Page 52 of Knot the One They Want

A laugh bubbles up my throat, edged with hysteria. It's ridiculous. Insane. I should be furious, should be storming downstairs to put that infuriating omega in her place.

But as I stare at the unrecognizable disaster that was once my office, I can't help the grudging flicker of respect that kindles in my chest. Evie is a force to be reckoned with, I can admit that.

And fuck me sideways, but if I didn't hate her so goddamn much, I might actually be impressed.

CHAPTER 25

ASHER

Istep through the front door, my mind still reeling from the meeting with my agent. She thinks it's time for me to go on another tour, to get back out there and reconnect with my fans.

And she's right. I know she is.

It's been too long since I've performed live at a major arena on an international tour, too long since I've felt the rush of the stage, the energy of the crowd.

But for once, my hesitation isn't about a lack of motivation. The music has been flowing more freely than it ever has, melodies and lyrics pouring out of me like a dam has burst.

No, my reluctance is all abouther.

Evie fucking Beaumont. The omega who's turned our lives upside down, who's wormed her way under my skin and into my thoughts until I can't escape her no matter how hard I try.

I tell myself I just need to make sure Damien doesn't go too far, that someone needs to keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't cross any lines in his quest to make Evie's life a living hell. But the truth is, I'm just as affected by the incomplete mating bond as the rest of them.

Maybe even more so.

She's all I can think about, her scent, her smile, the fire in her eyes when she stands up to Damien. I find myself watching her when she's not looking, studying the graceful lines of her body, the way her hair gleams like spun gold in the sunlight.

And I hate myself for it. Hate that she's replaced Daria in my thoughts, that my obsession with her is already stronger than it ever was for the omega who broke my heart.

What does that say about me?

That I'm fickle? Shallow?

Or maybe it just means that Evie is special. That she's the one I was meant to find all along. Maybe that's why I can't get her honeyed scent out of my head. Why that scent plays like a constant melody in the background of whatever I'm doing.

I shake my head, trying to dislodge the dangerous thought. It doesn't matter what I feel. Damien has made it clear that Evie is off-limits, that we're not to touch her no matter how much our instincts scream at us to claim what's ours.

But as I step into the foyer, all thoughts of Damien and his orders fly out of my head. I blink, wondering if I've somehow wandered into the wrong house.

Everything is different. The dark, oppressive modern furniture that made the place feel like a mausoleum has been replaced with warm, inviting pieces in rich shades of cream and gold. The heavy drapes have been swapped out for gauzy curtains that let in the sunlight, and the bare walls now hold tasteful artwork and mirrors.

It's like stepping into a different world.

One that's been transformed by a gentle touch.

"What the hell?" I mutter, turning in a slow circle to take it all in.

Lake emerges from the hallway, a knowing smirk on his face. "Oh, you're back."

I shoot him a bewildered look. "What happened? Did we get robbed by a gang of interior designers?"

He snorts, shaking his head. "Evie redecorated."

"Yeah, no shit." I run a hand through my hair, still trying to process the sudden change. "When did she have time to do all this between us leaving for work and now?"

Lake shrugs, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Beats me. Cole's not home yet, and Damien is holed up in his office. Which I'm guessing looks pretty different now too, considering the bite behind the 'fuck you' he yelled at me through the door."

A sudden sense of dread washes over me, and I bolt for the stairs. If she redid the common areas, there's no way she left our bedrooms untouched.

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