Page 88 of Knot Happening

Xoxo Kodi.

Next I read Hayden’s message.

Starlight,

I adore you. Every single thing about you. From your penchant for theft, to your caring heart. Let me show you how desperate I am for you. Let me show you without words what you mean to me, what you do to me.

-Hayden

Declan’s message is last, but I have to read it over and over again… No. He couldn’t possibly…

Little Omega,

Say the word, and I’ll burn every inch of skin from my body that has ever caused you pain. I’ll rip the heart from my chest, if it will bring you comfort. I will do anything to earn your trust. Your love.

-Declan

P.S. We have paid for your mother’s care for the next three years. If she needs continued rehabilitation, we’ll pay that, too. You can do whatever makes you happy, and feel secure in the knowledge that your mother will always be safe and cared for. We will take care of you, always.

I’m so shocked, that for a long moment I just read the card over and over again.

“It can’t be…” But after a frantic call to ABO Care and one confused receptionist later, I confirm it's true. “Holy shit…”

The hoodies had gifts in the pockets as well, and I open them to find a charm bracelet and three charms. A heart, a star, and a tiny house. I tuck it into the nest as well.

I glance at Dream, who is sitting beside me at the bar top table just off the dance floor. Since she insisted on bringing me my stuff from Haze, we made a girl's night out of it.

“So, if a pack paid for your mother’s care facility for three years, but you were avoiding said pack, what would you do?”

My question isn’t super obvious, is it? Shit, what if it is?

“Wait, what?” Her eyes go wide, and they light up in a way that makes me chuckle. “Oh my god, I can’t even tell you how excited I am right now! I have been waitingyearsfor you to open up!”

“Shit, am I that closed off?” I wince, since I’ve only known her for six weeks and not years. I know she’s just being dramatic. I know I sound pitiful, but I didn’t realize I was shutting everyone out, including potential friends.

“You’re not so bad.” She shrugs. “I’ve worked with Bubblegum a lot longer, and have waited years for her to trust me enough to get personal. She’s very serious about her job, though.”

I shake my head, shoving the emotions that build up, way back down. “I’ve had a rough few years.” I swallow, but my throat still aches, so I toss back three of the six shots Dream ordered us, and wince. “I really need someone to talk to.”

The admission burns, but Dream doesn’t falter. She hugs me again and a giggle-sob escapes me. She’s a perfect Omega. Kind, caring, sweet, and bubbly. She’s open with her feelings and affection. She’s nothing like me.

“You’ve come to the right girl. My dad is a shrink. He’s super smart, and after years of listening to him drone on and on, I know a little. Plus, you know. Omega instincts.” Dream taps a finger to her temple, sitting back in her bar stool, and throws back a shot. She never takes her hand off me, though. I’m thankful for the connection. “Go on, hit me.”

That's the most she has ever told me about her personal life, and I realize I’m a shitty friend. Hayden did more damage than I realized. Or maybe the damage was already there, and losing him just broke me irrevocably.

I steal one of her shots, throw it back, and begin. I tell her everything. From my dad dying, to my mom crumbling. I tell her about Declan and how I got hired at Haze. I tell her about Kodiak and the money. About how he is the only reason I got my mom into the ABO Care. I tell her about Hayden and how he broke my heart once, but now he’s back. I leave out why he did it, that's not a part of my story, but I explain that he had a valid reason.

I tell her how Kodiak’s birthday party ended. How I ran. How they showed up to Candy’s and made me jealous last night. I tell her what they said. I tell her about Easton, and how he’s been a huge comfort, but I feel like we’re walking the line between friend and something more.

I tell her fucking everything, and by the time I’m done, we’re tucked into a booth in the back of the bar and more than a little tipsy.

I can feel eyes on me. I glance around, but don’t see anything right away, so I turn back to Dream.

“Okay, first of all, damn. On a rooftop garden? Hot. Second… That was a lot.” She takes a deep breath, passing me another shot. “You made your boundaries clear, if they want to shower you with gifts, let them. Hold strong. Unless you want to give in. Don’t hold back if it’s hurting you. If you think you’ll be happierwith them, then don’t let the fear of future pain stop you from being happy now.”

“I can’t.” I shake my head, swallow hard, and then sigh.

Dream gives me a sad smile like she understands perfectly. “Let's dance?”

---