Page 171 of Tangled in Knots

“Exactly. Dad said that at the end, he’d simply put down whoever wasn’t functional enough to continue to work for him. We’re tools for his use,” Jed says. “I couldn’t allow that to happen simply because biology decided to throw a monkey wrench in the plans. I was wrong, Adira.”

“I’m just some omega whose father supposedly fucked over yours,” I remind him as Morris puts the drink in front of me. Glancing at him, Morris picks it up and takes a sip before putting it down again. I can’t help but huff out a laugh, because he did it to break the tension.

“Thanks, Morris. Your shake tax is on your lips.”

He licks his lips slowly, making my lips part as I bite them. “Rude,” I breathe.

“Morris, that’s inappropriate,” Jed says with a smirk. “I’ll hog tie you and spank you if you don’t stop. I’m having a conversation.”

“As long as Kane is giving me his dick after, that’s not the flex you think it is,” Morris says automatically, making me realize that this is an argument they have often.

Jed gazes at him in wonder as he walks to the sink to clean up. Has Morris been acting differently around him? They mentioned to me that he was suicidal after the auctions.

Rock Dresmond has a lot to answer for.

“The bottom line is, I chose them over you, and I’m sorry. It doesn’t change the fact that we fucked you over,” Jed continues. “I don’t know how to get past this, Adira, or if we even can. I let my fear give me tunnel vision, allowing nothing else to matter. As Damon’s scent match, you belonged to us too.”

“Past tense?” I ask, swallowing hard. I should have known this conversation was coming. I’ve avoided them for so long. Things are progressing with Damon, Kane is his insane self, stroking the answering psychopath inside me, and Morris is this quiet beta struggling to gain my trust and forgiveness.

“Did you know about this, Morris?” I ask suddenly.

“Rock’s conversation with Jed?” Morris asks. “I didn’t, but there was this desperation that made me feel as if I couldn’t fuck this up. No matter what, you had to end up on that stage. My instincts are to obey my alphas, we’ve been together for eight years. It’s hard to break through the need to keep them safe.”

“I should have ended it all after your heat, but Rock was blowing up my phone right after, wanting to know what our ETA was. The Kelly brothers were the best I could manage,” Jed says. “Our conversations were quick, because I was paranoid that ourconversations were being overheard somehow. While Rock isn’t very tech savvy, he’s been known to employ people occasionally who are.”

“Paranoia isn’t rational, keeping the communication limited was smart,” Morris grunts. “We don’t know what Rock is capable of. That's why this rental is under another name.”

“The SUV has new plates and registration too,” Jed says. “Rock has been blowing up the Kellys’ phone, insisting that he’ll buy you back if they’re bored of you.”

“That’s not within their agreement,” I mutter. “I wonder what the reasoning is, unless he’s bored and needs someone to torture.”

“Or, someone is bugging him to make a move,” Duncan says, making me jump. “Drink your shake, Adira. Kane let me in as he was coming back.”

“I’m going to take a shower,” Kane says, popping his head in, appearing hot and sweaty. “Hey, little rabbit.”

“Hey,” I say, watching as he leaves.

“Adira,” Duncan says, teasingly.

Making a face, I take a big sip of my drink to show I’m listening.

“Did you find something out?” Jed asks.

“I did,” Duncan says. “Callum and I had to work together on this one, but Cassia was caught on a video in Kansas City with Rock. His head was turned away, however it’s definitely him. I figured out it was Cassia through an age progression application. That’s the first big break I’ve been able to find, and it’s a fucking miracle.”

“Rock doesn’t spend much time in cities, so he won’t be caught on video,” Morris murmurs. “Maybe Cassia insisted that he come to her? I’m beginning to feel she wasn’t on good terms with Jeremiah.”

“She’s going to be a loose end after we take care of Rock,” I say, yawning. “Ugh, I’m so tired.”

“I know,” Duncan says with a wince. “How much studying do you have?”

“Tons. Maybe school is a dumb idea,” I sigh. “My life is a shit show.”

“Don’t say that,” Jed says, surprising me. “Let’s regroup. Take a nap, and then we’ll make flash cards or something.”

“Are these your notes?” Duncan asks, coming around to look over my shoulder.

“Yeah,” I answer. “I’ve read the text, but between his notes and the slides, the teacher says he pulls his questions directly from this.”

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