Page 99 of Knot the One They Want

I explain the situation, watching as their expressions shift from worry to relief. By the time I finish, Damien's jaw is clenched so tight I fear for his teeth.

"They had no right to barge in here without us present and stress you out," he growls, his eyes flashing. "You're our omega. Under our protection."

I reach out, laying a hand on his arm. "It's fine. They were just doing their job. Making sure I was safe. Besides, I'm a Beaumont. I was raised to be prepared for unexpected company at all moments," I say dryly.

Damien's expression softens slightly at my touch. "Still. They should have contacted us first."

"I think the whole point is so they know omegas are being honest and aren't being forced to lie," Lake says dryly.

Damien blinks. "Guess that makes sense," he mutters.

"Well, it's over now," Asher says, running a hand through his hair. "And everything checked out, right?"

I nod, offering them a reassuring smile. "Yes. Ms. Thompson seemed satisfied that I was well cared for. And that the marks are complete." I touch my neck, realizing I forgot to place my collar back on.

Lake wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close. "Of course you are. We'd never let anything happen to you again, Evie."

The conviction in his voice, mirrored in the eyes of my other alphas, makes my heart swell. This is what I've always wanted—to be cherished, protected, loved.

But as I look at them, I can't help but wonder. Would they have reacted the same way for Daria? Is their protectiveness born out of genuine care for me, or lingering guilt over how they treated me before?

I push the thoughts away, determined not to let them taint this moment. They're here now, all four of them, having dropped everything to rush to my side. That has to count for something.

"I know," I say softly, leaning into Lake's embrace.

"Here," Damien murmurs, taking the collar off the coffee table where I left it. "Let's put this back on."

I gather my hair back and my heart flutters as his fingers brush the column of my throat while he refastens the collar. It feels like it belongs. A reminder that I'm theirs.

Cole clears his throat, a mischievous glint in his eye. "So, since we're all home early... how about we order in some food and have a movie night?"

The tension in the room dissipates, replaced by a warm, comfortable energy. As the alphas debate what to order and which movie to watch, I can't help but smile.

We're finally moving in the right direction.

As we settle onto the couch, me nestled between Asher and Lake with Cole and Damien sprawled at my feet, I let myself relax. The warmth of their bodies, the mingled scents of my alphas, wraps around me like a cocoon.

The movie starts, but I'm barely paying attention. My mind is still whirling from the events of the day, from the Council visit to the way my alphas rushed to my side. It's a lot to process, and I find myself stealing glances at each of them, trying to read their expressions.

Asher catches me looking and quirks an eyebrow, a silent question in his eyes. I shake my head, offering him a small smile. He doesn't look convinced, but he doesn't push, instead pulling me closer against his side.

As the night wears on, I feel the last of the tension seeping out of my body. The steady rhythm of Asher's heartbeat under my ear, the warmth of Lake's hand on my knee, the comforting weight of Cole leaning against my legs... it all serves to ground me, to remind me that I'm safe. I'm home.

Even Damien, usually so aloof, seems more relaxed than I've ever seen him. He's still sprawled on the floor, his head resting against my thigh, and every so often his fingers brush against myankle in an absent, affectionate gesture. I reach down, weaving my fingers through his hair and he purrs in approval.

It's moments like these that make me believe we can make this work. That the bond forming between us is stronger than the mistakes of the past, the lingering ghosts that haunt us.

As the credits roll, I find myself yawning, the events of the day finally catching up with me. Lake notices immediately, ever attuned to my needs.

"Tired, sweetheart?" he murmurs, his lips brushing my temple.

I nod, burrowing deeper into the warmth of my alphas. "Mm. It's been a long day."

"Let's get you to bed then," Asher says, already moving to scoop me into his arms.

I want to protest that I can walk, but the truth is, I love being carried by them. Love the way it makes me feel small and cherished and utterly safe. And I love being surrounded by the four of them in our nest more than anything else.

As Asher carries me upstairs, the others trailing behind, I can't help but marvel at how far we've come. From those first painful weeks to now, where they anticipate my needs before I even voice them.

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