Page 142 of Knot Your Fated M.U.S.E.

Atlas's hand finds mine, his gentle squeeze grounding me in present reality rather than memories of sterile halls.

"Investigation continues. Evidence gathering. Building cases against those responsible. It won’t shut them down. In fact, they might be jumping right back to where they left off, acting like nothing happened. None of us are sure." His thumb traces careful patterns across my knuckles. "But that's not your concern right now. You're safe here."

"And me?" The question barely rises above a whisper. "What happens with me?"

His slight hesitation draws my attention fully to his face. Even with the silk wrap hiding his eyes, I've learned to read volumes in the set of his jaw, the subtle shifts of expression that betray deeper thoughts.

"We have two weeks," he states finally, each word carefully chosen. "Two weeks to... make a decision."

"What decision?"

The shadows stir restlessly, their song carrying notes of understanding I'm not quite ready to grasp. They recognize the significance of this moment, in the weight Atlas gives each word.

"Whether you become our omega," his voice drops lower, intimate despite our outdoor setting. "Or return to Ravenscroft."

Ice floods my veins at the second option, memories of endless torment threatening to overwhelm the careful healing of the past week. As much as I want to act like a helpless Omega and vow to never return to those threatening metal walls with no chance of escaping a second time, I also know staying away could put these Alphas in danger.

Without them, more Omegas will lose their lives in these massive corporations and organizations that hide in plain sight, taking advantage of the system that doesn’t benefit us Omegas.

Only makes us worthy prey to experiment on and enjoy agonizing.

"I'll return." The words emerge strangled but determined. "I won't risk your pack's safety. Won't endanger?—"

Atlas's hand tightens, cutting off my protest as he shakes his head.

"No." Simple denial carries absolute authority. "That's not a real option. I only mention it because full disclosure matters." His free hand rises to cup my cheek, the touch infinitely gentle despite the steel in his tone. "You’ll never return there. Not while I draw breath."

The shadows sing approval of his declaration, their harmony carrying notes of satisfaction rather than their usual warnings. They recognize something in his words that transcends mere alpha protectiveness – a promise written in steel and backed by absolute conviction.

"But—"

"No." His thumb traces my cheekbone with impossible tenderness that contrasts with the unmovable certainty in his voice. "The choice is whether you join our pack or we help you find another. But you never return to that place. Never face their torments again. That path is permanently closed."

I don’t need to go back?

Won’t their be consequences?

What if they come for me and endanger them?

Tears burn behind my eyes at the finality in his tone, at the way he states impossible things as simple facts.

"You can't know that. Can't guarantee?—"

"I can. I do." His forehead presses against mine, grounding me in present reality rather than future fears. "The pack thatclaims you…whether ours or another…will ensure your safety. No matter which path you choose, me and my pack will tear apart anyone who dares threaten you. We will make absolutely certain you never know captivity again."

The shadows weave through his words, their song carrying recognition of truth in every syllable. They understand what I struggle to accept – that this alpha offers not just protection, but complete dedication to ensuring my freedom.

"Why?" The question slips out small and uncertain. "Why offer such certainty to an omega you barely know?"

His slight smile carries warmth I feel even without seeing his eyes.

"Because you're worth protecting. Worth cherishing and proving we have every ounce of dedication required to keep you safe."

"I don't know how to..." my voice trails off as emotions tangle in my throat. "This kindness, this protection…it's foreign. I'm not sure how to show proper gratitude."

Atlas's gentle smile carries understanding without pity.

"You're reacting perfectly fine, little Goddess. Just be yourself. Be comfortable. That's all we ask."

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