Page 189 of Knot Happening Again

I wrap my arms around myself, trying to stop the trembling that's taken over my body. The others continue discussing precautions, their voices a low hum in the background as my mind races.

"We should change our routines," Mace suggests, his deep voice rumbling through the room. "Vary our schedules, take different routes to work."

Maddox nods, adding, "And we need to be more careful about what we post online. No check-ins or location tags."

"No what now?" Mace asks in bewilderment.

Their words wash over me and grow distant, each suggestion feeling like another weight pressing down on my chest. This is all because of me. Because they chose to be with me. The world will never accept it, never understand why a pack like this would want someone like me.

I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to block out the guilt that's threatening to consume me. But it's no use. The shame burns hot in my veins, a constant reminder of how I've upended their lives.

"Effy?" Troy's voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts. I open my eyes to find him watching me, concern etched across his features. "What's wrong, princess?"

All eyes turn to me, and I feel myself shrinking under their collective gaze. I want to lie, to brush it off, but the words tumble out before I can stop them.

"This is all my fault," I whisper, my voice cracking. "You're all going through this because of me. Because the world can't accept... this." I gesture vaguely between us, unable to meet their eyes.

The room falls silent for a moment, and I brace myself for their agreement, for the realization to dawn that I'm not worth all this trouble.

But then Troy's voice breaks the silence, fierce and unyielding. "Fuck the world."

I look up, startled by the vehemence in his tone. He's on his feet now, stalking toward me.

"This isn't because of you, Effy," he continues, his blue eyes blazing. "It's because people are small-minded assholes who can't stand to see others happy."

Leon nods, stepping closer to me. "He's right," he says softly. "Paparazzi are vultures, always have been. If it wasn't this, it would be something else. They're just jealous we have you."

I shake my head, disbelief warring with a desperate need to believe them. "I doubt that," I murmur, but even as the words leave my mouth, I feel the conviction behind them wavering.

Rhys is at my side in an instant, his arm wrapping around my waist. "It's true," he insists. "You're extraordinary, Ophelia. Anyone would be lucky to have you. We're the ones who hit the jackpot."

Mace's large hand comes to rest on my shoulder, his touch grounding me. "You're pack," he rumbles. "Our omega. Family. And family sticks together, no matter what."

Maddox moves in front of me, taking my hands in his. "We chose this, Effy. We chose you. And we'd do it again in a heartbeat."

Their words wash over me, a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. I want to believe them, want to let their conviction seep into my bones and chase away the doubt. But years of insecurity don't disappear overnight.

"But your lives," I protest weakly. "Your careers. This could ruin everything you've worked for."

Leon's hand cups my cheek, gently turning my face to meet his gaze. "Nothing is more important than you," he says, his voice low and intense. "Not our careers, not our reputations, nothing. You're worth it all, Ophelia. You always have been."

The raw honesty in his eyes takes my breath away. I search his face for any sign of deception, but all I see is unwavering sincerity. And as I look around at the others, I see the same determination reflected in their eyes.

Something inside me cracks, a hairline fracture in the last standing walls I've built around my heart. It's terrifying, this vulnerability, but there's a part of me that yearns to let it grow, to let their love seep in and fill all the broken places inside me.

"I... I don't know what to say," I whisper, overwhelmed by the intensity of their gazes.

Troy's lips quirk up in a small smile. "You don't have to say anything, princess. Just let us take care of you."

Before I can respond, Mace scoops me up in his arms, cradling me against his broad chest. "Come on, little one," he rumbles. "Let's get you to bed."

I don't protest as he carries me up the stairs, the others following close behind. My body feels heavy, the emotional toll of the evening finally catching up with me. Mace lays me gently on the bed, and I curl up instinctively, making myself small.

But I'm not alone for long. The others join me, surrounding me with their warmth and their scents. Rhys settles behind me, his chest pressed against my back. Troy stretches out in front of me, one hand coming to rest on my hip. Maddox and Mace position themselves at the foot of the bed, their presence a comforting weight.

Leon hesitates for a moment, uncertainty flashing across his face. But then I reach out, my hand finding his, and he joins us, fitting himself into the space between Troy and me.

Wrapped in their embrace, I feel the tension slowly seeping out of my body. Their scents mingle in the air around me—pine and winter air, bourbon and leather, fresh-baked cookies, honey and sandalwood, toasted marshmallows. It's a heady cocktail that makes my head spin in the best way.

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