Page 171 of Hard Knot

"Don't forget the submarine incident," Felix adds helpfully.

"THE WHAT?!"

"The submarine incident was quite clever actually," Felix explains."Your father somehow managed to flood the basement which thankfully didn’t get too high cause you know I have valuable stuff down there,” he pauses to give me a wink, reminding me of his secret man cave. “Made us think we were in a sinking submarine."

"Very realistic," Carter adds enthusiastically. "The emergency lights going off in the house like we were going to be bombed. The rising water and Felix’s added theatrics?—"

"The emergency oxygen tanks," James chimes in. " Which why the hell do you guys have those in the basement?”

“Scuba diving, “ Holmes casually notes like it’s no big deal.

James gives him a look before he admits, “I’m not trying to be an ass, but are you able to see with googles on?”

“Nope,” Holmes genuinely notes but seems more amused about it than upset.

“I’m not going to further ask,” James concludes, dismissing it. “They were a nice touch."

I relax on the nearest sofa, my gorgeous gown pooling around me.

"I... I can't even..."

Carter laughs, materializing beside me with a glass of something amber.

"Just don't stress about it, we handled everything just fine and dandy."

"Besides," James adds, "it's better than other packs. I heard one of my friends say his Omega used to snipe anyone who tried to make a move on her. Almost got him apparently, but he has the best instincts from working with some secret agency that blends FBI and military experience or something."

"The Omega SNIPES people?!" I turn to Holmes desperately, hoping his shooting expertise might make this make sense somehow.

He meets my gaze calmly.

"There are actually several documented cases of Omegas who snipe, individuals, they deem unworthy or hunt down Alphas who show signs of trafficking or attempting to harm other Omegas."

"A few at Dead Knot don't even try to hide it," Felix adds, adjusting his glasses. "Pretty ballsy since it doesn't exactly encourage potential suitors."

"Except for Marcus," Holmes notes quietly.

Carter barks out a laugh.

"Marcus is fucking insane with an extra dose of testosterone. All those steroids and rut blockers made him certifiable."

"Marcus?" James furrows his brow. "I think I met him last week. Big dude with the muscles at the gym? Cool guy."

"Crazy," Carter, Felix, and Holmes say in perfect unison.

"Ah," Dad nods sagely, "so he was part of pack, huh?"

They all turn to stare at him.

"How did you—" Carter starts.

"The unison denial is normally the sign," Dad explains with a knowing smirk.

Before anyone can respond, a new voice carries from the doorway.

"Mikhail? Why are you talking to the walls again?"

My mother, Anastasia, freezes as she enters the room, her eyes widening at the sight of four imposing Alphas in her living room.

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