Page 12 of Knot the One They Want

The realization settles over me like a lead weight, crushing and suffocating. I'm trapped. Trapped by duty, by destiny, by the very blood that runs through my veins.

And Evangeline… she is the key to it all.

The key to my future, to my birthright.

My fated mate.

But she's also the embodiment of everything I despise. Everything that's been forced on me from day one. I've lived my entire life trying to prove I'm more than just my family name. That my choices and actions are my own, and they matter. And here she comes along, threatening to turn it all into a joke. A mockery.

I want to roar, to rage, to tear this whole damn house down brick by brick. But I can't. I'm a Blackwood, and Blackwoods don't show weakness. We don't bend, we don't break.

Even when our hearts are shattered beyond repair.

I turn away from my father, my jaw clenched so tight I can feel my teeth grinding. Losing control now would only prove him right. Prove that I'm not fit to lead.

"The matter is settled, then." His voice is calm now, almost conciliatory. As if he hasn't just ripped the ground out from under me. "Take some time, all of you. Get to know Evie in private. You may find she's not as objectionable as you think."

A harsh laugh rips from my throat, grating and mirthless. "Don't bother." I face him again. "You've clearly already made the decision. So why don't you just make the proposal yourself? Let us know when to show up for the mating ceremony."

His eyes flash, a warning. "Don't tempt me, Damien."

For a moment, we're locked in another silent battle of wills. I'm one stray word away from throwing it all away. Mybirthright, my goals, everything I've fought for my whole life, even if it's all standing in the way of what I truly want.

In the end, I break eye contact first, a bitter taste in my mouth. I can't do that to my pack. It's not just me I'm speaking for. If I turn my back on the Blackwood empire now, they'll pay the price. The ripple effects won't end with me.

But I'm not giving up. Not by a long shot.

Without another word, I stalk out of the room, slamming the door behind me with enough force to rattle the frames on the walls. My feet carry me back to the music room, back to the only people in this world I trust.

They look up as I enter, their expressions ranging from curious to concerned. Asher is the first to speak, his fingers stilling on the piano keys. "What happened?"

I lean against the wall, crossing my arms over my chest as if I can physically hold myself together. "Change of plans. We're not going to scare her off from the mating ceremony."

Lake sits up straighter, his brow furrowed. "We're not?"

"No." My voice is flat, emotionless. "We're going to make her life hell until she rejects us and leaves on her own."

Silence descends, heavy and oppressive. I can feel their eyes on me, searching, probing. Trying to gauge just how serious I am. It's Cole who finally breaks the tension, his voice a low rumble. "You want to drive her away."

It's not a question, but I nod anyway. "I want her to hate us. To regret ever setting foot in this house. We'll see if our families ever try pushing another omega on us again when this one goes running for the hills after it's official."

Asher's lips quirk, a glimmer of his usual mischief. "Well, that shouldn't be too hard. We're a pretty hateable bunch these days."

I don't smile. I can't. This isn't what I wanted. Isn't how I saw my life playing out. But then, when has anything ever gone according to plan?

Lake's voice is pained. Sharper than I've ever heard it. "She's our scent match, Damien. Our omega."

Those words are a punch in the gut. "Am I the only one in this pack who still believes in the promise we made the day Daria left?" I snarl. Even when he flinches, I don't regret the harshness of my words. "That wewouldget her back, no matter the cost. No matter how long it took."

None of the others says a word. But their silence speaks volumes.

They know I'm right.

"We don't have a choice," I say, straightening my tie. Forcing myself to calm down. "Scent match or no, Evangeline isn't our mate. She can't be."

Asher's fingers dance over the keys once more, a dark and twisted melody that sends shivers down my spine. It's a promise and a threat all in one. "I suppose it's settled, then."

Cole pushes off the wall, his steps purposeful as he crosses to the liquor cabinet. He pours four glasses of whiskey, the amber liquid sloshing against the cut crystal. When he hands me mine, his eyes are hard and determined.

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