Page 87 of Knot Your Romeo

That’s how this started with Jude. I bit his lip and bonded us together. My heart hammers against my rib cage.

He continues, “I need to make sure that your DNA is passed to our children. The tests will begin tomorrow."

The casual way he discusses using me like a breeding animal makes my stomach turn. But it's his next words that truly break my heart.

"But do not disappoint me. I choose you. And I hope I chose more wisely with you than I did with your sister. It seems Lottie turned out to be quite the disappointment."

"What do you mean?" The words escape before I can stop them.

Blake's smile turns genuinely cruel. "A dud, I'm afraid. Barren. What a poor excuse for an Omega she turned out to be. All that investment, all those careful genetic considerations, and she can't even fulfill her most basic biological function."

Lottie.My sister's name echoes through my mind like a prayer and a curse. The sister who called to warn me, who risked her own safety to give me information about Blake's plans. The sister who's been living knowing that she's considered worthless by the man who controls her life.

"You're lying," I whisper, but I can see the truth in his satisfied expression.

"One year of trying, four heats and multiple medical consultations, every fertility treatment money can buy. Nothing." He releases my chin with a dismissive flick. "At least Carlos is understanding about it. Some men might demand a refund."

The casual cruelty of his words makes something break inside my chest. Lottie, my sweet, gentle sister, reduced to a failed transaction in Blake's ledger. My beautiful twin sister. The one who used to braid my hair and tell me stories. The one who always tried to shield me from the worst of his attention is now living with the daily reminder that she's considered defective.

Emmie?Jude's mental voice carries concern.Your emotions just spiked. What's happening?

I can't answer immediately, too overwhelmed by grief and rage on behalf of my sister. The unfairness of it all—that any woman should be judged by her fertility, that Lottie should suffer for something completely beyond her control.

The car begins to slow, headlights illuminating what looks like a massive log structure ahead. Through my tears, I can make out the details of Blake's mountain retreat.

We're arriving,I finally tell Jude.Large log cabin, maybe three stories. There's smoke coming from the chimney. Very isolated—I can see higher mountains on the far side of the house, but nothing else. No other buildings, no neighbors. It took less than fifteen minutes from the airstrip.

Good. Was the sun behind or in front of you when driving from the airstrip?

It was ahead for most of the way. But now it is lowering behind me.

Good. Keep giving me details. We're mobilizing now.

The car stops in a circular driveway, gravel crunching under the tires. Motion-sensor lights flood the area, revealing the full scope of Blake's "retirement property." It's not just a cabin—it's a fortress. High tinted windows, heavy doors, probably equipped with every security measure money can buy.

"Home sweet home," Blake says with genuine pleasure. "What do you think, darling? I had it built with you specifically in mind."

I stare at the structure that's clearly designed to be my prison, fighting down the panic that threatens to overwhelm me.

Getting out of the car now. Thehouse is enormous, definitely designed for security. Multiple levels, lots ofwindows,but they're all high up. Heavy front door, probably reinforced.

Blake's men flank me as I get out of the car and approach the entrance, their presence making it clear that running isn'tan option. Not that there would be anywhere to run to in this wilderness.

"You're being awfully quiet," Blake observes as we reach the front door. "Not planning anything foolish, I hope?"

I force myself to meet his gaze directly. "Like what? I'm not that special, Blake. I'm just scared and trying to process everything."

The moment the words leave my mouth, I realize I've made a mistake. Blake's eyes narrow, studying my face with renewed interest.

"But you know you're special," he repeats slowly. "Why would you say that?"

My heart hammers against my ribs, but I force myself to look confused. "Because I don't believe I am."

Blake stares at me for a long moment, then seems to dismiss his suspicions. "Once your tests start, we'll know just how special you are. If as an Aurora Omega you can speak to me telepathically."

He chews his lip for a moment and I think for a moment he is considering I already know I can. So when the front door opens to reveal an interior that's simultaneously beautiful and terrifying, I gasp. "This is lovely."

It is.

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