Page 151 of Knot So Lucky
Before he can head for the door, I grab his arm.
"Roran, wait. I'm... I'm sorry."
He frowns, genuine confusion crossing his features.
"Sorry? For what?"
"I feel like I took your spot." The words come out smaller than I intended, vulnerable in ways I usually guard against. "This was supposed to be your moment. Your entry into Formula One racing with all the publicity and recognition. And now I'm the one getting sponsor attention and initiative meetings because I'm an Omega who crashed a car and went into heat at the worst possible time."
The confession hangs between us, raw and honest.
Roran's expression cycles through surprise, understanding, and then something that looks almost like pride.
"Aurora." He uses my real name, which he only does when he needs me to reallyhearhim. "Everything happens for a reason. And I'm not going to hate on you because this isyour timeto shine."
I try to blink back the tears suddenly threatening to spill over, but it's a losing battle.
"You've spent years in my shadow," Roran continues, his voice gentle but firm. "Hiding your designation, pretending to be someone else, suppressing fundamental parts of yourself just to exist in a world that didn't want you. And now? Now you have the opportunity to be yourselfandprove you belong in racing."
He steps closer, pulling me into another hug.
"You're going to be racing on that track unapologetically," he whispers fiercely. "And you're going to show them once again that an Omega can kill it on the track. That you don't need to stay in the shadows anymore. You hear me?"
The tears spill over despite my best efforts, soaking into his shirt while I nod against his chest.
"I hear you," I manage, voice thick with emotion.
"Good." He squeezes me tighter. "Because I'm going to be in the stands cheering louder than anyone else. Probably embarrassing you with how enthusiastic I am. And when you win, not if,when, I'm going to be the first one there to celebrate."
I laugh through the tears, a watery sound that's half sob, half genuine amusement.
This is why Roran is my favorite brother in the world.
Not just because we're twins, not just because we share genetics, history, and the particular bond that comes from growing up together.
But because he sees me.
The real me, underneath all the performances and masks.
And he supports me without reservation, jealousy, or any of the toxic competition that could so easily poison our sibling-hood.
"Thank you," I whisper, pulling back and wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. "For being you. For believing in me even when I don't believe in myself."
"Always," he promises. "Now go talk to Richard about those sponsors. Make them understand that investing in Omega racers isn't charity—it's smart business because you’re talented as fuck."
I smile, feeling something settle in my chest that might be purpose.
He's right.
This is my time.
Time to stop hiding in shadows and technical shops.
Time to prove that a pit tech can become one of the top racers in the industry through hard work and skill, and refusing to accept limitations other people try to impose.
Time to show the world that Aurora Lane isn't just Roran Lane's sister, isn't just another Omega trying to fit into spaces that weren't designed for her.
I'm a racer.
