Page 193 of Knot Happening Again

"It's your word against mine," she hisses.

"Actually, it's your word against yours," Troy says, his voice dripping with disdain as he waves his phone. "Or did you forget about these screenshots already?"

Natalie's eyes widen, panic flashing across her face. She takes a step back, bumping into the liquor bottles behind her. The clinking of glass seems to snap her out of her momentary shock.

"I don't have to explain myself to you," she spits, her voice rising. "If you don't leave right now, I'll have security throw you out."

I lean in closer, my voice low and dangerous. "You owe it to Ophelia to come clean yourself, Natalie. Tell us who put you up to this. Were you bribed? Blackmailed?"

For a split second, I see a flicker of something in her eyes—guilt? Fear? But it's gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by a steely resolve.

"I don't owe you anything," she snarls. "Security!"

A burly beta appears at her side, eyeing Troy and me warily. The one I recognize from the time I found Ophelia here. "Is there a problem here?"

Natalie puts on a show of distress, her voice trembling. "These men are harassing me. Please escort them out."

The guard gives me a double take. "You again," he snarls.

I clench my fists, fighting the urge to argue. We can't afford to make a scene, not with the press already breathing down our necks. I exchange a glance with Troy, seeing the same frustration mirrored in his eyes.

"We're leaving," I growl, turning on my heel.

As we walk out, I can feel the eyes of the other patrons on us. Whispers follow in our wake.

Great. Just what we need.

More gossip fodder.

The cool night air hits me as we step outside, doing little to calm the rage simmering beneath my skin. I slam my fist against the brick wall, welcoming the sharp pain that shoots through my knuckles.

"Fuck!" I spit, the word tasting bitter on my tongue.

Troy leans against the wall beside me, running a hand through his hair. "Well, that could've gone better."

I let out a humorless laugh. "You think?"

We stand there in silence for a moment, the gravity of the situation settling over us like a heavy blanket. The muffled sounds of the bar drift out into the night, a stark contrast to the turmoil churning inside me.

"We have to tell her," Troy says finally, his voice uncharacteristically somber.

I close my eyes, leaning my forehead against the cool brick. "I know."

The thought of breaking Ophelia's heart all over again makes me feel physically ill. Haven't I hurt her enough already? But keeping this from her would be even worse. She deserves to know the truth, no matter how painful.

"How the hell are we supposed to do this?" I ask, not really expecting an answer.

Troy sighs, pushing off the wall. "Carefully. And together. The whole pack needs to be there for her when we drop this bomb."

I nod, straightening up. He's right. We need to present a united front, show Ophelia that no matter what, she has us.

All of us.

CHAPTER 53

OPHELIA

Warmth surrounds me, the familiar scents of my pack enveloping me like a cocoon. Rhys's arm is draped over my waist, his chest pressed against my back. Maddox is curled up partially across me, his steady breathing a soothing rhythm. Mace's large frame takes up most of the other side of the bed, his presence a comforting weight.

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