Page 127 of Knot a Good Idea

My mind spins as I watch Aprilhyperventilate.

She’s having a panic attack, and Hunter pushes her into my arms.

“Get her out of here, Liam,” Hunter snarls. “Now.”

“It’s fine,” April gasps, shaking her head. “I’m fine.”

What thehellis going on?

“I didn’t offend you, did I?” Clay looks at April and chuckles. “Sorry. I know it’s only meant to mimic an Omega’s pheromones, right? And you’re the real thing, so there’s no competition?—”

Donovan storms over and grabs Clay by the collar of his jacket and slams him against the wall. Tables rattle and food and drinks fall to the floor.

“Get the fuck out of my house,now,” he growls, as guests look on in shock.

I pull April away from the chaos, her hand clammy as she clings to me.

Donovan has never lost it like that on someone.

And I still don’t know exactly what’s going on.

We’ve been offered drugs before. It’s not like this would be the first time it’s happened, and we’ve always declined. ButO?

I briefly remember hearing about it once, months ago.

It’s a substance that is supposed to mimic an Omega’s Heat.

And there was something about a trafficking ring…

I pull April out a side door and lead her into the greenhouse, deep in the backyard and away from the party.

Something is very, very wrong.

“Sweetheart.Sweetheart,” I whisper. April buries herself in my arms, crying quietly into my chest, and I want to weep myself.

I hold her close, kiss her hair, and let her sob.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” I continue, completely confused. “He’s gone, now. You’re safe. No one is going to hurt you.”

Fuck Clay to hell and back.

April won’t stop shaking, so I keep my arms around her and rock us gently, purring as strongly as I can.

The sun sets when her tears finally subside. She sniffles into my shirt, and when she pulls away from my chest, my heart breaks.

Makeup and tears stain her cheeks, and her eyes are red rimmed and hollow.

She looks haunted.

“He was right,” she whispers, staring at my chest. “He did recognize me from television.”

I’m at a loss for words.

“Remember when I said there’s things you don’t know about me?” she continues.

I nod. “I do.”

She chuckles humorlessly, a tear rolling down her cheek. “I was kidnapped and used to makeO,” she mumbles, so softly I almost can’t hear. “I was missing for months.”

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