Page 158 of Knot My Sin

“Looks like we’re running out of time, buttercup,” Aisling says teasingly, though I can hear the note of worry in her voice.

“Guess so,” I mutter as the cramp slowly releases its grip. Letting go of my brother’s arm, I glance at him as I straighten.

“I’ll let the guys know to pull their car around,” he growls as his head turns to catch one of their gazes.

“Thanks,” I say, conserving my energy as I straighten to walk across the room with Aisling.

Stepping up the stairs, we climb into the ring gingerly. I can feel myself starting to sweat under the lights, making me wince slightly at how bright they are. I have a feeling I’m not going to be a fan of anything other than my pretty recessed lighting in my nest very soon.

Cerenity frowns slightly as she sees me smooth out my dress, my hand remaining along my stomach for a moment before dropping it to my side. Making sure she turns away from the crowd, she turns off the mic as she walks toward us.

“Problem, ladies?” she asks.

“Just going into heat. Oops?” I say with a small shrug. “I didn’t want to miss this, but I’m going to have to leave sooner than expected.”

“I’ll make sure there’s lots of photos and an update on the total amount collected. You’re good, girl,” Cerenity reassures me.

“It’s true,” Aisling says. “All the work is done, and everyone will understand if you have to leave early. It’s not something you can control.”

“You’re right. Alright, let’s do this before I have another cramp. The last one nearly took me out.”

“Do your alphas know?” Cerenity asks, handing the mic to Aisling.

“My brother let them know something was up,” I explain.

“The blond one with the tattoos is your brother?” she asks in surprise. My lips quirk up, and I decide some matchmaking may be fun between them.

Cerenity would definitely keep my brother on his toes.

“He is,” I admit.

An emotion I can’t decipher passes over her face before she nods. “Go get ‘em, ladies.”

Aisling checks that the microphone is on as we make our way to the center of the ring.

“Good evening,” she says. “We’re completely overwhelmed and grateful for the outpouring of support you all have shown for The Omega’s Haven so far tonight. There are so many holes in our society for omegas, and it’s time that we begin to close them.”

As if we rehearsed this, she hands me the mic, and I nod as I take it.

“Even those who don’t have horror stories of their own have heard one,” I continue. “We would like to bridge the gap so that people have better options when they need it. Education, a safe place to have a heat if they don’t have a pack, even a dating service with vetted alphas.”

My eyes find Hollis in the audience, and my lips curve as I nod at her. She raises her wine glass to us, taking a sip.

“With your help, we’ll be able to take steps to make all of that a reality,” I say, gritting my teeth as another cramp makes itself known.

Handing the microphone back to Aisling, she closes us out quickly.

“The fights will be starting soon, please make sure you put in your bets, and enjoy your night,” she says, smiling broadly at everyone.

Handing the mic to Cerenity who covers for us as I walk slowly to the stairs, I take a sigh of relief when I see Shaw waiting for me.

“Hey, Sweetness. I hear you need a getaway car and maybe a knot,” he says with a smirk that covers his worry.

Placing his hands on my waist firmly, he lifts me off the raised platform onto the ground.

“Take care of my girl,” Aisling says, giving me a quick hug. “Which way are you getting her out?”

“Back door,” he grunts, his hand already gently pushing me into motion.

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