Page 39 of Knot So Sweet

I ducked under a low branch, the sharp claw of a twig grazing my face, I winced, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t. Yet, it wasn’t them I feared most—it was Travis Knight. The alpha, who, in front of all our classmates, had claimed me as his with a smile that felt more like a snare.

His rough hands pawed at my chest, meaty fingers digging into my sensitive skin. All I could do was freeze, terrified. He was just like my father, and no matter how much I wanted to fight, I didn’t. I was paralyzed by fear. I’d never trust an alpha again.

I should have fought him.

Even as I laid there, Travis's body pressed against mine, his scent of bitter lemon engulfing me, I felt myself breaking. That smell would haunt me forever, making me gag every time it lingered in the air.

I didn’t say, “No”. I didn’t stop him from reaching into my panties, his fingers slick with my shame. My spirit had been frayed at the edges.

I would never be weak like that again. I will fight.

If it hadn’t been for Linc, I didn’t think Travis would have stopped. Linc had slammed into him without warning, shouting for me to run. So, I did—driven by pure desperation.

But deep down, I knew I wouldn’t get far. Not with Jordan and Dare on my heels, their breath hot with the thrill of the chase.

I choked on a sob, stumbling through the woods behind the Sterling Estate, my tears a silent plea for help. But I couldn’t stop. Not with the Hounds closing in, their laughter twisting the knife of my fear even deeper.

"You're mine, sweet tart,"Travis's voice sliced through my thoughts like a knife. I would never forget how weak that made me feel.

A howl cut through the night, followed by Jordan’s mocking voice. "Faster, Candi! If I catch you, I might decide to keep you for myself." His words made my blood run cold.

I was frozen for a moment, heart racing as I scanned the darkness for movement. The cruel laughter of the Hounds echoed to my right, sending me darting further into the woods. Branches lashed at my skin as I fought to escape the nightmare.

"You can’t hide forever, Candi!" Dare’s voice carried through the trees.

"We’re just playing!" Jordan added as they both howled together in excitement.

Playing.

The word churned my stomach. I wasn’t running from a game. I was running for my life.

My lungs burned with each ragged breath as I glanced back at the shadows shifting among the trees. I had to find a way out. Somewhere to hide.

Linc had risked everything for me, but even he couldn’t help me now. I was alone, caught in a nightmare that every omega feared.

I stumbled into a clearing, the moonlight casting a silver blanket over the ground. I paused to catch my breath, but the rustling behind me reminded me I had no time.

They were close.

Too close.

Jordan’s voice called out mockingly, "Where are you, Candi girl? I just want to play!"

The laughter felt like ice water in my veins. I bolted, but a hand gripped my arm, yanking me back into the terror I couldn’t escape. The world spun as I was dragged, my breath hitching in my throat. I fought, thrashing and kicking, but their hold was iron, relentless.

"Let go of me!" I screamed, my voice cracking under the weight of my panic. Tears blurred my vision, streaming down my face as my body twisted in desperation. I promised myself I'd fight. That I'd never let anyone touch me again. But I hadn't expected it to benow.

"Why would we do that?" Dare’s voice dripped with malice, a twisted grin spreading across his face as he shoved me hard toward Jordan.

Jordan caught me, his hands rough as they pawed at my waist, fingers digging into my skin like claws. "Don’t fight it, Candi," he taunted, forcing my back against his chest as his hands slid lower, tugging at the hem of my shirt. "It’ll be over quickly, if you’re good."

"No!" I twisted, trying to wrench myself free, but Jordan’s grip was vice-like. His breath was hot against my neck as he pressed his lips to my ear, whispering vile things that made my skin crawl.

"Stop! Please!" My voice was hoarse, every word a plea, but they only laughed, a cruel symphony that echoed in the night.

"Stop?" Dare mocked, his hand grabbing a fistful of my hair, yanking my head back painfully. "Oh, Candi, we’re just getting started." He leaned in, his breath foul as his lips ghosted over my cheek. "You smell so good when you’re scared."

I gagged, choking on my sobs as Jordan tore at my shirt, the fabric ripping with a sickening sound that echoed in the cold night air. His hand slid up my bare stomach, fingers grazing my bra, and bile rose in my throat.

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