Page 55 of Knot Happening Again

"For one, she's been on heat suppressants for years," Rhys says. "That can result in a delayed reaction. But more importantly, she's marked. Partially."

The words don't make sense at first. "Partially marked? Does that mean…?"

Rhys's expression darkens. "It means an alpha started the mating process but didn't finish it. Left her with an incomplete bond. They can cause immense suffering."

The implications of that hit me hard. "Is that why she went to Temporary Bonds?"

Rhys nods. "She was looking for a pack to temporarily help her through her heats. They're... painful for her. She has bond sickness."

I let out a low whistle and rake my hand through my hair. "So you think that's making it harder for her to realize we're her match?"

"That, and the fact that she doesn't trust alphas," Rhys says. "She's in a fragile state. I didn't want to tell her before she was ready. It was hard enough trying to convince her to come back for another heat."

A sudden panic grips me at the thought of this omega—our match—not coming back. The intensity of the feeling surprises me. If I'm this affected without even meeting her, the others must be going out of their minds.

"Does Leon know?" I ask, thinking back to his strange behavior.

Rhys nods. "He knows about the scent match. I wanted to wait and explain the other parts of her condition until we had a chance to talk in person."

I can see the worry in Rhys's eyes, the tension in his shoulders. I step forward, placing a hand on his arm. "Hey, you don't have anything to worry about," I say, trying to sound reassuring. "I know Leon as well as you do. He wouldn't let something like this stand in the way of our match."

Rhys smiles, some of the tension easing from his face. "You're right, of course. I know that. I'm just worried since Leon has been hesitant about the whole idea of taking an omega."

I squeeze his arm gently. "I know Leon. Whatever it is, he'll get it together for the good of the pack."

Rhys nods, looking more relaxed. "Thanks, Maddox. I don't know what we'd do without you."

"Probably succumb to your alpha hormones and kill each other," I tease. "Or at least never be able to find the remote again."

Rhys laughs. "Probably not far from the truth."

As we head back downstairs, I can't help but think about Leon's mysterious disappearance. I hope I'm right about him getting it together. Because if this omega really is our match, we can't afford to lose her.

Back in the kitchen, Rhys pours us each another glass of wine. I swirl the rich red liquid in the glass, contemplating the complexity of our current situation.

"So," I say, taking a sip, "tell me more about Ophelia. What's she like?"

Rhys's face lights up, a soft smile playing at his lips. "She's... incredible," he says. "Strong, but vulnerable. Guarded, but sweet and playful when she lets herself be. And so beautiful, Maddox. You wouldn't believe how beautiful she is."

I can't help but smile at his enthusiasm. I've never seen Rhys like this. Then again, he's been around more omegas than probably any other alpha out there, considering his job. But even though they fawn over him, he always remains professional.

Or maybe he really is that oblivious.

"Sounds like you're smitten," I tease.

He chuckles. "We all are, I think. Even Troy, though he'd never admit it."

That catches my attention. Troy's always been the most resistant to the idea of bringing an omega into the pack aside from Leon. He was fine with the idea of a temporary arrangement—eager, even—but long term? Nope.

"Really? Troy too?"

Rhys nods. "You should have seen him. He was so gentle with her, so attentive. It was like seeing a whole different side of him."

I whistle low. "I'd pay to see that."

We share a laugh, the tension from earlier dissipating. As it fades, I find myself growing more curious about this omega who's managed to captivate my packmates so thoroughly.

"What does she do for a living?" I ask, realizing I know next to nothing about her life outside of her heat.

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