Page 83 of Knot So Sweet

My eyes remained fixed on the trees blurring past, their vibrant greens morphing into the dull grays of city buildings.

A numbness settled over me, thick and suffocating. Each passing tree felt like a reminder of what I was leaving behind. I hated that I had hurt Ghost. Hated that a part of me longed to stay, to embrace the chaotic warmth of the Steel Serpents MC, the bond we shared that felt deeper than anything I had ever known.

The weight of my decision pressed heavily on my chest, and I could feel the ache growing inside me. I was torn between my desire to escape the painful memories and the magnetic pull of the two men who had claimed pieces of my heart.

The city loomed closer, dragging the reality of my choice into sharp focus. I clenched my hands in my lap, wishing for some way to soothe the ache of my leaving, but I knew that wasn’t possible. It was why I hadn’t wanted to let them in to begin with.

"Are you going to tell me what the hell happened?" Creed finally asked, his tone a mix of concern and frustration.

I sighed. "It’s really quite simple. I had my heat. I let my instincts take over and allowed Ghost and Viper in."

"And now? Why are you running?" His question was sharp, cutting through my defenses.

"Because being with them was stupid. I don’t want nor need a pack."

He shot me a look that said he wasn’t buying it. "Sure, sure. Just like Vaughn when he broke our bond. He thought he was doing the right thing."

I felt a pang in my chest, remembering that time vividly. Creed had been a mess, lost and broken. I’d convinced him to fight for Vaughn, to not give up on what they had.

"It’s not the same thing," I argued, my voice firmer than I felt.

"Yes, it is, Candi. You’re meant to be with both of them just like I’m meant to be with Vaughn, Kay, and Hux." He shrugged, taking a right turn into Hound territory.

I growled, crossing my arms defiantly. "It’s not that simple, Creed. I can’t let them in. If I do, I’m going to get hurt, and I can’t recover from that. Not again."

He sighed, glancing at me briefly. "You really think running away is going to keep you safe? You’re stronger than that, Candi. You’re not the type to back down from a fight."

"Not this fight," I murmured, feeling my resolve waver. "I don’t want to get hurt. I can’t."

He turned to me fully, his expression softening. "I get it. But you can’t shut yourself off forever. You have to let people in, even if it’s scary. Especially if it’s scary. What happened with Ghost and Viper? That’s not the end, it’s just the beginning. You’re pushing them away before you even give it a chance."

I looked down, biting my lip as a wave of emotion crashed over me. "I just don’t want to give them the power to break me."

"Too late for that," he shot back, a smirk creeping onto his face. "They already have. Just look at you, you’re a mess. You wouldn’t be crying if you didn’t care."

I shot him a glare, unable to suppress a smile despite the tears pooling in my eyes. "Thanks for the pep talk, Creed. Really uplifting."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "What I’m saying is, if you don’t give them a chance, you’ll never know what could have been. Besides, love isn’t always the enemy. It can also be the best thing that ever happens to you."

I turned my gaze back to the passing scenery, contemplating his words. He had a point, and it hurt to admit it. "Maybe I’m just not ready for that."

"Fight for what you want. Because if you don’t, you’ll regret it."

As we pulled into the Den, I took a deep breath, I should be happy to be home. But I wasn't.

"Home sweet home," I murmured.

"Speaking of the Den," Creed said, his tone shifting. "The liquor shipment is ready to get picked up. Vaughn and I are going this morning to get it. Wanna help stock the shelves? Get drunk, talk about our feelings?"

I turned to him and grinned, relief flooding through me. "That sounds perfect."

"Everyone’s going to join in. Vaughn, Kay, Hux." He chuckled. "Seeing Hux drink will be hilarious."

The thought made me smile, but a flicker of sadness followed. Spending the evening alone with my thoughts was a bitter pill to swallow. Would this be my life?

Hiding out in the Den until Adam was taken care of, until the Hounds were dismantled? And then what? Owen would be too busy with his pack, and I would be stuck… alone.

But I would have to learn to accept that. Because letting Ghost and Viper in meant risking everything, and right now, that felt too dangerous.

---