Page 107 of Knot the One They Want

And I choose them right back.

"It'sournight," Lake corrects, squeezing my hand. He leans in to kiss me, whispering against my ear, "You never cease to impress me, baby girl."

My face flushes at his words and I lean into him, nuzzling him affectionately. "Come on," I say with a genuine smile. "Let's meet the rest of your adoring patrons."

The rest of the night goes off without a hitch, now that security has made sure to keep a close eye out for any red dress wearing interlopers.

I stick close to Lake's side, my hand resting in the crook of his elbow as we navigate the sea of art enthusiasts and socialites, the others usually trailing close behind us. His warm presence grounds me, chasing away the lingering echoes of Daria's hateful words.

"You should talk to that woman over there," I murmur, nodding toward a silver-haired alpha in an impeccable Chanel suit. "I overheard her mentioning she's opening a new gallery in the city."

Lake's eyes light up. "Good catch, baby girl." He presses a kiss to my temple before striding over to introduce himself.

I watch him work his magic, effortlessly charming the gallery owner with his quiet passion and depth of knowledge. Pride swells in my chest. This is what I've always wanted—to support my alphas, to help them shine in their individual spheres of influence. To be more than just a pretty face on their arm.

"You're good at this. I've never seen Lake so bold."

I turn to find Carl watching me, approval glinting in his eyes. "Thank you," I say, warmth spreading through me at his praise. "I just want to help however I can."

He nods, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "You're exactly what they need, you know. What this family needs."

His words hit me like a punch to the gut, in the best possible way. I blink rapidly, willing away the sudden moisture in my eyes. "That means a lot to me," I whisper.

Carl leans in to kiss my cheek and murmurs, "Welcome to the family, Evie," before moving on to mingle with other guests. I take a deep breath, savoring the feeling of acceptance, of finally belonging somewhere.

The night wears on, and I find myself drawn into conversation after conversation. Damien's mother, a statuesque woman with his same piercing blue eyes, regales me with stories of his childhood mishaps. Cole and Lake's parents fuss over me, insisting we all come for Sunday dinner next week. Even Asher's notoriously prickly grandmother seems charmed, patting my cheek and declaring me "a breath of fresh air."

It's overwhelming in the best possible way. For the first time in my life, I feel truly seen and valued for who I am, not just what I represent as an omega.

As the crowd begins to thin, I catch Damien's eye across the room. He's deep in conversation with a potential investor, but the heat in his gaze when it locks with mine sends shivers down my spine. I watch as he leans in, whispering something to Cole.

Both alphas' eyes darken as they turn to look at me.

Warmth pools low in my belly. I know that look.

Sure enough, moments later, all four alphas converge on me like predators stalking their prey. Lake's arm snakes around my waist, pulling me flush against him.

"There's something I want to show you," Lake announces, his breath tickling the curls falling loose from my updo on the side of my neck. "There's one more piece I haven't unveiled yet."

"There is?" I ask, looking up at him in confusion.

Rather than answer, he takes my hand and leads me through the gallery. The others follow close behind.

As we come to the one section of the gallery I thought was just under construction, considering it was partitioned off earlier, I realize the small glass barrier is no longer there. We round the corner of one display wall to reveal a massive canvas covered in a thick white cloth.

The other partygoers gather around, curious about what's going on. And it's already been an evening full of excitement. As long as Daria isn't lurking behind that cloth, I'm fine.

Lake reaches out to take a glass of champagne from a nearby waiter, raising it above his head. "Everyone," he begins, lifting his voice to be heard over the quieting murmurs of conversation. "I'd like to thank you all so much for coming to the exhibition tonight. It means the world to me to have your support, but even more so to be able to step out into the world with my full pack for the first time. Including our newest addition."

His gaze is as warm as his smile as he looks at me. I don't even realize the others have come up beside me until I feel a hand on my shoulder. I don't have to look to know it's Cole's.

"Now that you've all had the pleasure of meeting Evie, who's completed our pack in ways none of us thought possible, I'd like to introduce you to my latest piece," Lake continues, reaching for the edge of the cloth. "Anyone who knows me knows that this last year hasn't exactly been my most prolific, but I think it's safe to say I found my muse. And it's all because of her."

My throat tightens as I realize everyone is looking at me, but all I can see is Lake. I'm glad I'm not expected to speak right now, because I don't think I could find the words if I tried.

"So, without further ado, I'd like to present my magnum opus," Lake says, pulling the curtain off the massive, golden frame surrounding the painting. "It's called 'Heart of the Pack.'"

My heart drops into my stomach as I take in the painting before me, done in soft hues of gold, blue and pink.

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