Page 76 of Knot for Me
“Don’t run away now, girl. Get in here.”
I scowl over my shoulder, hating him already. Typical alpha, demanding things he has no right to demand. Still, this is Cornelius, the head of the Royal Council. I can’t ignore him. With much resignation, I walk into the kitchen, taking in the grim faces of the guys. Cornelius has severe, disapproving eyebrows, enough lines on his face to be drawn, and a cruel gleam in his gaze.
“So this is her?”
I stop at the end of the table, glaring across the length at Cornelius. My chaos demon is begging me to say something nasty to him, but I know better. There’s nothing to be done for my face. If I’m angry, there’s no hiding it. It’s a blessing and a curse.
“What’s your name?”
“Reagan.”
“Last name?”
“York.”
“Hmm. Well, at least she’s of pure blood.” He gives Lucas a sardonic smile. “What is it you want with my son and his pack, Reagan?”
“Want?” I ask, face pinching in frustration. “I’m their maid.”
“They had a maid before you.”
“They purchased me from the auctions. That was the job I was given.” I don’t look away when he flicks his eyes down and back up to meet mine again.
“The only job?”
I stiffen at the implication. “Yes,” I say between clenched teeth, catching a whiff of my omega scent which is wild with rage.
Some days it sucks to be me.
Honestly, can’t a woman rage in peace without the whole world smelling her fury?
“Quick to anger. That’s weak, you know. That’s why you need alphas. Is that why you conned my son into spending an unholy amount on you?”
“Conned?” I ask, growling softly. “I didn’t con anyone. Your son came after me. He and his men bought me. I didn’t ask for shit.”
Well, so much for manners.
Cornelius hums, sliding his gaze to Lucas. I follow his attention, noticing Lucas looks as pissed as I feel. Good. He should be mad. This is fucking ridiculous.
“If you’re not going to mate the bitch, you’ll go to the next ceremony and find yourselves an omega who can produce kin to further our line.”
“No.” Cory grinds his teeth, scowling at Lucas as if to saydo something.
Lucas sighs heavily, like this is all terribly boring. “We don’t want an omega, Father.”
“If you don’t go, I’ll bring you one.”
My hackles rise, but I, for once, control my instincts. If I let on that another omega here might bother me, he might demand I become their mate. This is what I’ve wanted all along, isn’t it? An out? Here it is. They can find another omega to pine after, and I can live in peace, cleaning up after them and their mate.
“Unless,” Cornelius says, “Reagan wants to take it upon herself to make this whole ordeal go away.”
“I’m afraid I don’t want any children.” I drop my eyes then, hating the sudden attention of my alphas. “I’m not the omega you want for your son’s pack.”
“If that’s true, then you’re right.” He raps his fist on the table. “I want your decision in two weeks’ time. Either you grow a pair and come to the ceremony, or I’ll pick whoever I see fit and bring her to you.” Cornelius pushes away from the table, and I keep my head bowed as he leaves the mansion.
A disquiet silence lingers long after the front door snaps shut. I carefully put up my mental walls, building a barrier between me and whatever I might feel for these alphas. No matter how much I like them or am attracted to them, I have to remember my place. It’s not at their side. It’s hidden away. It’s sweeping crumbs. It’s out of sight. It’s not with them.
“Reagan,” Lucas says my name, and my chest aches.
