Page 184 of Knot Happening Again

My mind races with all the ways this evening could go wrong. Ophelia has been let down so many times before. What if someone says the wrong thing? What if she feels overwhelmed or out of place? I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. No, I can't let myself spiral like this. Our families are good people. They'll love her, just as we do.

The only families who won't be here tonight, for obvious reasons, are Leon's and Ophelia's. But everyone else… I know and trust them enough to feel confident they'll adore her.

I catch sight of Leon across the room, his brow furrowed as he speaks quietly into his phone. When he hangs up, I make my way over to him.

"Everything alright security-wise?" I ask, unable to keep the worry from my voice.

Leon's expression is more serious than usual as he nods. "I've sent out conflicting reports about where the event is being held. Somehow those bastards caught wind of it happening, but they shouldn't be able to find us here."

I run a hand through my hair, frustration bubbling up inside me. "How do they keep getting this information? It's like we have a leak somewhere."

"I don't know," Leon admits, his jaw clenching. "But I've got my best people on it. We'll find out who's behind this, Rhys. I promise."

I nod, grateful for his determination. "Thanks, Leon. I appreciate everything you're doing to keep Ophelia safe." I glance around the room, double-checking that everything is in place. "Nothing can go wrong tonight. She needs this to be perfect."

"Agreed," Leon says firmly. "And if somehow the paparazzi do figure out where we are, I'll create a distraction. Give you all time to get Ophelia out safely."

"Sounds like a plan, then." I can't believe it's even come to this. But those people are vultures.

As he turns to leave, I call out to him. "Leon, wait." He pauses, looking back at me with a questioning gaze. I take a deep breath, pushing aside the lingering tension that's existed between us. "I just wanted to say... I'm proud of you. I know things have been strained between us lately, but I see how hard you're trying. Ophelia's happy, and that means everything. I appreciate the effort you're making."

Leon's expression softens, a small smile tugging at his lips. "That means a lot, Rhys. Thank you."

As he walks away, I feel a weight lift from my shoulders. It's good to be on better terms with my bondmate again. We still have a long way to go, but this is a start.

The first guests begin to arrive, and I greet them warmly. Mace's sister and brother-in-law with their kids, my parents and sister, Troy's grandmother who raised him, Maddox's parents and brother—they all file in, excitement buzzing in the air. I make small talk, ensuring everyone is comfortable, but my mind is elsewhere.

Finally, when everyone has arrived, I excuse myself and make my way to the back room where Ophelia is getting ready. I knock softly, hearing muffled voices inside.

"Come in," Ophelia calls.

I step inside, my breath catching at the sight of her. She looks radiant in a deep blue dress that brings out her eyes, her hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders. Natalie stands beside her, fussing with Ophelia's hair.

"You look beautiful," I say, unable to keep the awe from my voice.

Ophelia blushes, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, Rhys."

I turn to Natalie. "Would you mind if I spoke to Ophelia alone for a moment?"

"Sure thing." Natalie says with a nod, squeezing Ophelia's hand before slipping out of the room. "Might as well go see if your pack has any single brothers." As the door closes behind her, I see the nervousness in Ophelia's eyes.

"Hey," I say softly, crossing the room to take her hands in mine. "How are you feeling?"

She takes a shaky breath. "Terrified," she admits. "What if they don't like me? What if I say something wrong or?—"

I cut her off gently, cupping her face in my hands. "Ophelia, listen to me. They're going to love you. Do you know why?" She shakes her head, her blue eyes wide. "Because you're you. You're kind, and strong, and beautiful inside and out. All you need to do tonight is be yourself. That's more than enough."

Tears well up in her eyes, and she blinks them back. "But what if?—"

"No what-ifs," I say firmly. "You are loved, Ophelia. By me, by the pack, and soon, by our families too. Just be yourself, and everything will be fine."

She nods, taking a deep breath. "Okay. I'm ready."

I offer her my arm, and she takes it, her grip tight. As we walk toward the main hall, I can feel her trembling slightly.

"Remember," I murmur, "I'll be right beside you the whole time."

We step into the hall, and a hush falls over the room. All eyes turn to us—to Ophelia—and I feel her stiffen beside me. But then, as if a spell has been broken, the room erupts in warm greetings and enthusiastic applause.

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