Page 108 of Knot the One They Want

It's…me.

I'm sitting at my vanity in an intimate moment, fixing my hair, and it's done in such lifelike quality with the kind of care and attention to every minute detail that only a master artist could give, I'm left wondering how many times Lake has watched me get ready without my noticing.

I've always connected more with music than visual art, but this… this painting speaks to me in a way nothing ever has. I didn't even know it was possible for art to be an expression of love. Every tender brushstroke a whisper of admiration, every bit of dappled lighting across my skin—including the curves I used to be so self-conscious of—on canvas an act of worship. Like Lake has spent months studying every inch of me, committing them to memory.

And I guess he has.

I'm barely even aware of the applause as the others celebrate Lake's work, and the low murmurs of interest and discussion. I should feel self-conscious, considering I'm up there for the whole world to inspect, but the way he painted me, I feel like a goddess. And the way he and the others are looking at me now only confirms it.

"Lake," I breathe, tears slipping down my cheeks. "It's beautiful."

"It's nothing compared to the real thing," he says, coming over to take my hand. "Thank you, Evie."

"For what?" I ask, still recovering from my surprise.

"For being my muse," he murmurs, leaning in to kiss me. "For giving me back my inspiration. For giving me something worth painting."

My cheeks flush as I lean into him. What am I supposed to say to that?"

"I'm really going to have to step up my game," Asher says, raking a hand through his hair. "I don't think dedicating my next album to her is going to cut it anymore."

I give him a gentle nudge, but something tells me he's not joking. "This is amazing," I breathe, looking from Lake to the others. "All of you… the way you make me feel is… it's amazing."

"It's nothing close to what you deserve, baby," Cole says, leaning in to rub his cheek against mine, marking me with his scent. "But we've got the rest of our lives to work on that."

"Speaking of which, I think it's about time we head home," Damien rumbles, his voice pitched low enough that only I can hear. "We've shared you with these vultures long enough."

A thrill runs through me at his possessive tone. "But what about networking?" I ask innocently, batting my lashes. "There are still so many people here..."

Lake growls softly, leaning in to nip at my earlobe. "The only networking I'm interested in right now involves you, naked, in our bed."

Heat floods my cheeks, and I have to stifle a whimper. "Well, when you put it like that..."

Cole chuckles, the sound sending pleasant vibrations through my body where he's pressed against my back. "That's our good girl," he purrs. "Always so eager to please."

We say our goodbyes, Lake graciously thanking everyone for coming while the others hover impatiently. I can feel the tension thrumming between us, the promise of what's to come making my skin tingle.

As we step out into the cool night air, I'm struck by a wave of gratitude so intense it nearly takes my breath away. This is everything I've ever wanted—to be loved, cherished, protected.

To have a family, a pack of my own.

Damien opens the car door, his touch lingering as he helps me inside. The others pile in around me, a tangle of limbs and heated gazes.

"Take us home," Damien instructs the driver, his voice rough with barely contained desire before he puts up the partition.

As the car pulls away from the curb, I close my eyes and lean back, savoring the feeling of being surrounded by my alphas. My mates. My family.

The air in the car crackles with tension, thick enough to cut with a knife. I can feel the alphas' eyes on me, their hunger palpable. My skin prickles with awareness, every nerve ending singing with anticipation.

Damien's hand finds my knee, his touch searing through the thin fabric of my dress. "You were incredible tonight," he murmurs, voice low and rough. "So poised, so perfect."

I flush at his praise, warmth blooming in my chest. "I just wanted to make you proud," I whisper.

"Oh, baby girl," Lake breathes, nuzzling into my neck. "You always make us proud."

His lips brush against my pulse point, and I can't help the soft gasp that escapes me. Cole's hand slips into my hair, freeing it from my updo until it splays around my shoulders.

"I think our omega deserves a reward," he growls. "Don't you agree?"

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