Page 76 of Knot So Broken

Conall scoots forward so he is now sitting on the edge of his chair, “It’s so great to meet you, Kennedy. Victor has been filling me in on some details.”

I sigh and nod solemnly. I’m about to speak but the door opening interrupts me.

Olis steps through the door, smiling at us, “Hey, sorry. I got a bit caught up with some of the soldiers.”

“That’s okay. The kids just came in. We were just speaking about Kennedy’s past. I wanted to work out some potential options for her so that when she is ready, all she has to do is pull the trigger. Metaphorically of course, if that's her choice.”

I bite my lip and frown for a moment. Could I be the one to end the person that sired me? I know that nothing he has done warrants him the honor of even being given the label of father but, could I still do it even after all he has done?

I mull it over in my brain for a moment, undecided.

“Kennedy?” Theo taps my hip, knocking me out of my thoughts.

“Oh, yes?”

“Dad was just wondering if it was alright that he explains the situation to Papa?”

I nod, grimacing slightly, “That would be good. I don’t think I am able to tell it all over again.”

“It’s okay to not want to keep diving back into it over and over again, Kennedy. What you have been through is a lot and that says something coming from me. You are a brave young woman and you should be proud of yourself.”

I smile at Victor but keep my mouth shut. I have cried too many times over the words of Duran Alphas today, I really don’t need to add another to the list.

At some point during the explanation, I think I begin to go numb. I feel raw and cut open as the words of the pain I have been through are spoken for the second time today. The only thing that tethers me to the earth is Theo’s touch on my skin and the overwhelming love all three of my Alphas are sending me down the bond.

It at least lets me breathe without a heavy feeling on my chest that I know would be there without them.

Olis shoots up out of his seat, startling me as he begins pacing behind the couch.

“That motherfucker! How dare he fucking hurt our sons’ mate! And the cunt has the audacity to think that he can just marry her off to some inadequate, limp-dicked fuckwit?”

He scoffs as he slaps the couch, “Not on my fucking watch he won’t.”

He turns his head to look at me, his features softening, “Kennedy, I hope you know that you do not have to do a single thing that he has said. You are free now, my dear. All six of us will ensure that he will never get his claws into you ever again.”

“You took the words straight out of my mouth, Papa,” Jax murmurs as he sits back in his seat.

Conall looks satisfied as he crosses his arms over his chest.

“Kennedy.” I turn my attention towards Olis, “I’m so sorry that your own father has put you through such atrocities. I want you to know that you are safe with our family. I know it may be intimidating being surrounded by so many Alphas but you are our daughter now,”

Olis reaches his hand over to mine, carefully taking mine in his. I’m proud that I don’t flinch, knowing that there is a risk of it when he made the move.

“You are safe with us. We will be there for you. Protect you when you need it. Be there for you if you need someone to talk to that isn’t your mates. And...” He pauses as he gives a pointed look to all three of my men, “if they ever put a toe out of line, beat their asses.”

I chuckle, pushing down the lump in my throat. Olis’ words instantly put me at ease. It’s another relief, a weight taken off my shoulders at knowing I have so many people ready to bat for me. Something I have neverhad before.

“I don’t think you will have to worry about that. They have been perfect so far,” I say, trying to reassure the dads.

Olis looks sceptical, “Hmm, I find that hard to believe. These boys may have pretty faces but they are down right pains in the asses. I hope you have all girls. These three were handfuls when they were younger. I swear all of my gray hairs are from them.”

I laugh even as all three of my Alphas protest, trying to plead their innocence to fathers, that seem to have a comeback to everything they say.

They begin to start telling me stories about things the boys used to get up to when they were younger. By the time they are done, it feels like hours have passed since we first walked in here. My face hurts from smiling and laughing so much.

But it's been good. So fucking good.

It makes me wish that I had this with my parents. This easy kind of relationship where you are just able to be you. Where you can laugh and smile freely.