Page 103 of Knot Unwanted: Part Two

I watch him go, noting the lingering stiffness in his movements. His face might look better, but he needs more time to heal. The reminder of how close we came to losing him—to losing them both—makes something protective and fierce curl in my chest.

“It’s been a week,” Stone says, drawing my attention back to him. His gaze is steady, assessing. “It’s time.”

I nod, reaching for the remote on the side table. “Yeah.”

The television flickers to life, already tuned to a news channel. A familiar face fills the screen. A polished anchor with a serious expression, the scrolling headline beneath her leaving no room for misinterpretation:

“BREAKING: VEYRA HEATH AND ROBERT CALDWELL IMPLICATED IN OMEGA TRAFFICKING RING”

“—following an anonymous tip that provided substantial evidence linking Veyra Heath, CEO of Heath Corp, and Robert Caldwell, prominent businessman and philanthropist, to what authorities are calling ‘one of the largest omega trafficking operations uncovered in decades.’ The evidence, which includes financial records, communications, and disturbing footage fromoutside a facility allegedly used to process and drug captured omegas, has prompted a nationwide investigation.”

My jaw tightens as grainy images from the facility flash across the screen—the same facility where Ren was tortured, where Hailey was drugged and prepared for Caldwell’s pleasure.

“Neither Heath nor Caldwell has come forward to address these allegations, their silence speaking volumes as several high-profile associates have begun distancing themselves. Senator Williams has canceled a planned fundraiser co-hosted by Heath, while the Burlington Chamber of Commerce has removed Caldwell from their board of directors. Tech mogul Eliza Chen has withdrawn a substantial investment from Heath Corp, including Heath Pharmaceuticals, causing their stock to plummet nearly forty percent since the story broke?—”

Ren returns, handing Finn a cold soda before settling on the couch beside him, closer than I’ve seen them sit in years.

“Did you kill him?” I ask, not needing to specify who.

Ren’s expression darkens. “I should have.”

I exhale slowly. “We didn’t get Heath either.”

“I shot her, though,” Finn says, opening his soda with a soft hiss. “Twice. Think she’s dead?”

The question hangs in the air. None of us has a clear answer.

“The Ashgraves went after her,” Stone says finally, his voice a low rumble that causes Hailey to stir slightly in his arms. He immediately gentles his tone. “Any word from them?”

I shake my head. “Haven’t heard from them since that night.”

Ren frowns. “You asked them for help?”

“They’re our business partners now,” I confirm.

“What?” Ren’s brows lift in surprise.

“Twenty percent stake in our operations in Burlington.”

Ren goes still before he releases a breath, leaning back against the couch. “Guess we could have done worse.”

I nod, my gaze drifting back to the television where the anchor continues detailing the fallout. It’s strange to see our private nightmare playing out in public, sanitized and packaged for mass consumption. The reality was bloodier, more desperate. The reality almost cost us everything.

“How did you convince them?” Ren asks after a moment. “The Ashgraves aren’t exactly known for their generosity.”

“Didn’t have to convince them,” I reply, remembering the tense negotiation. “They were in it for Heath. Seemed to take it personally.”

“Because she’s an alpha that’s part of the ring that held their cousin,” Finn supplies.

Stone shifts Hailey’s weight, cradling her more securely as she murmurs something in her sleep. “Think they’ll kill her if they find her?”

“No,” Ren mutters, and I think that one word surprises us all. “Not at first.” He releases a breath. “And the stake in our business? That’s their payment?”

“That’s what they agreed on.” I watch his reaction carefully. Ren’s always been the most cautious of us with outside alliances. “I thought it was a fair exchange for their resources and…influence. We needed powerful friends.”

“Need,” Stone corrects.

“Especially if Heath is still alive,” Finn adds quietly.

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