Page 100 of Forget me Knot
As I turn back to my work, I catch sight of Max talking to a distinguished-looking older man near the gazebo. My brow furrows in confusion. I don’t recognise him, but Max seems deeply engrossed in their conversation.
Before I can dwell on it too much, Jack appears at my side. “Everything okay, princess?”
I nod, but my eyes are still on Max and the stranger. “Who’s that man Max is talking to?”
Jack follows my gaze, his expression softening into a smile. “Ah, that’s Clive. Max’s stepdad.”
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Oh, okay.” I relax a bit, but then I get nervous as they turn towards us and Max waves. I have yet to meet Max’s family. Sam’s I’m familiar with already, and Jack’s… well, it’s best to leave that subject alone after what he told me.
Taking a deep breath, I fix a smile on my face.
“Lily,” Max says warmly when they reach me, wrapping an arm around my waist. “I’d like you to meet Clive, my stepdad.”
Clive extends a hand, his grip firm and reassuring. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Lily. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“All good things, I hope,” I reply with a nervous laugh.
Clive’s eyes twinkle with amusement. “Oh, more than good. I don’t think I’ve ever heard Max speak so highly of anyone.”
Max blushes slightly, and I feel a rush of warmth for my prime alpha. “Lily,” he says, his tone turning serious, “Clive has some news about the Omega Trials.”
My heart skips a beat, and I feel my body tense involuntarily. Max’s arm tightens around me, a silent reassurance.
Clive nods, his expression grave but not worried. “It’s quite the coincidence that Max came to me about this. I’ve been working on this case for months now, quietly gathering evidence. I have more than enough to shut down the Trials for good.”
I feel like the ground has dropped out from beneath me. “What?” I whisper, hardly daring to believe it.
“They’ve been working outside the law for years, and now we have proof. The leaders have already been taken into custody.”
Tears spring to my eyes as the implications of his words sink in. No more Trials. No more living in fear. No more omegas being sold and abused.
“I... I don’t know what to say,” I stammer, overwhelmed by emotion.
Max pulls me closer, pressing a kiss to my temple. “You don’t have to say anything, Lily. It’s over.”
“Not quite, but damn close,” Clive corrects him, being cautious. “But I can assure you, now that this has come to light, my entire team is working night and day to get this horrific group wiped off the face of the earth.”
Staring into soulful dark eyes, I trust this man with my life. He is a good man, you can see it, and I have a surge of gratitude for this man I’ve just met. “Thank you,” I say emotionally. “Thank you so much.”
Clive smiles warmly. “There is no need to thank me. It was the right thing to do.” He pauses, his expression turning seriousagain. “There is one more thing, though. Your testimony could be invaluable in ensuring these people never harm another omega again.”
I feel a flicker of fear at the thought of facing my past so directly, but it’s quickly overshadowed by determination and the need to keep omegas like Emily safe. “I’ll do it,” I say firmly. “Whatever it takes to stop them for good.”
Max takes my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. The look he gives me is filled with such love and pride that it nearly takes my breath away.
“You’re incredible, you know that?” he murmurs.
I gulp back the anxiety and panic attack that is seconds away. “I’m just doing what’s right.”
Clive nods and clears his throat, a knowing smile on his face. “Well, I’ll leave you two to it. There’s a fair to prepare for, after all.”
As he walks away, I turn to Max, still processing everything that’s just happened. “I can’t believe it’s really over,” I say softly.
Max pulls me into a tight embrace. “Believe it, love. You’re safe now.”
I lean into him, allowing myself a moment to simply bask in the safety and comfort of his arms. But there’s still work to be done, and I can’t afford to get distracted now. “I should tell Emily.”
“After the fair. There is still work to do.”
