Page 17 of Knot Happening Again

I glance at him in the rearview mirror, surprised by the change in his usually gruff demeanor. "Then we keep looking," I say. "This is as much about finding the right fit for us as it is for her."

Troy snorts from the passenger seat. "Please. We're a catch. Who wouldn't want us?"

I roll my eyes, but I'm grateful for his bravado. It helps ease some of the tension that's been building since we left Temporary Bonds.

As we drive home, I can't help but wonder what Ophelia is like in person. And then there's the issue of her incomplete mark. I've treated omegas with similar conditions before, but never in a personal context. The thought of the suffering she must go through during her heats makes my chest ache.

"Earth to Rhys," Troy's voice cuts through my musings. "You gonna park the car, or should we just camp out in the driveway?"

I blink, realizing we've arrived home. "Sorry," I mutter, pulling into the garage.

As we pile out of the car, Mace clears his throat. "So, uh, when do you think we'll hear back about meeting her?"

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant even as my heart races at the thought. "Probably in a couple of days. These things take time."

Troy stretches, his joints popping loudly. "Well, I don't know about you two, but all this omega talk has me worked up. I'm hitting the gym."

As he saunters off toward our home gym, Mace turns to me with a knowing look. "You okay? You seemed pretty invested back there."

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "I'm fine. It's just... the thought of what she must have gone through. An incomplete mark is no joke, Mace."

I'm not surprised Troy doesn't understand fully. Most alphas don't. Incomplete marks are rare enough that they didn't even have a name for bond sickness until recently, or most of the complications that can arise from it.

He nods solemnly. "I get it. But we don't even know if she'll want to meet us. Try not to get too attached, yeah?"

I force a smile. "You're right. I'm just overthinking, as usual."

Mace chuckles, clapping me on the shoulder. "That's why we love you, doc. Now come on, I'm starving. Let's see what Maddox left in the fridge for us."

As we head inside, I can't help but check my phone. No missed calls or messages. I know it's too soon to expect anything, but I can't help the twinge of disappointment as I follow Mace to the kitchen.

"You want a sandwich?" Mace's voice breaks through my reverie.

I nod absently, settling onto one of the barstools at the kitchen island. As Mace bustles around the kitchen, I find myself staring at the empty nesting room down the hall.

We had it built when we first moved in, hopeful that we'd find an omega to complete our pack. It's remained unused all this time, a constant reminder of what we're missing.

But now, for the first time in ages, I allow myself to imagine what it might be like filled with the scent of an omega.

One in particular.

I know it's too soon to let my mind wander, but I picture her curled up in a nest of blankets, safe and content, surrounded by our pack.

The image is so vivid, so tantalizing, that it almost hurts.

"Here," Mace grunts, sliding a plate in front of me. "Eat something before you waste away."

I'm lean, but I'm not skinny. I've always found it easy enough to keep on muscle, and I work out when my schedule allows for it. But compared to a bulky alpha like Mace, I probably seem fragile. I manage a chuckle, picking up the sandwich. "Thanks."

As I eat, I try to push thoughts of Ophelia aside. There's no guarantee she'll even agree to meet us, let alone consider joining our pack. And even if she does, there's still Leon to consider. I know Troy might not be the only one with reservations.

What if Leon isn't okay with bringing in an omega with such a complicated past?

But despite my best efforts, I can't shake the feeling that something significant has been set in motion. That our lives are about to change in ways we can't even begin to imagine.

All because of an omega we haven't even met yet.

Just when I manage to distract myself for a few minutes, the phone rings and I jump for it faster than I've moved in a long time.

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