Page 190 of Knot Happening Again

As my eyes grow heavy, I hear them talking in hushed tones, their voices a soothing murmur.

"We need to find out who's leaking information," Maddox says, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I've got some contacts in security," Leon replies. "I'll reach out, see if we can get some more professional help."

"What about a decoy?" Troy suggests. "Feed false information, see where it leads."

Their conversation continues, plans and strategies flying back and forth. But instead of feeling guilty, I find myself oddly comforted. They're not doing this out of obligation or pity. They're doing it because they want to, because they care.

Because I'm theirs, and they're mine.

The realization settles over me like a warm blanket. For so long, I've been alone, convinced that I didn't deserve love or happiness.

But here, surrounded by my pack…

I feel like I belong.

It's terrifying, this newfound vulnerability. Part of me wants to run, to protect myself from the possibility of getting hurt again. But a larger part, the part that's been slowly awakening since I joined this pack, wants to stay. To fight. To believe that I deserve this happiness.

As I drift off to sleep, lulled by their voices and their warmth, I make a silent promise to myself. I won't let my insecurities push them away. I'll fight for this, for us, with everything I have.

Because they're worth it.

We'reworth it.

My last conscious thought before sleep claims me is a realization that sends a shiver of both fear and excitement through me.

I love them.

All of them.

Fiercely, completely, with every piece of my heart.

CHAPTER 51

TROY

I'm halfway through my third virgin cocktail, considering I don't want to risk being off my game if Ophelia needs me, when Leon slides onto the barstool next to me. His jaw is clenched, that familiar tension radiating off him in waves. Something's up.

"Want to go on an errand with me?" he asks, his voice low and urgent.

I arch an eyebrow, swirling the amber liquid in my glass. "You and me? On an errand? Did hell freeze over when I wasn't looking?"

He snorts, a hint of amusement breaking through his serious demeanor. "That's exactly why I'm asking you. Out of all of us, you're the one who'll keep me from crossing any lines."

Now that's interesting. I down the rest of my drink, curiosity piqued. "Alright. You've got my attention. Where are we headed at this ungodly hour?"

Leon's eyes dart around the home bar, making sure no one's listening in even though Ophelia is upstairs with Mace and Rhys, getting some rest, and Mads is on a work call. "The new security team hasn't had any luck tracking the leak, but my private eye gave me a lead."

I grab my jacket, a grin spreading across my face. "Well, shit. Are we in a spy movie now? Should I grab my fake mustache and code name?"

"Just try not to be a pain in the ass," Leon mutters.

As we head out into the cool night air, I can't help but feel a thrill of excitement. This is more like it. No more sitting around, waiting for the next shoe to drop. We're taking action.

Leon fills me in as we drive, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. We're headed to some dive bar where that asshole reporter who ambushed Rhys at the party likes to hang out. Mark Laurent, apparently. Just the thought of that night, of Ophelia's face when she realized what was happening, makes my blood boil.

"So, what's the plan?" I ask, watching the city lights blur past us. "We just gonna waltz in there and ask nicely?"

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