Page 130 of Knot Happening Again

As we drive, the city gives way to lush, manicured lawns and sprawling estates. Finally, we pull up to the gated entrance of the pack's mansion. It's a sight that should intimidate me—all gleaming windows and imposing stonework—but as we roll up the driveway, I'm hit with an unexpected feeling.

Relief.

Like I can finally exhale after holding my breath for days.

The cars come to a stop, and suddenly I'm being ushered out, surrounded by a whirlwind of scents and touches and voices.Mace's arm around my waist, Troy's hand on the small of my back, guiding me toward the front door.

I step over the threshold, and it hits me like a punch to the gut.

This feels like home.

The realization leaves me reeling. How is this possible? How can this place, these people, feel more like home than anywhere else I've been in years?

"You okay?" Troy murmurs in my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

I nod, not trusting my voice. He gives me a look that says he doesn't quite believe me, but he doesn't push.

We make our way to the kitchen, where the aroma of Mace's cooking has my mouth watering. The island is laden with dishes. A feast spread out before us.

"Holy shit, Mace," I breathe, taking it all in. "You didn't have to do all this."

He shrugs, but I can see the pleased smile on his cheeks beneath his beard. "Wanted to," he says simply.

As we settle in to eat, the conversation flows easily. They pepper me with questions about the trip, and I find myself relaxing, sharing stories and laughing at their reactions.

It feels so normal.

Like I've done this a hundred times before.

But there's an undercurrent of tension, too. A weight to some of the glances exchanged, a hesitation in certain topics. It feels like they're keeping something from me, and I try not to let my mind wander to all the unsettling possibilities the way it wants to.

I catch Leon watching me from across the table, his expression unreadable. Our eyes lock for a moment, and I feel that familiar pull, that ache in my chest that I've spent years trying to ignore.

How did I end up in this impossible situation?

A month ago, I was a jaded escort with a chip on her shoulder. Now? Now I'm sitting in a mansion, surrounded by alphas who look at me like I'm something precious.

It's terrifying.

Exhilarating.

Utterly overwhelming.

As the meal winds down, exhaustion hits me like a freight train. The stress of travel, the emotional whiplash of the past few days… it all catches up at once.

Rhys notices first, ever observant. "I think it's time we let Ophelia get some rest," he says. He looks across the table at his bondmate. "But first… I think Leon and the others have something to show you."

"Oh?" I ask, unable to hide my wariness.

Rhys takes my hand, helping me up from the table. My heart races as Troy takes out a blindfold and covers my eyes.

"No peeking," he says, a hint of mischievousness in his tone that keeps me from being properly anxious. The darkness is disorienting, and I stumble slightly as they guide me forward.

"Easy there, princess," Troy murmurs, his breath warm against my ear, his hand steady around my arm. "We've got you."

I feel Mace's large hand on my lower back, steadying me. The mix of their scents wraps around me like a cocoon.

We're moving upstairs now, I think. The carpet beneath my feet changes to hardwood, and I hear a door open.

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