Page 84 of Knot Happening

But I won’t let them go in there without me. I need to see Tatum. My Starlight. Even if this is going to be a disaster.

Tatum

Kodiak’s promise rings in my mind for two days. After he came and made me question my sanity, Easton gave me a ride home on his motorcycle. When I said I was too exhausted to hang out, he trotted into my room and stripped down to his boxers. I chuckled when he threw himself down into my bed with grabby hands.

His presence gave me a blissful night's sleep before he slipped away in the morning light yesterday. I worked a short shift at Mom’s to cover the lunch rush. The loneliness crept back in when I came home to my empty apartment.

Last night, I fell asleep alone, curled up in a ball in my nest. Part of me was so fucking miserable, and another part was grateful for the chance to fall apart alone, without someone trying to soothe me. Even the stolen items that line the walls of my space give little relief.

Despite the weighty feeling that distracts me, I’m working again, and the second I walk out on the floor, I find three Alphas sitting right up along the stage in the big spender seats. I can’t contain the growl, as I storm over to them.

“Get out,” I demand, with an Omega growl. There isn’t much volume, but the intention is clear.

They completely ignore me, focused entirely on the Omega on stage, her large beautiful breasts on display for them, and a burning rage I’ve never felt before nearly consumes me. I want to rip her face off. I want to grab a fist full of her hair and slam her face into the pole. Kodiak smirks, probably scenting my fury.

“Can you move, you’re blocking my view,” Declan grumbles, like he can’t be bothered to care if I move or not. Like I’m nothing more than a pest.

It might hurt, if I wasn’t fighting so hard to contain my insanity! He’s here specifically to get a rise out of me. Like Alphas, Omegas are territorial. Our instincts are not made for this. I’m about to fucking murder him. All three of them.

But I have no right to feel possessive over them. I’m the one that walked away, aren’t I?

You know what? Fuck them.

They want a war? Fine, but I fight dirty.

I pick a random customer I recognize as a regular that’s seemed to enjoy my attention over the last week. I don’t waste any time climbing into his booth and sliding right up to him, resting my hand on his chest.

“Hi handsome, want some company tonight?” I blink big doe eyes up at him, and he grins like the Cheshire cat. I can feel three sets of eyes burning into the side of my face, but I ignore them. It takes great effort, but I shower the customer in attention they usually only get if they pay for it. “Tell me about yourself.”

He’s saying something, but I’m not listening, because the dancer climbs offstage, and heads straight for Kodiak.

Still topless.

And sits in his lap.

My eyes go wide as my body heats up like a fucking volcano. His shoulders tense, but then he relaxes and looks over his shoulder.

He smirks when he catches me staring, lacing his fingers behind his head and leans back. She’s just chatting with him, but she’s in. His fucking. Lap.

Al-fucking-right then. Two can play that game. There’s plenty of space for me to climb into this stranger's lap, so I do.

His hands fall to my hips easily, and he doesn’t seem to notice my laser like focus is three tables away.

Hayden is the only one that looks the least bit unsure. I’m reminded of Kodiak’s birthday party, when the scent of an unmated Omega in their home sent me into possessive Omega mode. Hayden scoots away from his brothers, crossing his arms over his chest, and shakes his head.

“Mmm.” I nod my head as if I’m paying any fucking attention to the man yapping away in my ear, as Declan flags down Lady. She grins sweetly, and nods to whatever he says to her. Declan turns his chair so he’s facing me. Lady frowns, but doesn’t notice my death glare.

“I’ll kill him,” I hiss, and the stranger, whose name I don’t know, chuckles.

“That's a bit dramatic. My boss is a dick, but murder?” Oh, he thinks I’m pissed about whatever story he was telling… He reaches a hand up, petting at the golden strands. It irks me, but I don’t pull away from his touch.

Kodiak keeps his fingers laced behind his head, not touching the woman shaking her tits in his face.Which is her job.I remind myself so I stop pondering murder.

But the second Declan’s hands land on Lady’s hips, I growl, showing my teeth.

“Sorry, I have to go.” I shove away from the poor customer who just wanted a little company, and stomp over to three dead Alphas. If I had a weapon, I’d already be attempting to behead them.

Declan has this look of triumph on his face as I storm over to them like a hurricane with a vendetta. Kodiak smirks. Hayden looks fucking miserable. Good. I hope he regrets setting foot in here.

---