Page 88 of Knot Happening Again

"Ophelia, please," I hear Maddox say, his beta instincts clearly kicking in as he tries to soothe the situation. "Just take a deep breath. We can figure this out."

But I can't stop. I continue my frantic search, tossing aside silk shirts and lacy underwear. Where are my clothes? I need to get out of here.

Suddenly, strong hands grip my shoulders, forcing me to stop. The scent of petrichor and sunlight fills my nostrils. Rhys. He turns me to face him, his green eyes intense as they search mine.

"Ophelia," he says, his voice low and urgent. There's a gentleness in his tone that makes my heart ache. "Please, tell me what's wrong."

I look into his eyes, and I can see that he already suspects it. There's a sadness there, a resignation that breaks my heart all over again. I want to lie, to protect him from the truth, but I can't. Not anymore.

For a split second, I wondered if he already knew. If they all did. If this was a trap. And maybe the fact that the suspicion never took root is proof I've already let my guard down too much, but I don't want to believe he would do that to me. And the look in his eyes confirms it.

"It's him, isn't it?" Rhys asks softly, his thumbs rubbing soothing circles on my shoulders. "Leon is... the one who marked you?"

I can only nod, more tears slipping down my cheeks. I watch as something changes in Rhys's eyes. A darkness I've never seen before clouds his usually warm gaze, and for a moment, I think he's angry with me. I brace myself for rejection, for him to push me away in disgust.

Then, it hits me. What if he thinksIknew? What if they all think this is some kind of trap I set, to either get Leon back, or get my revenge?

But then Leon appears in the doorway, his voice hesitant as he asks, "Is she okay?"

Rhys whirls around, a snarl ripping from his throat. The sound is primal, filled with a rage I didn't know Rhys was capable of. "Get out," he growls, and I realize his anger isn't directed atmeat all.

Leon freezes, his eyes darting between Rhys and me. I can see the hurt in his expression, the way his shoulders slump slightly. But there's also a resignation there, as if he expected this reaction. "I'll leave," he murmurs, taking a step back.

"No," I say, my voice shaky but determined. I straighten my spine, trying to summon what little strength I have left. "This is your house. I'll go. I never should have come here."

I try to brush past Leon, but he stops me, his hand gentle on my arm. His touch sends a jolt through me, a mixture of longing and revulsion that makes me want to scream. Then, he does something I never expected. He uses his alpha voice, his bark. "Stay."

I hate myself for responding to it, my body freezing in place against my will. And I hate him for using it, for exerting that control over me after everything he's done. The unfairness of it all makes me want to lash out, to hurt him the way he hurt me.

"You're in heat," Leon says, his voice softer now but still firm. His eyes are pleading as they meet mine. "It's dangerous out there. You didn't do anything wrong. I'm the one who should leave."

Rhys lets out a bitter laugh, the sound harsh and grating. "That's the first time in a while we've agreed on anything. But if you ever use your bark on her again, it'll be the last time you use it."

The two alphas share a tense look, a silent communication passing between them. I can feel the weight of their history, the depth of their bond, and it makes me feel even more like an outsider.

Then, slowly, Leon releases my arm. He takes a step back, his eyes never leaving mine. "I'm sorry," he whispers, and then he's gone.

I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly cold despite the warmth of the room. I'm not sure what to do now.

Should I still leave? But where would I go? My apartment feels like a lifetime away, and the thought of facing the outside world in my current state is terrifying.

Before I can make a decision, Mace, Maddox, and Troy crowd into the room, surrounding me like a protective force. Their faces are a mix of concern and confusion as they look between Rhys and me. The tension in the air is palpable, thick enough to choke on.

"Will someone tell us what's going on?" Troy asks, his usual swagger replaced by genuine worry. His blue eyes dart between us, searching for answers.

Rhys runs a hand through his hair, messing up the red strands even more. His voice is tight as he mutters, "It's complicated. Leon is leaving for a while."

He moves to brush past them, no doubt to see Leon out, but pauses at the door. "Make sure she stays put," he barks, his tone leaving no room for argument. The alpha command in his voice makes me shiver, even though it's not directed at me.

I watch as the others exchange surprised glances. It's clear from their reactions that Rhys isn't usually this stern or commanding. The realization only adds to the turmoil in my chest.

What have I done to this pack? Have I ruined everything before it even had a chance to begin?

I'm still not sure what to do. Part of me wants to run, to get as far away from this mess as possible. But another part, the part that's been longing for a pack, for a home, doesn't want toleave. The conflicting desires war within me, leaving me frozen in indecision.

Mace makes the decision for me. He steps forward, his large frame moving with a grace that belies his size. Without a word, he pulls me into a crushing hug, his arms enveloping me completely. The combination of his soft belly and strong chest is oddly comforting, like being wrapped in the world's warmest, safest blanket.

I find myself relaxing into his embrace, my face pressed against his chest. His heartbeat is strong and steady under my ear, a soothing rhythm that helps calm my racing thoughts.

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