Page 27 of Knot Your Romeo

The vehemence in his voice surprises me. “I take it you’re speaking from experience.”

“I speak from watching too many alphas treat omegas like possessions instead of people.” He sets down his mug with careful control. “It’s disgusting behavior, and any Alpha who engages in it deserves to lose both relationships.”

I think about Romeo’s proposition, his casual dismissal of Cerise’s feelings, his expectation that I should be grateful for whatever scraps of attention he’s willing to offer. Eli is right—it is disgusting behavior.

“What if the Omega is tempted?” I ask quietly. “What if she feels the biological pull, and it’s strong enough that she’s considering accepting an unhealthy situation just to...to have some connection?”

Eli leans forward, his green eyes intense. “Then I’d tell her she deserves better. That accepting less than she’s worth will only lead to heartbreak and regret.” His voice softens. “And I’d tell her that real Alphas—the ones worth having—don’t make those kinds of selfish demands.”

Tears prick my eyes at the kindness in his voice, the way he’s affirming things I know in my head but can’t quite feel in my heart. “What if she doesn’t think she can do any better?”

“Then she’s not looking in the right places,” Eli says simply. “Trust me, Jolie, any Omega brave enough to askthese questions is smart enough to recognize when she’s being treated poorly, and she deserves an Alpha who will cherish her completely. Not someone who wants to hide her away like a shameful secret.”

Using my name makes it clear we’re no longer speaking hypothetically. I should be embarrassed that he’s seen through my transparent questions, but I feel a sense of relief at being understood.

“You make it sound simple,” I whisper.

“It is simple. That doesn’t mean it’s easy.” Eli reaches over and tenderly touches my hand where it rests on the couch between us. His touch is warm and comforting, completely different from Romeo’s possessiveness. There’s no demand in it, no expectation—just comfort offered freely. “But choosing your own worth, refusing to accept less than you deserve, is always the right choice, even when it’s the harder one.”

“I should go,” I say reluctantly. “Mom will worry if she gets home and I’m not there.”

“Of course.” Eli withdraws his hand and stands. “But Jolie? If you ever need to talk again, or if anyone makes you feel unsafe, my door is always open. Day or…night.”

I notice the subtle ripple along his throat. “Why are you being so kind to me?” I ask as he walks me to the door.

Eli pauses with his hand on the doorknob. “Because I think you need my help. You carry yourself like you’re expecting the worst but hoping for the best. And you’re trying so hard to be strong when everything feels like it’s falling apart.”

“Do I remind you of someone else?” We both know I am talking about his ex.

“No.” His voice is quiet, but certain. “I’m helping you because you deserve help. Because you’re clearly struggling with something that’s tearing you apart, and because...” He trails off, looking almost surprised by his own words.

“Because what?”

“Because in the few minutes we’ve been talking, I’ve felt more comfortable, more myself, than I have in years.” He meets my eyes, and there’s something vulnerable in his expression. “I know that probably sounds strange, given that we barely know each other.”

It doesn’t sound strange at all. Sitting in his cottage, drinking tea and talking about complicated feelings, has been the most peaceful I’ve felt since arriving at Silvercrest Manor. Maybe for years.

“It doesn’t sound strange,” I admit. “I feel...safe here. With you.”

Something shifts in Eli’s expression, a warmth that makes my chest flutter in a completely different way than Romeo’s aggressive dominance. This feels like sunlight instead of lightning. He is gentle and nurturing rather than overwhelming.

“Good,” he says softly. “You should feel safe with me. I want you to.”

And there’s something about Eli that feels different, safer. He’s not making demands or expecting immediate submission. He’s just...there, offering comfort and wisdom without asking for anything in return. Maybe that’s what real alphas do. Maybe the difference between Romeo and Eli is the difference between taking and giving, between using and cherishing.

“Thank you. I should head home now,” I say.

He actually looks disappointed, but hides it well and replies, “I’ll walk you.”

“No need. But can I come back tomorrow?”

His smile is wide as he takes my cup from my hand. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

Mom is already home, bustling around the small kitchen with unusual energy.

“You’re glowing,” she observes as I wash my hands. “Good day?”

“Better than expected,” I say, not telling her about what Cerise did as I helped her set the table. “I spent some time in the gardens with Eli.”

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