Page 41 of Knot Like Other Girls

The truth is, I barely remember that night. It's all a blur of champagne and fake smiles, my parents pushing me toward the "eligible alphas" like I was some prize breeding mare at auction. And after I had my awakening as the only omega in my otherwise solidly beta family, I guess that isn't far from the truth.

Braxley was just the one who stuck.

"Charming, huh?" Liam mutters, low enough that only I can hear. When I look at him, there's a knowing glint in his eye. He sees right through me.

I feel my cheeks heat up again, and I stuff a forkful of perfect pancakes into my mouth to avoid saying anything else.

"It was love at first sight," Braxley chimes in, his voice as syrupy sweet as the pancakes. He reaches across the table to grab my hand, his grip just a little too tight. "Wasn't it, darling?"

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. The alphas exchange glances, a silent conversation passing between them. They don't believe a word of it.

"That's... nice," Roman says, his tone carefully neutral. "And your family, Bella? They must be thrilled."

My stomach clenches. "Oh yes," I say, the words coming out automatically. "They're very happy for us."

Another lie. They're not happy for us. They're happy for themselves. For the debts that will be paid off, for the doors that will open. For the bragging rights of having an omega daughter married into one of the wealthiest families in the country.

I feel Savva's eyes on me again, seeing too much. I avoid his gaze, focusing instead on my plate.

"Well, if the interrogation is over," Braxley says, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "I'm afraid I have to cut this little... whatever this is... short. I have a very important live stream in an hour, and I need to prepare."

He stands, not bothering to push in his chair. "Bella, darling, why don't you come help me choose an outfit?"

It's not a request. Why does he even want my input when he thinks everything I wear is tacky or outdated?

I start to stand, but Savva's voice stops me short.

"Actually, Mr. Worthington, we need to go over some security protocols with Bella. It shouldn't take long."

Braxley's eyes narrow. "Can't it wait?"

"I'm afraid not," Roman says, backing up his packmate. "It's crucial that both of you are fully briefed on the new measures we're implementing."

For a moment, I think Braxley's going to argue. But then he just shrugs, already losing interest. "Fine, whatever. Just make it quick. And try not to stink up my kitchen again."

He saunters off, leaving an uncomfortable silence in his wake. I sink back into my chair, relief and anxiety warring in my chest.

"You okay there, lass?" Liam asks softly.

I nod, not trusting my voice. The concern in their eyes is almost too much to bear. I'm not used to people actually caring how I feel.

Especially not alphas.

"You don't have to lie to us, you know," Troy says, his usual joking tone replaced by something more serious. "We're here to protect you. All of you. And not just your physical safety."

I swallow hard, fighting back the lump in my throat. "I... I don't know what you mean."

"Bella," Savva says gently. "We've been trained to read people. To see the things they try to hide. And right now, you're practically screaming."

I look up at him, startled by his directness. There's no judgment in his eyes, just a quiet understanding that breaks something loose inside me.

"I'm fine," I insist, but my voice cracks on the words. "Really, I am. It's just... it's been a lot. The move, the assassination attempt, all of this..." I gesture vaguely around the opulent kitchen. "It's just taking some getting used to."

Roman leans forward, his golden-hazel eyes intense. "Bella, we need you to be honest with us. If there's anything going on, anything at all that makes you uncomfortable or unsafe, you need to tell us. We can't protect you if we don't know what we're protecting you from."

The sincerity in his voice is my undoing. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I blink hard, trying to hold them back.

"I'm sorry," I say, mortified. "I don't... I don't know what's wrong. Everything's fine. It's perfect. I have everything I could ever want. I should be happy."

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