Page 247 of Knot Unwanted: Part One

“Here,” he says, holding up a soft cream sweater I’ve never seen before. “This came while we were gone. I think…I think Ren must have ordered it.”

The sweater is beautiful and it looks expensive. Designer, maybe, with a wide neck that would sit just off my shoulders. I take it from him, running my fingers over the material. “It’s perfect.”

He smiles, something sad and fond in his expression. “He has always had good taste.”

We dress quietly after that. The sweater fits perfectly, and I pair it with dark jeans that hug my curves in a way that makes me feel almost confident. Finn pulls on a sage green Henley that makes his eyes look stormy, the soft material clinging to his shoulders in a way that draws my gaze.

When we make our way downstairs, Stone and Jax are waiting. They’ve changed too. Stone in a charcoal button-down with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. Jax in a deep blue sweater that bringsout the darkness in his hair and eyes. They both look…softer somehow. More approachable.

“Ready?” Jax asks, his gaze lingering on us both, something warm and appreciative in his gaze.

Stone steps to open the door, his movements quick as he checks the security panel one last time. Jax’s hand hovers near the small of Finn’s back, not quite touching but ready to steady him if needed. And Finn…Finn stands a little straighter, his chin lifted slightly before his gaze shifts to me with a smile.

The drive is quiet, but not uncomfortably so. I watch the city pass by through the window, struck again by how normal everything looks. People walking dogs, omegas holding their alphas’ hands, children playing in playgrounds—it’s like the world didn’t change at all while we were gone.

I enjoy the drive, but it doesn’t take long to get to our destination. The restaurant is tucked into a corner of a small shopping center, its windows warm and inviting. But as we approach the door, something makes me pause. There’s a man behind the host’s stand. I don’t recognize him, but he’s tall for a beta, with sharp features and eyes that seem to catch every detail.

“Evening,” he greets, his smile professional, but something about it makes my skin prickle. “Table for four?”

“Where’s Dean?” Jax asks, and I hear the slight edge in his voice. “He’s usually working Thursday nights.”

The host’s smile doesn’t waver. “Ah, he took a position at another restaurant. I’m David. I started last week.”

Something about the way he says it—smooth, practiced—makes my instincts twinge. But before I can examine the feeling too closely, we’re being led to a booth near the back of the restaurant.

“Your server will be right with you,” David says, and I swear his eyes linger on me a fraction too long before he turns away.

“You okay?” Finn murmurs, sliding into the booth beside me while Stone and Jax take the opposite side.

I nod, trying to shake off the unease. “Yeah.” I don’t want to say it. Don’t want to ruin this evening with my constant fears. But being forced to silence is a remnant from the Academy’s training. I don’t have to be silent now. I can speak up even if it’s stupid.

These alphas, this omega, my mate, will never judge me or make me feel unworthy for simply speaking. I amwantedhere. I am evenloved.

I take a deep breath, my gaze falling as I play with my nails. “Just…something about him feels off.” It’s a whisper, but saying it out loud still makes me feel silly. Sad little omega who was locked away from the world and is scared of strangers. I’m pathetic. I’m?—

“The new host?” Stone asks, his voice low as he unfolds his napkin. “How so?”

But I can’t quite put it into words. It’s just a feeling, an instinct I can’t quite name. “I don’t know.” I try to smile. “I think I’m just being paranoid.”

“Hey.” Finn’s hand finds mine under the table. He shakes his head. “After everything you’ve been through, a little paranoia is probably healthy.”

Jax eases forward, those deep brown eyes seeing right into me. “We can leave if it’s too much. It’s okay to say no, sweetheart.”

His words make a warm flutter go through me, images of him taking Finn over and over coming straight back to my mind. My cheeks heat and I shake my head.

“No. I…I want to stay.”

He studies me for a moment before easing back with a small smile.

A server heads our way. It’s Black beta woman with graying hair who lights up at the sight of them. “My boys!” she exclaims, though she keeps her voice low. “I was wondering when you’d be back. And who’s this lovely one?”

Her warmth feels genuine, and some of my tension eases. Finn’s hand squeezes mine gently. “This is Hailey,” he says, andthere’s something in his voice—pride maybe, or joy—that makes my cheeks warm. “My mate.”

The beta’s eyes go wide, her hand freezing on the notepad. I can see the moment she processes it—an omega with a mate. It’s unheard of, the kind of thing that would make headlines.

“It’s…a bit of a long story,” Finn adds softly.

The beta recovers quickly, her warm smile returning as she shakes her head. “Well, honey, all the best stories are. And speaking of stories—” She winks at me, her voice dropping conspiratorially, “—this one’s got a sweet tooth like you wouldn’t believe. Always going back for seconds of my cobbler.”

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