Page 24 of Knot So Broken

I give him a small nod and in turn, he graces me with a smile. One that truly melts my insides this time.

Eventually, both Ledger and Theo sit on the other chairs surrounding us. Both of the men have looks on their faces that I can’t quite decipher.

Everyone is silent for a moment. My tongue feels heavy in my mouth as reality sets back in completely.

I made a nest on the Alpha’s couch after only knowing them for what is hardly considered a day. Not once since I have become an Omega has it even been an option for me to do so.

Scratchy blankets have been my only offered material. Over the years I’ve just gotten used to the feeling.

I wouldn’t dare ask my father for anything else. He doesn’t understand the raw need inside of me that demands that I nest. A need that I have no control over. There's no doubt that he would make me suffer for even thinking about wanting something. I have been there and done that. Came out the other side with scars to prove it. What he decides to give me is plenty. Even then, he pushes the point of how generous he is being. Which I know is not at all.

Jax breaks the silence by clearing his throat. I look up at him as he gives me a reassuring smile.

“Care to fill us in on what you said before, Little Omega?”

A part of me preens at the nickname. The other part starts to sweat.

Fuck, how could I forget? Blurting out that ‘he’ was going to kill me.

I bite my lip as I look up at my new mate.

“Um, where do you want me to start?”

Theo leans forward, resting his arms on his knees. He looks directly into my eyes, keeping my attention solely on him.

“I want to know where you got those bruises from.”

His voice leaves no room for play time. Theo’s eyes are hard as he looks directly into my soul. Like he wishes he could pluck the memories from my brain instead of having to wait for me to tell him.

I blow out a hard breath and sink in on myself.

Fuck, how do I tell them my truth?

There's no way they will let me leave this room without it.

I want to give it to them. But how?

They will be the first people to know the truth about my life. About what really goes on behind closed doors.

I’m sure some of my father’s men suspect it, but they clearly don’t care. I know that Derrick doesn’t. He has had the fortune of having front row seats a few times. Not once has he, or anyone, stood up for me when they have seen my black eyes and arms mottled in bruises.

My arms wrap themselves around my waist and I force myself not to wince as I touch my broken rib.

I keep my head low as I take a breath, trying to steel myself.

I will not cry.

“My father.”

Even though my voice was barely a whisper, they all heard me loud and clear. I feel Jax stiffen beside me. From the corner of my eye, I can see his hands have a blanket clutched between them.

Still with my head lowered, I look at both Theo and Ledger who are having similar reactions.

“How often does he hurt you, Kennedy?” Ledger’s voice growls through the silent room. The noise sends a shiver down my body. I swallow roughly before replying. “Everyday.”

Rumbles sound from each of the Alpha’s chests.

I instantly bunker down into my little makeshift nest, unable to hide the way my body trembles as I curl in as tight as I can.

---