Page 33 of Knot Made to Break: Part One

Jennica huffed dramatically as she ushered me back to the dressing room, keeping her bitter voice low. “Now I know they’re full of shit. You look terrible in that sweater.”

I deflated immediately, pulling at the sleeves, which were about an inch too long, covering my palms. After putting up with Jennica all afternoon, I was ready to return to my guest room and hide under the covers for the rest of the day just to decompress. I’d dealt with shitty people my whole life, but the constant barrage of demeaning comments had taken the last of my energy. I slumped, truly worn out.

Having already decided to walk out of the store in the jeans and new undergarments I had on, I took off the sweater and searched for another top to wear so we could check out and leave.

But Jennica wouldn’t stop. Her cruelty was never-ending. “Don’t let all their bullshit praise go to your head. They may buy you all this shit, but they’re not serious about you.” Her lip curved in an angry sneer. “They just want a cunt to knot, but they’ll never mate someone as ugly and pathetic as you.”

Every insecurity I’d ever had about myself rose hard and fast. I swallowed past the tightness fisting my throat, trying to keep the tears from falling. I kept my gaze cast downward, twisting the material of the sweater so tightly my fingers ached.

She scoffed, rolling her eyes at me. “A spineless little coward. Gods, how they mustpityyou.”

Her words felt like physical blows, making me curl in on myself, which only proved her right.

DIMITRI

I stalked through the boutique, the soft blue sweater clutched in my fist. Kitania’s face when she’d tried on the oversized version flashed in my mind—that fleeting spark of joy quickly extinguished by disappointment. I’d be damned if I let anything dim her light again. Thankfully, I found the same one in a smaller size.

As I approached the dressing rooms, a venomous voice sliced through the air. My steps faltered, rage igniting in my chest as I recognized Jennica’s disdainful tone, mid-sentence.

“—they’re not serious about you,” she hissed. “They just want a cunt to knot, but they’ll never mate someone as ugly and pathetic as you.”

My vision blurred red. Howdarethat bitch speak to my Omega like that?

“A spineless little coward,” Jennica continued, her words dripping with disdain. “Gods, how they must pity you.”

My jaw clenched so hard I thought my teeth might shatter. Every fiber of my being screamed to protect Kitania, to shield her from the lies this cunt was spewing. But I held back, my fingers digging into the soft fabric of the sweater while I tried to rein in my fury first so I didn’t straight up murder the bitch.

I could picture Kitania’s face, those ice-blue eyes wide with hurt, her delicate frame trembling. The urge to comfort her warred with my need for vengeance. Jennica’s insults were vile, and I wanted to burst in and silence her—permanently. The only thing keeping my temper in check was the fear of how my mate would react.

“You think they actually give a shit about you?” Jennica’s voice dropped to a mocking whisper. “Wake up, little girl. Men like that don’t waste their time on broken toys.”

That was it. I’d heard enough. My protective instincts roared to life, drowning out any semblance of rational thought. I stepped forward, ready to unleash hell on this vicious harpy, when a small whimper from inside the dressing room stopped me cold.

Kitten.My fierce little survivor, reduced to tears by this worthless piece of trash. In that moment, I knew no punishment would be too severe for that bitch. But first, I had to tend to my Omega.

I took a deep breath, forcing the rage back down. She needed gentle hands now, not my fury. The last thing I wanted to do was break down the door and frighten her.

I was nothing if not controlled.

With effort, I smoothed my expression and knocked softly.

“Kitania?” I called, low and steady. “I’ve got that sweater for you. May I come in?”

I heard a sharp intake of breath, then a quiet sniffle. “O-Okay.” Her voice wavered.

I pushed the door open, immediately drawn to my Omega’s huddled form. She was curled in on herself, those captivating ice-blue eyes rimmed with red. My chest tightened at the sight.

Before I could move to comfort her, Jennica sneered, and her words, overladen with saccharine sweetness, cut through the air. “Oh look, your knight in shining armor has arrived. How quaint.”

Something inside me snapped. In an instant, I had Jennica pinned against the wall with my hand wrapped around her throat. Her eyes widened in shock, fear finally registering on her face.

“Have you forgotten who I am?” I growled, my voice low and dangerous.

The bitch gasped, struggling for air. “N-No. You’re Dimitri C-Cristenello,” she choked out.

“So you’re not unaware, just ignorant.” I tilted my head. “Or suicidal.” I tightened my grip a little more.

But even then, her arrogance didn’t waver. “Or maybe I’m just confident. Thatgirlis too weak, too timid to be your queen,” she said, treating this like it was some kind of test. Like if she passed, I’d ravish her instead. “You need someone stronger, more ruthless.”

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