Page 117 of Knot Happening Again

As the others chime in with ideas, I lean back in my chair, lost in thought. I know a gallery owner in the city, an omega who specializes in showcasing up-and-coming artists. If I can convince Ophelia to let me see some of her work, maybe I can set up a meeting. It's not much, but it's something. A way to show her I believe in her talent, that I want to support her dreams.

"Earth to Leon," Troy's voice cuts through my thoughts. "You gonna finish that steak, or should I take it off your hands?"

I blink, realizing I've been pushing the same piece of meat around my plate for the last five minutes. "Touch my food and lose a finger," I growl, but there's no real heat behind it.

Troy grins, reaching for my plate anyway. I swat his hand away, and he laughs.

"There he is," Mace rumbles. "Thought we'd lost you for a minute there, champ."

I roll my eyes, but I can't help the small smile tugging at my lips.

The conversation flows more easily after that. Maddox regales us with stories from his latest business trip, while Rhys talks about a challenging case at the hospital. Through it all, I find my gaze drawn to Ophelia again and again. She's quieter than the rest of us, but I can see her relaxing bit by bit as the meal goes on.

This is my pack. My family. And now, against all odds, Ophelia's a part of it too.

CHAPTER 35

RHYS

The sweet scent of ocean air fills the house, a welcome reminder that Ophelia is officially living here as I pace the living room, my eyes darting to the staircase every few seconds. Maddox lounges on the couch, his legs crossed, a mischievous glint in his blue eyes.

"You're going to wear a hole in the carpet, Doc," he teases, a smirk playing on his lips.

I stop, running a hand through my red hair. "I can't help it. I want everything to be perfect."

Maddox sits up, his expression softening. "It will be. We've got this all planned out. Shopping spree, then whisking her away to that fancy cabin your colleague couldn't make it to this weekend." He winks.

We both know I own the cabin outright. It's been in my family for generations and I go there every now and then when I need to clear my head and escape the demands of my job. It's the perfect place to abscond to with Ophelia.

"You think she'll buy it?" I ask, doubt creeping into my voice.

He shrugs. "Only one way to find out."

I nod, my mind racing. While we're gone, Leon and the others will be renovating part of his gym, transforming it intoan art studio for Ophelia. We can't risk her noticing the crews coming in and out, even if it might technically be possible to keep it from her, as massive as this place is and as far as the gym is from her nest.

Maddox stands, stretching. "You know, I never thought I'd see the day when Leon gave up his training space."

"He's trying," I muse, a flicker of hope warming my chest. "That gives me hope for our pack."

The soft padding of feet on the stairs catches our attention. We turn, and my breath catches in my throat. Ophelia descends, a vision in a longsleeve blue dress that hugs her curves and makes her pale skin glow. Her raven hair cascades over her shoulders, framing her face like a work of art.

"You look beautiful," I breathe, unable to take my eyes off her.

Maddox whistles low. "Stunning, darling. Absolutely stunning."

A blush creeps across Ophelia's cheeks, spreading to the freckles dusting her nose. "Thank you," she murmurs, her blue eyes darting between us.

"Ready to go?" I ask, offering my arm.

She hesitates. "The things you brought from my apartment are all I really need..."

"Nonsense," Maddox interjects, moving to her other side. "You need more to feel fully at home here."

I nod in agreement. "Let us take care of you, Ophelia."

"Yeah," Maddox adds with a grin. "Spoiling an omega is half the fun."

"Well," I say dryly, "maybe not half."

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