Page 141 of Tangled in Knots

“May I have my driver pick you up at the school?” Cian asks.

“That would be Evan,” Caelin says. “He’s also part of my pack.”

“Since I’m sure I won’t be able to get there by bus, then that’ll be fine,” I agree.

“For the record, I despise Rock Dresmond,”Cian growls. “Auctions are part of a delusion that people can be forced into slavery simply because they’re a certain designation. I hate the practice.”

“I was told about someone who is involved in the auctions, but I don’t know her name,” I sigh. “She’s in a woman’s organization. Aisling and Morris were telling me about it.”

“The Dresmond’s beta,” Cian says, disapprovingly. He reminds me of a growly parent, one who protects his kid at all costs. Aisling is really lucky to have him. “Yes, the organization goes by ROWS, and their propaganda spews that omegas arevulnerable and need a firm hand. Anyone who is different from what they think is appropriate isn’t safe from them. I suggest staying away from them.”

“Aisling told me they were at the charity event for Omega’s Haven, which is why I know about them at all,” I tell him. “I was keeping her company at the event.”

“My daughter told me the event was a success in spite of this, but next time she needs to ensure they won’t be able to get access,” Cian says. “I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Caelin, please give her Evan’s phone number so she knows it’s him. Safety in all things is important.”

“Yes, Sir,” he says. “Good night, Sir.”

Cian disconnects the call, and Caelin and I both sigh in relief.

“He’s a really good alpha, but he’s still very scary,” Caelin says with a small chuckle. “I know you don’t think you deserve the money, but I want to dig some more. Working and going to school full time isn’t easy.”

“No, but people do it all the time,” I remind him. “I’m not special.”

“I have a feeling Cian is going to ask you to be part of Pack Dresmond’s negotiations to enter our community,” Caelin explains. “Pack Rock‘s days are numbered, and they don’t know it yet. If you agree to help, your time will be even more limited.”

Rock Dresmond would be egotistical enough to name his pack after himself.

“Ugh,” I groan. “I don’t wanna. This is awful. Why did I say yes again?”

“Because the idiots need your help?” Caelin asks.

“They are idiots,” I grumble. “I have to go back to work.”

“I didn’t mean to pop your bubble, Adira. I know my boss well, and I can practically hear the wheels turning in his mind,” he says. “Please let me help?”

“Why do you want to help me?” I ask, shifting gears.

“Listening to you, I can tell that Rock scares you. There’s probably a lot to that story, but you don’t owe me anything,” he says. “It’s admirable that you’re working so hard to make your life your own. However, there’s something about Rock’s sons that’s pulling you toward them, right?”

“Damon is my scent match,” I say. “We’re bonded, and I may have bit the pack’s beta in a moment of insanity.”

“Lots of story there,” he mutters. “Don’t burn yourself out. Once you hit that level of exhaustion, it’s very difficult to pull yourself back out. Please accept help. Money doesn’t fix everything, but it’ll help a lot.”

“You’re trying to get me to fire one of my best employees, aren’t you,” Caleb asks, leaning against the door. This isn’t the first time I’ve thought my boss needs a damn bell. “You’re burning the wick at both ends, Adira. Whatever he’s offering, there’s no strings attached. That’s not how he operates.”

“It’s not,” Caelin agrees. “It feels wrong that you’re working so damn hard. You’re Jeremiah Firestone’s daughter, the money should be yours, despite whether or not you had a hand in making it.”

“I was a caged omega,” I mutter. “Feels pretty lazy to me.”

“A cage is a cage no matter how pretty it is,” Caelin says. “I argue well, and I enjoy winning. Please, continue, Adira.”

“I can’t, I have to go back to work,” I pout, hopping off the desk. “If it’s not completely out of your way, I would like to know about my aunt and why Dad put everything in her name. A part of me wonders if he knew he was going to die when he did this.”

“You almost sounded like a normal omega girl with the first part,” Caleb says. “Your life is way too heavy for a twenty-two year old.”

“I sound like an old lady,” I sigh. “I feel like it too.”

Brushing past Caleb, I get back to work.

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