Page 123 of Tangled in Knots

“Then, yes. I’d like to know if she’s worth meeting. I’m doing this thing where I’m trying to protect my peace,” I say.

“You can still protect your peace and orgasm, I see,” Callum teases me.

“Oh, absolutely,” I snark, opening the car door. I still have my knife tightly held in my hand. I’ll need to pack it in my backpack from now on. “Good night, boys.”

Slipping out of the vehicle, I close the door and walk toward the alley.

“I hear you had an eventful evening,” a deep voice says, stepping out in front of me.

Gasping, I look wide eyed at Jed, swallowing hard. “I went out with friends, which is none of your business,” I breathe, looking over my shoulder.

The brothers are still in the car, and I relax slightly, knowing they’re watching.

“What’s the deal with them? They’re awfully cuddly,” Jed mutters.

“They’re doing the job you gave them,” I tell him. “It’s too bad for you if you don’t like it.”

My fingers dig into the handle of my new knife to ground myself, because I’m not doing so well at the moment. I can pretend to be a badass and not care, but when I casually run into them? I’m not. I’m a failure to all omegas everywhere and I’m weak.

I don’t know what to do with all the conflicting emotions of fear and anxiety inside of me. A part of me wonders if he’s stilldoing his father’s bidding. Is he going to take me back? All I know is that I can’t trust him.

I can’t…

“Hey,” Jed barks. “Focus, omega. Your eyes are starting to roll back. I don’t know what kind of thoughts you’re having, but you’re safe. Do you hear me?”

“I’m not safe with you,” I wheeze. Fuck a duck, I’m not breathing. “Don’t take me back to him.”

“No, fuck. Adira, I just wanted to see you. I didn’t think…”

“It’s obvious to me that you don’t do much of that,” Duncan says, his heavy hands on my shoulders. I didn’t realize they left the truck. “Come on, Short Stuff. Take one big breath for me.”

Gasping, I shudder as tears begin to fall from extreme stress. The air smells like burned cookies and despair.

“Fair enough,” Jed mutters, taking a small step toward me before dropping to his knees. “I’m going to make myself as small as possible for you, baby. Listen to my words, yeah?”

“Yeah,” I whisper, leaning against Duncan’s chest. Callum stands next to me, arms crossed as he glares down at Jed.

It occurs to me that this is a vulnerable position for an alpha, but he dropped to his knees for me anyway.

“I’m going to kill Rock Dresmond,” Jed says. “I’m no longer my father’s well trained dog. I am done taking orders from him. I’ve gathered enough support in Missouri that when I make my move for leadership, no one living will deny my right to it. If it’ll help your fear, I’ll loop you in. You will never ever be sold at auction again.”

“You’re shaking so hard,” Duncan grunts. “Keep breathing. After this, you’re going to get your shit and come home with us.”

“Why?” Jed asks, eyes wide.

“Nightmares,” Callum mutters. “She won’t tell us if she’s having them or not, but after this…”

“Memories will be too close,” Duncan says.

“Loop me into what?” I rasp. My fingers grip Duncan’s pant leg just for something to hold onto, and he begins to rub my shoulders.

“I’ve been having meetings in Missouri for a couple of weeks, but now that my business is complete there, I’ll be doing the same in Minnesota,” Jed says. “The families don’t really like me here, though.”

“Because you’re insane and difficult to work with,” Duncan mutters. “You have your work cut out for you here.”

“I networked a bit at the fight, but I think you’re right,” Jed grumbles. “I can’t move on my father unless I’m able to get support here.”

“Should I help him, Short Stuff?” Duncan asks, sighing. “Fuck, I guess I have to for your sake.”

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