Page 97 of Knot Happening Again

RHYS

Ifind myself transfixed on the woman in bed, her hair a dark contrast to the white linens beneath her as she sleeps. The early dawn light filtering through the curtains casts a soft glow on her pale skin, highlighting the delicate curve of her cheekbone. She looks peaceful now, a stark contrast to the pain-wracked omega I found earlier.

Well.. last night. Even if I haven't slept much, between tending to Ophelia's heat and my conflicted thoughts about my bondmate.

Troy and Mace flank her on either side, their muscular bodies curled protectively around her smaller frame. Even in sleep, they instinctively shield her. It's a beautiful sight, one that makes my alpha pride swell. We've done this—given her comfort, eased her suffering. And we could give her so much more, if only she'll allow us.

But there's an undercurrent of unease that I can't shake. The half-formed mark on her neck, barely visible in the dim light, is a constant reminder of the pain she's endured. Of the alpha who abandoned her.

Leon. My bondmate. My best friend.

The door creaks open, pulling me from my thoughts. Maddox slips in, his blue eyes catching mine. He moves with the quiet grace of a beta, careful not to disturb the sleeping trio.

"How is she doing?" he whispers, coming to stand beside me.

I run a hand through my hair, suddenly aware of how exhausted I am. "Better," I murmur. "The pain's subsided for now. Come on, let's talk outside. She needs rest."

We slip out of the room, closing the door with a soft click. In the hallway, the tension in my shoulders eases slightly. I lean against the wall, crossing my arms over my chest.

"How'd it go with Leon?" I ask, dreading the answer.

Maddox's expression tightens. "He's fucked up about everything, Rhys. I've never seen him like this."

"He should be," I mutter, a growl building in my chest.

Maddox places a hand on my arm, his touch grounding. "You have every right to be furious. We all do. But especially you, since you and Leon are bonded."

I close my eyes, trying to quell the storm of emotions raging inside me. Anger, betrayal, confusion—they war with the deep-seated loyalty I feel toward my packmate. How could he do this to her? To us? To me? When I open my eyes again, Maddox is watching me with understanding in his gaze.

"I know it's a lot to process," he says gently. "But I hope you'll be open if and when Ophelia decides to hear Leon out."

My jaw clenches. "I still care for Leon. Obviously. But there's a part of me that doesn't want to let him anywhere near Ophelia."

"Trust me, I get it," Maddox says, his voice low and serious. "Even as a beta, I understand the urge to protect her from everything. Including him. But that choice ultimately has to be Ophelia's."

I hate that he's right. I nod reluctantly, running a hand over my face. "Yeah, I know. I just... I can't believe he'd do something like this. That he could keep it from us for so long."

Maddox squeezes my shoulder. "We'll figure it out, Rhys. As a pack."

I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. "You're right. Thanks, Mads. Want to trade posts? I need a shower, and I should probably start some coffee for when the others wake up."

He nods, a small smile playing at his lips. "Sounds good. I'll keep an eye on our sleeping beauties."

As Maddox slips back into the bedroom, I make my way to the bathroom. The hot water helps clear my head, washing away some of the tension from the past twenty-four hours. By the time I step out, I feel more like myself.

In the kitchen, I start the coffee maker, the rich aroma filling the air. It's comforting, familiar. I lean against the counter, letting my mind wander.

I think back to the first time I met Leon, at that underground cage match. He was all raw power and determination, a force of nature in the ring. But afterward, as I patched him up, I saw the vulnerability beneath the bravado. We clicked instantly, forming a bond that went beyond alpha posturing. We were from different worlds, but we shared the same principles and values.

At least, I thought we did.

How could that same Leon have abandoned Ophelia? Left her half-marked and alone?

The coffee maker beeps, jolting me from my reverie. I pour myself a cup, savoring the first sip. The bitter taste grounds me in the present.

A soft noise from the hallway catches my attention. I look up to see Ophelia padding toward me, wrapped in one of the oversized robes we keep for guests. Her scent hits me—a cool daya the beach. My body responds instantly, a low rumble building in my chest.

"Hey," she says softly, her blue eyes meeting mine. "I smelled coffee."

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