Page 96 of Knot for Me
“We accomplished what we wanted.” He glances at Amelie and Jefferson. “You can go home. Thanks for everything, Amelie.”
“Always, Alpha.” She blows me a kiss, and they leave.
“I should probably head to bed.” I point my thumb over my shoulder.
“Before you go”—Cory grabs my hand—“can we ask you something?”
“So long as you don’t ask me to be your omega,” I say immediately, almost on instinct. It’s so ingrained in me to hate that question that I don’t even think twice about it.
“Oh, um, no.” He pauses, brow furrowing.
I tend to have that effect on people.
“We were wondering if you wanted Frank outside your room tonight?” Lucas cuts in, not as bothered by my adamant refusal to be what I was born to be.
“I think that’s a little much,” I admit. “You put in that fancy security system and those alphas are already captured. I’m not that helpless.”
“I didn’t think you were,” he says.
“Good. The pantry incident was a one-time thing. I promise I’m not always such a chicken shit.”
“Reagan,” Marco chastises. “Your reaction was completely normal.”
All I can do is nod. They won’t agree with me. Hiding was pathetic. I’m ashamed and disgusted with myself.
“Can we train tomorrow?”
Marco raises his eyebrows. “If you want. We’re all off tomorrow so we can do a morning session. If you want?”
“Yup. Sounds good. See you guys later.” I walk out of the office with a hell of a lot more confidence than I feel.
In my room, I race to the bathroom and dive for the toilet and vomit. Once I’m done retching, I wipe my mouth with tissue and fall onto my butt, pressing my back against the wall and dropping my forehead to my knees. Sitting like that for a few moments, I breathe through my emotions. I push off the floor and strip. I turn on the shower, making it as hot as I can. I pinch my eyes shut and step into the mist, letting the water beat against me. A memory I buried long ago resurfaces.
“When you’re older, all you’ll be good for is a knot. No one wants a mouthy omega.”My older brother Alex sneers at me, throwing a full paper towel roll at me. It hits me in the chest, and I snarl, rubbing the spot. It didn’t physically hurt, but these wounds aren’t surface level.
“She’ll be lucky if her alphas give her a knot. Hasn’t our mother taught you anything? You’re supposed to be a good omega.” Aaron, my other older brother, pokes my forehead twice, pushing my head back.
“Shut up,” I scream, stomping my feet and growling. “You guys are assholes!” Tears prick at my eyes, and my entire body starts to shake with anger.
“You’ll never be good enough until you submit and do as you’re told.” Alex pulls out a roll of duct tape from the drawer, and before I can run, Aaron grabs me.
“Stop,” I cry, smacking his hands.
They both laugh. Aaron shoves me into a chair, and Alex starts to tape me to it, mocking my cries.
“What is going on in here?” Mom and our dads burst into the kitchen.
My brothers scramble back, shrugging innocently and pointing at me.
“She’s throwing another tantrum. I was just trying to get her to stop.”
“That’s not true. They said all I’m good for is a knot!” I turn pleading eyes to my parents, but they’re not looking at me.
All three of my dads are growling and mom’s eyes are shooting lightning. The kitchen shrinks with their annoyance. I struggle against the duct tape and Lionel’s face fractures, crumpling as tears stream down his face. He rushes to undo the tape, pulling me into his arms. My entire body trembles in his hold.
“What has gotten into you two? This is your sister. Have a little respect.” Mom grabs me and pulls me into her arms. A protective shield I didn’t know I desperately needed.
“Respect an omega?” Alex scoffs and Aaron snorts.
