Page 129 of Knot for Me
“Speaking of mating, I guess we’ll save that for a more sober day.” Lucas chuckles to himself. “I have a favor to ask you.”
* * *
Turns out the favor is going to meet with the Royal Council and hopefully convince them that things have to change. No more laws that benefit the royals and leave other packs struggling. Lucas didn’t demand I join them; he told me it was my choice but explained why he wanted me there. He wants them to see what happened to me. I’m wearing a loose-fitting shirt and sweats. Everything hurts worse today than it did yesterday.
My ribs are bruised, luckily not broken, and my lip is still swollen. I thought about putting on makeup but decided not to. I didn’t do my hair or dress up. I won’t pretend like I’m fine. I’m not. After Amelie left and the wine wore off, I fell into a fitful sleep and woke up screaming. All three guys had to climb into my bed in order for me to have a semi-peaceful sleep.
“We’re almost there. You ready?” Lucas glances at me in the rearview mirror.
“I’m ready,” I say with a confident nod. This ride is so different from the first one we took together. I don’t hate them. They’re not annoyed with me. I’m going to be their omega.
A whole lot can change in a matter of weeks. Things feel like they’re moving so fast. I remember what my mom told me though… Love doesn’t always make sense. I’m hesitant to call what we have love, but I’m not sure how else to describe my emotions. It goes beyond crushing. They make me feel safe. They feel like home. They feel… right.
We’re in the city and the concrete which was once a familiar comfort is now stifling. I’m already itching to go home, ready to be surrounded by open air. Lucas exits the freeway and navigates through the busy streets, talking over the plan with Cory who is sitting in the passenger seat.
Marco leans over and whispers in my ear, “Once that lip is better, I’m biting it.”
I smirk at the sudden heat rushing through me with his words. “Tease,” I whisper, squinting at him.
“Figured I’d lighten the mood before we go meet with the grumpy old men.”
Chuckling, I shake my head and watch Lucas nod at a guard, pass through the gate, and park the vehicle inside the security fence. The Royal Council sure goes out of their way to protect themselves. They have to realize the danger that’s out there if they feel this level of security is necessary.
“I don’t know if they’ll be ready to change.” I gaze at the massive skyscraper.
Things have been like this for so long. Our society is nothing if not consistent. Royal families running the Royal Council. Omegas being matched via a Compatibility Ceremony. Anyone who doesn’t fit is shunned.
Marco hops out and runs around to my side, offering me help out. I take his hand. I’m not too proud to admit I need the help. Once I’m on my feet and standing straight, my ribs don’t hurt as bad. The guys look at me, waiting for my direction.
“I’m ready,” I assure them.
“Worst-case scenario is they say no.” Cory tucks his phone in his pocket and scans the parking lot, checking for any threats.
“And we either join up with the revolution or get shunned.” I grimace. “No big deal.”
We fall into a subdued silence and head inside the building. The floors are sleek and a dark grey marble. The decor is modern and business chic, far more progressive than the council. The all-glass elevator arrives to take us to the sixth floor, and Lucas holds the door while the rest of us filter inside. He joins us and blows out a hard breath, cracking his neck before pressing the number six on the menu.
“Into the lion’s den.”
“You’re not making this any easier,” I say with a laugh, wincing when a sharp ache spreads through my sides.
“No laughing,” Cory says, face serious. “You’ll hurt yourself.”
“I can’t control my laughter. If anything, that’ll make it worse.”
“Fine, then no one do anything funny until Reagan is better.” The elevator starts to rise and we all stop talking. I expected a smart remark from Marco, but it seems the meeting we’re about to walk into is weighing heavy on the guys.
Before the elevator doors open, the three of them exchange looks, speaking of years of brotherhood. My heart clenches a little with envy until they all glance at me, including me in their circle. I stand a little taller and pretend to be stronger than I am so they won’t worry about me. The doors open, and we head down a short hallway which leads to a large conference room.
ChapterThirty-Six
REAGAN
My hands are shaking. I tuck them behind me. Lucas walks in first, followed by Marco and Cory, who holds the door for me. The rectangular table, which has a granite top, has over a dozen seats and men in their late fifties and sixties occupy most of them. Cornelius sits at the head of the table, a sour look wrinkling his face. Every man in the room focuses on me, and I bristle, wanting to shoutwhat? You’ve never seen an omega before?But I know better than to let my tongue loose in this meeting.
Restraint is not a word I’d thought I’d be familiar with, but I guess this year is a year of change for me. Shots are fired before we can even take our seats.
“You brought the maid.” Cornelius’ upper lip curls in disgust.
