Page 43 of Knot Happening

I met his gaze, understanding the gravity of the situation."We won't let that happen," I promised."The Vultures are stronger than they think."

With a final nod to Torch, I hopped on my bike and peeled out of the parking lot, the roar of the engine drowning out the sounds of chaos and destruction that had become our reality.The road ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but I knew one thing for certain: I would stop at nothing to protect my club, my family.

The Iron Serpents had declared war on us, and they were about to learn the hard way that The Vultures never backed down from a fight.

forty-four

AXEL

I revved down my bike,the familiar rumble of the engine fading to a low purr as I parked it in the building's underground garage.The cool, sterile air of the parking structure did little to mask the lingering scents of smoke and gunpowder that clung to my clothes.The Vultures had been through hell tonight, and the evidence of our struggle was written all over me.

As I rode the elevator up to the penthouse, I couldn't help but let my thoughts drift from the club war that had erupted to my scent match, Darcy.My fingers brushed against the leather cord around my neck as the worry that gnawed at me wasn't just for her safety, but for her state of mind.

The elevator doors slid open with a soft ding, and I stepped out into the penthouse, my boots echoing softly on the polished marble floor.The potent scent of the sweet, intoxicating aroma of Darcy's slick, mingled with Jin's was all I could smell.

I stumbled, caught off guard by the intensity of their combined scents.Righting myself, I took a moment to steady my breathing, to regain my composure.It seemed that while I'd been out fighting, Jin had won his own battle.I followed the sounds of soft purrs through the penthouse, my curiosity piqued.As I approached the living room, I saw it—a makeshift nest blanket fort, constructed with obvious care and attention to detail.Blankets and pillows were stacked high, creating a cozy, inviting space that glowed with the warm light of string lights draped over the top.The combined scents of all of us caused my own purr to vibrate my chest.

The purrs within the nest grew louder as I drew closer, and I could hear the gentle rustle of movement within the fort.It was clear that Jin and Darcy were wrapped up in their own little worlds, lost in the comfort and security of each other's presence.I felt a twinge of something—envy, perhaps, or maybe just a longing to join them, to be a part of that closeness.

But I knew better than to intrude.They needed this time together, away from the violence and uncertainty that had become our new normal.So, I turned on my heel and made my way to my room, my steps measured and quiet.

The metallic tang of blood lingered on my skin, a grim reminder of what I lost today.I peeled off my jacket, the leather stiff with dried blood and grime, and let it fall to the floor with a heavy thud.My shirt followed, the fabric sticking to the bandage on my arm as I tugged it over my head.I was in the process of unbuckling my belt when the bedroom door flew open with such force it slammed against the wall.

Darcy burst into the room, a wild, feral energy radiating off her.Her eyes, bright and fierce, locked onto mine, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.She was a vision, her body moving with a purpose I had never imagined would be directed at me.

Before I could react, she closed the distance between us in a few hurried strides, her hand closing around my wrist with surprising strength.Her skin was warm against mine, and I could feel the tremors that coursed through her body.

I allowed myself to be led by her, following as she tugged me towards the ensuite bathroom.The world outside seemed to fade into insignificance as she turned on the shower, the sound of running water filling the room.She guided me to sit on the edge of the bathtub, her movements deliberate and focused.

I watched in silence as she retrieved a first aid kit from the bathroom cabinet, her hands deftly opening the box and selecting the items she needed.Her eyes never left mine as she approached, her gaze filled with a determination that took my breath away.

Jin appeared in the doorway and watched us.His eyes dark with concern and something else—understanding, perhaps, or maybe a hint of pride."The second we both scented the blood, she ran after you," he said, his voice low and soothing.

As Darcy tended to my wound, her touch was gentle yet firm.She cleaned and re-bandaged my arm with practiced ease, her focus never wavering.When she was satisfied with her work, she guided me into the shower, her hands working through my hair with a tenderness that made my heart ache.

The water cascaded over us, washing away the remnants of the night's violence.I stood there, letting her take control, allowing myself to be vulnerable in a way I had never been before.It was a humbling experience, one that brought with it a newfound respect for the woman who stood before me.

Once I was clean, she led Jin and me back to the blanket fort nest.She positioned us just so, her hands guiding us with a quiet authority that left no room for argument.Only when she was satisfied with our arrangement did she settle between us, her body relaxing into the curve of our bodies as she let out a contented purr.

I lay there, my mind racing as I processed the events of the evening.Darcy's actions had revealed a new side of her—one that was strong, capable, and fiercely protective.It was a side I was eager to learn more about, to understand and appreciate.

Jin, for his part, seemed equally affected.His eyes met mine over the top of Darcy's head, and in that moment, I saw a glimpse of the man he was—loyal, supportive, and steadfast in his commitment to our pack.To Darcy.

As I drifted off to sleep, surrounded by the scents of Darcy's alphas, I realized that I found a sense of belonging that I had been searching for all my life.

forty-five

HARLEN

The moment Pietromentioned the rat, my heart thrummed with anticipation.It had been too long since I'd last indulged in the hunt, the chase, the sweet surrender of a life bleeding out under my hands.The exhilaration of it all was like a captivating melody, impossible to ignore and intoxicating.I could already feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, the focus sharpening my senses to a fine point.

Pietro knew the effect this would have on me.He understood the darker corners of my soul, the parts that thrived on the art of death.We were cut from the same cloth in that regard, though our fabrics had been dyed with different shades of sin.

At the funeral home, I descended to the basement, the familiar chill of the air raising goosebumps on my skin.This was my sanctuary, my laboratory, where life and death danced in a macabre waltz orchestrated by my hand.The surgical steel table gleamed under the harsh fluorescent lights, a blank canvas waiting for my masterstroke.

I prepared my tools meticulously, each one sharp and ready, reflecting my own eagerness.The sight of them laid out in precise order brought a smile to my lips.It was a ritual, a prelude to the crescendo that would come with the rat's last breath.

The thought of Pietro's approval spurred me on, a desire to impress him mingling with my own bloodlust.I wasn't just doing this for the release it promised—I was doing it for him, to show my loyalty, my strength.In this twisted world, these were the gifts I offered to those I respected, to those I allowed to see the monster that lurked within.

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