Page 102 of Forget me Knot
“It’s so good to see you,” I say, stepping back to look at her properly. She looks healthy, happy, and, most importantly, safe. “Come on in, the guys are just finishing up dinner.”
As we step inside, the warm scent of home-cooked food and the sound of laughter greet us. Jack is at the stove, stirring something that smells divine, while Max and Sam are setting the table, playfully arguing about the correct way to fold napkins.
“Look who’s here,” I announce, and all activity stops as my alphas come to greet our guests.
There’s a flurry of hugs and handshakes, and soon, we’re all settled around the dining table, plates piled high with Jack’s famous lasagne.
As we eat, the conversation flows easily, catching up on each other’s lives. But I know I have to give Emily the news.
“So,” I say, setting down my fork, “I have some news.”
Emily leans forward, her eyes wide, almost as if she knows what I’m about to say.
“The Omega Trials have been shut down, and the leaders have been arrested. Max’s stepdad has been working to shut them down, and he did it.”
The room falls silent as my words sink in. Emily’s hand flies to her mouth, tears filling her eyes.
“Really?” she whispers.
I nod. “Max’s stepdad has been building a case against them for months. They won’t stand a chance with the evidence he gathered, plus my testimony and that of other survivors.”
“The leaders, the enforcers, even the scouts - they’ve all been arrested,” Max adds quietly. “Clive confirmed it a bit ago.”
Emily lets out a shaky breath, glancing at George as he places a protective hand on her back. “I can’t believe it. After all this time...”
“You’re safe now,” I say softly. “We all are.”
George clears his throat, looking a bit uncomfortable. “There’s something else you should know, Emily. About Nigel West.”
Emily tenses at the name, and I feel a flicker of the old fear in my own gut. But George’s next words banish it completely.
“My dad... well, let’s just say he had a ‘chat’ with Nigel. He won’t be bothering you or anyone else ever again.”
The relief on Emily’s face is evident. “Do I want to know the details?”
George shakes his head, a slight smirk playing on his lips. “Trust me, you don’t. Just know that you’re safe from him and your old pack. They won’t come looking for you.”
Emily bursts into tears, overwhelmed by the news. I go to her and wrap my arms around her as she sobs into my chest.
As Emily calms down, wiping her eyes with a napkin Max hands her, she looks around at all of us. “I don’t know how to thank you all. You’ve given me my life back.”
“You don’t need to thank us,” Jack says gently. “We’re just glad you’re safe and happy.”
The conversation turns to lighter topics after that, and I sit back down to finish my food surrounded by the people I love.
This is my family. My pack. And for the first time in my life, I feel completely, utterly safe and loved.
When Emily and George leave before darkness falls with promises to visit again soon, I sit at the picnic table near the shop and sigh contentedly. The evening is clear, the end to a perfect summer.
Jack joins me first, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and pulling me close. Then Sam, settling on my other side, his warmth a comforting presence. Finally, Max, who opts to sit at our feet, leaning back against my legs.
We sit in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying each other’s company and the peace the countryside brings.
“I never thought I could have this,” I say softly, breaking the silence.
“Have what, princess?” Jack asks, pressing a kiss to my temple.
“This,” I gesture vaguely. “A home. A family. Safety. For so long, I was just focused on survival. On staying hidden. I never dared to dream of anything more.”
