Page 152 of Hard Knot

"Look!" I exclaim, practically vibrating with excitement. I probably sound like a child showing some grand prize she’s won, but I don’t care. I’m too exhilarated to care about what other people think.All I care about is what my pack thinks."Look what they gave me!"

He removes his sunglasses, and the way he studies the card –then me– makes my heart skip.

"It's pretty," he says slowly, "though you were prettier on that stage."

Heat rushes to my cheeks as I study his face.

"Did you do this?" I ask quietly, hardly daring to breathe.

His smirk is answer enough, but his words make my heart soar:

"I think everyone's talent should be seen with clear vision."

He slides his glasses back on, but not before I catch something soft in his expression.

"I have to go," he says, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to my lips. "Congratulations, Elizabeth."

As he turns to leave, Carter's voice rings out:

"You're still a douche!"

I elbow him sharply, making him yelp, but I can't stop smiling even as I scold him. James wraps his arms around me from behind, pressing another congratulatory kiss to my temple.

Standing there, surrounded by these impossible Alphas who've somehow become my pack, I stare at the golden card in my hands. Tears roll freely down my cheeks now, but they're different from any I've shed before.

These are tears of victory, of vindication, of pure, unrestrained joy.

For the first time since presenting as an Omega, I feel truly, completely free. The boundaries that once seemed so insurmountable have crumbled, leaving nothing but an open sky ahead.

This is what it feels like, isn’t it?

I have to wonder as it finally sinks in.

To finally spread your wings and soar.

The golden plaque of sorts grows warm in my grasp, its weight a promise of everything to come. No more hiding in shadows, no more dimming my light to make others comfortable.

Just pure, unrestricted flight toward a future I never dared to dream might be possible.

And the best part?

I'm not flying alone anymore.

Unexpected Victories And Blackmail?

~ELIZABETH~

"Honestly, Abbie girl, I'm beyond proud," Dad's Russian accent voice carries through the phone, warm and genuine as always. "But five million dollars? That's absolutely insane!"

I laugh, shuffling through the growing pile of mail on the kitchen counter.

"Trust me, I'm still processing it myself. Apparently, someone recorded the whole performance and it went viral." I pause, shaking my head in amazement. "Like, actually viral. The video has millions of views across all platforms."

"As it should!" He sounds so excited I can practically see him pacing in his office, the way he always does when he's enthused about something. "The way you moved with those Alphas – it was revolutionary, sweetheart. Breaking boundaries while maintaining such incredible technical precision..."

"Dad," I groan, though I can't hide my smile. "You're starting to sound like those dance critics in the comments section."

His laugh fills the line.

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