Page 92 of Knot Happening Again

Guilt flashes in his eyes. "I know," he murmurs. "I know."

"Come on," I say, putting a hand on his shoulder. "You could use a drink."

He shakes his head. "No, I'll be alright. You should go back to the nest, be with Ophelia and the others. She needs you."

I never imagined anything could divide my loyalties to my pack, but he's right. Every second I'm away from Ophelia,I feel a growing sense of unease. Even if she's surrounded by overprotective alphas who have already proven they'll rally together to protect her. Even from one of our own. "Where are you going?"

"Back to the hotel," he says, raking a hand through his sweat damp hair. "Once I wear myself out here. Probably better I keep a distance, at least until she's out of heat."

"Yeah," I concede, even if my instincts as a beta are geared toward keeping the pack together. Right now, this is about what Ophelia needs. "Probably. Just… don't wallow too much, okay? You've spent years hating yourself in secret, and that hasn't done shit. If you're really sorry, it's time to face the music. And whatever Ophelia decides."

"You really don't pull any punches, do you?" he asks dryly.

I give a short laugh. "Nope. Someone's gotta keep you alphas in check."

He snorts. "I guess you do."

CHAPTER 27

OPHELIA

Istep out of the bath, my skin flushed from the hot water and lingering heat. The lavender-scented steam clings to me as I reach for a plush towel, wrapping it around my body. For a moment, I let myself enjoy the simple luxury of it—the softness against my skin, the warmth enveloping me. It's a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil roiling inside me.

As I dry off, my mind wanders back to Leon. The shock of seeing him, the flood of memories—both good and painful—that his presence triggered. I shake my head, trying to dispel the thoughts. I can't deal with that right now. I just can't.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself before opening the bathroom door. The cooler air of the bedroom hits me, raising goosebumps on my damp skin. My eyes immediately land on Troy and Rhys, who are waiting for me in the nest.

They both look up as I enter, concern etched on their faces. Troy is sprawled across the bed, his dark hair mussed and his blue eyes intense as they roam over me. Rhys sits on the edge, his posture tense but his green eyes soft as they meet mine.

"Hey," I say softly, my voice still a bit hoarse from earlier. "Where's Maddox?"

Rhys gives me a gentle smile. "He went out on an errand briefly, but he'll be back soon," he explains, his voice soothing. "How are you feeling?"

I shrug, not really sure how to answer that. How am I feeling? Confused. Hurt. Scared. Overwhelmed. But also... cared for. Safe, despite everything.

"I'm okay," I settle on, knowing it's not entirely true but not wanting to worry them more.

Troy pats the bed beside him. "Come here, princess," he says, his usual smirk softened into something more genuine. "You look like you could use some cuddles."

I can't help but smile at that. It's such a Troy thing to say. I make my way to the bed, letting the towel fall away as I climb in. The silk sheets feel divine against my bare skin, and I can't help but let out a small sigh of contentment.

Rhys moves closer, his hand coming to rest on my thigh. The touch is comforting, grounding. "Ophelia," he says softly, "I know you must have a lot on your mind right now. But please, try not to think about... about what happened earlier. Just rest and relax. We're here for you."

I nod, grateful for his words even as I feel tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. "I'm trying," I whisper. "It's just... it's a lot."

Troy wraps an arm around me, pulling me against his chest. His scent—bourbon and leather—envelops me, familiar and comforting. "We know, princess," he murmurs into my hair. "We've got you."

I let myself melt into their embrace, soaking in their warmth and care. It's still strange to me, being treated with such tenderness. After years of guarding myself, of expecting the worst from alphas, it's almost overwhelming to be surrounded by such genuine affection.

A part of me was afraid that once the realization set in of who Leon was, they would think it was some kind of trap. A pack of successful alphas courting a call girl isn't exactly accepted in this world. What if they think this was all a ruse, that I arranged to meet and seduce them as some sort of twisted revenge?"

Rhys leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead, and it's hard to stay lost in my fears. "You're safe here," he says, his voice low and soothing. "We won't let anything happen to you."

I look up at him, seeing the sincerity in his eyes. Despite everything that's happened, I believe him. I trust him. I trust them both.

"Thank you," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Troy's hand starts to trace lazy patterns on my skin, sending little shivers through me. "How about we help you relax a bit more?" he suggests, a hint of his usual playfulness creeping into his tone.

---