Page 65 of Knot Ruined

I sigh heavily, feeling the weight of their pain like a physical burden. “I just…wanted so badly to take care of them, to make sure they never had to return to a place like that.”

“Then why don’t you?” Romano’s voice breaks through my sadness, his head tilted in a way that makes him look like an adorably confused puppy, though his eyes sparkle with a sudden excitement.

I stare at him blankly, uncertain what he means. “Rom, how exactly would I do that? There are so many of them. It’s not as simple as taking them home like stray kittens.”

Romano leans forward, his expression earnest and thoughtful. “We could always buy a property—like an old hotel or apartment building. Renovate it completely, tailor it exactly for their needs. It’d be a safe haven, somewhere they can rebuild their lives without fear. They’d be protected, supported, and cared for.”

My mouth falls open, eyes wide as I stare at him, realization dawning like the rising sun. A fierce joy replaces my sadness, hope flooding through me like a wave. “Romano, that’s fucking genius!”

He beams brightly, clearly proud of himself, while Kingston nods thoughtfully, already calculating possibilities. Jace’s face softens into a smile, his eyes warm with approval as he nods quietly. Even Voss’ usually hardened expression relaxes slightly, a hint of admiration in his gaze as he gently squeezes my leg.

“This could actually work,” Kingston murmurs, excitement threading through his usually composed voice. “You have the resources, Fallon. We have the connections. Together, we could give those omegas a real chance at life.”

My heart leaps in my chest, relief and purpose flooding my veins. I smile brightly, feeling tears sting the backs of my eyes—tears of joy, hope, and overwhelming love for these four incredible alphas.

“We’re doing this,” I say firmly, determination burning fiercely inside me. “We’re giving them what they deserve—safety, love, and a home.”

Romano reaches up, gently squeezing my hand. “You’ll be their guardian angel, Little Love.”

I laugh softly, joy washing away the lingering shadows of fear and sadness. “Only if you’re right beside me.”

Kingston’s lips brush tenderly against my temple, his voice deep with emotion. “Always, little one.”

Chapter Sixteen

Kingston

May 2nd

10:32 A.M

“Yes, Mom, I’m still fine. And yes, I’ll be at brunch on Sunday,” Fallon sighs into her phone, rolling her eyes dramatically in my direction. She’s perched on one of the stools at our kitchen island, her delicate fingers wrapped around a steaming ceramic mug. Her slender legs are folded beneath her, and the faded denim of her tight jeans hugs every tempting curve, accentuating the softness of her hips and the lush contours of her thighs.

I lean against the counter, fully intending to focus on the stack of reports Jace dropped off earlier, but Fallon steals every ounce of my attention without even trying. Her loose crop top rides are just high enough to reveal a strip of soft, tantalizing skin—skin I've kissed, bitten, and traced with my fingertips a hundred times yet still can't seem to get enough of it. My gaze trails upward to her vivid blue hair, casually twisted into a messy bun atop her head, leaving a few silky strands free to frame her face. She looks effortlessly breathtaking, as though she’s just rolled out of bed—but knowing exactly how she ended up tangled in those sheets makes my cock swell painfully against my tailored slacks.

My pulse thrums with a familiar ache as memories from last night—hell, from every night of the past three months—rush through my mind. Every time I knot her, every breathy moan she releases beneath me, every heated look she tosses over her shoulder when she's driving me to the edge...it all echoes relentlessly, driving me mad.

I'm so distracted by my own thoughts and the hypnotic sway of her hips as she shifts slightly that I completely miss Fallon ending her call until she laughs softly, amusement brightening her eyes. She leans forward on her elbows, chin propped lightly in her palm, watching me with a knowing smirk.

"Enjoying the view, King?" Her voice is teasing and confident, and that damned nickname sends a rush of heat straight through my veins.

I grin slowly, allowing myself a rare moment of relaxation, savoring the easy flirtation that comes naturally with her now. She’s softened me in ways I’d never expected, broken through walls I didn't realize I'd built, and yet I welcome it. Hell, I crave it.

"Every damn day," I reply, my voice low and rough, eyes locked on hers. "Though you already knew that, didn't you, Little one?"

Her cheeks flush just slightly, a telltale warmth that makes my chest tighten with possessive satisfaction. Fallon lifts her mug, hiding her smile behind it, but not before I catch the sparkle of affection and mischief in her eyes.

She has no idea just how deeply she's etched herself into my soul—or maybe she does, and that's exactly why she smiles at me like she holds every secret I’ve ever kept.

Romano bursts into the kitchen with his usual exuberance, practically vibrating with energy as he strides across the room. He’s dressed casually in black joggers and a faded black tee that proudly declares in bold, white letters:I Speak Fluent Nerd.He looks so effortlessly youthful and happy, it's hard to believe he's the same man who could dismantle someone’s entire digital existence in seconds.

“Good morning, Little Love!” Romano sings brightly, his voice cheerful and affectionate. Fallon immediately lights up as he swoops down, cupping her delicate face in his large hands, peppering kisses along her cheeks, nose, and forehead. Her giggle echoes softly through the kitchen, a warm, melodic sound that soothes a part of my soul I never knew needed healing.

She melts easily into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his neck and nuzzling her face affectionately against his skin. For a moment, it's just them—soft touches, whispered laughter, and gentle intimacy that fills the room with warmth. But Romano suddenly pauses, pulling back just enough to frown softly as he brushes her hair from her forehead.

“Mm, Fallon, you feel warm,” he murmurs, brows drawing together in concern. He gently presses the back of his hand to her forehead, worry flickering briefly in his usually carefree eyes. “Are you feeling okay, sweetheart?”

Immediately, my senses sharpen, alpha instincts roaring to life at his words. My posture straightens, eyes narrowing slightly as I study Fallon more closely. Romano’s right—there’s a faint sheen on her skin, subtle but noticeable. Her cheeks are flushed a shade deeper than usual, her bright eyes glazed slightly, as though feverish.

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