Page 198 of Tangled in Knots

“So it could possibly be a delusion in Rock’s mind?” I ask. “That’s what my father died for?”

“It’s possible,” Jed grumbles. “What did he say when you saw him?”

“He said Dad’s life should have been his, but because he was born into the wrong family, he had nothing,” I remember. “Fate determined who he was born to, not my father.”

“What if someone is twisting his mind, possibly Cassia?” Jed asks. “I have a bad feeling about her.”

The rest of the drive to the Whalen City Hall is spent quietly as we both digest that. God, what if I lost my father to someone else’s delusions. Mental health is a thief, but it’s even worse when someone else is feeding it.

“I’m coming around to help you out,” Jed grunts. “Your heels make me nervous. They’re insanely high when the pavement is slippery.”

Watching the alpha jump out of the SUV, to come help me out, makes me think about how it should be to be in a pack. Alphas want to cater to their omegas, even though I’m perfectly capable of getting out alone.

Allowing Jed his moment costs me nothing as he helps me out, my hand wrapped around his strong bicep as we stride up the steps of City Hall to walk inside. There are people mingling in the large hall, which is beautiful. There are beautiful crystal chandeliers muting the light, an omega’s dream come true.

A woman with a clipboard smiles at me as she takes me in, and the first thing I realize as I look around is that there are no other men here. That’s the first thing that’ll be singling me out as a newcomer it seems.

“Name please?” the older woman asks. She has dark brown hair pulled back in an updo, her silk lilac dress skimming her curves.

“Adira Firestone,” I say clearly. “Jed is going to be accompanying me tonight.”

I leave no room to be denied, my head held high as I state it. I don’t know any of these people, and Jed will keep me safe, because his sense of justice and instinct will insist on it.

It helps that we’re shedding the layers of guilt and shame over the past months as well. It’s really hard to admit to feeling safe when so much has been shifting under my feet.

Especially with our pasts.

“Our guest of honor,” the woman says, appearing pleased. “My name is Sue, and we’ve all been very excited to meet with you. Let me grab someone to take my place and your coats. Just a second.”

As she walks past me, I realize that she’s an alpha. I don’t have very much experience with alpha females. I don’t know why it always manages to surprise me when they’re fairly common. Jed leans forward squeezing my hand before dropping it to my waist.

“You good?” he asks softly, lips pressed to my ear.

“I’d much rather be doing math homework than this,” I mutter, enjoying the small snort of amusement he gives me.

Sue comes back with two people, one who takes our coats and outer garments, and the other who takes Sue’s place at the door.

“Let’s take a walk,” Sue says, motioning for me to move next to her. “You’ve been stirring up quite an uproar with our packs. Though, sometimes I think they need it.”

“I think throwing people away because you don’t think they’re your problem is wrong,” I say idly. Ignoring the way she stumbles, I continue, “I was merely loud enough to help them see the error of their ways.”

Three women walk toward us with a smile, ignoring Sue’s stricken face. “Hello, you must be Adira. Smart of you to bring your own guard, though no one would be dumb enough to do something here,” the first woman says. “I’m Noreen, and I sent you the invitation to come. I know it was a little abrupt, but the mafia men in our families don’t share well.”

“They figured they’d claim you as one of the boys,” Sue murmurs. “You’re certainly forward spoken.”

“Don’t act like a wilting flower, Sue. Hard truths leave your mouth every second of the day, you should be able to take two or three yourself,” Noreen says sharply. “Now, let’s introduce you to a few people and chat.”

“I’m Rebecca, Adira. I believe you may know my daughter and grandson, Meghan and Benji,” another woman says, making me blink my eyes rapidly.

Their very names make me a little emotional it seems.

“I do,” I say warmly. “Benji is the sweetest baby. Meghan works her behind off between work and him.”

“I know,” Rebecca says with a sad smile. “She wants to do everything herself, which I can understand. She wants to have the knowledge that she rebuilt her life after she parted ways with her pack. Meghan has an overnight job as a private chef starting soon, and is going to let me take him while she’s gone.”

“She deserves all the best in life,” I tell her gently.

“Oh, she told me about the shooter,” Rebecca hisses, eyes wide.

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