Page 95 of Knot Happening

“Also correct. But there's a little more to it. Declan and Kodiak took over and cut ties with my uncle. And killed…some of his men. They’ve been at war ever since.”

“Okay, that explains their beef with the twins, but like… The fuck does that have to do with me?” I squeak, feeling outraged.

“You got caught in the middle after someone informed my uncle that you’re unmated, with no close family to miss you if you disappear. Working at Haze actually might have been the only thing that saved you for so long. I met you before all of this, that night at their bar. I was curious… They don’t know who I am. I saw you walk in that night…” Easton blushes, and the fact that my first reaction is to say awe, isn’t making me feel any better about myself.

“So…” I squint, trying to piece everything together in my head, and Easton sighs.

“So, I was already following you, when my Uncle was tipped off about your existence. He assigned Jimmy to watch you, butby then I already…enjoyed your presence. I told Jimmy to get fucked, and that I would watch you.”

“Watch me…” There’s an icy feeling spreading through my veins.

“Watch you, until we knew if you had family. If not, use you to get to the Hayes brothers, or…”

When East trails off, I scoff. “Or take me. Kidnap me, and then sell me to…fucking hell knows who!”

“I never would have let that happen.” East reaches out, placing his hand on my thigh, but he keeps his eyes on the road.

“Because I’m your friend? Also, don’t think I missed the part where you said you’d use me to hurt the brothers you pretended to know nothing about.”

“Even if I didn’t already have an attachment to you, I am the reason all their attempts in the past have either failed, or the clients disappear. And I didn’t think you did miss that bit.”

He did say he kills the buyers. I believed him when he said that. I think I just needed to hear him say it again.

“Also, I don't have the same path planned for myself anymore, my Sparrow. You have changed everything. I just need a little time to get some answers.”

“Okay, Easton. I believe you.”

Easton

“What?” I hiss, as Ghost chuckles in my ear. This phone call is not going how I intended.

“She’s connected to them. You know it’s true. It’s the best plan. Unless you want to take her to your safe house thatis currently occupied by Stella and Bernard?” Ghost offers, knowing damn well there’s no fucking way I’m doing that.

What if Tatum likes him too? The idea of sharing my Sparrow with Alphas makes me want to rip their throats out with my bare teeth, and Ghost wants me to deliver her into their waiting hands.

He doesn’t know that I’m lying to Tatum. Well, only a little. My uncle had fully intended to harm Tatum, but I wasn’t supposed to ‘free’ her until after… But what I said to her was true. No one is fucking touching her without her permission. And even then…

I’m snarling just thinking about someone else's hands on her body.

“No. I need somewheresafewe can go.” This was true. Ish. No one is hunting me. Not the way Tatum thinks, anyway. The plan with my uncle was for me to take her, have her believe she’s safe with me. Then, contact the Hayes brothers. Arrange a meeting. Use her to set them up.

When they showed up to get her back, we’d kill them. But I’m not putting Tatum’s life in danger.

Not only that, but my uncle…he’s been lying. I’ve always known that, but it wasn’t until very recently that I started doubting certain truths I’d always believed.

“They’ll protect her and you.”

“I tried to…” I pause because Tatum is listening, and I’m not sure if I want her hearing everything all in one night… a man needs some secrets… “They'll know who I am. Where I’m from.”

“They’ll know you protected their Omega.”

“She is not theirs,” I hiss, covering my mouth and turning away from Tatum to hopefully hide the words. “Ghost, I swear to fuck–”

“I think…maybe I know a place we could hide?” Tatum murmurs, and I frown as I swing my gaze back to her.

“They’ll know where your other coworkers live.” I’m already turning back toward the driver’s side window, but Tatum leaps at me, grabbing my arm.

“No. Not a coworker. A teacher from my childhood.” I pause, considering this. That’ll work. Sweet little old lady from her childhood? That could work. Old ladies are weary of me, though, so I’ll have to charm her…

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