady my voice remains, "isn't that convenient? You get your perfect,obedientVictoria, and you still have room for one more male to appease her…submissive ways. I’m sure this will be the perfect balance to ensure she’s performing to her best ability to please all of you." I pause and look at Phillips. “Hell, I’m sure Advisor Phillips can give you all a helping hand. I mean, he’s tested out the object in question. You know, to prove Victoria’s grand attributes as an outstanding Omega.”

The dig hits its mark; Victoria's face flushes red while Phillips shifts uncomfortably in his chair.

"Elizabeth," Carter says softly, a warning in his tone. He’s already out of his chair, and I know he wants to approach me from how his hand is reaching out for me to pause in whatever spiraling thoughts I’m thinking about, but that tone just sets me off.

I'm beyond warnings…beyond caring about consequences.

Five years of carefully constructed walls are crumbling, and I'm too tired to try holding them up anymore.

I’m tired of all of this.

"No," I cut him off, my voice sharp. "Don't try to explain or justify this. I get it now. Why Holmes never bothered even trying to know me outside of my name. Why you all play along with this farce." The words pour out, hot and bitter like poison. "It was never about finding the right Omega. It was about meeting quotas and points and maintaining your precious hierarchy."

Felix starts to stand.

"Elizabeth wait! We’re not even involved in this shit. That's not?—"

"Save it," I snap. "I don't need your explanations or your pity. I've survived five years in this hellhole without a pack. I can survive whatever comes next, and if that’s death. Fine! Kill me. At least maybe I’ll finally be at peace."

Even if 'next' means disappearing into the system they've so carefully designed to silence rebels like me... permanently. I’ll be ready to face it like the badass bitch I am.

There’s a hint of happiness knowing I’ll die a rebel.

I never conformed to the likes of this fucked up society.

Victoria's smile has turned predatory, triumphant.

She thinks she's won, that she's finally seeing the Forgotten One break.

She has no idea.

I straighten my spine, channeling every ounce of defiance I've cultivated over the years.

"Congratulations on your new pack, Victoria. I'm sure you'llperformadmirably for them." I let my gaze drift meaningfully to Phillips. "You certainly have the practice. Keep sucking cock seeing as your Alphas probably don’t need someone committed to only three. Oh. I mean four. Good luck finding a fourth hole to fill. Though, your mouth is pretty big. I’m sure you can do a nice two-for-one fit."

The slap comes fast, but I'm faster — years of training in defense and other areas of protection making it easy to step back just enough that her hand barely grazes my cheek.

"Temper, temper," I tsk, watching her face contort with rage. "That's not veryproperbehavior for a pack Omega, is it?"

"You little—" she starts, but I'm already pushing past her. I use enough force to ensure she has to take a step back, but also prove that if she wants to get handsy, she WILL lose.

Once you start a fight with me, I always win, and I certainly don’t mind getting bloody.

"If we're done here," I announce to the room, channeling every ounce of defiance I have, "I have a class to enjoy, where the world is forced to acknowledge my talent, aside from my born predicaments. At least in there I actually earn my place with no extra endeavors needed to get what I want."

"390 points should be enough, yes?"

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