Page 110 of Knot My Sin

“That’s lovely,” Shaw grumbles. “Jodi Ryan no doubt drafted this up for her husband.”

“No doubt,” I agree. Patrick Ryan isn’t known for his niceties, but his wife’s dick is almost as big as his, and makes up for it in spades. God, I can only hope she’s nice to Wren. Which reminds me…

“While we haven’t officially submitted paperwork to have Wren recognized as a pack member, we may want to before the party. Corbin reminded me of this before I left tonight.”

“What would it mean to have paperwork submitted?” Wren asks, making us shift our attention to her. I wasn’t ignoring her, but instead struggling to get my emotions under control. I’m completely locked down when my eyes meet hers to answer.

“It means the world would recognize you as our omega through the Healthy Pack Organization,” I tell her. “There’s a certain measure of security afforded to omegas in a pack, but at the same time?—”

“Our lives are dangerous,” Everest mutters. “If you’re being forced to attend events as our omega anyway, we may as well submit the paperwork. What do you think, Wren?”

“So romantic, shitheads,” Flynn grunts. “The paperwork, regardless of the bonds in our pack, tells the world we recognize you as ours, Darling. Would you like that?”

Wren gives him the most precious smile, which makes me rub my chest. It chafes that I’m holding myself back for so many reasons, and I won’t be able to spend much more time in this room before I have to leave. Fuck, maybe I need a run. I’m fighting my instincts again, which didn’t go well the last time I did that.

“I would,” Wren says. “So what is the protocol as a mafia pack’s omega?”

Her teasing makes me bark out a laugh, to which her scent sweetens with happiness. God, I really do love this girl.

“Most alphas would tell you to be sweet and meek, but that won’t work at a party like this,” Flynn says. “Be the little badass you are with us without being disrespectful.”

“Yep,” Shaw nods. “The families want to know we can handle our own, and that includes our mates. We need to find a killer dress for you, Sweetness.”

“Be on guard,” Everest cautions. “We may be pulled away, but that doesn’t mean you two can’t stay together. Flynn, I know you hate weapons, but I’m going to insist you carry a knife.”

Our omega makes a face but nods. “The joys of belonging to a big, bad mafia pack,” he says with a chuckle. “The party may not be for any good reasons, but we can go and make sure we’re as safe as possible, guys. I remember how level headed and nice Crowson was when Hillary was alive. It’s unfortunate that her death has twisted him so much.”

“Yes, it is. We have a plan,” I say, standing. Sighing, I look at Wren, thinking about how we need to pick up some makeup along with a dress. “The mates at this thing will probably be wearing makeup like it’s war paint, Wren. I’m realizing we need to order some, but I don’t know the first thing about it.”

Shaw hides a smile behind his hand, though his mirth doesn’t travel to his eyes. We’re all worried, even if we aren’t showing it right now.

“Funnily enough, I don’t either,” Wren teases me. “I’ll do a little research on it on Shaw’s computer, I guess once I know what dress I’m wearing. I’ve never worn makeup before.”

Trey wanted her to be a little girl for as long as possible. Yeah, he’s a dead man once we can find him.

“This is when I wish we knew people who could help you with shit like this,” Shaw grunts as he stands.

“I’m a smart little omega,” Wren teases him with a wink, surprising me. “I’ll figure it out. For now, I think I need a snack.”

“Any cravings?” Flynn asks, standing with her. Somehow, the idea of cravings makes me think of pregnancy, which means I definitely need to get the fuck out of here.

“I’m going to change real fast and go for a run. Save me whatever you decide to make?” I tell them as I start moving toward the stairs.

“Peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Are those any good? I read about it in a book and now I’m intrigued,” she admits.

Climbing the stairs, I glance over as I walk. “They’re delicious fried,” I tell her. “Those are totally crave worthy.”

“Mmm. I’m in,” Flynn says. Shaw and Everest agree, and I begin to lengthen my stride.

“Save me one!” I call out as I run upstairs to change into a pair of gym shorts and tennis shoes. Five minutes later, I’m out the door with my water bottle and keys, so I can lock the house back up.

I know Shaw or Everest or even Flynn would go running with me, but I just need to move. Locking down my side of the bond, I begin running down the lit path we have for just this reason as the sun begins to set. There are so many thoughts racing through my mind, none of them good.

What if something happens to me and I never bond with Wren? She’ll survive me dying, but Flynn would suffer. On the other hand, he would have my best friends to get him through.

What if the party isn’t safe for either of them and they’re hurt?

“What ifs” pound through my thoughts with every breath, punctuating each footstep until it’s everywhere. The full weight of the next few days is weighing heavily on me, and all I can remind myself is that we’ll get through this.

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