Page 4 of Knot Happening

We shared stories of my childhood, each one a patchwork quilt of laughter and tears, of trials and triumphs.Josephine had been there for it all, a silent sentinel in the background of my life.

"Do you remember the time I fell out of the apple tree?"I asked, a grin spreading across my face.Josephine's laughter filled the room, a sound as warm and comforting as a favorite blanket.

"Oh, how you wailed!I thought for sure you'd broken something," she said, shaking her head at the memory."But there you were, a scraped knee and a defiant tilt to your chin, demanding to climb back up."

"I was always more afraid of missing out than of getting hurt," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.It was a revelation, the realization that my fear of stagnation had always outweighed the fear of the unknown.

Josephine paused in her ministrations, her gaze meeting mine in the mirror."That's what makes you so special, Darcy.You have a fire inside you that no one can extinguish."

Her words hung in the air, a benediction and a challenge all at once.As I stood there, enveloped in the scent of my past, I knew that the future awaiting me was one of my own making.

With a final adjustment to my gown, Josephine stepped back to admire her handiwork."You look beautiful," she said, her voice thick with emotion."I am so proud of the woman you've become."

I turned to face her, my eyes shining with unshed tears."Thank you, Josephine.For everything."

She took my hands in hers, giving them a reassuring squeeze."You're going to do great things, my dear.I have no doubt about that."

As I stood there, ready to face the world on my own terms, I knew that with the wisdom of Josephine's words etched into my heart, I was ready for whatever lay ahead.My childhood home was about to witness my final act—one of defiance and survival.

By the time we descended the grand staircase into a world of opulent chaos, I was more than ready to say goodbye.My father's guests were a sea of faces, their importance within the political hierarchy like invisible crowns upon their brow.The ballroom pulsed with the clandestine energy of secrets and lies, each room a gilded cage from which I was soon to be freed.

four

HARLEN

My ma'slavender scent mingled with the aroma of a home-cooked meal as I walked through the door of her apartment.She was standing by the stove, her hair tied back, a smile on her face that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"You shouldn't be on your feet," I said, my voice a low rumble as I took in the sight of her.

She waved me off, her laugh light and airy."Harlen, I'm fine.It's just a little back pain."

I didn't buy it.I never did.Taking the wooden spoon from her hand, I guided her to a chair."Sit.I'll finish up here."

She sighed but didn't protest further, sinking into the chair with a grateful sigh."You spoil me, my love."

I shot her a grin as I stirred the pot on the stove."You raised me right."

Her smile faltered a bit, and I knew she was thinking about my father – an alpha who'd left us before I could even form memories of him.It was just as well; I had no desire to know a man who could abandon his family.

We ate in silence for a while, the clinking of cutlery against plates the only sound in the small kitchen.I watched her, noting the way she picked at her food, the darkness under her eyes.

"You're not sleeping again," I stated, not a question.

She looked up, startled, and offered a weak smile."Just worrying about you."

I reached across the table, taking her hand in mine."You don't need to worry about me, Ma.I can take care of myself."

She patted my hand, her touch light."I know you can, Harlen.But a mother's worry never fades, no matter how old her children get."

I squeezed her hand gently, my heart aching for the woman who'd sacrificed everything for me.The conversation shifted, as it often did, to her current relationship.I kept my opinions to myself, but the scent of her latest boyfriend lingered in the house like a bad omen.He was an alpha, rough around the edges, and I didn't trust him.

"He's been good to me," she said, as if reading my thoughts.

I grunted, focusing on my meal."I'll be the judge of that."

She laughed softly, a sound that eased some of the tension in my shoulders."Always my protector."

Her eyes held such pride and sorrow.She knew I carried the weight of the world on my shoulders, just as she knew I'd do anything for her.

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