Page 74 of Knot Happening Again

I've driven past it countless times on my way to the hospital without thinking anything of it, and it's not exactly in the safest part of town. Worry gnaws at my insides as I imagine all the things that could have happened to her.

I scan the streets as I drive, looking for any sign of Ophelia. At one point, I think I see a flash of white hair that reminds me of Leon, but I shake my head.

I must be imagining things.

He made his choice.

Finally, after what feels like hours but is probably only minutes, I spot a figure huddled in an alley. My heart leaps into my throat as I recognize Ophelia's raven hair. I park haphazardly on the side of the road and run to her.

"Ophelia," I breathe, gathering her into my arms. Her skin is burning hot, and I can smell the sweet scent of her heat. It takes every ounce of self-control not to bury my face in her neck and inhale deeply. "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"

She shakes her head weakly, looking up at me with those piercing blue eyes. "You came," she says, her voice filled with relief. And surprise.

My heart clenches. "Of course I came," I say softly, stroking her hair. "You called."

I help her to her feet, supporting her as we make our way to my car. "I need to get you out of here," I say urgently, glancing around at the dark streets. This is no place for an omega in heat.

As I settle her into the passenger seat, I can't help but ask again, "What happened? Are you sure you're not hurt?"

Ophelia shakes her head, her eyes glazed with the fever of her heat. "No, I just... I went into heat."

I frown, still not understanding. "Why were you out here?"

She falls silent, unable to meet my eyes. I can see the internal struggle playing out on her face, and it breaks my heart. "You can tell me, whatever it is," I say gently, wanting desperately to ease her fears.

Tears slip down her cheeks as she looks up at me. "I need to tell you the truth," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "But you're not going to want me. None of you will."

I cup her cheek, wiping away a tear with my thumb. "That's not true," I say firmly. "Whatever it is, it won't change how we feel about you."

I start the car, pulling away from the curb. As much as I want to know what's troubling her, and already have my suspicions, I know now isn't the time. "We don't have to talk about it now," I tell her. "Let's get you into the nest, safe and comfortable. Then we can discuss everything."

Ophelia nods, too exhausted to argue. She slips out of her jacket, the cool air of the car clearly a relief against her overheated skin. As I drive, I keep glancing over at her, watching as she drifts into a fitful sleep.

When we finally pull up to the mansion, I'm relieved to see Mace and Maddox's cars in the driveway. But the absence of Leon's car sends a fresh wave of anger and disappointmentthrough me. I push those feelings aside, focusing on the omega who needs me right now.

I lift Ophelia into my arms, her slight frame fitting perfectly right against my chest. As I carry her toward the house, Mace and Troy rush out to meet us.

"Hey, little one," Mace says softly, his usually gruff voice gentle with concern. "How ya feelin'?"

Ophelia stirs slightly in my arms. "I've felt better," she murmurs, before leaning in closer to Mace and sniffing the air. "You smell like cookies."

Mace chuckles, his large hand reaching out to stroke her cheek. "You smell damn good yourself."

Ophelia leans into his touch, clearly craving the contact. The sight makes my heart swell.

"The nest is ready," Troy says, his eyes never leaving Ophelia's face. "And Maddox drew a cool bath."

I nod gratefully, carrying Ophelia inside and up to the nesting room. As we enter, I see Maddox waiting for us.

The moment his eyes land on Ophelia, I see the same look of awe and instant connection that I felt when I first met her. It's both gratifying and a little bittersweet to see how quickly she's captured all our hearts knowing Leon, my bond mate, is going to be the last one to meet her.

Ifhe gets his shit together.

"You must be Ophelia," Maddox says warmly. He looks cool and collected on the surface, but I know him well enough to see the telltale signs of excitement. He's practically bursting at the seams, and his hands twitch at his sides, like he's having to fight not tor each out and snatch her from my arms.

Ophelia waves tiredly, barely able to lift her hand. "Hi. I don't usually look like shit," she mumbles.

Maddox laughs softly, his eyes twinkling with amusement and concern. "Trust me, you don't."

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