Page 98 of Hard Knot

The voice cuts through the tension like a blade, followed immediately by an arm hooking around my waist, halting my dramatic exit. A familiar scent washes over me — sandalwood and winter air — making my heart stutter in my chest.

I look up to find James staring down at me, our faces mere inches apart.

The playful glint from earlier is gone from his eyes, replaced by something darker, more commanding. His entire demeanor has shifted, radiating an Alpha energy so potent it makes my knees weak.

The power rolling off him isn't just strong — it's overwhelming, flooding the hallway with a presence that demands submission. Even Victoria, with all her carefully crafted confidence, shrinks back against the wall, her throat working as she swallows hard.

"Who..." she manages, her usual sharp tone replaced by something closer to a whimper, "Who exactly are you?"

Phillips jumps to his feet so quickly that his chair rolls back and hits the wall. He executes a bow that would look comical if not for the genuine fear in his expression.

"Mr. Morrison," he stammers, "I apologize! Your appointment wasn't scheduled until later this afternoon?—"

"The Morrison Empire," James cuts him off, his voice carrying an edge I've never heard before, "doesn't operate onyourschedule. And the last time I checked, I'm here to finalize the official ownership documents of Knot Academy that were approved by myself and my fellow founders."

My eyes widen as his words sink in.

"What does that mean?" I whisper, unable to stop myself.

James's lips curve into a predatory smile as he looks down at me.

"It means, technically, I own this circus you call a school now." His gaze shifts to Phillips, hardening. "And with a single word from you, I can gladly fire Advisor Phillips here for daring to frustrate my Omega."

Heat floods my cheeks at his possessive tone, but before I can respond, Carter's voice cuts through the tension.

"She's not yours."

"True," James acknowledges easily, his arm still firm around my waist. "I just arrived and had no idea Abercrombie was even up for a pack. This works out perfectly, actually."

Victoria, clearly seeing her carefully laid plans crumbling, steps forward.

"She's the Forgotten One!" she blurts, desperation making her voice crack. "She's rebellious, disobedient…she's been here for five years because no pack would take her! She's?—"

James's laugh cuts her off — a dark, knowing sound that makes her flinch.

"You mean like how you've been through three different administrators' offices this month alone?" he asks casually. "Or should we discuss the creative ways you've earned your academic achievements?" His smile is razor-sharp as he continues, "The former staff were quite... forthcoming with information before I terminated their employment."

Victoria's face drains of color.

Phillips clears his throat, clearly trying to salvage the situation.

"As...compelling as this development is, I'm afraid Ms. Abercrombie has already signed the final documents submitting to her dismissal from Knot Academy at the end of the semester."

My head snaps up.

"What?"

The words hit me like a physical blow as understanding dawns. The papers I was reviewing earlier — they weren't just the usual declarations.

They were...

James looks down at me, his expression unreadable.

"Did you sign them?"

I open my mouth to explain, to tell him about how I was interrupted before finishing the paperwork, but fear closes my throat.

What if they forged my signature without me realizing it? They set all of this up, so what would stop them from doing a few copied scribbles with ink to mimic that I signed them? They have video footage that I was in the office, sitting there for along while…they can fabricate it all…put all the pieces together until…

---