Page 156 of Knot So Lucky
The reality settles over us like a weight.
We're not just fighting to win races. We're fighting against systemic opposition, against people with resources and connections who actively want us to fail.
"We'll figure it out," Elias says firmly, straightening from the diagnostic station. "Document everything, implement additional security protocols, trace the intrusion vectors. I know people who specialize in this kind of digital forensics."
Should I be surprised? The Bravati family connections probably include some of the best hackers and security specialists in the world.
"For now," he continues, turning to look at me with concern that makes my chest warm, "we keep training. Don't let them know we've caught on to the sabotage. Maintain normal operations while we investigate quietly."
Everyone nods in agreement, the pack solidarity evident in the synchronized response.
"Aurora," Elias says gently, using my real name instead of the Rory persona, "you should take a nap. You've been pushing hard all morning, and exhaustion makes you vulnerable."
I want to argue.
To insist I'm fine, that I can keep working, that rest is for people who aren't trying to prove themselves in the most competitive racing environment in the world.
But my body is exhausted.
The heat took more out of me than I want to admit, and the morning's training session pushed me right to the edge of my physical limits.
"Yeah," I concede, surprising myself. "Yeah, okay. Just a quick nap."
A small black shape appears from behind one of the tool chests—the kitten, apparently having made itself at home in the Thorne Racing compound.
"Meow!" It trots toward me with tail held high, clearly expecting attention.
I scoop it up, feeling the small warm weight settle against my chest. The purring starts immediately, vibrations traveling through my ribcage in ways that are deeply soothing.
"Have you guys named her yet?" I ask, looking around at the pack.
They exchange glances, and Adrian admits with slight embarrassment, "We've been calling her 'the kitten' for two weeks. Naming things is apparently not our strong suit."
I study the small creature in my arms. Black fur, bright green eyes, personality that's equal parts chaos and affection. Bold enough to wander onto a race track, resilient enough to survive the aftermath.
"Shadow," I say decisively. "Her name is Shadow."
The kitten—Shadow—meows in what sounds like approval, kneading tiny paws against my chest.
"Shadow it is," Elias agrees with a soft smile.
Someone has set up a cushioned rest area in the corner of the garage—probably for exactly this purpose, knowing how intense training sessions can get. I make my way there, Shadow still purring contentedly in my arms.
The cushion is comfortable, more like a small daybed than just a mat on the floor. I settle onto it with relief, my exhausted muscles appreciating the support.
Shadow climbs out of my arms and curls up on my chest, apparently having decided this is her spot now.
I watch the others move around the garage, returning to work with the kind of focused efficiency that speaks to years of professional training. Elias is at the diagnostic station, still tracing the sabotage vectors. Adrian is checking something on his tablet, probably coordinating with external security consultants. Cale and Luca are actually working together now, their earlier antagonism set aside in favor of addressing the real threat.
My pack.
The thought settles into my consciousness with surprising ease.
These Alphas—so different from each other, each bringing unique strengths and perspectives—areminenow.
And I'm theirs, for better or worse, connected by bonds that formed in crisis but are being forged stronger through choice and compatibility.
My eyelids are getting heavy, exhaustion finally catching up with me.
