Page 31 of The Knot Before Christmas

“Don’t fucking touch her, Nick. I swear to God.”

“What are you? Pussy-whipped now?” Nick growls. “Gonna turn your back on me over some Omega pussy?”

“She’s my Omega, Nick.OurOmega. I won’t let you fucking harm her. I don’t care if you're my brother. She’s mine. And I will kill anyone who tries to hurt her. Don’t make me keep my word.”

Something inside my cold, locked up heart swells. Damn it. No one’s ever stuck up for me like that. It’s not helping in my case of hating these Alphas.

I’d be lying to myself if I couldn’t admit that Ian’s different. At first, I thought it might just be an act to fuck with me and get me into bed, but he’s actually sticking up for me to his brother. Someone he's known his whole life over someone he’s known a little over forty-eight-hours.

“Keep a fucking leash on your Omega, Ian, or I’ll keep her locked up like the bitch she is.”

“Woof.” I grin. Ian groans as Nick’s eyes snap over to me.

I have no idea what's gotten into me. This is not like me at all. Maybe it’s the hormones coursing through me with my upcoming heat, maybe it’s me just not giving a fuck anymore. Nick was right. I have nothing.

No mom. No boyfriend. No home, job, or people who would miss me. Sure, I have my best friend, but she has her own life. I’d never think to burden her with my problems.

I have nothing to lose and it seems like that's made me far bolder than I should be. Or maybe I’m just over Alphas thinking they can disrespect me.

Dish it out, Nick, I’ll just hit you back tenfold.

“Come on. Go cool off.” Will pulls him back.

“You better fucking watch yourself, Omega,” Nick snaps before turning around and pushing out the side door.

Ian sighs heavily, turning to look at me. “Really, Nova? Why? Why did you have to pick at him like that?”

“Me?” I narrow my eyes. “He’s the fucking asshole. He has no respect for me at all. He kidnapped me!”

“Yes, we kidnapped you. Can we move past that?” Will asks.

“Ah, no,” I shout back, eyes wild. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

“We made a mistake. We should never have taken you. We were wrong. But there’s nothing we can do about that now. We’re stuck up here until the snow stops. And that's not going to be any time soon. If we want to make it out of here alive, can we just learn to get along?” Ian pleads, making me I feel bad.Why do I feel bad?I have no reason to.

“Fine,” I mutter. “As long as he stays away from me, and doesn’t speak to me, I won't talk back. But, if he does, don’t blame me for retaliating.”

“You’re acting like a child, Nova,” Ian mutters.

My brows jump. “Watch your mouth, Alpha, if you ever want that cock of yours anywhere near me again.” I cross my arms and Ian shuts up, snapping his mouth closed.

I want to grin in satisfaction, because fucking hell, I could get used to an Alpha doing what he’s told. Maybe Ian isn’t so bad after all. He’s growing on me.

I wonder if he would be willing to leave his pack for me once we get out of here. Would beat being alone, that’s for sure.

“If you need me, I’m going to go get some wood for the fireplace,” Will interrupts. “They have some left in the shed a little further back on the property. I saw it as I scoped the place out when we first got here.”

“Can I come?” I perk up.

Will’s brows furrow. “To get wood?”

“Yeah, why not? I could use some fresh air. Been locked up for two days now.”

“You act like that’s a long time.” Ian laughs.

“It is for me.” I look over at him. “I’m used to being up at six in the morning everyday and on my feet all day at work before coming home late to sleep and repeat the same thing again the next day. All for my ex to piss away the money I earned,” I mutter with resentment.

I hope he and my mother are happy together.Dick.

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