Page 65 of Knot the One They Want

The doctor's words hit like a punch to the gut, knocking the wind from my lungs. I stagger back a step, the weight of his condemnation crushing me.

He's right. Of course he's right.

We don't deserve Evie.

We never did. Not with the way we've treated her, the way we've failed her at every turn.

But the thought of her being given to another pack, of losing her forever... It's intolerable. I feel sick, like someone has broken through my rib cage, reached in, and torn out my heart. I can't breathe, can't think beyond the blinding panic that consumes me.

No. Please, no. Not that. Anything but that.

I open my mouth, desperate to plead our case, to beg for another chance, but the words lodge in my throat, choking me. What can I possibly say? How can I justify the unforgivable?

The doctor's voice cuts through the haze of despair. "I have a responsibility to report this case to the Council, for Evie's well-being. But ultimately, the decision lies with her. She's the one who will decide how things proceed from here."

Our fate rests in her hands now. The hands we've so carelessly pushed away, time and time again.

Lake's voice is a hoarse whisper, barely audible over the pounding of my own heart. "Can we see her? Please?"

The doctor shakes his head, his expression softening slightly. "Not yet. She needs to rest overnight. But you're welcome to stay the night, if you wish. There's a room for visitors down the hall."

Of course I'm going to stay. I can't leave her. Can't abandon her ever again. Even if she doesn't want us here, even if she never forgives us... I have to be here. Have to show her I'm not going anywhere.

Not this time.

I glance at the others, seeing my own resolve reflected in their eyes. Even Damien, usually so aloof and untouchable, looks shaken. Lost. For once, he doesn't argue. Doesn't try to assert his authority or make a cutting remark.

He simply nods, a silent agreement.

We're staying. All of us.

I lean against the wall, my legs suddenly weak. Exhaustion washes over me, a bone-deep weariness that has nothing to do with the late hour. How did we let it come to this? How did we let our pride, our stubbornness, blind us to what truly matters?

Evie. Our omega. The heart of our pack. And we almost lost her. Almost destroyed the very thing we were made to protect.

I close my eyes as the doctor leaves, letting my head fall back against the cool tile. The events of the night replay in my mind, a horror movie on endless loop. And through it all, the sickening realization that we did this.

That our selfishness, our cruelty, nearly cost Evie her life.

Never again.

The vow echoes in my mind, a solemn oath. If Evie gives us another chance, if by some miracle she chooses to stay with us... I will spend the rest of my life making things right. Cherishing her. Protecting her, the way an alpha should.

The way I should have from the start.

Please, Evie. Please give us one more chance. I promise, we won't waste it. We'll be the alphas you deserve, the pack you need.

Just please, please be okay.

CHAPTER 32

DAMIEN

The rhythmic clack of my Italian leather shoes against the sterile white tiles fills my ears as I pace the empty hospital corridor. A metronome tethering me to the physical moment when my thoughts are hazy and drifting.

My father's text flashes through my mind again. He's on his way. I rake a hand through my hair, frustration simmering under my skin. The last thing I need right now is to deal with his inevitable disapproval.

Heavy footsteps approach and I steel myself, turning to face him. Carl Blackwood rounds the corner, his usually impeccable silver hair slightly disheveled. Worry lines his distinguished face and there are dark circles under his eyes, a testament to the fact that he got out of bed in the middle of the night and rushed straight here.

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