Page 25 of Knot the One They Want

Self-disgust rises like acid in my throat. What the hell is wrong with me? This is Evangeline, not Daria. A spoiled little princess, not my fierce, passionate warrior.

I don't want her.

Ican’t.

She glides closer on her father's arm, her movements fluid and graceful, as if she's floating rather than walking. The fine silk of her gown whispers with each step, a sigh that echoes the awestruck hush of the crowd.

I clench my jaw so hard my teeth ache. She's beautiful. It's a simple, undeniable fact. But her beauty is a weapon, a carefully cultivated illusion designed to ensnare and entrap. I refuse to be just another alpha enchanted by a pretty face and a sweet scent.

And yet, even as I fortify the icy walls around my heart, I can't look away. Evangeline holds her head high, her shoulders back, every inch the poised society omega. But there's a telltale tremor in her hands, a hitch in her breathing.

She's nervous.

Afraid, even.

Good. She should be. She has no idea what she's getting herself into. No clue about the brutal ways of the world she's about to become a part of, the vicious games we all must play.

I almost pity her.

Almost.

CHAPTER 11

EVIE

My heels click against the polished marble floor as I walk beside my father down the long hallway toward the gathering room. The scent of his cigars and expensive cologne, usually comforting, now turns my stomach. I take a deep breath, trying to still the butterflies rioting inside me.

"Remember, Evangeline, the Blackwood pack is a good match for you. I expect you to be on your very best behavior today." His deep voice holds a warning note beneath the reassurance.

I nod demurely, keeping my eyes downcast. "Yes, Father. I'll make you proud."

The words taste bitter on my tongue.

We reach the double doors and I square my shoulders, lifting my chin as the attendant opens them. Sunlight streams through the stained glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of glimmering colors across the guests rising to their feet. The room is a sea of expensive dresses and suits, the mingled scents of perfumes and colognes tickling my nose.

My gaze is drawn immediately to the dais at the front like a compass needle seeking north. Four devastatingly handsomemen kneel there, watching my approach before they rise. My intended mates. My breath catches at the sight of them, something strange fluttering deep in my belly.

Damien is darkly striking in his black tuxedo, power and authority evident in every line of his body. His cobalt eyes pierce me, sending a shiver down my spine. Beside him, Asher looks like a fallen angel in his white suit, golden hair gleaming and a wicked glint in his eyes as they rake over me approvingly.

Cole stands with military precision, broad shoulders straining his navy suit. His expression is stoic but I catch a flash of hunger in his eyes before he shutters it. And then there's Lake, the epitome of a GQ model in his gray three piece suit, a soft smile playing on his full lips . But there's nothing soft about the look in his eyes. A hunger that matches his twin's.

I guess no matter what they think of my personality, at least I know where their alpha brains stand. And not the ones in their heads.

Addie was right about this dress.

And the pack…

They are everything I've ever dreamed of and more. Storybook princes come to life, ready to sweep me off my feet and carry me away from my lackluster life and into happily ever after. My foolish heart beats faster, leaping with tentative hope for a split second.

But reality crashes back down as my father leads me down the aisle, a death march disguised in white lace and pearls. This isn't my fairy tale ending. It's simply a transfer of ownership.

And the collar around my neck makes that perfectly clear.

I can't believe I once thrilled at the prospect of wearing one of these. I always figured it would be a symbol of belonging. A mark proudly placed by alphas who loved me and wanted the whole world to know.

Yeah, right.

I'm the princess locked in the tower, watching the world through a gilded cage. I've spent my life trying to be the perfect daughter, the perfect omega, hoping that if I just played my role well enough, followed all the rules, I would earn my place. That I would finally feel cherished and wanted.

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