Page 49 of Knot Happening

Once I was decent, Jin was immediately there, his strong arms wrapping around my waist as he pulled me back into his lap.I couldn't help but let out a soft sigh of contentment as I settled against him, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat a soothing presence beneath my ear.His fingers trailed up and down my arm in a tender caress, the affectionate gesture making me feel cherished and adored.

A low growl rumbled through the kitchen, drawing my attention to Axel, who was watching us with a playful glint in his eyes."Mine!"he declared teasingly in response to what Jin did earlier, the sound of his deep voice sending a thrill of excitement coursing through my veins.

Before I could protest, Axel had scooped me up from Jin's lap and settled me back in his own, nestling me securely against his chest.I could feel the rumble of his chuckle vibrating through me as he pressed a soft kiss to the top of my head, his arms holding me close.

I leaned into him, my fingers tracing the intricate lines of the wolf tattoo on his shoulder, the ink seeming to come alive under my touch.I felt safe and protected in his embrace, the world around us fading into insignificance as I lost myself in the comforting scent of his leather jacket and the steady beat of his heart.

Jin didn't seem to mind Axel's playful claim, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he watched us.His eyes held a warmth that made my own heart flutter with affection, the bond between us growing stronger with each passing moment.

Pietro moved to sit beside Axel, his large hand coming to rest on my knee in a possessive yet gentle grip.I glanced up at him, my breath catching in my throat as I took in the raw desire still smoldering in his dark eyes.There was a promise there, a silent vow that he would always be there to protect me and care for me, no matter what.

And then there was Harlen, leaning casually against the kitchen table, his hazel eyes watched me with an intensity that made my pulse race.Despite the casual pose, there was a coiled energy about him, a quiet strength that spoke of his unwavering loyalty to our budding pack.

I felt a sense of belonging wash over me as I sat there, surrounded by the men who had come to mean everything to me.They had each claimed a piece of my heart, their love and devotion a constant source of wonder and amazement.

fifty

AXEL

I sat there,the weight of my problems feeling a little lighter with every bite of pancake Darcy took from my fork.The tension from the previous night's chaos at The Vultures' clubhouse seemed a world away.Here, in this moment, surrounded by my pack, I found a sense of peace.

Pietro's voice broke through my thoughts."Axel, do you need help with your rat problem?"he asked, his tone serious.

I paused, a forkful of pancake hovering in the air."I need to check in with Torch, the chapter president, but yes, help would be appreciated," I admitted.The Iron Serpents had proven to be more than just a nuisance.They were a threat that needed to be dealt with swiftly and decisively.

Pietro nodded, his dark eyes steady."Now that we are becoming a pack, you have my back," he said, his accent thickening with his resolve."I will not let this motorcycle club threaten our family."

Family.The word resonated with me, a reminder of the bond we were all forming—a bond that was quickly becoming as strong as any blood tie.I shared a look with Pietro, gratitude and respect passing between us.

"The club that declared war on us is starting to mess with our line of business," I explained, setting the fork down."They're power hungry, and they'll likely try to expand their drug route into your territory next."

Pietro's expression hardened."That will never happen," he stated firmly, "regardless of whether Torch accepts my help or not.The Bratva will crush them before they even think about it."

His words were a vow, a promise of protection not just for me, but for all of us.I felt a surge of loyalty toward him, a deepening of the camaraderie that had been growing since we first met.

"Thank you, Pietro," I said, meaning it."Your support means a lot to me—to us."

Darcy, sitting beside me, reached out to squeeze my hand, her touch grounding me.I glanced at her, offering a reassuring smile before turning my attention back to Pietro.

"We need to strategize," I continued, leaning back in my chair."I have a meeting with Torch later today to discuss our next move.I'd like you to join us."

Pietro inclined his head in agreement."Of course.We should also consider bringing Harlen into the fold.His...particular set of skills could prove useful in dealing with the Iron Serpents."

I arched an eyebrow at Pietro, curious."Why Harlen, though?What's so special about him?No offense."I asked, my gaze flicking to the man in question.Harlen was quiet, observant, and there was a stillness to him that seemed almost predatory.

Pietro chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that filled the room."Harlen has a reputation in the city," he said, his dark eyes glinting with amusement."He's ruthless against people like us."

Jin's eyes widened, and he let out a low whistle."Holy shit, you're the fucking Reaper," he said, looking at Harlen with a new level of respect—or was it fear?

Harlen took a bite of his breakfast, chewing calmly as if Jin hadn't just unveiled his alter ego."I do quite like that name," he admitted, his voice as smooth as silk.

Darcy tilted her head in confusion."The Reaper?"she echoed, her blue eyes searching for clarification.

Jin was practically buzzing with excitement now."Yeah!Harlen here is practically a legend.He's got a rep for cleaning up the streets, taking out the trash without leaving a trace.No bodies, no evidence, just...poof."

I watched Harlen, impressed despite myself.His expression hadn't changed, but there was a certain pride in his posture.It was subtle, but it was there.

Pietro placed a hand on Harlen's shoulder, a gesture of possessiveness and pride."He cremates them in his funeral home," he said, his tone almost affectionate."No one ever suspects the mortician."

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