Page 118 of Knot Happening

Now that I’m a part of the Hayes Pack, the guys fill me in on how they help Omegas in need. By rescuing them. Either from traffickers like Keslor or abusive relationships, and send them to a facility so they can heal in peace.

They met Mr. Trace a long time ago and had been sending Omegas to There For You ABO Care for a few years. They still don’t know what happened to their friend.

Now, between my pack and what's left of Merzotto’s people, they can help even more Omegas.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to visit Mom since the day after the attack. She looked okay, but very tired. I got to hug her and tell her about the guys, but she kept falling asleep, so we had to leave. I want to go back, but there’s always an excuse. The guys are being fucking cryptic about it, but my birthday is coming up, and they’ve promised to take me to see her then.

Epilogue

Tatum

“Happy Birthday!” a chorus of people shout as I step in the front doors of Mom’s Diner.

I yelp, jerking backward into Kodiak’s chest. He chuckles, pushing the door open for me as he keeps a steadying hand on my hip.

As I walk in, I’m overwhelmed by the number of people here to celebrate with me.

Bernie and Chef set off those little confetti poppers, making me laugh. I rush over, giving them a big hug each, thanking them for the sweet surprise.

Dream cheers, jumping up and down as she shakes two pom poms. This has me cracking the fuck up because why does she have fucking pom poms!?

“You’re so extra,” I snort, hugging her next. “Thank you,” I murmur, grateful for her friendship.

“Like I’d miss your birthday, bitch!” Dream shakes her head at me teasingly, sticking her tongue out for good measure.

Bubblegum is here too, which is really sweet. I haven’t seen her since I quit Haze. “Oh my god, hi!” She’s not shy with her physical affection, so she doesn’t even wait for me to fully step away from Dream before she’s hugging me.

“We missed you after you ditched us,” she playfully scolds, one hand on her hip. I blush, tucking a stray hair behind my ear.

“I’m just grateful she worked for me as long as she did,” Candy says beside us, wrapping an arm around my neck so she can pull me in for a half hug before passing me off to Lady next.

“It’s good to see you, gorgeous.” Lady gives my cheek a quick peck, making my mates growl behind us. “Oh, relax, I’m not into my friends.” She waves her hand at them dismissively, and I can’t help but giggle as feelings of intense jealousy flood the bond.

“They’re very jealous,” I whisper, leaning in. “Apparently, they think I’m so tempting that I can turn my friends’ heads.” I roll my eyes, but yelp when I feel hands on my waist.

“If you liked her, then I’m certain you could tempt her,” Easton growls in my ear, but Lady clearly hears him because she snorts.

“You know, in all my years on this earth, I’ve never wanted to fuck a friend. But if you keep it up, I’ll show your girl how a woman deserves to be treated.” Lady smirks at him, but before I can respond, Kodiak is tugging Easton away, distracting him with a sharp bite to his neck.

“He’ll be feisty tonight.” Declan sighs, and I bite my lip. He’s not wrong, but what can I say, I love when Easton gets all possessive and aggressive.

“When he was young, he’d bite your hand if you got between him and something he wanted.” Ghost says, as he steps up beside me. “Happy birthday, Tatum,” he says as he hugs me. He’s got his fingers laced with his mate’s, and Omar leans in for a hug next.

“Oh, Tatum, happy birthday, darling!” Omar leans back a step and pinches my cheek, making me laugh. It feels like something a very elderly grandmother would do. I don’t mind it. Omar is only a few inches taller than me with gray hair and brown eyes. “And it’s all true. We met back then, and Ghost often came home with stories of recently being bitten by an agitated toddler.”

“Oh, I believe it,” I say, glancing over at my mate. He’s got his eyes on me, and they keep flicking to Lady suspiciously. Kodiak keeps his arm around Easton’s shoulder so he can’t cause any mayhem. Probably by tossing me over his shoulder and keeping me far away from Lady.

That’s when I spot them. Meg is here, standing beside my mother.

“Mom…” I whisper, taking in the sight of her bright, beautiful smile. They must have walked out here while I was distracted. I stare at her with wide eyes as she looks happier than I remember seeing her in…years?

“Happy birthday, Tatum!” she says happily, then opens her arms wide, inviting me for a hug. I spin around and crash into her much too hard, but thankfully, Meg anticipated this and helps keep Mom on her feet. I’m wrapped around her like she’s my buoy in a sea storm. Lilies. Fresh, wonderful lilies. I breathe in her scent, letting the comfort of its memory wash over me. She smells like Mom again.

I’m sobbing, like full on hysterics, and for the first time in fucking months and months, my mom holds me back. I mean, really holds me. Her hands clutch my back, pulling me to her even more tightly. I feel like I walked into a dream. Everything I did, every moment of heartbreak. Every lonely night I spent crying myself to sleep while Mom got her treatment. Now here she is…

She’s murmuring soothing words, stroking my hair. She doesn’t try to let me go or stop me from crying, she just comforts me as I fall apart.

I pull back, my hands gripping her shoulders, not sure who I’m trying to steady as I hold her.

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