Page 141 of Their Knotty Pack
"One night, bluebell," Hunter comes over, gently tugging me out of Miles' arms to hold me, "one night and this will all be over."
Seven comes too soon. I spent forever trying to find something to wear that screamed "bad bitch", but also "I'm just the delicate omega you think I am".
I opt for a skin-tight black dress that hits just above the knee with a plunging neckline, my secret-camera earrings, a swooping updo, and soft makeup.
"There," Miles had said, taking a step back. "Totally unsuspecting."
Kieran had growled, grabbing me by the waist. "I don't want you anywhere near them looking like that."
"It can't be helped," I gently placed my hand on his chest, "they need to think that I've finally 'come to my senses' and want them back. And…I'm going to have to say some really awful stuff about you guys, but you have to know that I don't mean any of it."
"We know, bright eyes." Damien comes over, kissing my cheek.
Some of the things that I need to say makes my stomach turn. But I know how these alphas think, and I know what "flaws" they would have picked out of each of my pack members.
"I don't think you do," I shake my head, taking a step back. "It's going to be horrible—"
"It's the only way they'll trust you enough to talk. We know, beautiful." Brody runs a hand down my arm.
"It's sixthirty." Hunter's voice sounds from the doorway of the nest. His eyes darken when he sees me, but it only lasts a second before he's back to business. "We need to get a move on."
"Tuck your hair behind your hair if you can hear me."Hunter's voice comes crystal clear through the little transmitter he had me place in my ear. I tuck a tendril of loose hair behind my ear."Good girl. They're already sat, but Ethan is going to be your waiter. I wanted it to be Titus but they might recognize him. Look to the left if you understand."I glance coyly to the left as I open the door to The Alpha Lounge.
"Good fucking girl."Hunter's voice is like velvet in my ear. I can just imagine him, sitting in the back of the produce delivery van parked in the back of the restaurant.
"I'm meeting Pack Hansen here?" I tell the maitre'd, suddenly hit with memories of sneaking here the night they met up with Miles.
This time, the night will end with their lives ruined, not mine.
"Right this way, miss." The maitre'd nods at me before leading me to the back of the restaurant. Georgia makes brief eye contact with me as she sits at one of the tables, and I don't risk even nodding at her.
We make it to the very back of the restaurant, to a small alcove tucked in the corner, mostly out of view of the rest of the restaurant.
"Mouse," Preston says warmly, standing from his seat. "It's good to see you've finally come to your senses." The rest of my old pack sits around a round table, leaving me no choice but to sit between two of them.
"Preston." My voice sounds too strangled, too…nervous. I look around the table. "Grayson, Tucker, Chris…thank you for agreeing to see me."
Preston comes over to me, and it takes everything I have to not flinch back from his touch. He wraps me in a hug and my body wants to revolt. The scent that once brought me a semblance of comfort is now acrid to my senses. "I have to admit, we were surprised, especially with that whole restraining order stunt you pulled." His hands trail down my sides, and the feeling of bugs crawling over my skin makes me want to vomit. I'm probably going to have to burn this dress now.
"It's okay, bluebell,"Hunter soothes. but his voice is tight."They can't hurt you. I'm right here."
"I…" I trail off. How am I going to do this? They look down on me, they always have. There's no way that they're going to take me seriously…unless I bring them down to my level. Sighing, I dig into my purse.
"Bethany, what are you doing?"Hunter's voice sounds panicked."Please don't go off script—"
It kills me to make him worry, but I can see it now. The plan we came up with was based on who I was when I was with Pack Hansen. I'm not that girl anymore, and it's time for them to realize that.
I slap the envelope with the damning picture inside on the table. The one that Hunter gave me as a last resort.
All of their brows furrow as Preston snatches the envelope and tears it open, his suspicious gaze darting to mine.
"Bethany…"Hunter's pained voice comes through the piece in my ear.
"What the fuck is this, mouse?" Preston asks angrily.
"Gentleman," I pull out my own chair and take a seat, "I'd like to make a deal."
Chapter 55
