Page 115 of Knot Happening Again

"You'd better not," I say, giving her hips a gentle squeeze as I pull out, enjoying the sight of my seed trickling down those luscious thighs. "We've got you right where we want you."

CHAPTER 34

LEON

The clinking of silverware against plates grates on my nerves as I sit at the head of the table, jaw clenched. Maddox and Mace exchange glances, their scents sour with unease. I stab at my steak, imagining it's Troy's smug face.

"What'shisproblem?" Maddox mumbles to Mace, not quite under his breath.

Mace leans in, his voice a low rumble. "He walked in on Troy knotting Ophelia. He's throwing a fit."

"I'm not throwing a fit," I snap, slamming my glass down. The table rattles, and both of them jump.

Maddox raises an eyebrow. "You need to play it cool, man. You of all people have no right to be jealous."

"I know that," I growl, running a hand through my hair. "Doesn't change the fact that I am."

The front door opens, and Rhys's honey-sandalwood scent wafts in. He strolls into the dining room, a smile on his face. "Hey, guys. Where are Ophelia and Troy?"

Maddox smirks, swirling his wine glass. "Probably still locked together."

I shoot him a glare, but he just shrugs and takes a sip.

"Ah," Rhys says, understanding dawning in his eyes. He pauses briefly in front of my seat before going over to his. "Glad you came, Leon."

The words, as simple as they are, send a wave of relief through me. Things have been so tense between us lately, I'd started to wonder if our friendship was beyond repair.

Heavy footsteps on the stairs announce Troy's arrival. He swaggers into the room, smelling of Ophelia and sex. My stomach churns.

"Well, well," Maddox drawls. "Look what the cat dragged in."

Mace chuckles. "Have fun up there, champ?"

Troy grins, dropping into his chair. "What can I say? Rhys was right. Having an omega around full-time is just what we needed."

I drain my glass of whiskey in one gulp, wishing it would dull the ache in my chest.

Finally, Ophelia appears. Her damp hair falls in waves around her face, and she's wearing a T-shirt that hugs her full breasts and jeans that cling to every curve. She clearly just showered, but it's not enough to fully erase Troy's scent from her. My mouth goes dry. She's even more beautiful than she was when we were younger, more self-assured. She knows who she is now.

Mace beams at her. "Just in time, sweetheart." He walks over, placing the last few steaming dishes on the table before pulling her in for a kiss.

Another stab of jealousy pierces me, but I push it down. I'm glad to see my pack embracing her. I am. I have to be.

Ophelia takes her seat across from me, and I can't help but stare. Her scent fills my nostrils. It's stronger now than years ago, thanks to her half-formed mark. My mark. The one I never finished. The one that's haunted me every day since, a guilty stain on my soul even if it's only visible on her skin.

"Leon?" Rhys's voice snaps me out of my trance. "You okay?"

I clear my throat. "Fine. Just... hungry."

Ophelia's eyes meet mine for a split second before darting away.

"So," Maddox says, breaking the awkward silence. "How was everyone's day?"

Troy launches into a story about his latest gig, and I tune him out, focusing on my food. I can feel Ophelia's gaze on me, but I don't dare look up.

"What about you, Leon?" Rhys asks. "How was training?"

I shrug. "Same old. Sparring, weights, cardio."

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