Page 113 of Knot My MC
Knox stands to follow me to his closet where I’ve stashed all my things. “A neighbor saw the alphas attack first so our guys will probably get off on self-defense.”
I throw on a hoodie and shoes, turning to nod at Knox. “Let’s go find Nova.”
Crow and Jag are waiting for us by the front door. Together we rush through the clubhouse and set off toward where Nova was staying. I ride on my own bike and we take corners at speeds fast enough to send adrenaline surging through my veins. Before long, we pass the street where Rita lives. There are a few cop cars and people standing around. Nosey neighbors most likely.
We cruise up and down each street. My head is on a swivel as I search for her. Nova was technically supposed to go back to the Omega Council after what happened with Curtis, but she didn’t. There’s no way in hell I’m letting her get dragged back to Camila. A flash of brown hair and wide eyes catches my attention as we pass by an alley. I automatically flip a bitch and roll into the narrow lane. Nova is tucked behind a few trash cans, trembling with fear. A woman—who can only be Rita—glares at me until the guys appear. Her features smooth, and she shoots me a quick apologetic look.
“Get on.” I take my helmet off and hold it out for Nova. “We have to go now while they’re distracted.”
Without hesitation, she snatches the helmet and shoves it on her head, dropping the sun visor and swinging her leg over the bike, settling in behind me like a seasoned pro. “Where are we going?”
“To the apartment.” I glance at the guys for confirmation.
“Are you okay with that?” Knox asks.
“Yeah. We’ll meet you back there. Go make sure Mountain and Royce aren’t in trouble.” I spare a second for Rita. “Thank you for taking care of her.”
Rita nods. “She deserves better than the Omega Council and that shitty pack.”
I glance toward the end of the alley which opens to another road. “Don’t we all?” And with that, I take off. Nova’s hands rest lightly on my hips, but she’s stiff as a board behind me. I go fast, knowing the cops will be distracted for at least a little while. We’re lucky her asshole pack hasn’t already told them about Nova. If they had, there was no way she would have been able to stay hidden for so long. Lor is there and closes the gate behind us as I park my motorcycle.
Nova scrambles off and removes the helmet, handing it to me. “Thank you.” She glances at the ground.
“Let’s get you inside.” I walk with determination and those few loitering around the clubhouse property give me a wide berth. It might have something to do with the bitter tang of anger chasing my steps. If Mountain and Royce hadn’t shown up, those assholes would have got her. Who knows what they would have done to her.
There’s no question that the safest place in the clubhouse is our apartment so that’s exactly where I take Nova. No one comes into the apartment; that’s the general rule, but the guys agreed, and keeping her safe is a priority. Her footsteps slow behind me once she realizes where I’m heading. I stop and turn. She takes a step back and shoots her gaze around. That look… that fear… it makes my stomach clench.
She’s afraid of me?
I wasn’t very nice the first time I met her, but that was mostly because the guys didn’t think through their plan. They were being valiant and saving her from a bad situation, and I was too hopped up on hormones to see that they didn’t want her the way they want me.
Sighing, I run my hand through my hair, detangling some of the knots from the ride. “You’re probably wondering why I brought you here.”
Her gaze snaps to mine. “I don’t want any trouble.” There’s a tremor in her voice.
What the fuck did Curtis do to this omega? A fresh wave of frustration rolls through the air, heady in my scent. Nova winces as though I slapped her. I don’t know what to do here. I have to do something though, we can’t stay in the hallway all day, and I don’t want her to run away because she thinks I’m going to omega rage on her.
“I know you don’t want trouble,” I say softly. “The first time I met you was not my best moment. I was mostly mad at the guys because I thought they were fucking you.”
She blanches.
“I realize now that they’re not,” I’m quick to add. “Things between us are really good, and I don’t know what happened to you or why, but I do know that I want to do my part to keep you safe, just like Knox or Jag or Crow would do.” I raise my hands to show I’m not a threat and step toward her. She doesn’t bolt. Okay this is good. “If you’re all right with it, I’d like to go into the apartment. It’s the safest place we can be and the guys will be texting or calling soon.”
Nova chews on her cheek before nodding ever so slightly. “Okay.”
“Okay.” I unlock the door and slip inside so she doesn’t have to come too close to me. I don’t think she’d like that. Sure enough, as soon as she’s inside, she puts as much distance between us as possible. I fight off a frown and shut the door, locking it for extra measure, but as the loud snick cuts through the air, I mentally curse myself.
What if she thinks I’m trying to cage her in so I can go after her?
I can’t unlock it now, the damage is already done.
Shaking my head, I shoot her a careful grin and go to where I left my phone charging on the kitchen counter. My dad’s smirking face shines up at me from the lock screen as I type in the passcode.
There’s a missed call, but it’s not from the guys.
I tap into the voicemails and hit play, turning away from Nova to listen while she acclimates to being in the same space with me. I don’t think she’s moved since we came inside and she absconded to her corner.
“Kiki Malone, this is Captain Riley. I’m going to need you to come down to the station for a few questions. Call the station and set up a time. The desk has an order to fit you in as soon as possible.”
