Page 105 of Knot a Thief

Turbulence jolts me from my sleep. I look out of the airplane window and see nothing but thick clouds all around us.

Another shake of the plane and I grip the armrest so tightly my knuckles go white like the bone might pop out of the skin.

“It’s alright, dear,” a gentle voice says beside me. I turn to see an older woman with kind eyes and silver hair. “Just a bit of rough air. It’ll pass soon.”

I nod, trying to calm my racing heart, knowing it’s not just the plane ride but my life. The last few days now feel like a dream—or maybe the start of a nightmare.

Leaving Seb in Italy was a wrench I had to do, but I have to face the past I’ve been running from if I’m to go back to him and face our future.

I hated seeing his face when I left him. Hated the fear I saw in his eyes. But I love him. He’s the only home I’ve known for years, and when I’m ready, I know we can storm ahead with our plans.

First, I have to make some visits, not only to deal with my past, but also to work out who Max Montgomery really is.

The plane drops suddenly. I suck in a sharp breath as the older woman places her wrinkled hand over mine. “Take deep breaths,” she advises. “In through your nose, and count to four and out through your mouth.”

I follow her instructions, finding comfort in the simple act of breathing.

“Thank you,” I murmur when the turbulence subsides and lean back in my seat, closing my eyes.

My mind drifts to Silas and Max. I know they’ll be looking for me. Or for this baby. Will they start the search when I’m due to give birth?

I can’t help but wonder what a life would be like with them. I hate even considering it. Especially when I know they’ll never change, they’ll try to control the baby, me, and I like my freedom.

But then there’s Lily. Perfect in so many ways. My heart is already aching at not seeing her.

I blink back tears as I tip my head back against the headrest and stare at the panels above.

Before I know it, the captain’s voice crackles over the intercom, announcing our descent into Boston. And I don’t know if it’s anxiety or anticipation gripping my stomach.

My fingernails grip the armrests as the wheels touch down with a gentle bump.

“Time to get my life in order,” I mutter to myself.

As we taxi to the gate, the older woman pats my hand. “Do you have your passport stamped with an Omega Movement Visa?”

Garrett granted me full movement rights when he released me. Come to think about it, he gave me a lot when he let me go, but it never stopped my omega from feeling rejected by him.

I give her a small smile, touched by her kindness. “I do. Thank you,” I whisper as I shuffle out of my seat.

“And have you got someone picking you up from the airport?”

“My sister and her pack, but I’m a mated omega. I’m safe.”

“No omega is safe, dear,” she warns me. “I know.”

My eyes open wide and I take in her warning. “Oh, thank you.”

After taking my baggage, I make my way through the airport, my heart pounding harder with each step.

And then, as I enter the arrivals lounge, I see Ella, my sister, standing there with worried eyes scanning the crowd.

Our gazes lock, and suddenly I’m moving. All the fear, confusion, and pent-up emotion come crashing down on me at once. I rush forward, falling into Ella’s open arms, and finally, I let go.

Sobs wrack my body as Ella holds me tight, her hand stroking my hair. “Shh, it’s okay,” she murmurs. “You’re home now. You’re safe.”

And that’s when I feel a soothing emotion for the first time since I escaped, and it’s being sent through my bond. I gasp as I hold my hand over my heart and take the calmness Max is sending me, and for the first time in years, I feel wanted by an alpha and not rejected.

And I do something unexpected—I don’t reject it.

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