Page 109 of Break Me Knot

Adrian's hand finds mine under the table. “We’ll do whatever you want.” His thumb traces circles on my palm, sending little sparks of pleasure through our bond and helping get my mind off what my omega body yearns to do.

It's still amazing to me, being able to sit here in the open air, watching the world go by without fear. Four months ago, I was pretending to be a beta, terrified my designation would be discovered. Now I'm bonded to three perfect mates, free to live and love and exist as I choose. The sun is on my face. Children laugh as they pass by. I inhale the smell of coffee and pastries from the café without that crushing anxiety that used to be my constant companion.

My eyes drift toThe Daily Heraldpropped against the water pitcher. Fourth Sunday. Fourth month. Fourth advertisement I placed: “Sisters three seek reunion.” Simple words carrying so much hope. Emma, Leah… if they're alive, if they're free, if they're safe enough to read newspapers... The thought of them out there somewhere, maybe as scared as I once was, makes my heart ache.

“They'll come when they can.” Adrian’s fingers tighten on mine. “If they can.”

“I have to believe they're alive. That they got away like I did. That they found safety too.” My voice catches slightly. “That they found love like this.”

Zane leans in to press a kiss to my temple. “Then we'll keep coming. Every Sunday each month, as long as it takes to find them.” His playfulness gives way to serious determination. “And we'll help them find what they need, just like we found you.”

“Whatever it takes.” Cole’s hand curves on my shoulder, grounding me, reminding me that I'm not alone. Not anymore. I have mates. Scent-matches who have proven time and again that they’ll move heaven and earth to right this enormous wrong.

The morning bustle of the café continues around us, waiters moving between tables, customers chatting, life happening in all its beautiful normalcy.

I survived Haven's hell. And I found love, freedom, and happiness.

Somewhere out there, I have to believe Emma and Leah are alive to find the same things. I can only hope they’re alive. That one day we’ll be together again. Until then, I'll keep waiting, keep hoping, keep living this beautiful new life my alphas have given me.

I hope the same for all of the omegas affected by Haven, Mercer and her brand of training.

My fingers trace the rim of my coffee cup as these thoughts pass through my mind. “Those omegas in the Basement...”

After Mercer’s death, Asher was given the go ahead to investigate Haven.

They found the Basement and two omegas locked down there. He’d asked me to help them while they recovered in hospital. I remember the way they flinched, how they huddled together in their shared room, too scared to be alone. I understand that fear all too well.

Their stories had come to light. They were just like Emma, Leah and myself. Single children, parents killed in 'car accidents’. The pattern was too clear, too deliberate and too damming to be coincidence, and it all led to Asher’s case being expanded with more resources and money.

“Asher's making progress. Every omega's testimony adds another piece to the puzzle. Thanks to you and those two omegas, we can connect Mercer and Hardwick, and their intent to auction off those omegas,” Adrian says.

I shiver when I think of the auctions and how many omegas those two female alphas ‘sold’. The number hasn’t been finalized and I don’t think it ever will be.

“It goes deep,” Cole adds thoughtfully, his hand never stopping his comforting strokes on my shoulder. “But Haven is gone and Mercer can't hurt anyone else. We’ll get Hardwick too, when we have enough evidence against her. Your story, and those of other omegas, have helped revolutionize omega affairs, Mira. You’ve changed so many lives forthe better.”

I have. I know I have. And Mercer didn’t treat all omegas like me, otherwise the real story of The Haven Institute would have been outed years ago. Some very influential families send their omegas there, after all. Mercer and Hardwick only waited for the right kind of omega to come along so they could shape them how they saw fit. They only targeted the omegas who were all alone in the world and vulnerable. Whose disappearance would raise no questions. Omegas lost to the world. They haven’t found evidence toward Hardwick’s involvement and I know taking down a Senator is going to be hard.

Still, Mercer and Hardwick had help. Hugo and Lars, for example, who had doled out the training and the punishments. “Has Asher told you he’s tracked down Hugo or Lars yet?” I ask Adrian, who shakes his head.

“Asher will catch them. They’re running scared. No resources, no backup.” Zane’s eyes darken with promised violence. “The whole force of Brynwald is looking for them.”

“The important thing is that those omegas are free now. The ones who need help are getting the right kind.” Adrian’s kiss lingers on my knuckles. “And every day we learn more and get closer to exposing everyone involved.”

“The therapy program you helped design is making a real difference,” Cole adds with quiet pride. “Those omegas trust you. You’re showing them it's possible to heal.”

Beyond helping others, Cole has taken a courageous step in his own journey. He's begun seeing Dr. Reeves again to address his own trauma, an act of bravery that marks a significant step forward in his healing process. It's not just about managing his grief; it's about forgiving himself for the burdens he's carried for too long.

I see the change in him, subtle yet profound. There's a lightness about him now, an ease as he releases his guilt and the self-recriminations that have haunted him. His journey toward healing sends positive ripples through our pack, a testament to the power of vulnerability and growth.

“Implementing these programs have kept me busy. I’m so thankful for Sophie’s help.” Warmth fills me as I think about the healing center we've established in thePinnacle building. Every day brings new challenges, but also new victories. Zane introduced me to his sister and we hit it off. She’s been such a big help and is so passionate. Her anger and disbelief at what I suffered at Haven drives her as much as it drives me.

My mates never hesitated to fund the omega rehabilitation program, putting healing before profit. They've poured millions into creating safe spaces, hiring specialized therapists, providing everything needed to help traumatized omegas.

“Worth every penny,” Zane says, reaching for more coffee. “Even if Hardwick and her cronies are still blocking our Mortalis research funding. Funny how they can find endless red tape when it comes to actually solving the omega birth crisis.”

Pinnacle's resources have been diverted from researching the virus that caused omega birth rates to plummet, all because of political red tape at the hands of Hardwick, the female instrumental in my systematic torture.

“Funny how there was no paperwork found at Haven to implement her in illegal omega auctions too,” Cole growls.

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