Page 165 of Tangled in Knots

“Being that this is a meeting to throw this girl to the wolves, I figured she should be here for the conversation,” Cian says with a smirk. “I’d like to introduce you to Adira Firestone.”

Taking a breath, I raise my face, letting my hair slide away from me. I also let my coat open a bit, so that my sling is in full view.

“Fucking hell,” Corbin curses. “What happened to you, girl?”

“That’s an interesting story. A group of men I didn’t know and have no reason to, decided I would make an easy mark for the omega auctions,” I announce, my gaze moving over men in front of me.

“Please take a really long look at me, because I could be any one of your daughters, sisters, or partners. I was minding my own business, walking home from work. This wasn’t some pack from out of town, this was a group of betas contracted to go from city to city to pick up ‘inventory’ for the auctions.”

“We don’t deal in the skin trade,” an alpha yells out, wincing as Cian growls under his breath at him.

“You don’t have to for it to still affect you,” I remind him. “I’ve been sold once before at auction, and I promise you it will never happen to me again. I killed two of the men who did this to me, while the other ran away. I was a little busy trying to not pass out from a concussion, so I let him go.”

“You’re so tiny, were these men leprechauns?” Corbin asks.

I can’t help it, I giggle, leaning forward as the slightly hysterical sound comes out.

“No, Sir. I’ve been training with the Kelly boys and Damon Dresmond,” I explain. “The only reason I was able to kill my attackers is because they taught me how to fight with my non-dominant hand.”

“You’re the girl my sons bought,” someone says with a scowl. “I’m Rory Kelly, Callum and Duncan’s father. I don’t understand why my sons are involved with you.”

“Sometimes, you can be soulmates with people who you have no sexual connection to,” I tell him slowly. “Your sons immediately claimed me after buying me and seeing what happened to me. Reliving my trauma isn’t on my bingo board tonight, Sir. However, I will say that I think you should be very proud of them. Callum and Duncan are the glue that holds me together some days.”

“Yet there’s no bond or scent match?” Rory asks, confused.

“Not even a twinge,” I deny. “There is no rush for them to find an omega. They’re grown alphas, they’ll figure it out. Stop meddling and ignoring them. I would give anything to be able to speak to my father again. Life is too short to hold grudges this asinine.”

Done dressing down a man much older than I am, I look around the room. “Here’s the deal, gentlemen,” I say. “I understand things have been quiet in Minnesota, but throwing the Dresmond boys to Rock isn’t going to solve anything. The power struggle will spill over here in some way. Doing this isn’t going to protect your families. If you need reassurances that Jed isn’t on the hunt to take away your businesses or livelihood, I can give it to you.”

“How?” Corbin asks. He’s doing it more in a leading way, than to argue. I appreciate the effort, and I take a breath.

“I hold Jed’s leash, and he wants to take over his father’s empire by restructuring it. Please remember that Rock has ruled over his sons with an iron fist. They followed his wishes in an effort to keep each other safe. Family is everything to Jed, Damon, and Kane,” I say. Realizing the next part is so true it physically hurts, I swallow hard.

“They sold me on their father’s orders to protect each other, because his punishments are so cruel. I’m standing here because of a plan they devised with your sons, Rory, to get me free.”

I don’t have to forgive it, but I can understand it. Their bond as brothers is everything, and Morris fits into that as part of their pack.

The men before me huff, and Cecil slams his cane on the ground. “I do believe it’s impolite to interrupt, gentlemen. Let’s not forget our manners,” he growls.

“I’ve been called a mafia princess, and while I don’t completely understand it, I can see as I look around me that women are kept out of your discussions,” I say. “No, you know it’s true, so hush.”

“You hush!” Rory roars, standing, his alpha bark rolls right off me.

“With all due respect, absolutely not,” I state. “You can’t control me, no one can.”

Blinking at me, Rory drops back into his seat, stunned.

“Peace is something I haven’t felt in months,” I tell them, motioning to my face. “I’m penniless because Rock has stolen or blown up everything I own. Damon Dresmond is my scent match and bond, and there’s no reality in this world where I’m going to allow you all to get him killed. We are tied closely enough that it will be signing my death warrant. I’m twenty-two years old, I haven’t done nearly enough living for that.”

“What exactly are you proposing, Adira?” a man sitting near Corbin says. At my raised brow, he sighs. “I’m Patrick Ryan, girl.”

“Thank you,” I murmur. “I don’t know everyone, but I’m willing to learn. I live in Minneapolis, go to school here, and work at a bar called Finnegan’s?—”

“You know my son, Caleb,” a large, burly man grunts. “I’m his father, Theo. My younger son, Lars, isn't as connected to our world, preferring a quieter life. I can respect it.”

“Lars and Caleb are amazing men,” I say with praise. “They’re a little grumpy, but I’m used to it.”

Theo’s lips twitch, and he inclines his head toward me. “It seems you’re making a life for yourself in our city, girl. Is that what you’re trying to say?” he asks.

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