Page 159 of Knot Happening Again

I nod, not trusting my voice just yet.

I feel... different.

Whole, in a way I haven't in years.

The constant ache that's been my companion for so long is gone, replaced by a warm contentment that spreads through my entire body.

But there's one question, one realization that came with the surge of his emotions, that I need answers to.

"All this time," I murmur, searching his face for the truth I so desperately need. "There was no one else?"

Surprise flickers in his gaze, and he shakes his head. "No," he says, his voice low and rough. "Of course not. Never."

He says the words so simply, and with such sincerity that my heart longs to believe them, even if my head tells me no.

But the mark… the bond that now exists as an open channel between us rather than the one-way drain it was before, acts as an impartial tie breaker.

It's the truth.

I just assumed that he'd moved on.

That after all these years, surely…

Rhys nuzzles against my shoulder. "How do you feel?"

"Good," I manage to say. "Really good."

And it's true.

For the first time in what feels like forever, I feel at peace. The anger and resentment that have been my constant companions are still there, but muted now.

Quieter.

Just a little bit, but they are.

We stay like that for a while, locked together, hands roaming gently over sweat-slicked skin. I know we'll have to talk aboutthis eventually, figure out what it means for all of us. But for now, I let myself enjoy the moment, basking in the afterglow and the newfound connection humming between us.

And I realize my neck isn't hurting anymore.

The fever raging through my veins has died down to a low simmer.

In fact, I feel better than I have in years.

CHAPTER 43

OPHELIA

The clay yields beneath my fingers, cool and malleable. I lose myself in the sensation, bidding my hands to shape the formless lump into something beautiful. Something whole.

I've been in my studio for hours, the light outside fading as evening settles in. It's become my refuge these past couple of weeks, a place where I can breathe without feeling the weight of expectation pressing down on me.

A knock at the door startles me from my reverie. I stiffen, my heart rate picking up. "Come in," I call, trying to keep my voice steady.

The door creaks open, and Maddox's familiar scent wafts in. I relax a fraction. Of all the pack members, he's the easiest to be around right now.

"Hey, Effy," he says, his voice gentle. "Brought you some dinner. Thought you might be hungry."

I glance at the clock on the wall and realize with a start that it's past nine. "Oh. Thanks, Maddox."

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