Page 22 of Knot My Type

In this shared space, the air is filled with laughter and stories, echoing around us like a warm blanket. We share snippets of our lives, encapsulating the struggles and triumphs we’ve faced.With every bite she takes, I feel Eliana’s apprehension fades away slowly.

“You know,” I say, as the conversation flows naturally, “Fen has a knack for hunting. He’s practically a ghost in the woods. If you need someone to show you around, he’s your guy.”

Fen shrugs, feigning nonchalance, but I can see the glimmer of pride in his eyes. “I might not be able to teach you how to be a ghost,” he replies to Eliana, his tone playful, “but I can show you the best spots for gathering herbs and what to look for in the wild. It might save your life one day.”

Eliana’s eyes widen, intrigue mixing with amusement as Fen talks. “That would be helpful,” she says, her voice growing stronger with each passing moment. “I’ve never been in an environment like this before. I’ve lived in urban areas my entire life.”

“Every skill is useful in our world,” I add, attempting to reinforce the idea that she is nothing less than an essential part of our dynamics. “Whether it’s cooking, hunting, or knowing how to navigate the complexities of pack politics, we all bring something unique to the table.”

Rhys intervenes, his joking demeanor still intact. “Well, cooking is just one. We have Kael here,” he grins, “a tactical genius with a heart that could rival any warrior. Fen is the silent protector. As for me...” he pauses dramatically, “I’m the eye candy in the group.”

I feel my heart flutter at the sight, the chill from earlier replaced by a warmth that wraps around me like a blanket. If we could keep this feeling, the bond between us could flourish into something strong and unbreakable.

“I will say,” I interject, watching her reaction closely, “it’s a little unsettling to have two handsome alphas hovering over you while you eat. I will ensure to fend them off once we start patrolling again.”

“I’ll protect you from their charms,” Fen promises, his smile warm, and something shifts in Eliana’s expression—she’s beginning to trust us.

Rhys shakes his head as if just realizing the gravity of the moment. “Okay, we need to make a pact right now. No one gets to flirt with our new omega while she eats. This is the real deal.” He raises his hand dramatically, drawing laughter from the rest of us. The atmosphere fills with camaraderie, and I begin to feel a gentle lightness in my chest, a burgeoning hope.

“Thank you,” Eliana whispers, her gaze flicking from one of us to another. The sincerity chokes me slightly. “Thank you for including me.”

“There’s no ‘need to thank us,’” I counter gently, allowing my voice to soften, hoping she feels the weight of acceptance hanging in the air around us. “This is your home now, too. We’ve all had to fight to be here; we’ll fight for you.”

Her tentative smile blooms wider as she takes in what I've said. I realize that there’s no need for me to be the strict enforcer of boundaries around her—this connection we’re forging is far more beneficial than I ever anticipated.

As the evening wears on, and the laughter and stories continue to unfold at the table, I feel the earlier tensions slip away like snowflakes melting in the warmth of a fire.

Eliana fits in more seamlessly than I would have imagined. Her laughter mingles with ours, and it becomes clear that each story, each joke, is quietly embedding her into the fabric of who we are as a pack. She begins to share stories from her own life as well, drawing us deeper into her past. We learn she was a writer, capturing the essence of romance in her novels, and though her journey has led her to us in this isolated place, she carries with her the richness of experiences.

I glimpse Fen throughout, his gaze softening as he watches her unravel stories of her world outside of the mountains—fascination sparkling in his eyes. That protective instinct in him is strong, and I suspect he’s already begun to mentally shift, to consider how she can belong to us.

After much laughter and several additional rounds of food, I finally lean back, the warmth settling comfortably in my stomach. I watch Eliana, her face illuminated by the warm glow of the fire, and the admiration I feel for her starts to bloom. I may have resisted her presence at first, feeling threatened by what it could mean for our pack and our safety. Yet here, amidst our shared laughter and moments of revelation, I begin to see the possibilities of what having her with us truly means —of what dismantling the barriers we’ve built could lead to.

I can’t help but feel that perhaps this is the beginning of something significant—not just for Eliana, but for all of us.

With the fire crackling softly beside us, Fen leans back in his chair, his characteristic stoicism mingling with a newfound warmth. “So, Eliana,” he starts, his tone gently piercing through the comfortable hum of chatter. “What drew you here, to the mountains? You must have had a life before this.”

I watch her, the way her eyes darts with uncertainty at the question. I can sense her hesitance, a shadow brimming beneath the surface. But then she takes a deep breath, nods as if gathering the strength to share, and slowly begins to unravel her story.

“My life wasn’t as great as you think it was,” she admits, her voice growing steadier with each word. “I was writing, yes, but I was also feeling lost. The publishing world is harsh, and I found myself spiraling deeper into the expectations—my spark faded, my creativity dwindling.”

As she speaks, I realize how much I want to support her, to give her the space she needs to truly belong with us. Looking across the table, I see that Fen and Rhys share the same realization. The shadows of her past glide behind her,illuminating the intensity of her vulnerability while revealing strength embedded within her spirit.

“Sometimes,” she continues, “I thought about the stories I wrote, the heroes and heroines who fought for their happiness. Yet I couldn’t see my own. When Rebecca suggested I come here, I thought maybe a change of scenery could inspire a fresh chapter.”

That catches my attention—Rebecca. Her best friend, the one who nudged her into our lives. I can’t help but wonder if the decision to come here was made with hesitance or hope. Did Eliana fully understand the risks? The dangers that came with living among us?

“And look where you are now,” Rhys interjects, his sly charm on full display. “You’re surrounded by rugged Alphas, trapped in a mountain cabin, risking life and limb! The adventure of a lifetime!” His playful tone lightens the mood further, coaxing a reluctant smile from her.

Eliana chuckles, a soft melody that draws me in. “You make it sound so exciting,” she replies, her eyes dancing with newfound light. “But honestly, I didn’t expect to feel this sense of safety, being here. It feels different.”

I wonder if she knows how profoundly they resonate with each of us. Safety. It's a concept we’ve been fighting to protect since our lives fell apart, and it feels surreal to see her begin to weave herself into that very fabric.

As the conversation drifts from one topic to another, the laughter and warmth wrap around us like a protective hug. Despite my earlier fears, I feel the walls I had built around my heart begin to crumble.

It is as if each moment brings us closer together. I begin to understand that perhaps Eliana is not just a potential hindrance; she might very well be the catalyst we need to heal, to evolve into more than what we have been. She could be the missing piece inour puzzle, allowing us to embrace the fullness of what it means to be a pack.

Later, as I stand to refill my mug, I catch a glimpse of Fen’s expression directed toward Eliana—his usual guarded demeanor replaced by something softer, more inviting. The connection they’ve forged shifts between them, a tangible spark of understanding that makes me realize I’m not the only one being woven into her narrative.

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