Page 107 of Hard Knot

"I'll draw up the documents myself. You'll approve them without question if you want to keep your position." My voice drops lower. "Though I'm sorely tempted to rid this institution of your presence right now."

Straightening, I return to Elizabeth's side, wrapping my arm around her shoulders and pulling her against me. The familiar warmth of her body sends a jolt through my system that I carefully ignore.

"That's the deal," I state firmly. "From this moment forward, Abercrombie is our Omega. All original and new terms and privileges apply immediately." My grip tightens slightly. "I don't care if the dorms are full or reassigned. I want a private suite established for our pack before the end of the school day. And ensure there's adequate parking - a minimum of five spots. Our Omega will need her own ride."

Elizabeth's head snaps toward me, surprise evident in her features.

“I-I get one?”

“You get whatever you want, Eli,” I assure her. “My Omega can take my ride whenever she wants, which means you can totally get a bike if that’s the vehicle you want.” I lean in closer and add, “You want a car and a bike? Say the word and you’ll get both.”

She’s red as ever, the flush making her look so damn hot and innocent.

Even though I remember that my academic rival knows how to work in the bedroom…especially with that mouth of hers.

I can't help but smirk, giving her a look that promiseswe'll talk about everything in detail later.

"Also," I continue, returning my attention to Phillips once more, "have new uniforms sent to our suite. Highest quality fabric only." I pluck at my sleeve in disgust. "This cheap material is unacceptable."

Turning to the three Alphas, I soften my tone slightly.

"Since you're my fellow comrades now, I hope we can attempt some form of cooperation." My attention fixes on Carter specifically. "And since I just saved your collective asses, I want the afternoon with Eli. No stalking, no interruptions, no matter how jealous you might be. You owe me this much, and I trust you'll respect that."

Felix shifts slightly, and I add, "That includes your surveillance, Reichmann. Give us actual privacy for once." A sharp smile crosses my face. "Or I can introduce your systems to a virus that'll have them down for a week."

Felix opens his mouth, then closes it wisely.

"Smart man," I praise before announcing, "We're done here."

"Mr. Morrison," Phillips calls out, desperation making his voice crack. "Thank you for your mercy. You're just like your father. It’s a shame that he passed last year, but?—"

"Stop." The word cuts through the air like a blade.Him out of all people can’t be reminding me of something so vital and precious."I am nothing like my father." My voice drops to a deadly whisper. "If he were standing here, you'd already have a bullet in your head instead of still running your mouth."

The color drains from Phillips's face as I guide Elizabeth toward the door, my hand steady at the lower part of her back.

The silence that follows us is profound, broken only by the soft click of the door closing behind us.

The hallway stretches empty before us, and for the first time since entering that office, I allow myself to really feel the weight of Elizabeth pressed against my side.

Five years of searching, of building power, of preparing for this moment.

And now here we are, walking away from a confrontation that's changed everything.

Now the real question remains.

What happens next?

Fever Dreams

~ELIZABETH~

"Where are we going?" I ask as James guides me through the halls, his hand steady at the lower part of my back.

The warmth of his palm seeps through my uniform, a constant reminder of his presence that both comforts and unsettles me.

I’ve missed him…

It’s hard for me to admit that to myself.

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