Page 74 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

Lucian stepped forward, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp.

"Which privileges specifically are you referring to, Malcolm?"

"Access to financial reserves exceeding standard operational requirements. Control of offshore holdings. And, of course, the right to maintain private security forces beyond personal protection." Malcolm's gaze flicked to Serenity, then dismissed her. "Standard procedure when Alphas cannot demonstrate stability."

They're trying to cripple them financially,Serenity realized, her business mind immediately grasping the implications.Strip them of resources when they're most vulnerable.

"The Society's concern for stability is touching," Lucian replied, his tone pleasant but his eyes cold. "Especially when it so conveniently allows you to seize control of our assets."

Darius moved subtly, positioning himself between Malcolm and Serenity.

"The Society has no claim here," he said, his voice hard as steel. "Check your bylaws again. There are exceptions."

Malcolm's smile didn't reach his eyes.

"None that apply to you, I'm afraid. Unless you've all somehow acquired an Omega in the last twenty-four hours?" He glanced dismissively at the three Alphas. "The Society regrets the necessity, but we'll need access to your financial interfaces immediately."

The tension in the air thickened, pheromones spiking as the Alphas' rage built. Serenity could practically taste their fury, a metallic tang that made her own anger rise in response. These men were trying to use archaic rules to rob her protectors – and by extension, her – of their power at the exact moment they needed it most.

Not on my fucking watch,she thought.

Serenity stepped forward, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor as she moved to stand in front of the three Alphas. The Society representative's eyes widened fractionally as she inserted herself into what he clearly considered male territory.

"I believe there's been a misunderstanding," she said, her voice cool and measured. The MBA in Finance and Business Management that had served her through countless boardroom battles slid over her like armor. "These Alphas aren't without an Omega."

Her golden eyes, flecked with their inherited crimson, locked onto Malcolm's. She felt rather than saw the Alphas behind her stiffen in surprise.

"I am their Omega," she declared, chin lifting slightly. "Serenity Vale, daughter of Marcus Vale."

The Vale name hung in the air like gunsmoke. Malcolm's expression flickered between disbelief and calculation.

"The Society doesn't recognize informal arrangements," he said, though his previous confidence had faltered. "There are protocols?—"

"I'm quite familiar with the Society's protocols," Serenity interrupted, the same way she'd cut off condescending executives who underestimated her. "Section 14, Paragraph 3 of your bylaws stipulates that an acknowledged claim by an Omega of sufficiently elevated status supersedes the normal registration timeline during periods of demonstrated duress." She smiled thinly. "I believe an explosion qualifies as duress, don't you?"

Thank god for that business law elective, she thought, maintaining her composed exterior while her heart hammered.

She didn't know if such a provision actually existed, but she'd found that speaking with absolute authority often created its own reality.

Malcolm's jaw tightened.

He stepped closer to Serenity, bending slightly to bring his mouth near her ear. The cloying scent of his cologne made her want to recoil, but she held her ground.

"You have no idea what game you're playing, little Omega," he whispered, his breath hot against her skin. "The Vale name buys you nothing here. If you've aligned yourself with these men, you've made a grave miscalculation. The Society doesn't tolerate upstarts, and defiance has...consequences."

His fingers brushed her arm, a gesture that appeared casual but carried an unmistakable threat.

"Perhaps we should discuss your situation privately. I could help you understand the proper place for an Omega of your...background."

Serenity didn't flinch.

She'd faced down drug lords' enforcers when collecting her father's debts, weathered the storm of discovering her true heritage, survived an explosion.

This man with his bureaucratic threats was nothing.

"I understand my place perfectly," she replied, her voice low but steady. "It's standing right here, with them." She met his gaze unflinchingly. "As for consequences, Mr. Malcolm, I'm the daughter of Marcus Vale. I don't fear consequences – I create them."

If I'm going to claim this power, I might as well wield it,she thought, surprising herself with how naturally the role of protected-yet-powerful Omega seemed to fit. Not submissive, but strategic. Not weak, but wielding a different kind of strength.

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