Page 70 of Knot Like Other Girls

"Understood," I echo, my voice stronger than I feel.

"And Bella?" Troy adds, his blue eyes serious for once. "Screw being nice. I know it's what's expected of you, but it doesn't matter. If someone makes you uncomfortable, evenif you can't put your finger on why, tell them to go fuck themselves."

A surprised laugh bubbles up in my throat. "Screw being nice," I repeat. "I think I can manage that."

The alphas exchange approving glances, and I feel a warmth bloom in my chest. They believe in me. They think I'm capable of protecting myself.

When was the last time anyone believed in me?

As the meeting breaks up, the alphas moving off to implement whatever new security measures they've cooked up, I find myself lingering. There's still one question burning in the back of my mind, one I'm almost afraid to ask.

"Roman?" I call out softly. He turns back to me, one eyebrow raised in question. "Do you think she's going to try again? To hurt us?"

He's quiet for a long moment, and I can see him weighing his words carefully. Finally, he says, "I think we have to operate under the assumption that she will. But Bella, I need you to understand something. We won't let anything happen to you. Any of us would die before we let her hurt you."

It takes me a moment to process what he just said.

"Why?" The question slips out before I can stop it. "Why do you care so much? I'm just a client. Just some omega you barely know."

Roman hesitates. For a moment, I think he might say more, might finally give voice to the strange energy that's been building between us—between all of us—since they arrived.

But then his professional mask slips back into place. "Because it's our job," he says simply, though his voice is hoarse for some reason. "And because you deserve to be safe. To be happy."

I nod, not quite believing him but not having the energy to argue. As he turns to go, I call out one last time. "Roman?"

He pauses, looking back at me over his shoulder.

"Thank you," I say softly. "All of you. I don't know what I'd do without you."

A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. "You'd figure it out," he says. "You're stronger than you know, Bella. Never forget that."

As he walks away, I sink back onto the couch, my mind reeling. So much has changed in such a short time. So much has gotten… weird. This whole thing with the Vanguard Pack has me second guessing everything.

But I have much bigger things to worry about now.

Like staying alive.

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. One thing at a time, I tell myself. First, I need to stay safe.

Everything else...

Well, I'll figure that out as I go.

But deep down, I know things will never be the same. The careful facade I've built around myself is crumbling, revealing the uncertain omega underneath. The omega who wants more than the life that's been mapped out for her.

The omega who, despite everything, is starting to hope for something better.

As I sit there, lost in thought, I hear the sound of footsteps approaching. I look up to see Cole hovering awkwardly at the edge of the room, his scarred face half-hidden in shadow.

"You okay?" he asks gruffly, not quite meeting my eyes.

I consider lying, pasting on the fake smile I've perfected over months of playing the perfect omega fiancée. But something about Cole's presence, about the genuine concern I can see peeking through his gruff exterior, makes me want to be honest.

"No," I admit softly. "I'm not okay. I'm scared and confused and... and I don't know what to do."

He's quiet for a long moment, and I start to wonder if I've said too much. If I've made him uncomfortable with my honesty. But then he moves closer, lowering himself onto the couch next to me. He leaves a careful distance between us, but I can feel the heat radiating off his body.

"Being scared is normal," he says, his voice low and gravelly. "Anyone who says they're not scared in a situation like this is either lying or stupid."

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