Page 99 of Knot Their Arrangement

My Alpha instincts, however, surge through me on high alert, the idea of her passing out now frightening me more than I’d ever admit.

That fucker had every intention of hurting her, and though he didn’t succeed in killing her, the thought of anyone hurting what should have been mine years ago rubs me the wrong way.

Makes me want to go on a killing spree.

"I don't want...to run anymore," she confesses, and the surrender in her voice echoes my own exhaustion.

Our eyes lock in silent communication, and I understand completely. We've both spent too long running, surviving, and pushing through one crisis after another.

There's peace in finally admitting we've reached our limits.

Instead of replacing my mask, I remove it completely. I’m sure she can’t guess my intentions, but she doesn’t have to since I’m moving with purpose knowing time is of the essence.

With gentle care, I slide it over her features, protecting her identity as best I can in these final moments. Through the mask's electronic display, her eyes widen as she takes in my appearance – the wild hair colors, the sharp features that replaced boyish charm.

I pull her against me suddenly, needing to feel her realness, to anchor us both in this moment of shared surrender. My hand presses firmly against her back, offering what protection I still can.

"Me too, Trouble," I whisper, pouring years of exhaustion and acceptance into the words. "Let's stop running."

I hold Trouble tightly against me, hoping my embrace offers some measure of safety in this moment of shared surrender. Her body feels small and fragile in my arms, though I know better than most how much strength that delicate frame contains.

Six men in tactical gear materialize from the rain-soaked darkness, coming to a stop mere steps away from us.

One look at their equipment tells me everything I need to know – these aren't ordinary hunters who prowl these woods looking for vulnerable Omegas to abuse without consequence. Their gear is too professional, too coordinated.

They're hired muscle.

The realization clicks everything into place.

Maharaja was heading this way deliberately, had this team waiting to intercept him. The sick bastard probably planned to hand Trouble over to them, let them "soften her up" before delivering her to whatever fate he had planned.

Instead, they've found me with an Omega matching their target's description.

Their expressions shift from confusion to aggression as they process the scene before them – the infamous masked figure they've no doubt been warned about, holding their intended prey.

"If I'm interrupting your hunt, my apologies," I say smoothly, taking in each of their growling expressions.

A taunting grin spreads across my lips, the kind that's earned me as many enemies as allies in this city's underground. I've played these games countless times, but angry Alphas with thwarted bloodlust are unpredictable at best.

Especially when they've been denied their Omega prey.

"She's our prey! She fits the description that rich Indian fucker declared," barks one of the men standing next to the apparent leader. His accent carries traces of French origins, though such details are irrelevant to the current situation.

They could be from Mars for all I care – they'll all end up the same way if they push this.

I catalog each of their positions, mapping out attack vectors and calculating response times. In any other situation, I'd have already painted the forest floor with their blood. But with Trouble to protect, I need to be more strategic.

"That Indian fucker is actually up the road," I inform them casually, as if discussing the weather. "On fire, to be exact."

Their synchronized frowning would be comical under different circumstances.

A dark chuckle escapes me, the sound carrying nothing of humor but everything of warning. Every Alpha present picks up on the threat beneath the laughter – it's a sound that promises violence, that speaks of experience with dealing death.

"Whether he survives or not is not my problem. At least, not yet." I emphasize the last words while resting my chin atop Trouble's head, unable to suppress the cynical smile that spreads across my face.

My eyes darken with promised violence as I add.

"Just like how we can pretend we didn't cross paths while I'm enjoying a lovely game of hide and seek with my Omega here."

---