Page 54 of Knot Their Arrangement

The universe does seem to have a sense of humor.

It's fascinating how she's developed such clear boundaries despite –or perhaps because of– her restricted upbringing.

She knows exactly what she wants and, more importantly, what she won't accept. That kind of self-awareness is rare in someone so young, especially given the cultural pressures she's faced.

I catch Damon watching her with that intense focus he usually reserves for particularly complex business negotiations. He sees it too – the potential in her, the strength underneath her youth and apparent vulnerability. This isn't just some naive Omega running from an arranged marriage.

This is someone who's thought carefully about her choices, who's actively seeking a better future rather than just fleeing a bad past.

The writer in me appreciates the narrative symmetry of it all. The cynical businessman recognizes the strategic advantage our ages might provide in winning her trust. But there's another part of me – the part that's been watching her all evening, cataloging her reactions and responses – that sees something more significant in this revelation.

She's not just running from an unwanted marriage. She's running toward something specific – a vision of partnership she's pieced together from experience and hope and yes, probably more than a few romance novels. She wants connection, respect, pleasure freely given and received.

All things our pack could offer her, if she's willing to take that risk.

The thought settles over me with unexpected weight.

As both Xavier Knight and Kieran Blackthorn, I've written countless stories about fated mates and destined connections. I've always treated them as convenient plot devices, useful tools for moving narratives forward.

But watching Kamari now, seeing how naturally she fits into our world despite –or perhaps because of– all her contradictions... I'm beginning to understand why those tropes persist.

Sometimes the universe does have a plan, even if its methods seem chaotic at first glance.

Though I suspect this particular plan might prove more complicated than any story I've written.

9

HIDDEN TRUTHS AND PURRING OPPORTUNITY

~KAMARI~

The realization hits me suddenly – I've just spilled intimate details of my life to two strangers.

Yet somehow, sitting here in Cardinal's exclusive VIP section, I feel more relaxed than I ever did in my own home.

There's something about Damon and Kieran's presence that puts me at ease, despite everything I've been taught about being wary of Alphas.

Especially powerful ones.

The comfort I feel around them stands in stark contrast to my memories of family functions. Those elaborate parties where my father would parade me around like a prized show pony, dressed in outfits that made me want to disappear into myself.

The dresses were always too short, too revealing for a child. I remember how he'd encourage me to sit on relatives' laps, to be "friendly" with important business associates. The way he'd leave me alone with them, knowing exactly what he was doing.

Training me.

Preparing me.

A shiver runs through me at the memories. I was too young to understand then, but somehow I knew too much. My mind matured faster than it should have, forced to comprehend adult complexities long before I was ready.

Maybe that's why losing my virginity felt so powerful, so validating. It wasn't just an act of rebellion – it was reclaiming something that had been slowly stripped away from me since childhood. I've never admitted this to anyone before, never put these feelings into words.

My father and that pack of his choosing – they all assumed I was pure, untouched. I had every intention of letting them face the consequences of that assumption, though I doubt they would have noticed or cared. Not with how they treated women right in front of me, all with my father's explicit approval.

"To prove they'll be 'good' candidates for his daughter's hand in marriage."

The excuse was paper-thin, transparent as the silk scarves they'd use to blindfold their victims. It was never about proving their worth as potential husbands.

It was about power, about showing me exactly what awaited me in their possession.

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