Page 101 of Knot a Thief

Panic sets in as I turn back to my office, intent on checking the security feeds.

Before I can reach the room, one of my men intercepts me. A grim expression settles on his face, casting a shadow over his features.

A shiver races down my spine, sending a bone-chilling sensation through my body.

“You need to come with me,” he says, his tone leaving no room for argument.

My mind races with possibilities, each worse than the last. As I follow him, I can’t shake the feeling that everything I’ve been dreaming of has already slipped through my fingers.

“There.” My security man points to the pendant with the perfect red diamond hanging in the museum, a note attached.

I stare at the pendant, the Circle of Life, the perfect red diamond glinting under the museum lights.

My heart races as pain mingles with frustration as it courses through my veins.

She had it with her?

“There was no breach in security,” my man explains, his voice tinged with confusion. “The laser system wasn’t deactivated, and no alarms were triggered. It’s as if it just appeared.”

But I know better. A small, rueful smile tugs at my lips. “Of course,” I murmur. “My little thief.”

There’s only one person who could have pulled this off.

But the realization of what this possibly means sends a shiver down my spine.

What has she done?

She’s more skilled than I expected, thrilling me and worrying me in equal measures.

Without hesitation, I pull out my cell phone and deactivate the room’s security systems. My steps echo in the silence as I stride purposefully towards the display. My fingers glide over the keypad, inputting the code to open the case housing the Circle of Life.

The case opens with a soft hiss.

I reach in, gently lifting the pendant. Its weight in my hand is familiar but not comforting. But my eyes are drawn to the note resting on the plinth.

With slightly trembling fingers, I pick up the note, unfolding the paper.

My heart pounds, the rhythm quickening with every passing second.

What game is she playing?

Is this a taunt, a challenge, or something else entirely?

As my eyes scan the words, I brace myself for whatever she’s about to reveal.

“Leave,” I tell my security as I open the note.

Dear Silas, Max & Lily

This is the hardest note I’ve ever written.

I hated you both not too long ago, but I fell in love with Lily the moment I met her. Then slowly I started to feel you both wanted me, but struggled with your emotions.

Until you didn’t.

But it came too late. Maybe if it started that way ... I don’t know.

What I do know is I love Seb. He gave me a love I never found with anyone else. He cares for me with no good reason to. He wants me for me. Not because I’m an omega. Honestly, I think he’d prefer I was a beta.

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