Page 101 of Knot the One They Want

Cole's jaw clenches, a flicker of worry crossing his face before he masks it. "I know what you mean. But he seems genuinely happy with Evie. Happier than he ever was with Daria."

"True," I concede. "But you know how he is. How we all were back then. Daria fucked us up good. What if..."

I trail off, unable to voice my deepest fear. What if Damien's just waiting for the other shoe to drop? What if he's just biding his time, waiting for Evie to betray us like Daria did?

Cole's hand lands on my shoulder, warm and grounding. "Hey, don't go borrowing trouble, Lake. Evie's not Daria. She's proven that a hundred times over."

"I know," I say with a sigh. "I know she's different. Special. I just hope Damien knows that."

"I get it. Trust me," he says. "But if Evie has decided to give us all another chance, him included, we owe it to her to do the same."

I nod, forcing a smile. "You're right. Of course you're right."

"Aren't I always?" Cole grins, lightening the mood.

I roll my eyes, shoving him playfully. "Don't push it, asshole."

We lapse into silence again, both of us staring at the painting of Evie. She looks so serene, so content. It's a far cry from theguarded, wary omega who first came to us. The change in her is as remarkable as the change in us.

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see," Cole says finally, his voice soft. "Take it one day at a time."

"Yeah," I agree, picking up my brush again. "One day at a time."

As I add the final touches to the painting, I can't help but marvel at how far we've come. From the broken, bitter alphas we were to the pack we are now. It hasn't been easy, and we've still got a long way to go. But with Evie by our side, it feels like anything is possible.

I step back, admiring the finished product. Evie's gorgeous blue eyes seem to sparkle on the canvas, full of life and love. It's the most intimate piece I've ever created, a window into our private world. Part of me wonders if I'm crossing a line by displaying it publicly. But a larger part of me wants the world to see her as I do. As we all do.

Beautiful. Strong. Ours.

"It's perfect," Cole murmurs, his voice thick with emotion.

Just like her.

As I start cleaning up my supplies, my mind wanders to the upcoming showing. I picture Evie's face when she sees the painting for the first time. Will she be pleased? Embarrassed? I hope she'll see it for what it is—a declaration of love, a testament to her place in our lives.

"Come on," Cole says. "Let's get back to the pack. Evie's making dinner tonight, remember? She sent the servants home early. Said she wanted it to be just the five of us."

My stomach growls at the mention of food, reminding me that I've been so caught up in painting that I skipped lunch. "Shit, yeah. Let me just finish cleaning up here."

Cole helps, and a few minutes later, we make our way back to the main house, the scent of something delicious waftingthrough the air. My mouth waters, and I pick up the pace. Cole chuckles behind me, no doubt just as eager.

We find Evie in the kitchen, her hair piles in a deliciously casual style atop her head as she stirs something on the stove. She's wearing one of my shirts, the hem barely skimming her thighs. The sight of her in my clothes does something primal to me, a possessive growl building in my chest. She's gorgeous all dolled up, but there's something about seeing her like this, vulnerable and just a little bit uncharacteristically disheveled, that makes me want to pin her up against the wall and have my way with her in the kitchen.

Even if I know she'd probably attack me with that spatula in her hand for messing up dinner. I can't help but grin at the thought.

She turns at the sound of our approach, her face lighting up with a smile that never fails to take my breath away. "There you are! I was starting to wonder if I'd have to send out a search party."

I cross the room in three long strides, wrapping my arms around her waist and burying my face in her neck. Her scent envelops me, sweet and familiar. "Missed you," I murmur against her skin.

Evie laughs, the sound light and musical. "I missed you too. But if you don't let me go, dinner's going to burn."

Reluctantly, I release her, but not before pressing a kiss to the crown of her head. Cole swoops in next, stealing a quick peck on her lips before she shoos him away with a playful swat of her wooden spoon.

"Where are Asher and Damien?" I ask, settling onto one of the barstools at the kitchen island.

"Asher's on his way home from the studio," Evie says, turning back to the stove. "And Damien texted to say he's running a bit late, but he'll be here soon."

I exchange a glance with Cole, both of us thinking the same thing. A few months ago, Damien would have stayed at the office all night without a second thought. Now, he makes it a point to be home for dinner with the pack. It's a small change, but a significant one.

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