Page 57 of Knot My Type

"That's exactly the problem." I turn to face them both, seeing my own conflict reflected in their expressions. "She'll say yes because she cares about us, because she feels obligated, because she thinks it's what we want to hear. Not because it's what she actually wants."

Fen nods slowly, understanding immediately. "You want her to choose us freely."

"I want her to choose what's best for her," I correct, though the distinction feels important. "Even if that means leaving."

The silence that follows is heavy with the weight of things none of us want to acknowledge. We've all felt the shift in pack dynamics over the past weeks, the way Eliana has settled into our lives like she belongs here. Her scent mingles with ours in every room, her laughter has replaced the echo of loneliness that used to fill these halls, and her presence has created a balance between us that I didn't even realize we were missing.

But balance built on obligation or guilt won't last. And Eliana deserves better than that.

"So what do we do?" Kael asks, his usual decisiveness tempered by uncertainty.

I look out the window again, watching Eliana save her work and stretch her arms above her head. The simple movement draws my attention to the curve of her shoulders, the way her sweater clings to her soft curves, the contentment in her expression. My alpha instincts scream at me to claim, to keep, to protect what's mine. But the part of me that actually cares about her happiness knows that's not enough.

"We tell her the roads are clear," I say finally. "We help her pack if she wants to leave. And we make sure she knows that whatever she chooses, there's no pressure from us."

"And if she stays?" Fen's question carries hope he's trying to hide.

"Then we make sure it's really her choice."

Kael makes a sound of frustration, but he doesn't argue. We all know I'm right, even if none of us like it. Love—and I can finally admit to myself that's what this is—isn't about possession. It's about wanting someone to be happy, even if their happiness doesn't include you.

The back door opens, and Eliana steps inside, bringing with her the scent of fresh air and that unique sweetness that makes all three of us go still. Her cheeks are flushed from thecool morning air, and her eyes bright with the satisfaction of productive work.

"Good morning," she says, her smile encompassing all of us. "Sorry I disappeared so early. I woke up with this scene in my head and had to get it down before I lost it."

"How's the writing going?" I ask, genuinely curious. Over the past weeks, I've watched her relationship with her work transform from something that stressed her to something that brings her genuine joy.

Her face lights up in a way that makes my chest tight. "Really well, actually. Better than it has in years. I think I might actually finish this book."

"That's wonderful," Fen says, and I can hear the warmth in his voice. "What's it about?"

Eliana blushes, ducking her head in that way she does when she's pleased but embarrassed. "It's different from my usual stuff. More personal, I guess. About finding home in unexpected places, about learning to trust again after betrayal." She glances between us, her expression growing more serious. "About discovering that family isn't always the people you're born with."

The words hit me like a physical blow, so perfectly encapsulating what these past weeks have meant that I have to look away. When I glance at Kael and Fen, I see the same recognition in their faces.

"Eliana," I start, then stop, not sure how to begin this conversation.

She must hear something in my voice because her expression grows cautious. "What is it?"

I take a breath, forcing myself to meet her eyes. "The roads are clear. You could leave today if you wanted to."

I watch as understanding dawns on her face. Her smile fades, replaced by something more complex—relief, sadness, uncertainty all mixed together.

"Oh," she says quietly. "I see."

"We wanted you to know," Kael adds, his voice gentler than usual. "That you have options now. That you're not trapped here anymore."

Something flickers across her expression—hurt, maybe, or disappointment. "Trapped. Is that what you think I've been?"

"No," I say quickly, stepping closer. "That's not what we meant. We don't want you to feel obligated to stay because of what's happened between us. Because of the bond."

Her dark eyes search my face, then move to Kael and Fen. "And if I said I wanted to leave? Right now?"

The question hits like a knife between the ribs, but I force myself to answer honestly. "Then we'd help you pack and drive you wherever you needed to go."

"And if I said I wanted to stay?"

This question is somehow harder to answer, loaded with implications and hopes I'm afraid to voice. "Then we'd want to know why. We'd want to be sure it was what you really wanted, not just what you thought we wanted to hear."

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