Page 146 of Hard Knot

"And if anyone's really curious about why we're here," Carter continues, sliding his hands into his pockets with casual menace, "we've got bounties on our heads. We're not good people. So play stupid games, win stupid prizes." He grins sharply. "Come on, let's leave Miss Copycat Barbie here."

"Copycat Barbie?!" Victoria sputters as laughter ripples through the crowd.

Holmes tugs me forward, the others falling into step around us like this is something we've done a thousand times. I'm still processing their unified defense of me when Holmes leans down slightly.

"No more being treated like shit from now on, got it?"

I nod, unable to hide my smile as I feel the weight of every stare following our progress. The dynamic has shifted so completely it's almost dizzying — from Forgotten One to protected Omega in the span of a morning.

I wonder how different Hard Knot Academy is going to be now.

Looking at the four Alphas surrounding me, each dangerous in their own way but somehow perfectly balanced together, I have a feeling I'm about to find out.

And for once, I can't wait to see what happens next.

Changes Equal Opportunities

~ELIZABETH~

Oh god…this feels good…even if it hurts like hell.

The stretch burns in the best way as I fold forward into my splits, reaching for my ballet shoes while trying to work out the persistent ache in my ribs.

Three weeks have passed in a blur of new privileges and experiences, making it hard to believe I'm the same person who used to be confined to such a small portion of Hard Knot Academy's sprawling campus.

Three weeks of actually feeling like I belong somewhere.

The thought brings a smile to my face as I extend further into the stretch, feeling my muscles protest slightly. I've been pushing myself harder lately, taking advantage of every opportunity that's opened up since becoming an "official" Omega.

The full expanse of Hard Knot's southern section wing has become my playground — so many clubs and competitions I never knew existed, hidden away from those deemed unworthy of participation. I've even started kickboxing classes after ballet,channeling my newfound energy into learning how to actually defend myself in various ways.

I’ll never be put in a situation where if I can’t run, I can’t fight. Now I’ll be able to do some damage and not feel so helpless.

That first day as a pack feels like ages ago now.

The new advisor — hand-picked by James to replace Phillips, who's currently on "unpaid leave" writing daily pleading letters begging James not to ruin his life with that infamous tape — had given us a proper tour of the facilities.

It was like discovering a whole new school hidden within the one I thought I knew for the past five years.

Amazing what doors open when you have the right connections.

My class schedule has transformed completely.

James managed to align his schedule perfectly with mine, meaning I have my former academic rival in every single class. It should be annoying, but there's something comforting about having him there, picking up our old competitive habits like no time has passed.

Holmes takes everything except ballet — though he often watches from the observation rows in the auditorium near the back, probably thinking no one notices him behind those sunglasses he's adopted in place of the blindfold.

Felix shares my Advanced Quantum Computing class, which has quickly become one of my favorites. There's something freeing about being able to show off my technical knowledge without worrying about seeming too smart for an Omega.

Carter...my eyes search the auditorium for his familiar form, finding him deep in conversation with someone I don't recognize.

The man doesn't look like our usual judges or administrators — his suit is too expensive, his bearing too confident for theusual Hard Knot staff. Whatever they're discussing has Carter wearing his serious expression — a rare sight that usually means business is being conducted.

Real business, not academy politics.

These past weeks have changed so much. We've grown closer as a pack, finding our rhythms and boundaries in ways I never expected. The guys have their own dynamic that I'm gradually learning to navigate — when to push, when to step back, and when to mediate their more explosive personalities.

My hand drifts unconsciously to my stomach as another twinge makes itself known. The heat suppressants are working again, thank god, though I feel a flutter of anxiety remembering the days I accidentally skipped. Three days? Or was it four?

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