Page 30 of Knot So Sweet

I thought of my nephew's omega, the forced bond she was still tied to, and I seethed with rage. One day, she would be free of him. The club would see to it. But for now, she was safe with Vaughn, and that's what mattered.

Ghost’s gaze dropped to the floor, his frustration giving way to contemplation. "I just… I want to protect her. If she's ours, the Bramwell Sanctuary can't take her from us. Michelle and Adam can't use her. We have so many enemies, Viper." He sounded tired now.

"I know," I said, my tone softening. "I want to protect her too, more than anything. But she needs to choose this, Ghost. Choose us. You understand?"

His eyes met mine again, this time with a hint of resignation and acceptance. "Yes, Viper. I get it. You’re right."

"Good," I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Now, make sure her den is secure. Protect our omega in my absence. Gears and I’ll gather intel on the Hounds' next move."

She was more than just a prize to be claimed. She was everything that had been missing in my life. At forty-two, I never imagined I'd find my mate, let alone have her be half my age. But she was my reason for everything now.

I would make this city safe for her, for all omegas, and earn her as mine.

Or I'd die trying.

Chapter 14

Ghost

Imet Pixie bythe back entrance of the Den, my mind a chaotic mess of frustration and tension. After Candi left Viper's office last night, my mind wouldn't settle.

I felt like shit for almost forcing her into a bond before she was ready. Viper had a way of reading her that I didn't. My instincts had told me she wanted it. Wanted us. But Viper was right.

She deserved to choose us just as much as we were choosing her. I wouldn't be like the Hounds. Like Adam or any other ruthless alpha in Sterling, forcing submission through dominance and brute strength.

But that didn't mean she shouldn't be living at the clubhouse, where she could be safe under the MC's protection.

I couldn’t wrap my head around why Viper agreed to this bullshit. We didn’t need to be here, deep in Hound territory. It felt like a setup, a powder keg just waiting for a spark.

If she really wanted The Omega Den, then we could move it somewhere closer to home. Somewhere the Serpents could protect it without inciting a war we weren't ready for.

We already had The Ring, a boxing gym on the east side of town. We could easily add a nightclub near there, and she could live with us across the water at the clubhouse.

Being here was only going to make things worse for the Serpents.

Pixie stood blocking the back door, his stance unmoving as he stared unflinchingly. My irritation flared. He raised a brow, arms crossing his chest as he lifted his chin.

Okay… so he wasn't going to move.Great.

Pixie might be a head shorter than me at five-ten, but he had my respect. So, whatever he had to say, I would hear him out. Even if I wasn’t in the mood for his fatherly lectures.

And after my fight with Viper last night, I seriously wasn't in the fucking mood.

"What?" I snapped, my tone sharper than intended. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I searched for patience, taking a settling breath and trying to calm the rage bubbling inside me.

"Why are we standing outside, Pix?"

"Because you’re being a dumbass, and I need you to see reason," he shot back. And what little composure I had cracked.

See… reason?

My temper flared hotter. "What the fuck are you talking about now?"

He didn't budge, even under my hostility. It was part of the reason I respected him so much. "You need to calm the fuck down before we go inside."

"I am calm," I shot back, though we both knew it was a lie. Pixie’s lip curled into an ‘I-told-you-so’ smile, and my molars clashed together harshly. "Spit it out, old man. What the fuck do you want from me?" I demanded, frustration boiling over.

Pixie remained unmoved, standing in front of the door like a sentry, blocking my way. I was two seconds away from removing him from my path. Or being childish as fuck and walking around the front entrance.

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