Page 22 of Knot Broken

“I just don’t want you guys to spend so much on me,” I mumble, avoiding their eyes as I finger a silky blanket on the nearest shelf. “It’s not like we know what’s going to happen next. Things might get worse before they get better, and I—”

Jex gently turns me to face him, his large hand cupping my cheek with surprising gentleness. “Which is exactly why you deserve this moment of peace. We know how dangerous things might get. But right now, we’re safe. You’re safe. And you deserve to enjoy this.”

I swallow, feeling emotions tightening my throat. He’s right. They’re all right. I’m standing here, worrying about hypothetical futures instead of enjoying the rare moment of peace we have.

“Okay,” I say softly, exhaling slowly. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you when we run out of closet space.”

Fox chuckles behind me, wrapping his arms around me from behind. His lips tickle when he kisses a soft spot high on my neck. His body is warm, and if I could stay in his arms foreverat this point, I would. He lets me go after another squeeze. “Then we’ll build a bigger closet.”

I roll my eyes but finally let a smile break through. “Fine. But don’t complain when I spend all your money on dark, moody fabrics.”

Dare grins, tugging me gently into the aisle. “Wouldn’t have it any other way. Now come on, little Omega. Show us how to pick the perfect fluff.”

Laughing despite myself, I dive into the aisle, quickly spotting my favorite colors—deep purples, dark blues, smoky grays, and sleek blacks. My fingers eagerly brush over velvet-soft fleece, cool satin sheets, and plush, silky blankets. It’s absolute heaven.

“What about this?” Dare holds up a hot-pink blanket covered in neon kitten faces, waggling his brows dramatically. “I feel like this screams ‘Violet.’”

I groan dramatically, snatching it from him and stuffing it back onto the shelf. “Absolutely not. This would curse my nest for eternity.”

Dare chuckles, eyes twinkling with amusement. “Dark, gloomy, and mildly haunted—got it.”

“It’s called aesthetic,” I tease, tossing a dark purple velvet throw blanket into his arms. “Try to keep up.”

Fox picks up a midnight-blue satin pillowcase, thoughtfully running his thumb over the smooth fabric. “You know, Violet, at this rate, you’re going to turn us all into your gothic minions.”

I grin wickedly. “That was always the plan. Give it a week and you’ll all be wearing eyeliner.”

“Keep dreaming,” he scoffs, smirking, but adds the pillowcase to the cart anyway.

As I select more pillows—big plush ones ideal for sprawling out, smaller velvet-covered ones for comfort, and silky decorative ones in rich blacks and purples—I feel lighter, happier. For a brief moment, I allow myself to forget everything else, focusing purely on making my dream nest.

Jex suddenly holds up a dark gray throw embroidered with delicate black crescent moons, his expression serious. “What about this, sweetheart?”

I gasp dramatically, grabbing it from his hands and clutching it protectively against my chest. “I’d fight someone for this. Seriously, don’t test me.”

He smiles, eyes softening as he looks down at me. “I know you would. And you’d win.”

“Of course I would,” I say, my voice gentling at the warmth in his eyes.

Dare leans in again, his breath tickling my ear. “And we wouldn’t let anyone get close enough even to try.”

My stomach flips pleasantly. “Good answer.”

When the cart is piled high with enough bedding to make a dozen nests, Fox shakes his head, giving me an exaggeratedly wary look. “Think we’re good, or should we just buy out the entire store and save time?”

I smirk back sassily, feeling more confident now. “You’re right. Maybe I should slow down—I don’t want you three going bankrupt. Then who would spoil me?”

Fox rolls his eyes, Jex chuckles deeply, and Dare squeezes my hand affectionately. “Don’t worry about that. Just keep picking until it feels right.”

I take a deep breath, allowing myself to savor this moment. We have safety and peace right now, and I’m determined to hold onto this feeling as long as I can because deep down, I have a gut feeling things will get worse before they get better.

But not today.

Today, I’m just an Omega with three doting Alphas, a cart full of luxurious bedding, and a heart lighter than it’s felt in a long time.

Fox

May 23rd

---