Page 61 of Knot in Their Wildest Dreams: Part 1

I turned the glass globe in my hands, watching as the light caught the soft tendrils of moss pressed against the soil. Tiny beads of condensation clung to the inside, evidence of a cycle happening quietly within. A whole universe, all held in something small enough to fit in my palms.

“It survives because everything in it gives and takes just the right amount,” Dante continued. “Too much of anything, and the whole thing falls apart. But when it’s balanced… it thrives.”

I swallowed, something soft catching in my chest.

“It reminded me of you,” he added quietly.

The unspoken words hung in the air. We’d been living in a self contained environment, and with the right balance, we could thrive. I thought about how much I’d changed since I’d been here. They brought me strength and perspective. But what did I bring them? I wanted to find out.

“Ready for our date?” Liam said, his eyes lighting up with excitement as he held out his hand. I reached out, smiling at his infectious energy.

“I’ve been ready!” I exclaimed, and he grasped my palm as he and the others led me toward the door.

Chapter 43

Celeste

We were far beyond the city now, the skyline a distant blur behind us. The road wound closer to the mountains, and the air turned crisp and clean, untouched by the exhaust of the city. The car slowed, and the pack opened the door, with Liam helping me out into the twilight.

A narrow path ahead was lit with soft, glowing lanterns, leading toward a romantic setup nestled in a clearing.

“Where are we?” I asked, breath catching in my throat as I stepped onto the path. Liam, still holding my hand, gave it a gentle squeeze.

“You’ll see,” he said, a grin tugging at his lips.

Just a month ago, I would’ve assumed they were leading me into a trap. Some type of PR stunt or ambush. But not tonight. Tonight, I didn’t feel an ounce of fear. Somewhere along the way, without realizing it, I had started to trust them. And my trust normally didn’t come easy.

“We thought… dinner under the stars might suffice,” Vigo said behind me, his voice casual, but the glint in his eye gave him away.

As we stepped closer, I gasped.

A table was set beneath a cluster of trees, soft lanterns and fairy lights twinkling above, strung like constellations between the branches. There was a small fire pit, giving us just enough warmth. Under the darkening sky, it felt like this was the only place on earth. Just us. No cameras, no curated moments. Just something real.

Dante spread out a tablecloth and began setting up from a large picnic basket. I couldn’t help but marvel at how gracefully his thick, muscular arms moved as he pulled out cured meats, fresh bread, juicy fruits, and decadent chocolates. A thermos of hot chocolate steamed in the cool air. The rich scent of it made me feel at home.

“Here, we have complete privacy,” Dante said as he poured the drink into small ceramic mugs. “No one to perform for. Just us, and a whole sky full of stars.”

Liam settled beside me and asked quietly, “Celeste, what do you want? Ultimately.”

I looked up at the beginning starlight before answering. “I want to keep my legacy alive. I want Harringday to evolve, not just survive. I want to change the landscape for omegas… and all designations, really. But especially omegas.” I paused. “You know how things are in our Province.”

Liam nodded solemnly.

“And I want support for those changes. Like what you did when you backed me with the board members.” I looked between them. “That meant more than I can say.”

I took a deep breath. “As much influence as I have, it’s still hard. People see my designation and stop listening. They think I’m either too emotional or not capable.”

I felt Liam give me a small gesture of comfort, his thumb brushing the inside of my wrist. “And what about… relationships? Family?” he asked, voice softer now.

I hesitated, the truth weighing on my tongue.

“I always thought relationships like that weren’t for someone like me. Too many packs only saw my name. My company. A shortcut to more power. But I wanted something real. A bond, with people who believed in me, and not just what I could offer.” I swallowed, looking up at the sky. “I want that. And I think… maybe it’s not impossible anymore.”

A silence fell over us, but it wasn’t awkward. It was full of meaning. Stars blinked overhead, timeless and quiet.

Vigo’s voice broke the stillness. “So, what do you do when you’re not changing the world?” he asked with a playful glint. “Any scandalous hobbies we should know about?”

I laughed, enjoying how private we could be out here. “I read. You know I’m active on social media too, when I have time. And I collect antique perfume bottles,” I admitted, a little shy.

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