Page 54 of Knot Happening

Jin and Axel followed close behind, their presence a reassuring constant in this sea of opulence.Every time my hand brushed against a fabric, they were there, scooping it up and placing it gently in our cart.Their attentiveness was a balm to my frayed nerves, their actions a silent vow to support me in this new chapter of my life.

I paused before a plush yellow cushion, its texture so inviting that I couldn't help but reach out and squeeze it.The softness beneath my fingers was like a physical manifestation of happiness, and I couldn't resist pulling it close for a moment.Axel chuckled softly behind me, his hand finding the small of my back in a gesture that was both possessive and affectionate.

"I think we've found a winner," he said, his voice low and warm.

Jin nodded in agreement, his eyes bright with excitement."It's perfect, just like you," he added, his words causing a blush to creep across my cheeks.

I moved on, my gaze landing on a set of deep purple curtains.They were soft, softer than anything I had ever felt before.Without realizing it, I found myself rubbing my cheek against the fabric, the velvety texture sending waves of contentment through me.

A quiet laugh drew my attention back to the front of the store, where Pietro and Harlen stood.They were engaged in a hushed conversation, their bodies angled towards each other in a way that spoke of familiarity and shared secrets.Every now and then, Pietro's gaze would drift over to me, a small, private smile playing on his lips.

Harlen, ever the stoic, seemed more relaxed than I had ever seen him.His eyes, dark as a moonless night, held a tenderness that he reserved only for me.When he caught me watching, he reached out and took Pietro's hand in his own, the simple gesture speaking volumes about their bond—and mine to them.

Feeling emboldened, I approached them with a confidence I didn't know I possessed."What do you think, gentlemen?"I asked, gesturing to the growing pile of nesting materials in our cart.

Pietro's eyes swept over the selection, a look of approval lighting up his features."You've chosen beautifully, solnishka," he said, his voice filled with pride.

Harlen's nod was curt, but the intensity of his gaze told me everything I needed to know."You could make a nest out of rags and it would still be the most magnificent thing I've ever seen," he said, his words gruff but sincere.

I felt my heart swell with love for these men, my alphas, who had given me so much more than just safety and comfort.They had given me a sense of belonging, a place where I could be myself without fear or judgment.

I wandered through the boutique, my eyes wide with wonder at the sheer variety of fabrics before me.Each touch was a discovery, a sensory delight that sent ripples of pleasure down my spine.I found myself getting lost in the textures, in the colors, in the potential each item held for my nest.

Pietro, ever the attentive observer, watched me with a warmth in his eyes that made me feel cherished."Take your time, solnishka," he said, his voice a soft caress against my skin."This is your sanctuary we're building."

I nodded, feeling a rush of affection for him.I picked up a plush pillow, its surface a tapestry of blues and greens that reminded me of the ocean.The pillow's fabric felt refreshingly chilly against my fingertips, almost jarring compared to the warmth of the shop's ambient lighting.

Axel came up behind me, his hand gently taking the pillow from my grasp and placing it into our cart.His fingers brushed against mine in the process, and I felt a jolt of electricity at the contact."You have a good eye," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear."Everything you choose makes this place feel more like home."

Home.The word resonated with me, filling me with a sense of peace I hadn't realized I was missing.I looked over at Jin, who was busily sorting through a stack of blankets.His brow was furrowed in concentration, but when he caught me looking, he gave me a smile so full of love that it nearly took my breath away.

"Hey, Darcy," he called out, holding up a blanket with a pattern of stars and moons."What do you think of this one for stargazing nights?"

I walked over to him, my heart pounding with the anticipation of shared evenings spent under that blanket."It's perfect," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.I reached out to touch the soft fabric, and he took my hand in his, our fingers intertwining in a silent promise of many nights spent cocooned in its embrace.

Harlen, who had been quietly observing from the sidelines, finally stepped forward.He picked up a pillow unlike any other in the store—a deep, rich burgundy with intricate embroidery that seemed to pulse with life under the shop's lights."This one," he said, his voice firm and certain."It reminds me of the strength and resilience I see in you every day."

I took the pillow from him, our hands lingering against each other for a moment longer than necessary.The weight of the pillow in my arms was grounding, a tangible reminder of the life we were building together."Thank you, Harlen," I said, my eyes meeting his in a silent exchange of gratitude and respect.

As we continued through the aisles, each selection felt like a piece of me was being woven into the fabric of our shared future.I could feel their eyes on me, filled with admiration and pride.Their encouragement was a balm to my soul, a testament to the bond we shared.

Finally, laden with our treasures, we made our way to the checkout counter.The cashier's eyes widened at the sight of our overflowing cart, but she said nothing, merely offering us a smile as she began to ring up our purchases.I looked around at my alphas, at the life we were creating together, and felt a surge of love so powerful it nearly brought me to my knees.

As we left the boutique, our arms laden with bags, I realized that this—this feeling of completeness, of rightness—was what I had been searching for all along.And as we walked towards the car, our steps in sync, I knew that no matter what the future held, we would face it together.

And for the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to believe that maybe, just maybe, everything was going to be alright.

fifty-six

DARCY

My pulse poundedin my ears, a frantic rhythm that matched the frantic beating of my own heart as I hid in my nest.The soft fabrics and plush cushions should have been a comfort, but all I could focus on was the deafening chaos that was going on downstairs.

I heard the commotion first—raised voices, the sharp crack of gunfire, and then the unmistakable roar of Axel's motorcycle.Harlen's voice, low and lethal, cut through the chaos, a glaring difference from the soothing murmur I was used to."Darcy, stay here," he commanded, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that brooked no argument.

The world outside our sanctuary had found us, and with it, the harsh reality of my father's reach.He had sent men to drag me back to a life I had fought so hard to escape, their intentions clear in the cruel twist of their lips and the calculating glint in their eyes.

But they hadn't counted on Axel and Harlen.My alphas, my protectors, moved with a deadly grace that was as terrifying as it was awe-inspiring.Axel's knuckles were white where they gripped the handlebars of his bike, his face set in a mask of grim determination.Harlen, meanwhile, was a shadow among shadows, his movements fluid and silent as he approached the would-be kidnappers.

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