Page 36 of Knot Happening

I downed my vodka, the fire in my throat mirroring the one building inside me."I want this serpent found, Vasili.I want him to look into the eyes of the wolf before he meets his end."

"Understood," Vasili replied, his tone as icy as the Siberian winter."I will use every resource at our disposal.We will squeeze the streets until the traitor bleeds himself dry."

I nodded, a grim satisfaction settling over me."Good.We cannot afford weakness, not now, when the Bratva must present a united front."

Vasili shifted uncomfortably, an unusual display of unease."There is something else, Pietro."

I frowned, bracing myself for another blow."Speak, Vasili.We have no secrets between us."

He took a deep breath, his next words tumbling out in a rush."There are rumors that the traitor is close to you.Closer than any of us would like."

A chill ran down my spine, a stark contrast to the warmth of the vodka."You mean one of the council?"

Vasili's silence was all the confirmation I needed.I stood up, my chair scraping against the wooden floor."We will find this Judas, Vasili.And when we do, the Bratva will deliver justice."

"Da, Pakhan," Vasili agreed, his loyalty unwavering."We will not rest until the traitor is caught."

I clapped him on the shoulder, a gesture of camaraderie and shared purpose."Keep me informed of your progress.And Vasili?"

"Yes, Pietro?"

"Be discreet.We do not want to alert the rat before we have him cornered."

With that, Vasili left me alone with my thoughts, the weight of leadership pressing down on me like a leaden shroud.I poured another drink, the clear liquid swirling in the glass a reflection of the turmoil within me.

I had faced many challenges in my life, but nothing could have prepared me for the treachery festering within the very heart of my organization.

And in this world, that was a mistake few survived.

thirty-eight

DARCY

The ridein Pietro's limo was a whisper against the chaos of the last few days.I sat there, sandwiched between Jin and Pietro, the leather seats cool against my skin.The city lights danced across the windows, a kaleidoscope of freedom that I'd only just begun to taste.Pietro's hand found mine, a silent promise of safety as we navigated through the maze of steel and concrete.

When the limo pulled up to a monolithic apartment building next to Central Park, I couldn't help but do the math in my head.The penthouse we were about to enter?It had to be worth more than I could fathom.The fact that Pietro was willing to share his slice of luxury with all of us spoke volumes of his commitment.

Inside the elevator, Pietro's thumb pressed against a sleek panel, the doors closing with a soft hiss as we ascended.Biometric security—a reminder that the world outside was still fraught with danger, despite the sanctuary Pietro was providing.

The penthouse was a testament to modern design, all clean lines and minimalist decor.But it was the windows that caught my attention, towering panes of glass that framed the city in a way that made it seem almost peaceful.I expected to feel exposed, but instead, I felt a sense of liberation.It was as if the city itself was cradling me in its vast, open arms.

Pietro led us through the space, his voice a low rumble as he pointed out various amenities."This is just temporary," he assured me, handing me a tablet with a screen that glowed like a promise."We'll get you everything you need to make a proper nest.For now, consider this a starting point."

I scrolled through the tablet, the array of options overwhelming yet comforting.I could choose anything—anything at all—and it would be mine.The concept was as dizzying as the view from the penthouse windows.

The nest Pietro had prepared was a study in contrasts.Windowless and draped in the softest fabrics, it was a cocoon designed to soothe an omega's senses.Fairy lights twinkled like distant stars, casting a warm glow over the plush textures.It was perfect, really.So why did it feel so wrong?

I caught Jin's eye, and he gave me a small, knowing smile.He understood my need for freedom, my aversion to being caged—even if it was a gilded cage lined with silk and down.

Pietro watched me, his dark eyes searching mine."Is everything to your liking?"he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

I nodded, not trusting my voice.The truth was, I didn't know what I liked anymore.My life had been a series of expectations and obligations, leaving little room for personal desires.But here, in this penthouse, I had the chance to discover what truly made me feel at home.

Jin's hand brushed against mine, a silent show of support."We can change anything you don't like," he said quietly."This is your space, Darcy.Your sanctuary."

I smiled at him, gratitude welling up within me."Thank you," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper."Both of you.For everything."

Pietro's hand found the small of my back, a gentle pressure that grounded me."You don't have to thank us," he said firmly."We're yours.Everything that we have is yours to do with what you like."

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