Page 57 of Knot Happening

We found a quiet corner, away from the prying ears of the other members.I took a deep breath, weighing my words carefully."I've been doing a lot of thinking," I began, my voice steady despite the weight of my decision."I want to stay in the city, be closer to Darcy."

Torch raised an eyebrow, the ghost of a smile playing on his lips."The omega's got your gears turning, huh?"

I met his gaze unflinchingly."She's my scent match, Torch.It's not just about that, though.I've got a responsibility to her, to keep her safe.I can't do that if I'm constantly on the road."

Torch leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest."You think staying here will keep her safer?"

"I know it will," I replied firmly."Besides, I can be more useful to the club if I'm stationary.Help with the rebuild."

He studied me for a long moment, his expression thoughtful."You've always been a nomad at heart, Doc.This is a big change."

I nodded, acknowledging the truth in his words."I've been a nomad because I hadn't found a reason to stay put.Now I have."

Torch let out a low chuckle, shaking his head in amusement."You're not the only one who's noticed the change in you, you know.The whole club's been talking about it."

I frowned, a spark of defensiveness flickering within me."And what's the verdict?"

He clapped a hand on my shoulder, his grin widening."Hell, they think it's about time you settled down.Said you've been a grumpy son of a bitch."

The tension in my shoulders eased slightly at his words."So, you'll allow it?"

"Hell, Doc, you don't need my permission," Torch said, his tone sincere."You've more than proved your worth to this club.If staying here is what you need to do, then you have my full support."

Relief washed over me, followed closely by a sense of gratitude."Thanks, Torch.I appreciate it."

He gave my shoulder a squeeze before releasing it."Just don't forget about us when you're off playing house with your omega and the rest of your mismatched pack."

I chuckled, the sound rich with irony."Trust me, I couldn't forget if I tried."

Torch nodded, his gaze shifting toward the entrance of the clubhouse."Speaking of your pack, I've got a feeling they'll be glad to hear you're sticking around."

I followed his gaze, my thoughts drifting to Darcy, Jin, Pietro, and Harlen.They had become my family, my pack, in such a short time.The bond we shared was unlike anything I'd ever experienced, and the thought of being closer to them filled me with a sense of purpose I hadn't felt in years.

"Yeah," I agreed, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth."I think they will be, too."

fifty-eight

DARCY

As I emergedfrom the nest, the sounds of morning rituals beckoned me.In the kitchen, Harlen stood by the stove, the kettle whistling softly as he prepared my favorite tea—green tea and mint, just the way I liked it.I watched him for a moment, his movements precise and deliberate.

"Morning, darling," he greeted, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down my spine."Tea will be ready soon."

I smiled, padding over to him."You're a lifesaver, Harlen."

He poured the hot water over the tea leaves, the aroma filling the kitchen."Anything for you," he replied, his tone casual, but his eyes betrayed a depth of feeling that warmed me more than the steam from the cup.

At the dining table, Axel was a flurry of activity, his long hair tied back as he juggled pans on the stove.Jin stood beside him, offering guidance with a playful smirk.When he saw me, he shot me a wink.

"Remember, it's all about the seasoning," Jin reminded him, and Axel mock-saluted in response.

I chuckled, leaning against the counter."I never thought I'd see the day when you would make us breakfast."

Axel shot me a grin, his eyes gleaming with mirth."Desperate times call for desperate measures.Besides, I can't let Jin have all the fun."

Jin rolled his eyes, but there was a fondness in his tone when he spoke."Just make sure you don't burn the place down."

Pietro, meanwhile, was engrossed in his laptop, the screen's glow illuminating his face.A cup of coffee sat beside him, the steam curling into the air.He was the picture of calm, a leader even in the quiet of the morning.

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