Page 25 of Knot Made to Break: Part One

Wanted.

Like maybe I wasn’t as broken and ruined as I felt.

For a fleeting moment, I allowed that tiny spark of hope to burn a little brighter in my chest.

ten

KITANIA

I grippedthe porcelain rim of the toilet, my knuckles turning white as the cramps seized my stomach. The acrid bile burned my throat as I retched up everything I’d eaten for breakfast, my body shuddering with the effort. Finally, the violent heaving subsided, and I wiped the back of my hand across my mouth, trembling. I quickly flushed the evidence away, hoping no one had heard me. I didn’t want anyone to know I’d been sick.

Pushing myself up, I staggered to the sink and splashed cold water on my face. I planted my hands on the counter and stared into the mirror. I felt as hollow as I appeared—dull eyes with shadows etched beneath them, cheekbones that were a little too sharp, and skin pale with a sheen of icy sweat. I looked like a ghost of who I used to be.

Tears built, making my vision watery as dizziness swamped me. My knees threatened to give, but I forced myself to remain standing, bracing against the sink until the wave passed.

You’re not going to pass out and ruin the guys’ generosity.

As if on cue, a soft knock sounded.

“Kitania? Are you ready to go?” Dimitri called.

I rushed to the bedroom door, adrenaline spiking as I realized how long I’d made him and his brothers wait. When I opened it, his gaze immediately zeroed in on me, brow furrowing.

“Are you alright?” Dimitri asked, voice laced with concern.

I forced a smile, hoping the scent-blocking lotion I’d slathered on worked and concealed the fact that something was wrong. “I’m good. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

His forehead creased, but he didn’t argue. I slipped past him towards the stairs, desperate to get outside before he saw through my facade and could question me further.

I felt his gaze follow me, his protective instincts clearly piqued. It was as if he was tuned to my vulnerability, able to see straight through me.

We headed to the main level, and I tried to keep my steps steady, fighting against the lingering dizziness. The other three brothers were waiting in the foyer, eager and ready for our outing.

“Finally!” Tommas exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he saw me. “Thought we’d have to send a search party.”

I felt a flush creep up my neck. “Sorry,” I mumbled, averting my gaze.

Marco pointedly fixed his gaze on Tommas, shoulder-bumping him and nearly knocking him off balance. Then his attention swung my way, expression shifting to something gentler. “No worries, Angel. We’re just restless to take care of you.”

That alone would take some getting used to because no one ever had before, but the thought of being taken care of was… nice. Warmth blossomed through my chest, chasing away thelingering sickness and replacing it with a tentative, nervous kind of excitement.

We took the elevator down to a parking garage and stepped into the concrete jungle filled with luxury vehicles. The guys led me over to one, and I gaped at the massive, most lavish SUV I’d ever seen in my life. Its sleek black exterior gleamed, the chrome accents catching the light.

“Whoa,” I breathed, unable to keep quiet.

Gio chuckled, opening the rear door. “You like it?”

I nodded, still staring. “It’s… it’s nicer than any house I’ve ever lived in.”

The words slipped out before I could stop them, and I immediately regretted it. The brothers exchanged glances, and I saw a flicker of something—pity? anger?—cross their faces.

Dimitri cleared his throat. “Well, we plan on changing that, Kitten.” He motioned inside with a little bow. “Shall we?”

I climbed into the backseat, sinking into buttery soft leather. The new car smell mixed with the scents of the four Alphas who got in after me created a heady cocktail that made my head spin all over again—this time for a much better reason.

I pressed myself against the door, wondering which button operated the window so I could get some fresh air. The Omega part of me was positivelywrithing, wanting to roll around in their scents until I was covered in the perfect notes of mint, smoke, sandalwood, and leather. But their combined signatures in such a confined space were also completely overwhelming.

My body reacted unconsciously, my nipples peaking and my core aching. With no underwear on—since I didn’t own any—it would be a miracle if I didn’t slick straight through my borrowed sweatpants, a pair that was unmistakably Marco’s, given his scent infused every thread of cotton.

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