Page 98 of Knot the One They Want

"I see. Would you mind if I took a look? Just to confirm they've healed properly."

Swallowing hard, I reach up to unclasp the collar. It's still unlocked, since I've had to take it on and off so much lately. It's funny how it once felt like shackles, but now… It feels wrong, taking it off in front of a stranger. Like I'm baring a part of myself that should be private. But I know refusing will only raise more suspicions.

As the collar falls away, I tilt my head, exposing the four distinct bite marks on my neck. The beta leans forward, her eyes narrowing as she examines them.

"Hmm," she murmurs, scribbling something on her clipboard. "They do seem to have healed nicely. I'm glad the situation has been rectified."

And not a moment too soon.

Relief washes over me, but it's short-lived. Diana sits back, her expression turning businesslike once more. "Now then, I'd like to take a look around, if you don't mind. Just to ensure you have sufficient lodgings."

I nod, rising to my feet. "Of course. I'd be happy to give you a tour."

As we move through the house, I find myself babbling nervously to keep her distracted, pointing out every amenity and comfort the alphas have provided. Diana makes noncommittal noises, jotting notes on her clipboard as we go.

When we reach the bedroom, I hesitate for a moment before pushing open the door. Our nest feels sacred, private. The thought of a stranger examining it makes my skin crawl. But I know refusing would only raise more red flags.

Glad it's not still in the state it was during my heat.

To my surprise, the beta's eyebrows rise, a flicker of approval crossing her face. "My, this is quite impressive," she says, taking in the plush bedding and carefully arranged pillows. "You seem to be very comfortably set up here, Ms. Blackwood."

I allow myself a small, genuine smile. "Yes, I am. My alphas have been very attentive to my needs."

We're heading back downstairs when I hear the front door burst open. Asher's voice, tight with worry, echoes through the foyer. "Evie? Evie, are you alright?"

I hurry down the stairs, the beta close on my heels. Asher stands in the entryway, his hair disheveled and his tie askew. He must have rushed here the moment he got my text.

"I'm fine," I assure him, moving to his side. "Everything's okay. This is Ms. Diana..." I trail off, realizing I never got the beta's last name.

"Ms. Thompson," she supplies, extending her hand to Asher. "From the Council's Omega Welfare Division."

Asher shakes her hand, his posture relaxing slightly. "I see." He looks from me to the beta, his expression carefully schooled into neutrality. “And is everything... satisfactory?”

Ms. Thompson nods, a small smile playing at her lips. "Yes, it would seem so. Ms. Blackwood appears to be very well cared for. Of course, there is the possibility the Council will ask me toconduct a random follow up, just to be sure. But I expect that won't be a problem."

"No," Asher says, looking guilty. "Of course not."

She turns to me, fishing a card from her pocket. "Here's my contact information, should you ever need anything. Don't hesitate to reach out."

I take the card, murmuring my thanks as Asher shows her out. The moment the door closes behind her, I sag against him, the tension draining from my body.

"What happened?" Asher asks, his arms wrapping around me. "Are you sure you're okay?"

I nod against his chest, breathing in his comforting scent. "I'm fine. The doctor at the hospital must have reported my case to the Council. She just came to check things out."

Asher's arms tighten around me. "Fuck. I can't say I blame them for checking, but still..."

"I know," I sigh. "I just hope that's the end of it."

Before Asher can respond, the door flies open again. Cole and Lake burst in, looking just as frazzled as Asher had. Close on their heels is Damien, his usual composure nowhere to be seen.

"Evie!" Lake exclaims, his eyes wide with concern. "What's going on? Are you alright?"

I pull away from Asher, touched by their concern. The fact that they all dropped everything and rushed home for me... it warms something deep inside. I assumed they would just send Asher.

"I'm fine," I assure them, moving to kiss each of them in turn. "It was just a routine check from the Council. Everything's okay."

Cole's brow furrows. "The Council? What the fuck did they want?"

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