Page 100 of Knot Happening Again

I push the thought away, focusing on the present. On Ophelia's smile, on the way Mace's eyes crinkle at the cornerswhen he laughs, on Troy's smartass humor, on Maddox's quiet presence, steady and reassuring.

I want to believe this is how it could be forever. So simple, so right. But deep down, I know it isn't complete without Leon. I just don't know if Ophelia is ever going to be able to forgive him.

And I don't know if I can, either.

CHAPTER 29

OPHELIA

The scent of bacon and coffee wafts through the air, pulling me from my slumber. I blink, disoriented for a moment before remembering where I am. The pack's nest. Their home.

My home? No. I can't let myself think that way.

I stretch, relishing the lack of fever and ache that's plagued me for days. Last night was a blur, but my heat's finally over, leaving me feeling better than I have in years. But as the fog of pheromones lifts from my mind, reality comes crashing back.

Leon. The pack. The life I've been living.

The door creaks open, and Mace's bulk fills the frame. He's carrying a tray laden with food, a soft smile on his usually gruff face.

"Morning, little omega. Thought you might be hungry."

My stomach growls in response, and I can't help but laugh. "Starving, actually. Thank you, Mace."

He sets the tray on the bedside table, and soon the others file in. Rhys perches on the edge of the bed, while Troy and Maddox sprawl on the floor. It feels so... normal. Domestic. Everything I've told myself I can't have.

We eat in comfortable silence for a while before Rhys speaks up. "So, what's everyone got planned for today?"

The conversation flows easily between them. Work. Errands. Plans for the weekend. I listen, picking at my food, aware that I don't fit into this picture. Not really.

"What about you, Ophelia?" Rhys asks, his green eyes warm.

I swallow the piece of toast I stuffed into my mouth to buy myself more time, since I knew this question was coming. "I should probably head back to my apartment. Now that my heat's over, I mean."

The silence that falls is deafening. They exchange glances, a wordless conversation passing between them. My heart rate picks up. Did I say something wrong?

Mace clears his throat. "Actually, sweetheart, there's something we wanted to talk to you about."

I brace myself, unsure what to expect.

"We've all talked," he continues, "and... well, we want you to move in."

I blink, certain I've misheard. "What?"

"We don't want you going back to that apartment," Troy adds, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "Or the Scent Bar."

"You belong here," Maddox chimes in. "With us. Where we can take care of you."

"Heat or no heat," Rhys finishes, reaching out to take my hand.

I stare at them, my cheeks burning. It's everything I've ever wanted, everything I've told myself I can't have. But...

"What about Leon?" The words slip out before I can stop them.

Rhys's expression grows serious. He squeezes my hand. "Leon wants to talk, if and when you're ready. We've all agreed he should stay elsewhere for the time being. But regardless ofwhat happens there, your place is here, in the pack. As our omega."

"We'll do whatever it takes to make you feel safe and welcome," Mace adds gruffly.

Tears prick at my eyes. I blink them back furiously, but it's no use. One escapes, trailing down my cheek.

---