Page 84 of Seen Knot Heard

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chloe

The fragile bubble of safety that Blake and Nathaniel’s presences have built shatters, plunging me back into the terrified weeks I spent confined in Louie’s penthouse.

The chandelier above casts shimmering patterns around Louie and his thugs. My pulse thunders louder than the soft hum of the air conditioner, and every detail, from the ornate wainscoting to the delicate vases perched on pedestals, comes into hyper-focus.

This can’t be happening, not when things were finally looking up.

Blake’s hand finds mine, reminding me that I’m not alone this time.

Nathaniel’s broad shoulders tense under his polo. “Chloe doesn’t belong to you.”

Louie barks a laugh. “Oh, but she does. And you two…interfering in a signed courtship? I could have you charged with interference in another Alpha’s claim and arrested for kidnapping.”

“They didn’t kidnap me.” I twist the pillow in my hold. “They saved me. Fromyou.”

The bodyguards’ hands drift to their waists, pushing back their suit jackets to reveal their weapons with casual ease, the gleam of their guns jarring in the curated luxury of the lobby.

Oh god, they have guns. Panic claws at me. I can’t let Blake and Nathaniel be hurt because of me.

“Now, Chloe, darling.” Louie extends a hand, the heavy emerald ring on his finger flashing. “I’m willing to forgive this little indiscretion. Come home with me now, and all will be well.”

I tremble, clutching my pillow tightly to my chest as if it can shield me from his poison. How did I ever think I could escape him? I only stayed free as long as I did because Louie allowed it, but now that time is over.

Nathaniel steps forward, placing his lean body between me and the armed men, his scent spicy with his anger. “She’s not going anywhere with you.”

Blake’s muscular arms wrap around my waist, pulling me back toward the elevator.

“He’s right, Louie.” My voice shakes with fear, stripping away my confidence. “The Omega Registration Office invalidated the courtship. I don’t belong to you anymore.”

Louie’s face contorts, transforming from false charm to icy rage in an instant. “That’s not possible. I would have been notified and given a chance to renew the contract.”

The poison of his pheromones pushes outward, commanding that I bow, that I submit, but Blake keeps me upright. “Our contract was misfiled. It’s void.”

Louie’s eyes narrow to sapphire shards. “You’re forgetting something, darling. The sizable debt your mother still owes me. It would be a shame if she faced the consequences for your disobedience.”

Bile rises in my throat, guilt hot and choking. I felt so much stronger about my decision to cut my mother off when I was safeon Misty Pines. When I didn’t have to stare the executioner in the face.

A wounded noise escapes as my knees buckle, but Blake’s arms catch me. “Breathe, sweetheart. Your mother is a resourceful woman. Her current circumstances arenotyour fault.”

When his threat fails to bring me to heel, Louie’s focus snaps to Nathaniel, recognition dawning. “You’re Maxwell Burton’s boy, aren’t you? Your old man and I have had dealings in the past.”

Nathaniel’s jaw ticks, the silver ring on his finger glinting as his hands curl into fists.

Louie’s attention shifts to Blake, a cruel smirk twisting his lips. “Which means you must be Walter Harris’s son. Your father just pitched my pack for the construction of a new casino. It would be a shame for your actions here to jeopardize his business. Especially after the scandal he’s already going through with your sister. How is she doing in rehab?”

The blood drains from my face. How does Louie know so much about my Alphas already? Has he been watching us? Gathering intel to use as a threat?

Blake’s arms tighten around me as a growl rumbles through his chest.

Nathaniel holds out a hand toward him to calm down. “Our fathers are grown men who can handle their own business.”

Blake’s growl cuts off, but his fury scorches the air. I thread our fingers together, offering comfort and taking it in turn.

Louie’s eyes flick to our joined hands, his nostrils flaring. “Oh, darling. If you think you can walk away from me after everything I’ve invested in you, you’re mistaken.”

His bodyguards step closer, hands resting on their guns, and my mouth goes dry. This can’t be happening. Not now. Not when I have a chance at happiness.

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