Page 97 of Knot for Me
My other two dads don’t hesitate. Three seconds later my brothers are pinned to the ground, glaring at me like this is all my fault.
“I’m an omega,” Mom screams, making me wince. I’ve never heard her so angry. “I don’t know where you two got this attitude from, but you’re not welcome in my house if that’s how you’re going to act and think. You don’t hurt omegas, and you especially don’t hurt family.”
“Mom,” Alex protests.
“No. It’s too late, Son.” Mom nods at my dads and they yank my brothers to their feet and drag them out of the house.
Mom holds me to her chest and brushes her hand over my hair. “I’m so sorry, baby. That’s not what you deserve, you know that, right?”
I sniff and nod, deciding then and there I’ll never be a good omega, if only to spite my brothers.
There were incidents with other alphas and they always ended with them telling me that one day I’d learn to be a good omega. That night with my brothers is the one I remember the most though. It’s the memory that makes me shake with anger and my chest tight with emotion. They were family. If they treated me like that, how would a pack I had no blood relation to treat me? That day is the day I vowed I’d never take mates.
No matter how nice Lucas, Marco, and Cory can be, I can’t weaken myself for them.
I don’t want to feel that pain again.
Rubbing at my chest, the same spot from that night, I shut the shower off and dry off. I swipe at my wet cheeks and pull on pajamas. I avoid my reflection while I brush my teeth, unable to see that vulnerable little girl hiding within the depths of my eyes. Tonight, I’ll let her cry. Tomorrow, I’ll shove those memories from my childhood, and tonight, into the back of my mind and move on.
ChapterTwenty-Four
REAGAN
I ended up on the phone with my mom most of last night. I guess Greg had called to tell my parents what went down, effectively outing me and the pack who bought me. My mom was shocked I didn’t tell her I was living with Pack Bullet, but after a little while I was able to calm her down. It’s not a big deal. Megan texted me a few times, happy dancing gifs, smiles, and money signs. I ignored her. She’ll be worse than my mom. I’ll talk to her soon. For now, I’m choosing willful avoidance.
When I reach the kitchen late Saturday morning, the guys are at the table eating. Any evidence of the fight has been swept away. A faint hint of lemon floats on the air and the floors are spotless. The cleaning crew must have come while I was asleep. Aside from the breakfast spread Cory’s made, the counters are clean and the dishes are done. Katie and her crew did a great job cleaning up the kitchen, so it’s almost like the party never happened.
My eyes flick to the table the crystal vase used to sit on. It’s empty.
Last night was real.
I didn’t really have doubts, but the missing vase is a stark reminder of everything those alphas said and everywhere they touched. I shudder and shake my head. They’re gone.
“Hungry?” Cory asks, suddenly in front of me with a plate of food.
I subtly inhale, holding his scent and grounding myself with it. “Yeah,” I say casually, pretending like I’m unaffected. “I’ll have to eat up if I’m training with Marco today.”
Marco grins at me, sipping his coffee. “Scared?”
“Please. Today is the day I flip you on your ass.”
His eyes twinkle. “We’ll see.”
“Did you sleep okay?”
I slide my gaze to Lucas and sip on the orange juice someone poured for me. “Like a baby,” I say with a smile. “So, tell me about this Royal Council business. You really think you can get them to change their purist ways?”
I expect him to ask me more about how I’m doing, but Lucas releases a hard breath and shrugs. “The goal is to reduce the tensions between the royals and the lower alphas. Times have changed. There are more mixed bloodlines than ever before, and in order to keep the peace, and protect people, the Royal Council doesn’t really have a choice. If they don’t consider this, eventually there will be an insurrection.”
“And what does sweet Cornelius have to say about this?” I take a bite of my bacon.
Marco snickers. “Sweet Cornelius,” he mutters under his breath.
“My father doesn’t support the idea, but I’m hoping if we gain enough supporters, he’ll see the merit.” Lucas doesn’t even sound convinced.
Is Cornelius really that opposed to letting in lower alphas?
“Well, I think it’s a great idea.”
