Page 80 of Knot Giving Up 2

Then we all walk away from the game together.

46

Meggie

After the doctors check out Dante, they put him in a sling until we can get back to the states and do the surgery. Then we go to the medal ceremony.

There’s a brief scare when the International Olympic Committee Member places the silver medal around my neck and his nose wrinkles. My stomach drops. But he’s a beta and his sense of smell isn’t as strong, so he brushes off the moment of suspicion and gives me the medal I earned.

It’s not gold, but it feels pretty great to have the weight of it hanging over my heart. There were so many times I thought this would never happen, that my dream would never come true. It was ripped away from me again and again. I had to fight tooth and nail to get here. I even had to give up a part of myself.

But now, I’ve gained so much more than just a silver medal. I’m not scared of my designation any more. As soon as the fanfare dies down, I’m going to tell the world. Maybe the IOC will take our medals away for it, maybe not, but I don’t care, and I know my men won’t either. They care more about me than about any medal, just like they care more about Dante.

I take hold of Ellis’s hand and give it a squeeze, so grateful he invited me to try out for this team. Our national anthem crescendos, and I feel it in my whole body. I feel proud. Of myself. And my pack. I can’t wait to get out of here and celebrate with them.

As soon as we’re off the podium, Emily is breaking past security with Declan and charging into my arms. “You did it! See, I told you it was all going to work out.”

She’s laughing and reaching for her brother’s hand even as she keeps her other arm around me. “You won a medal in the Olympics!”

There’s no jealousy on my friend’s face, even though I know she didn’t medal. Her excitement is completely pure as she hugs us. How did I get so lucky to have a friend like her? Tears rim my eyes as I hold her a little tighter. “Thank you, Em. Thank you for pushing me to do this.”

Once we’re done jumping and screaming and hugging, Declan puts his arm around her and pulls her into his side. He’s got the tiniest hint of a smile on his face, so small it’s almost unnoticeable.

Harrison steps up beside the other alpha and quietly asks, “What happened with Glenn?”

“Taken care of,” he replies.

“You caught him?” Nils asks from my side.

“We have Knox Callahan in custody.” Declan says the other man’s name with more bite than necessary, fists clench at his side, but Emily puts her hand on his arm and he relaxes. “Knox has agreed to help us apprehend Glenn in exchange for immunity.”

“But Glenn could still come after us?” McQuinn’s voice shakes as he asks the question. This affects him even more than the rest of us.

“From what you told me, he’d have no reason to.” Declan’s gaze dips to the silver medal around McQuinn’s neck, and for the first time, I realize we gave Glenn exactly what he wanted. We made it to the end and essentially threw the last game with our forfeit. The thought makes me sick to my stomach. I hate the idea that Glenn will get a huge payoff from our pain.

As if reading my mind, Declan says, “It might actually make him easier to find. Large fund transfers are hard to hide.”

“Tell them what else,” Emily grins at Declan.

“You’ve all been granted pardons from the US government in exchange for your help. We’ve been trying to nab Glenn for a long time, and this is the first real break we’ve had in the case.”

“Pardons for what exactly?” Harrison cautiously asks.

Declan eyes him. “You think I don’t know who the omega in this situation is?”

“Ah.” Harrison nods.

“You won’t press charges? Ever?” Oz’s worry is clear on his strong features.

“Never. You’re safe from any sort of prosecution on these issues.” Declan cocks his head toward Harrison. “Though we can’t speak for the IOC. If they find out, they could still revoke your medal. And of course, the US government asks that none of you ever compete in any Olympic game ever again.”

Harrison gives a curt nod on behalf of us all. I think we all knew this would be our last Olympics. We have new adventures to pursue now.

“Thank you.” Harrison shakes Declan’s hand once more. “If you’ll excuse us, I’d like to get my pack out of here.”

“Oh,” Oz stops Declan before he turns away. “Daniel Teague might also be in possession of illegal suppressants. Just, ya know, in case a ‘random search’ was conducted in the apartment he’s in, you might find something.”

“Heard.” There’s an understanding glint in the other alpha’s eyes. “And it might interest you to know that there’s a side entrance only used by security.”

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