Page 27 of Knot Happening Again

And for once, that's exactly what I am.

But hey, a girl can dream, right?

My phone buzzes, and for a heart-stopping moment, I think it's Rhys canceling. Maybe they've figured out what I do for a living. Or maybe Troy convinced them that a broken omega isn't worth the trouble. I can almost hear the cocky alpha's voice, dripping with disdain.

"Do we really want to deal with her baggage?"

But to my surprise, it's not a cancellation at all. It's Rhys, asking for my address so he can send a car. I blink at the screen, momentarily stunned.

A car?

Who even does that anymore?

I send him my address, then quickly fire off a text to Natalie.

Heading to the Carver pack's place now. If I end up serial killed, you know where to send the search party.

Her response is immediate.

HAHAHA Have fun, girl! And don't do anything I wouldn't do ;)

I roll my eyes, a smile tugging at my lips despite my nerves. Leave it to Nat to make light of the situation.

The car arrives promptly, a sleek black vehicle that screams 'money.' The driver, a harmless and pleasant-looking older beta, greets me with a warm smile. "Good afternoon, Miss Thompson. May I take your bag?"

I hand over my overnight bag, suddenly feeling self-conscious about how little I've packed. "That's all I'm bringing," I say, trying to sound nonchalant.

He doesn't bat an eye, just opens the door for me with a flourish. As I slide into the plush leather seat, I catch a whiff ofmy own scent amplified tenfold by my impending heat. If the driver notices, he's too polite to say anything.

We pull away from my apartment building, leaving behind the familiar streets of the city. I watch as the scenery changes, buildings giving way to manicured lawns and sprawling estates. My eyes widen as we enter a neighborhood that's painfully familiar.

The kind of place I used to call home, before...

I rub the mark on my neck absently, memories of my old life flashing through my mind. The parties, the designer clothes, the carefree laughter. And then, just as quickly, the sneers and whispers when news of my disgrace spread. The way my own family turned their backs on me, unable to bear the shame of a partly marked omega.

If Ihadcome clean and told them who marked me, things might have been different, but not better. Leon's family would have dragged his ass back home and forced him to finish the mark, but that would have been another kind of bondage. I would have spent the rest of my life shackled to an alpha who saw me as nothing but a burden. An iron weight keeping him from achieving all the dreams that clearly didn't include me.

The car slows, and I look up to see we've arrived at our destination. My jaw drops. It's not just a house—it's a freaking mansion.

Suddenly, I'm having serious second thoughts.

I knew Rhys was a doctor, and his bond mate is some big shot athlete, but this... this is a whole other level of wealth.

Maybe I should have Googled them after all. But it's too late now. The heat simmering under my skin reminds me that I don't have much choice but to see this through.

The driver opens my door, and I step out on shaky legs. I'm sure he can smell me now—my scent is probably filling the entiredriveway—but he maintains his professional demeanor as he leads me to the front door.

Before we even reach it, the door flies open, revealing a beaming Rhys. "Ophelia! Welcome!" he exclaims, his enthusiasm catching me off guard. God, he looks good. He's wearing a button down shirt that's perfectly tailored to his lean yet muscular build, and slacks that probably cost more than my car. Actually, I'm sure they cost more than everything I own. "I'm so sorry I couldn't pick you up myself. I was making some last-minute touches. I wanted everything to be perfect for when you arrived."

I blink, surprised by his earnestness. "Oh, um, that's okay. Thanks for sending the car."

Rhys ushers me inside, and I have to stifle a gasp. The interior of the mansion is even more impressive than the outside. High ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors, artwork that probably costs more than my entire life savings...

I'mdefinitelyin over my head here.

But Rhys still seems fully fixated on me. When I realize his hands haven't left my shoulders, I look up to find him gazing down at me with a hungry look in his eyes that's somehow not anything like the predatory ones I'm used to getting from alphas.

I realize my scent is probably hitting him with full force, but even though I should be wary, his presence immediately makes me feel… safe. And that's something I can't remember feeling in so long.

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