Page 24 of Knot Their Arrangement

Damon's eyes widen slightly – a tell that only those closest to him would notice.

"The N.L.O.? That's not just any organization."

"No, it's not," I agree. "They've been operating under the radar, collecting donations from six and seven-figure Omegas, building a network of safe houses and legal protection. But this movement…it's different. They're pushing for actual legal change."

I lean against my car, feeling the weight of what this could mean.

"Under the new legislation, Omegas would have the right to trial periods with potential packs. Three months to determine compatibility before any binding commitment. They'd maintain rights to their careers, education, even independent transportation."

"Which means the more…traditional elements of our society are going to lose their minds," Damon concludes, his jaw tightening. "Including certain packs who rely on arranged marriages and forced bonds to maintain their power."

"Exactly." I run a hand through my hair, a habit that surfaces when I'm stressed. "This movement could actually affect us too, you know. Our pack…whatever we are. We'd need to register under the new laws if we want to court an Omega."

The implication hangs between us. We've never officially registered as a pack – doing so would raise too many questions about a detective and a crime lord being intimately connected.

But with this Omega…the one whose scent still lingers in my nose…we could devise something. Make it almost appealing where the attention we retrieve works in our favor?

The questionable temptation of the idea makes me frown, but it’s not long before my chin is gripped by a firm grasp, forcing me to meet the eyes of my groveling packmate of sin.

"You're thinking about her again," Damon observes, his voice carrying a mixture of jealousy and intrigue. "The one in the saree."

Why can’t I just let it go…

"Can you blame me?" I counter with a quick attempt to feign worry instead of this craving desire to locate her.

Find and claim her before anyone else dares have a chance.

It’s the weirdest sensation I’ve ever felt, which only makes my predicament worse with this new assignment of “walking through the forest” tonight.

"If she's from the Safe Haven, she's probably running from something…or hell, someone.”

I know it’s an excuse, but then I do wonder if she’d be in the same predicament I was years ago. It’s such a stupid wild thought that keeps nagging me.

Why though? She’s just a stranger…

”Just like I was. Just like so many others who deserve better than what this fucked up system offers." The confession lingers in the quiet air, leaving me to sigh and ruffle my hair while moving my chin from Damon’s grasp. “Ugh. Let’s not talk about it anymore. Let me use my phone to make a quick check-in call with the office and then I can drop you off,” I suggest instead as I move away to walk towards the driver’s side of the car. “You coming?”

“Hmmm.” I know he’s not satisfied with my obvious need to make space —for mine and my cocks own sanity —but us lingering here isn’t a good move.

We both know this.

"Sure,” he ends up replying.

“How did you even get here?” I dare to wonder, knowing by the way I look and watch his devious smirk that he isn’t telling me shit.Figures.“Never mind,” I dismiss with a huff, knowing he’s only going to smirk wider and enter the passenger side of my car.

Damon has his ways of appearing and disappearing as he sees fit.

The glorious privilege of being a lead mobster in a sinister world where power speaks and bullshit listens.

6

A CRIMINAL'S CONTEMPLATION

~DAMON~

Iwatch as Ezekiel slides into the driver's seat, his movements carrying that natural grace that first caught my attention years ago.

Even in his irritation about being called in, he maintains that perfect posture — a blend of his cultural upbringing and years of police training.

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