Page 57 of Knot the One They Want

But the truth is, I am alone. I've always been alone. Growing up in a house full of vipers, I learned early on that the only person I could truly rely on was myself. Even Lily, my sweet, naive little sister, couldn't be fully trusted. Not when she was so easily swayed by Vivienne's poisonous whispers. Not when there was a chance anything I told her would find its way back to Vivienne to be used against me.

Addison was the first person to truly see me, to love me for who I am, flaws and all. But even she can't save me from this mess I've landed in. No, the only way out is through. I have to be strong, to endure, to survive. It's what I've always done.

I make my way to my room, each step a Herculean effort. The fever is getting worse, my skin alternately burning and freezing. I want nothing more than to crawl into my nest and sleep for a week, but I can't. Not yet.

I let myself lie down, though, under the promise that it's only for a minute. Just enough to rest my eyes.

A knock at the door startles me out of my thoughts when it feels like I've only been lying down for a few minutes, but the dryness in my mouth tells me otherwise. "Miss Evie?" one of the maids calls from the other side of the door. "The guest has arrived."

Trying to ignore the way the room spins around me, I sit up slowly, take a deep breath, and square my shoulders.

Showtime.

CHAPTER 28

LAKE

My mind races with thoughts of Evie and her well-being as I pace in the foyer after getting home from my studio. I've been worried about her lately, noticing how she clearly hasn't been feeling well. Even though I can tell she's trying to hide it, unlike Daria who always complained the second she was mildly inconvenienced by one of the servants.

For all Daria's talk of not being like "spoiled" omegas, I'm starting to thinkshewas the spoiled one.

I suspect it's because Evie is about to go into heat, and that knowledge has been making me even more protective of her than usual, which is saying something. Especially now that Damien has invited another alpha into our home.

The sound of the front door opening catches my attention, and I look up to see Damien walking in. Relief washes over me, knowing I have a chance to talk to him before the others arrive. I've been wanting to discuss Evie's situation with them all, hoping we can come to an agreement on how to handle it.

Damien raises an eyebrow at me as he takes off his outer jacket, hanging it up in the closet. "What are you doing?" he asks, his tone slightly curious.

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. "I was waiting to talk to you," I reply, keeping my voice as even as possible.

Damien turns to face me fully, his expression neutral. "What do you want to talk about?"

I hesitate for a moment, knowing this conversation isn't going to be easy. "I think you should call off the dinner with the investor tonight," I say, bracing myself for his reaction.

As expected, Damien scoffs, crossing his arms over his chest. "And why would I do that?" he asks, his tone bordering on condescending.

I feel my frustration mounting, but I try to keep it in check. "Because Evie clearly hasn't been feeling well, and the maid says she's upstairs taking a nap right now," I explain, hoping he'll see reason.

But Damien just shrugs dismissively, his expression unchanging. "That's hardly a sign of anything. Maybe she's just lazy."

His callous words ignite a spark of anger in my chest, and I can feel my control slipping. I step forward, going toe to toe with him, my eyes narrowing. "You know she's anything but lazy," I snap, my voice rising with each word. "And evenyoucan't be oblivious enough not to have noticed the early signs of her going into heat."

Damien's jaw clenches, and I can see a flicker of recognition in his eyes. He knows exactly what I'm talking about, but instead of acknowledging it, he just scowls and says, "What difference does it make if she is?"

I stare at him in disbelief, my hands curling into fists at my sides, begging to be unleashed on his smug face. "Of course it makes a difference! You've invited some alpha the rest of us don't even know over to the house, while our omega could be going into heat at any moment. It's not only inconsiderate, it's not safe."

Damien rolls his eyes, his expression turning dismissive. "The investor isn't going to harm Evie, or anyone else. And if she was that close to going into heat, it would be obvious."

I can't believe how cavalier he's being about this. "How would you know?" I challenge, my voice growing louder with each word. "You've gone from being hostile to avoiding her completely!"

My words clearly strike a nerve, and Damien takes a step closer, his eyes flashing with anger. "Is this really about your concern for Evie's benefit?" he sneers, his tone dripping with disdain. "Or are you just so weak-willed that you plan on caving the moment another omega is in heat?"

Red hot fury surges through me, and before I can stop myself, I'm shoving him. Hard. Damien stumbles back, his eyes widening in shock. It's completely out of character for me, the usually gentle and even-tempered alpha of the pack, to resort to physical aggression. But his cruel words, his utter lack of concern for Evie's well-being, have pushed me past my breaking point.

"What the hell is going on here?" Asher's voice cuts through the tension, and I turn to see him standing in the doorway, his expression a mix of concern and confusion.

I take a deep breath, trying to rein in my anger. "Evie isn't feeling well, and Damien has some strange investor coming over for dinner like nothing is happening," I explain, my tone clipped and frustrated.

Asher frowns, his gaze darting between Damien and me. He doesn't say anything, but I can tell from his expression that he doesn't agree with Damien's decision either. "I forgot that was tonight," he admits, running a hand through his hair.

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