Page 37 of Knot Happening

The penthouse was a world unto itself, perched high above the city that had become my hunting ground.I had traded the gilded cage of my father's mansion for this luxurious sanctuary, but the weight of freedom was a complex thing.I was no longer under my father's thumb, yet I remained a bird with clipped wings, hunted by his relentless goons.

I stood at the edge of the nest Pietro had so thoughtfully prepared for me.It was a beautiful space, designed to be a haven for an omega in need of comfort and security.But as I traced the soft edges of the plush fabrics, I felt a pang of longing for the familiar textures of my own handiwork.The blankets I had crocheted myself, the small nuances that spoke of years of solitude and the careful crafting of my own sanctuary—all gone, destroyed by my own hands to keep my father's prying eyes from ever understanding the depth of my need for escape.

Jin, ever observant, saw through the veil of my composure."You miss your nest," he stated more than asked, his voice a soft murmur that filled the space between us.

I met his gaze, the understanding in his eyes a balm to my aching heart."I do," I admitted, the words heavy with the loss of something deeply personal."There was a comfort in the familiar, in the things I made with my own hands."

Jin nodded, his mind already whirring with the promise of action."I'll get you a crocheting kit and yarn," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument."Whatever colors and textures you need."

My heart swelled with gratitude, and I offered him a small, genuine smile."Thank you, Jin.It means more than you know."

Pietro, who had been watching our exchange with a quiet intensity, stepped forward.His presence was commanding, yet he moved with a careful reverence within the confines of my nest."We want you to feel at home here, Darcy," he said, his voice a low thrum that resonated with sincerity."If there's anything else you need, anything at all, you must tell us."

I looked up at him, at the man who had taken on the role of protector and provider with an ease that both intimidated and comforted me."I will," I promised, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me."And I appreciate it more than I can say."

I watch Jin as he steps away, his fingers already moving over his phone to order the supplies I'll need to create a semblance of home within this sterile luxury.I can't help but marvel at how effortlessly he reads me, at how he anticipates my needs before I've even voiced them.It's both disconcerting and deeply touching.

thirty-nine

AXEL

I pushed openthe heavy doors of The Vultures' NYC chapter, the familiar rumble of Harleys and the scent of oil and leather welcomed me like an old friend.The guys were here, lounging around, their eyes lit up as they spotted me.I couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride as they clapped me on the back, their words of respect mingled with the classic rock blaring from the speakers.

"Yo, Doc!Heard you went all Rambo on the Iron Serpents," one of the younger members shouted over the music, a grin spread across his face.

I just gave him a nod, my gaze scanned the room until it landed on Razor.He's propped up on a barstool, his right arm encased in a cast, a beer in his left hand.The anger that rolled off him was palpable, and I could see the tension in every line of his body.I approached him, the noise of the room faded into the background.

"Razor," I greeted, my voice steady."How're you holding up?"

He looked up at me, his eyes hard."Better," he grunted, but I could read him like an open book.The way he slammed the beer bottle down onto the table, the muscles in his jaw clenching – he's a storm waiting to happen.

"You shouldn't be drinking with the pain meds," I reminded him, keeping my tone light but firm.

He scoffed, a ghost of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth."Since when did you become such a mother hen, Doc?"

I shrugged, leaning against the bar."Just looking out for you, man.You're no use to anyone if you can't keep your head straight."

Razor took a deep breath, some of the tension leaving his shoulders."Thanks, Doc," he said, his voice sincere."For getting me out of there."

This was the first time we've really talked, I realize.Our paths have crossed in stories and rumors, but never in person."You don't have to thank me, Razor.We're Vultures.We look out for our own."

He nodded, taking a swig of his beer before he set it aside."They didn't break me, you know.I didn't spill anything."

I believed him.Razor might be hot-headed and impulsive, but he was tough as nails."I never doubted you," I said, and I meant it.

We fell into a comfortable silence, the noise of the clubhouse surrounding us like a cocoon.I could feel the weight of my father's patch in my jacket, a constant reminder of the legacy I carried.It was a heavy burden, but one I wore with pride.

"You know," Razor started, his voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, "there's talk about you taking a more permanent role here.Hawk's not getting any younger, and with you pulling off a rescue like that..."

I shook my head, cutting him off."I'm a nomad, Razor.Always have been, always will be."

He raised an eyebrow at me, a challenge in his gaze."You sure about that, Doc?Seems to me like you've got a knack for leadership."

I chuckled, pushing off from the bar."I've got enough on my plate without adding a chapter or whole club to it," I tell him, thinking about Darcy and the others.

Razor watched me, his expression thoughtful."You're different, Doc.You've always been different.It's not just about the club for you, is it?"

I met his gaze, holding it steady."The club's my family and always will be."

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