Page 186 of Knot Happening Again

Alarm bells are ringing in my head now. I'm well known in my field, but the only people who recognize me by my face are people who know me through Leon and now all this recent tabloid drama. Before I can respond, he's firing off questions.

"So, tell me about this new omega of yours. Ophelia Thompson, right? How's she settling in? Must be quite a change from her... previous line of work."

My blood runs cold as the realization hits me. He's a reporter. And he's not alone. I can see others emerging from the shadows, cameras at the ready.

I understand why Leon lost it now.

A growl builds in my chest as I bare my teeth. "Leave. Now. Before I make you regret coming here."

The first reporter just laughs. "What are you gonna do, Doc? Hit us like your nutjob bondmate? That'd make a great headline."

I clench my fists, fighting to keep my temper in check. "I'm giving you five seconds to clear out before I call the police. This is private property, and you're trespassing."

Without waiting for a response, I turn and hurry back inside, my heart pounding. I lock the doors behind me, scanning the room for Leon. I spot him near the bar, deep in conversation with Mace's brother-in-law.

"Leon," I call out, my voice tight with urgency. "We have a problem."

He's by my side in an instant, concern etched across his face. "What's wrong?"

"Paparazzi," I spit out. "They're everywhere outside. We need to get Ophelia out of here."

Maddox overhears and joins us, his brow furrowed. "How is that possible? Only our families knew about this place, and only an hour before it started."

I shake my head, frustration and worry churning in my gut. "I don't know. But they're out there, and they're asking all sorts of invasive questions about Ophelia."

Leon's expression hardens. He pulls out his phone, barking orders to his security team. "What the fuck am I paying you for? Cover the fucking front entrance. No one gets in or out without my say-so."

As he hangs up, I catch sight of Ophelia across the room. She's still smiling, blissfully unaware of the chaos unfolding around her. My chest aches at the thought of shattering this moment of happiness for her.

"We need to end this now," I say, my voice low. "Get her out before they find a way in."

Leon nods, his jaw set in determination. "I'll create a diversion outside. You get her to the car."

"Leon, no," I protest, grabbing his arm. "You're already in hot water from the last incident. If you lose your temper again?—"

He cuts me off, his eyes blazing with intensity. "That's exactly why it'll work. They'll be hoping I'll snap, give them another juicy story. But I won't. Not as long as it keeps her safe."

I search his face, seeing the unwavering resolve there. Finally, I nod. "Okay. Be careful."

As Leon heads for the door, I make my way to my parents. They take one look at my face and know something's wrong.

"What is it, Rhys?" my mother asks, her voice laced with concern.

I explain the situation quickly, watching understanding and then determination settle over their features.

"Take our car," my father says, pressing the keys into my hand. "We'll create a bit of confusion, make it harder for them to know which vehicle to follow."

Gratitude wells up inside me. "Thank you," I breathe, pulling them both into a quick hug.

With a deep breath, I turn to face the room. "I'm sorry, everyone," I announce, raising my voice to be heard over the chatter. "But we're going to have to cut the evening short. There's been a... situation outside."

A murmur of concern ripples through the crowd. I catch Ophelia's eye across the room, seeing the question there. Mouthing an apology, I make my way to her side.

"What's going on?" she asks, her earlier nervousness creeping back into her voice.

I wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her close. "Paparazzi," I murmur in her ear. "We need to get you out of here."

She stiffens against me, her scent spiking with anxiety. "But Leon?—"

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