Page 121 of Knot Happening Again

"A getaway?" Ophelia repeats, her voice a mix of excitement and apprehension. "Where are we going?"

I reach over and take her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I have a cabin in the mountains," I tell her, deciding not to go with the excuse about my coworker. Even if it is a harmless little white lie to throw her off the trail of Leon's remodel, I don't like the idea of being anything other than a hundred percent honest with her from the start. Especially after everything that's happened. "It's peaceful, secluded. Perfect for relaxing and getting to know each other better."

Her eyes widen. "A cabin? But I didn't pack anything for?—"

"Don't worry," Maddox interrupts, grinning at her in the rearview mirror. "We've got you covered."

Ophelia looks between us, realization dawning on her face. She peeks into the bags and her eyes widen. "Winter clothes?"

I nod, unable to keep the smile off my face. "We wanted it to be a surprise."

She's quiet for a moment, her fingers absently tracing patterns on the back of my hand. "I've never been to the mountains before," she admits.

"Then you're in for a treat," I say, my heart swelling at the thought of showing her the beauty of the snow-capped peaks and pristine forests.

As we drive through the city, I can't help but watch Ophelia. Her eyes are bright with excitement now, all traces of fatigue gone. She peppers us with questions about the cabin, the mountains, what we'll do there. Maddox and I answer as best we can without giving away too much.

We stop at a small, upscale restaurant for an early dinner. The hostess leads us to a secluded booth in the back, and I can't help but notice the way other patrons' eyes follow Ophelia as we walk by. She's stunning, even in her simple sweater dress, and I feel a surge of pride knowing she's with us.

As we settle into the booth, Ophelia between Maddox and me, I catch a whiff of her scent. It's stronger now, tinged with excitement and something else I can't quite place. It makes my head spin, and I have to force myself to focus on the menu.

The waiter approaches our table, his eyes lingering on Ophelia a beat too long. I clear my throat, and he snaps to attention.

"Good evening. What can I get for you?"

Ophelia hesitates, her eyes scanning the menu. She bites her lip, a habit I'm quickly finding endearing. "The salmon sounds nice."

"Excellent choice," the waiter says, jotting it down. "And for you gentlemen?"

Maddox orders the steak, rare, while I opt for the duck. As the waiter leaves, I notice Ophelia fidgeting with her napkin.

"Everything okay?" I ask softly.

She nods, but I can see the tension in her shoulders. "It's just... this is all so much. The clothes, this restaurant, now a trip to the mountains... I'm not used to this kind of... extravagance."

I lean in closer, inhaling her intoxicating scent. "I know it might seem overwhelming, but please, try to relax and enjoy it."

Her blue eyes meet mine, filled with a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. "I just don't want you to think I expect this kind of treatment all the time."

Maddox chuckles, reaching across the table to pat her hand. "Darling, this is just the beginning. You're part of our pack now, and we take care of our own."

I nod in agreement. "He's right. This isn't about expectation or obligation. It's about wanting to make you happy. I don't think you understand just how much enjoyment an alpha gets out of caring for his omega."

"Or a beta," Maddox chimes in.

A small smile tugs at her lips, and I feel a warmth spread through my chest. "Thank you," she murmurs.

Our food arrives, and conversation flows easily as we eat. Ophelia tells us more about her art, her eyes lighting up as she describes her favorite techniques. I find myself captivated by her passion, hanging on every word.

As we finish our meal, I check my watch. "We should head out soon if we want to make our flight."

Ophelia's eyebrows shoot up. "Flight? I thought we were driving to the mountains."

Maddox grins, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh no, darling. We're flying in style."

I settle the bill, leaving a generous tip, and we make our way back to the car. As we drive toward the airport, I canfeel Ophelia's excitement building. Her scent shifts, becoming sweeter, more intense. It takes all my self-control not to bury my face in her neck and breathe her in.

We pull up to a private hangar, and Ophelia's eyes widen. "What's this?"

---