Page 26 of Knot My MC
My loyalty to Wrecker died with him.
Axel isnotmy alpha.
His grip tightens, and I swallow a whine. “We’ll see about that.” He pushes my face away and storms from the room, slamming the door behind him as another flash of lightning tears across the angry clouds.
He was serious about going to Camila. I haven’t escaped the danger. Not yet.
It’s stupid to think anyone will save me.
The only way out is to save myself.
There are some alphas out there who don’t care about your feelings, Kiki. You protect yourself by any means necessary.
I’m trying, Dad.
* * *
The next afternoon, Axel drives me to the convention center in a car instead of on a motorcycle. He must be worried I’ll try to jump off, and he wouldn’t be wrong, though the command to sit still and be a good girl has held me captive since I slid into the passenger seat. He hasn’t spoken to me since, but he doesn’t have to. His thoughts practically scream at me.
You will submit to me.
I dig my nails into the bandage covering my palms, the blood has stopped flowing but the injury is fresh. The puncture wounds weren’t as deep as I thought they were, but the wire of the fence sliced through my skin. My hands pulse in response to the pressure I’m applying. I use the pain to ground myself. It’s one thing I can control. Lines mar my forehead as the city flies by.
The buildings, the homes, the businesses, they’re all for the alphas. The ridiculous classes I had to take—a requirement for every pubescent omega—told me as much. An omega provides the means to create our world’s future leaders. Axel wants me for his own nefarious reasons, but I’m certain he’d also love for me to birth an alpha. A mini Axel. I shudder at the thought.
But not all alphas are like that, are they? Knox and Jag and Crow are… not here.
My stomach churns, the need to throw up growing stronger with every passing second. Today I should be getting ready for the Compatibility Ceremony. Since my birthday was so close to the date of the ceremony last year, Camila decided I could wait to be matched until this year. An entire year is a long time for a pack to wait for their omega’s first heat. But as of two days ago, I’m twenty-one. My body is primed and ready, and it’s time to be matched. I should be going through hair and makeup with all the other omegas, prepping for the fancy ceremony.
If things go according to Axel’s plans, that won’t happen.
After my overnight stay in jail three years ago and Camila’s threats, I did everything in my power to be good. I stopped sneaking out, though that was partially because the guys ditched me. Familiar anger kindles in the pit of my stomach. Frowning, I force my thoughts away from the guys who broke my young heart.
I was a silly, stupid girl. They were Hounds. I should have known better.
I spent three years following rules. I graduated from high school. I didn’t move into the omega apartments because Dad obtained special permission to keep me at home. Everything was done according to the rule book. I should be finding the pack that’ll cherish and protect me, not being handed off to Axel. I can only hope Camila will see how well I’ve done and deny the alpha. Since he killed his pack of alphas and forbade anymore from joining Wrecker, he’s the only alpha in the club.
His past is speckled with criminal activity.
The chances of pregnancy go up if there’s more than one alpha.
The Omega Council is all about breeding.
That may not be enough to sway Camila to my side. She serves the interests of the royal council first and they don’t give a damn what happens in the lower packs. They only want to protect their precious pure alpha bloodlines.
It’s messed up, but it’s reality.
None of it matters now that Dad isn’t here.
Pinching my eyes shut, I fight off another wave of sadness. I cried so much last night after Axel stormed out of the room. I didn’t think I had more tears to cry, but moisture pools at my lash line. I pull in a slow breath and force myself to calm down.
You’re so strong, Kiki. Your mother would be proud.
“Dammit,” I whisper under my breath. It’s like my mind is trying to torture me.
“The fuck did you say?” Axel snarls, the harsh sound of his voice booming across the space between us.
I’ve never been a flincher. Dad made sure to toughen me up. Living life within Wrecker hardened me too, but despite all of that, his anger triggers the slightest wince. It’s a miniscule movement, but as soon as I do it, my eyes snap open and I glare at Axel. His gaze flares with triumph, almost like he’s proud of getting a reaction out of me.
