Page 99 of Hard Knot

Until I’m deemed guilty and dismissed like the piece of trash they see me as.

His arm drops from my waist, and for a moment, my heart stops.

Thinking I’m suddenly abandoned…

But instead of walking away, he turns me to face him fully.

His hand comes up to grip my chin, tilting my face up to his.

Then his lips are on mine, hard and demanding.

The kiss isn't gentle or questioning — it's a claim, a statement of intent that makes my whole body flush with heat as my Omega instincts are going insane. The prickling tingles rush down my arms, triggering goosebumps and heat that can make my world spin in seconds.

My pussy is already clenching in need, as if imagining what James’ length is like, especially with him being a man instead of a boy like way back then.

I'm vaguely aware of Carter's sharp intake of breath, of Felix's quiet curse, but everything fades compared to the sensation of James's mouth moving against mine. Maybe it’s a good thing Holmes can’t see this, but then again, he wouldn’t care.

Can’t seem to get a reaction from him.

When he finally pulls back, his lips brush mine as he whispers with affirmation.

"Tell me, Omega. Should I burn the whole office down for you, to make those signed papers go poof and turn to ash?"

Fuck…

Hidden Observer

~JAMES~

Unacceptable.

Power thrums through my veins like electricity as I listen from the adjoining office, my fingers drumming silently against the mahogany desk. Every word filtering through the thin walls feeds the rage building in my chest.

This piece of shit…talking about my girl like this.

I'd planned to interrupt the moment I heard Phillips start his usual bureaucratic bullshit, but then they'd mentioned Elizabeth.My Eli.The name I hadn't heard spoken aloud in five years stopped me cold, forcing me to stay silent and listen.

Originally, it was the three Alphas dynamics that fascinated me despite my growing anger.

Holmes, clearly the pack leader, remains mostly silent behind his blindfold — a fact I find particularly interesting given the academy's files made no mention of any visual impairment. The black silk covering his eyes speaks of something deeper than mere disability.

Trauma, perhaps. Or punishment.

Felix, the tech specialist according to my research, speaks with calculated precision. Every word is measured, and everyresponse carefully considered. He's dangerous in a way that's easy to underestimate — the kind of Alpha who prefers to destroy from the shadows rather than engage in direct confrontation.

But it's Carter who really catches my attention.

I'd initially dismissed him as another privileged playboy Alpha, all swagger and no substance. His file paints him as the heir to the Giovanni empire — a position that usually breeds exactly the type of entitled asshole I despise.

Yet here he is, defending Elizabeth with a ferocity that can't be faked.

The possessive edge in his voice when he speaks about her, the way he challenges Phillips's authority…it's not the behavior of someone playing games.

He genuinely wants her.

The realization sits uncomfortably in my chest.

I'd spent five years searching for Elizabeth, following every lead, calling in every favor. The thought that I might have finally found her only to lose her to another Alpha — or worse, a pack of Alphas — makes my blood boil.

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