Page 185 of Knot Happening Again

My mother is the first to approach, her arms outstretched. "Ophelia, darling! We've been so excited to meet you!"

My father is right beside her, calm and steady as always, content to bask in her outgoing personality. "It's been a long time coming."

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Ophelia says, clearly a bit shy until my mother envelops her in a hug. It's hard to be too reserved around Madeleine Carver.

"Mom, Dad, I'm so glad you're finally getting to meet my mate," I say proudly, slipping an arm around Ophelia's waist.

"She's just as lovely as you described," Mom says dreamily, genuine joy sparkling in her gaze as she looks between us. "Oh, where is Leon?"

I chuckle. My family more or less adopted him when Leon and I bonded, considering his family is MIA. Sometimes I tease that they like him better than me. And judging from the way they're looking at Ophelia, the same applies to her.

"He's just taking care of a few things outside with the others," I say, not wanting to let Ophelia know the pack is on fullalert this evening, even though I'm sure she senses something through the bond we all share now. But we still want to shield her from it. She's nervous enough about tonight as it is.

Mace's niece, a precocious seven-year-old, runs up to us next. "You look like a princess!"

"Oh," Ophelia says with a soft laugh. "That's so sweet of you to say. But so do you," she says, gesturing to Tiffany's big pink dress. "I love the color."

"Pink is my favorite!" Tiffany says, grinning from ear to ear as her parents wander over. "Are you really an artist? Can you teach me how to sculpt?"

"Let the poor girl settle in a bit first, sweetheart," says Amber, Mace's sister, scooping the girl up into her arms.

"Oh, I don't mind," Ophelia assures her, smiling as she looks back at Tiffany. "I'd love to give you a lesson sometime."

Mace comes in from outside, grinning as he wanders over. "Just in time for introductions," he says, introducing them as Troy's grandmother and my sister make their way over, too. Before long, all our family members are crowding around, fawning over the newest addition to our big, strange extended family. Even Natalie seems to be having a grand time chatting up Maddox's brother, even if he looks a bit overwhelmed.

At first, I'm worried it will be too much, too soon for Ophelia, but she seems to be completely relaxed now. And I find myself relaxing in turn.

This is the way it should be. Ophelia surrounded by people who love and appreciate her. Basking in their warmth and acceptance.

And she glows at the center of it all, like a radiant sapphire.

God, I love this woman. Our omega. Our mate.

I can't help but smile as I watch Ophelia chatting animatedly with my sister. The nervous tension that had been radiating off her earlier has melted away, replaced by a warm glow ofhappiness. She fits in so seamlessly with our families, it's as if she's always been a part of this world.

A tap on my shoulder pulls me from my reverie. I turn to see Maddox, his expression a mix of apology and resignation.

"Hey, Doc. It's your turn for watch duty," he says, jerking his thumb toward the exit.

I nod, reluctantly tearing my gaze away from Ophelia. "Right. How's it looking out there?"

Maddox shrugs. "Quiet so far. But keep your eyes peeled. Those vultures have a way of appearing when you least expect it."

With a final glance at Ophelia, now laughing at something Troy's grandmother said, I make my way outside. The cool night air is a stark contrast to the warm, lively atmosphere inside. I take up my post near the entrance, scanning the surrounding area for any sign of trouble.

For a while, all is calm. The muffled sounds of laughter and conversation drift out from inside, and I find myself relaxing. Maybe we've actually managed to pull this off without a hitch.

That's when I notice him. A man, lurking in the shadows near the parking lot. There's something off about the way he's moving, too casual to be natural. My instincts prickle with unease as he approaches.

"Hey, man," he calls out, his voice overly friendly. "Got a smoke?"

I shake my head, forcing a polite smile. "I'm afraid not. Terrible for your lungs, you know."

He chuckles, moving closer. "Oh yeah? What are you, a doctor or something?"

"Actually, I am," I reply, my guard up.

A smirk spreads across his face, and my unease deepens. "Oh yeah, you're that alpha who's a fancy omega doctor who was on TV a few months back, right? The one from the Carver pack?"

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