Page 70 of Knot Happening Again

I pull back, unable to keep the smile off my face. "I'm here to pick up my last check," I tell her. "I'm taking a leave of absence."

Natalie's eyes widen, her mouth dropping open in surprise. “Really?”

I nod. “Yeah. I just figured I should at least take some time off to figure things out. To see if they could be my new pack.”

My new pack.

The words feel strange on my tongue, like I'm speaking a foreign language. It still doesn't feel real.

Natalie squeals, pulling me into another hug. "Oh my god, Ophelia! That's amazing! I'm so happy for you!"

I laugh, her excitement infectious. "Thanks, Nat. I'm nervous as hell, but I'm trying to stay positive. I want to be able to say I'm willing to try if they want me. If they choose to accept me, despite my current job."

Natalie pulls back, her hands on my shoulders as she looks me in the eye. "Ophelia, listen to me. Any pack would be lucky to have you. And if they can't see past your job to the amazing person you are, then they don't deserve you."

Her words bring tears to my eyes, and I blink them back. "Thanks, Nat. That means a lot."

She grins, giving my shoulders a squeeze. "I'm so proud of you, Ophelia. You're taking a big step. Promise me you'll tell me everything?"

I nod, laughing. "I promise. You'll be the first to know how it goes."

With one last hug, I head to the manager's office to pick up my check. As I walk, I look around, taking in the sights and sounds of the Scent Bar.

It's been my world for so long, but now it feels foreign.

I knock on the manager's door and a gruff voice calls for me to enter. I step inside, the stark fluorescent lighting a harsh contrast to the dim bar outside. The manager, a grizzled beta named Frank, looks up from his paperwork.

"Thompson," he grunts. "Here for your check?"

I nod, and he pulls an envelope from his desk drawer.

"Here you go," he says, handing it to me. "You sure about this leave of absence? You're one of our best."

Coming from Frank, the compliment is unexpected. "I'm sure," I tell him. "I need to... explore some other options."

He nods, unusual understanding in his eyes. "Well, you know where to find us if things don't work out."

I thank him and leave the office, tucking the envelope into my purse. As I make my way back through the bar, I see Hank, one of the bouncers. He's a mountain of a man, all muscle and tattoos, but he's always been kind to me.

"Hey, Ophelia," he calls out as I pass. "Everything alright? We don't usually see you on your nights off."

I stop, giving him a small smile. "Everything's fine. I'm just picking up my last check for a while. Taking some time off."

Concern flashes across his face. "You're not in any trouble, are you? That guy who showed up the other day giving you a hard time?"

His protectiveness warms my heart. "No trouble," I assure him. “Just exploring some new opportunities."

Hank nods, relief evident in his expression. "Good. You deserve better than this place, Ophelia. Don't get me wrong, it's a job, but… you're meant for more."

His words hit me harder than I expected. I feel tears pricking at my eyes again, and I blink them back. "Thanks, Hank. That means a lot."

He gives me a gruff nod, then turns back to scan the crowd. I take a deep breath, steadying myself.

It's time to go.

Time to leave this chapter of my life behind and face whatever comes next.

I push open the door, stepping out into the cool night air. The sounds of the city wash over me. Car horns, distant sirens, the low hum of conversation from passersby. It feels like a different world out here, far removed from the artificial atmosphere of the Scent Bar.

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