Page 38 of Knot Happening

I clasped Razor's good shoulder, giving it a firm squeeze."We're all different, Razor.That's what makes us strong."I glanced around the clubhouse, taking in the familiar faces, the camaraderie, the raw energy that pulsed through the room like a living thing."But we all bleed the same."

I left Razor to his thoughts, making my way to Torch.He was deep in conversation with some of the senior members, but he broke away as I approached, extending a hand in greeting."Doc," he said, his voice carrying a note of respect."Good to see you in one piece."

I nodded, accepting his handshake."Wouldn't be anywhere else, Torch," I replied."I wanted to thank you for your hospitality."

I gave Torch a casual shrug, feeling the phantom ache in my shoulder where a bullet had grazed me during the rescue."It's healing," I told him, the ghost of a smirk playing on my lips."My omega's been taking good care of me."

Torch barked out a laugh, clapping me on the back."Well, I'll be damned!Doc, you sly dog, finding yourself an omega.And not just any omega, but one that can handle you."

His laughter died down as he took in my serious expression."Wait, you're serious?"he asked, his eyes widening in surprise."You really found an omega?"

I felt a flush creep up my neck, a rare occurrence for me."Yeah, I'm serious," I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck in a gesture of discomfort."We're scent matched.She went into heat just after I got Razor out, so I had to stick around, make sure she was okay."

Torch's eyebrows shot up, and he let out a low whistle."Damn, Doc.That's some serious shit right there.You've been through the wringer, haven't you?"

I chuckled, feeling a sense of pride mingling with the lingering exhaustion."You could say that."

He leaned in closer, curiosity lighting up his eyes."So, what's the plan now?You taking her on the road with you?"

I hesitated, the weight of the situation pressing down on me."It's complicated," I said, my voice barely above a whisper."She's got other mates.Might not be an option for me to just take off with her."

Torch's eyes widened in surprise."Other mates?Shit, Doc, you've really landed yourself in the middle of a pack."

I nodded, feeling the tension coil in my gut."Seems that way.I'm still trying to wrap my head around it."

Torch studied me for a moment, his expression turning thoughtful."You know, there's always a place for you here, Doc.If you decide you want to settle down, put down some roots, you've got brothers here who've got your back."

I looked around the clubhouse, taking in the familiar faces, the sense of brotherhood that was as much a part of me as The Vultures' patch on my jacket."I appreciate that, Torch," I said, my voice sincere."I really do."

Torch nodded, understanding in his eyes."Family's important, Doc.Hell, it's everything in this life.You do what you gotta do to protect yours."

I clapped him on the shoulder, feeling a renewed sense of purpose."Thanks, Torch.That means a lot."

I made my way outside, needing a moment of quiet to collect my thoughts.The cool night air was a welcome relief from the stifling atmosphere of the clubhouse.I took a deep breath, the scent of the city mingling with the lingering trace of Darcy's coconut and vanilla scent on my clothes.

forty

JIN

I wokeup to the soft glow of morning light filtering through the curtains of my new bedroom.The penthouse was still a foreign place to me, but the promise I made to the others, to Darcy, anchored me here.I had packed up my life overnight, leaving behind my solitary apartment to be closer to her, to ensure her safety.It was a small sacrifice compared to what she had endured.

Darcy had been holed up in her nest since we brought her here, a sanctuary she clung to even though it lacked the comfort she deserved.I watched her, night after night, weaving blanket after blanket, her hands never still.It was her way of coping, of claiming a space that was truly hers.But it wasn't enough.I could see the longing in her eyes, the way her gaze would drift to the corners of the room, searching for something more.

So, I took matters into my own hands.I raided the closets and drawers of her other alphas, collecting shirts and blankets imbued with their scents.It was a bold move, one that might have sparked territoriality in any other situation, but they understood.They trusted me, and more importantly, they wanted Darcy to be comfortable just as much as I did.

I spent hours tearing the fabric into strips, twisting and knotting them into yarn that carried all of our essences.My fingers worked nimbly, the repetitive motions centering my thoughts as I focused.Each twist of fabric, each careful knot, felt like a small offering - a physical manifestation of my love and concern for Darcy's welfare.I filled bags with the scented yarn, preserving our combined fragrances for as long as possible.The anticipation of giving it to her made my heart race with excitement.

With a newfound energy, I sprang out of bed and into the living room.The sounds of the waking city poured in through the open windows, intruding upon the calm I intended to create.I wanted to create an atmosphere of warmth and safety, a place where Darcy could let down her guard and just be.I built a fort of blankets, ensuring each piece carried a piece of us—a shirt here, a pillowcase there.It was a nest within a nest, a hidden retreat designed just for her.

The kitchen became my next canvas.I pulled out ingredients, my hands moving with practiced ease as I measured and mixed.The scent of butterscotch and peanut butter soon filled the air, a sweet reminder of home, of Mrs.Dubois.The recipe was shared with me when I let Mrs.Dubois know that Darcy was safe.Mrs.Dubois didn’t know any further details but she was grateful she had gotten an update after the ball’s events.

As the cookies baked and the cinnamon rolls proofed, I turned on a playlist of Disney movies, the familiar tunes a gentle backdrop to the morning's preparations.I was ready to give her the world, starting with a place that felt like home.

I felt a rush of satisfaction as I slid the eggs onto the plate, the whites perfectly set and the yolks still runny, just the way she liked them.The fruit was fresh, a vibrant array of colors that I imagined would tempt even the most hesitant of appetites.I poured juice into the glass, watching the pulp swirl, and then filled another with cool, clear water.The pièce de résistance, though, was the cinnamon roll, golden and gooey, its sweet aroma mingling with the other scents in the kitchen.

With the tray neatly arranged, I made my way to her nest, the soft thud of my heartbeat a steady rhythm in my chest.I paused outside the door, giving it a gentle knock.

"I've made breakfast," I called out, keeping my voice low and soothing.There was a brief scurry of movement from within, and then a pair of bright blue eyes peered out at me through a narrow gap in the doorway.My heart skipped a beat at the sight of her, and I couldn't help but beam at her.She was too cute for her own good.

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