Page 158 of Knot Your Fated M.U.S.E.

Dante groans, pinching the bridge of his nose before extending his hand toward me.

"Alright, so if I offer my hand like this and?—"

I don't let him finish.

My body moves with fluid precision born from years of conditioning, grabbing his outstretched hand and using his own momentum to send him flying across the room.

He crashes into the mountain of stuffed animals I won at last night's fair – a collection that grew to ridiculous proportions before the vendors practically begged us to leave.

The memory of Atlas buying out half another store's inventory just to see me smile flashes through my mind as Dante lands with a muffled "ow" in the pile of plush toys.

The shadows hum with satisfaction, their song carrying notes of pride in this display of carefully honed skill.

My gaze shifts between Kieran and Vale, the challenge clear in my stance.

"I'm out of shape," Kieran immediately surrenders, backing away with hands raised.

"I'm handicapped," Vale pleads before Kieran betrays him with a quick, "Temporarily. So you can toss him."

"Motherfucker," Vale snaps, glaring at his pack brother. "I'm in a wheelchair! Don't be a douche and serve your punishment like Dante!"

The shadows weave through tension with playful energy, recognizing the growing comfort that allows such casual banter. Four daysago, I could barely handle being in the same room with multiple alphas.

Now I'm threatening to throw them around like training dummies.

Rolling my eyes at their antics, I announce.

"I'm gonna ask Atlas."

Their collective groan draws my eyebrow up in question just as Kieran throws his hands skyward.

“We've lost by default."

"Why?" The grin spreading across my face betrays my pleasure at their defeat.

Vale's response comes loud and unfiltered.

"Because Atlas is clearly drunk on pussy. He can't say no to you!"

Satisfaction curls through my chest as I taunt back.

"You would be too if you weren't being all 'cautious.' Hmph."

The shocked look on Vale's face makes the shadows dance with delight. Kieran stutters, trying to recover some semblance of authority.

"W-We're only delaying because you're precious and need time to recover and adapt!"

I wave off his concern with newfound confidence.

"I can go recover in the grave if I have to go back to that shithole in three days, so you better get off on your stupid mission and be back before dinner or else you aren't getting dessert."

The way Dante shoots up from the pile of stuffed animals like someone lit a fire under him sends the shadows into peals of silent laughter.

"I'm starting the car!"

"Fucking traitor!" Vale points accusingly at his retreating back.

Kieran finally admits defeat, stripping off the offensive turtleneck with a heavy sigh.

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