Page 34 of Hard Knot

I narrow my eyes at him.

"You don't actually believe that."

"No," he admits, securing the bandage with practiced efficiency. "But does it matter?"

Sketchy.

I’m sure any sane person would see all the red flags around this hot sexy Alpha of a stranger, but here I am. Allowing him to be on his knees, wrapping my feet after we had the best shower sex of my existence.

God…I’d be doomed if this was a horror movie.

I just know I’d be those girls turned on by the psychotic killer planning her demise.

"I should get back to my dorm," I say, though the last thing I want to do is leave this charged bubble we've created. "Before whoever cleared this place out decides to let the floodgates open again."

"I can take you home."

The offer hangs in the air between us, weighted with implications I'm not ready to examine.

"I can get there myself. It's on campus anyway."

His brow furrows.

"You live on campus? I thought that was optional."

"Not for me."

I bite my lip, debating how much to reveal.

Something about him makes me want to talk – maybe it's the way he's still holding my foot, thumb absently stroking the arch through the bandage. Or it could be his overall vibe. An unexplained aura that makes me feel so comfortable in his presence.

It’s odd, sure, but it’s not something I’m willing to pass off.

Especially when no one ever talks this much to me…

"Unpacked Omegas can't leave once they're enrolled in Knot Academy. We're stuck here until someone claims us or..." I trail off, not wanting to finish that thought.

"Or?" he prompts, his hand stilling.

I sigh, leaning back against the lockers that are behind the situation bench I’m on.

"That's why they call it 'Hard' Knot Academy. Depending on where you are on campus, it goes by different names. Death Knot in the North Wing, where they keep the really dangerous Alphas. Savage Knot in the East Wing, where most of the fighting happens. Ruthless Knot in the West Wing, where the political games play out. I’m sure there are a few others, but I haven’t had the energy to explore the entirety of this place. All I know is there’s on average 2500 Omegas to account for on Hard Knot side and we’re the ‘low’ end of the pool of castaways."

"And here?" Carter asks, his voice is soft but intent.

"This is the South Wing. We just call it Hard because..." I pause, searching for the right words. "Because this is where they keep the difficult cases. The ones they need to break."

Understanding dawns in his eyes.

"The Omegas who won't submit."

I nod, trying to ignore how his grip on my foot has tightened slightly.

"Trust me when I say, I was far more…rebellious than I am now back then. I was heinous. Diabolical. Fights everyday that I swear the boxing coach is still trying to recruit me even though I’ve ‘retired’ from that era of chaos.” When he arches an eyebrow in surprise my way, I smirk and give him a naughty wink. “Okay, maybe I haven’t given up those hobbies cause they can be used in the bedroom if you know what I mean.”

“I’d gladly be a victim if its by your hands,” he hums and I’m laughing far too hard.

“God, no. Can’t be ruining that handsome face of yours.”

---