Page 117 of Knot Their Arrangement

He adds no commentary to the convo, which only seems to agitate Ezekiel further.

"Stop fucking laughing!" He points accusingly at Rhett. "Mr. Go-Against-Doctor's-Orders after I EMPHASIZED we shouldn't engage in strenuous activity with her! The medical implications alone?—"

"I regret nothing." Rhett's shrug carries zero remorse, his emerald eyes practically glowing with satisfaction. "If you have a problem with it, you can fuck right off."

Kieran's smirk grows wider as he watches the exchange, clearly enjoying the way Ezekiel's professional demeanor cracks slightly. The usually composed detective runs a hand through his hair, messing up the carefully styled strands.

"This conversation isn't going anywhere!" Ezekiel's frustration bleeds through every word. "We need a concrete plan, not this circular argument about?—"

"The priority," Damon interrupts smoothly, taking another long drag from his cigar, "is protecting Kamari from Maharaja's obvious intention of feeding her to the city's desperate Alphas." The smoke curls around him like a living thing as he continues. "This movement has created a powder keg of unmated Alphas willing to do anything for an Omega. It's not rocket science."

His words hang in the air, heavy with implication.

The Knot Their Omega Movement might be revolutionizing rights for Omegas, but it's also highlighted just how few of us there are. How many Alphas are left without mates, growing more desperate and dangerous with each passing day.

"The Safe Haven was supposed to be exactly that," Ezekiel argues, his voice dropping lower. "Safe. But he found her anyway. Had people watching her movements, tracking her routine." His hand clenches into a fist at his side. "We can't underestimate the resources he's willing to pour into reclaiming what he sees as his property."

The word 'property' makes Damon's eyes flash dangerously.

"She was never his property to begin with." Just the emphasis of his words sends a shiver through me."And if he survived that car fire, he'll learn exactly what happens to those who try to claim what belongs to us."

If he survived…so they’re not sure either.

Kieran pushes away from the window, moving with that predatory grace that seems natural to him.

"Speaking of the fire," he glances at Rhett, "that was quite a show. Though perhaps not as subtle as we usually prefer."

"Subtle went out the window the moment he put his hands on her." Rhett's voice carries that dangerous edge I remember from the forest. "He's lucky I made it quick."

"Quick isn't the word I'd use for burning someone alive," Kieran muses, though his tone suggests approval rather than criticism. "Creative, certainly. Memorable, definitely. But quick?"

"Can we focus?" Ezekiel pinches the bridge of his nose, clearly trying to maintain his professional composure. "Whether Maharaja survived or not is actually relevant to this discussion. If he's alive, his resources and connections become an immediate threat. If he's dead, we need to prepare for whatever power vacuum that creates in his organization."

"His organization," Damon cuts in, "won't be a problem." The certainty in his voice draws everyone's attention. "I've already made arrangements to ensure his business interests are...redirected appropriately."

The implications in those words make my skin prickle.

I'm beginning to understand just how much power Damon truly wields in this city – not just in the criminal underworld, but in the legitimate business sphere as well.

"That still leaves us with the immediate security concerns," Ezekiel presses, refusing to be deterred. "The Black Serpent Pack may have retreated for now, but they're not the only hunters in these woods. Every desperate Alpha in the city will see her as prime territory now that Maharaja's claim has been challenged."

"Let them try." Rhett's words carry deadly promise. "I've been looking for an excuse to test some new modifications to my car anyway."

"Not everything can be solved with street racing and arson," Ezekiel snaps, though there's a hint of fondness beneath his exasperation. "We need proper protocols in place. Security measures that account for every possibility."

"And we'll have them," Damon assures him, stubbing out his cigar with deliberate precision. "But not at the cost of her freedom. She's had enough cages in her life.” It sounds odd to hear someone not only acknowledge the ultimate truth of my life from the outside lens looking in but to be stern about the objective of not contributing to such agony. “We won't become another one."

The sentiment makes something warm bloom in my chest.

Even in their argument about how to protect me, they're considering my autonomy and my need for independence.

It's so different from how my father or Maharaja approached security – their idea of protection was simply another form of imprisonment.

"Balance," Kieran suggests, ever the voice of reason. "We establish necessary security measures while ensuring she maintains her independence. It's not impossible. We've managed similar arrangements for high-profile clients before."

"She's not a client," Rhett growls, pushing off the wall to stand at his full height. "She's our Omega. Or she will be, once we make it official."

The possessiveness in his voice makes my core clench with need, memories of how thoroughly he claimed me earlier flooding back. But it's more than just physical attraction –—there's genuine care in how they discuss my situation, real concern for both my safety and my happiness.

---