Page 151 of Knot Unwanted: Part Two

“They were unaware of the specifics of my research applications,” Father insists, a note of steel entering his voice for the first time. “Don’t drag them into this out of lingering adolescent resentment.”

“Adolescent—” I break off, a harsh laugh escaping me before I can stop it. “That’s what you think this is? Some teenage rebellion I never outgrew? Not a moral objection to treating human beings like products to be sold to the highest bidder?”

“Your moral posturing is rather selective,” Father observes coldly. “You had no problem benefiting from family resources throughout your youth. The best schools, the finestopportunities, every advantage we could provide. Only when it came time to contribute, to uphold family legacy and responsibility, did you suddenly develop these…scruples.”

The accusation hits harder than I expected, touching old wounds and doubts I thought I’d long since resolved. Before I can respond, however, Hailey’s voice cuts through the tension like a blade.

“Th-that’s not how morality works,” she says, her tone quiet, her gaze pitched low.

Father’s gaze shifts to her, something like genuine curiosity flickering in his expression. “What do you know of morality?”

“I speak as someone who’s seen firsthand what your ‘research applications’ mean for omegas.” Hailey lifts her head. Looks at him directly. “The dehumanization, the fear, the lasting trauma. That’s the legacy you’re asking Ren to help protect.”

A tense silence falls over the room, broken only when the door opens to admit Mother carrying a silver tea service. She hesitates momentarily, sensing the charged atmosphere, then proceeds to place the tray on a side table with practiced grace.

“Shall I pour?” she asks, her voice light, attempting to diffuse the tension.

“No need, Mother,” I say, rising to my feet. “We won’t be staying.”

Her expression falters slightly, disappointment or relief—I can’t tell which—flickering across her features. “I see. Well, perhaps another time.”

“There won’t be another time,” I tell her, keeping my voice gentle despite the finality of the words. “That’s part of why I came today. To make that clear.”

Father rises from his chair, his height still imposing despite the subtle stooping of age and stress. “You’re refusing to help, then. Choosing strangers over family.”

“I’m choosing right over wrong,” I correct him. “And they’re not strangers—they’re mypack. Myfamily, in the ways that actually matter.”

Mother’s gaze flickers over our group, lingering on Finn and Hailey with a complex expression I can’t quite decipher. “Not what we would have chosen for you, but if they bring you happiness…”

“They do,” I confirm, softening slightly at what seems like a genuine, if limited, attempt at understanding. “More than I ever thought possible.”

“Well. That’s something, at least.” She smooths her already immaculate slacks. “Your Dad will be sorry to have missed you. He thinks of you often.”

The mention of Dad brings a pang of complicated emotion. “Tell him…tell him I’m doing well. That I’ve found my place.”

Mother nods, accepting the limited olive branch for what it is. Father, however, remains unmoved, his expression hardening as he recognizes the conversation slipping beyond his control.

“If you won’t help through the Ashgrave connection, at least connect me with them,” he says, hands forming fists at his side. “Their hands aren’t exactly clean. I’m sure we can come to an agreement.”

My eyes go cold as I stare at him. This man who was supposed to love and protect omegas. A slow, deadly smile shifts my lips. “Don’t worry, Father. You don’t need to seek them out. As it turns out, the Ashgraves will be coming to you.”

For a moment, he only blinks at me, and then the look in his eyes change. Confusion shifting to fear. “Ren?—”

“Let’s go.” I turn to my pack, and we start filing out.

“Wait, Ren?—”

Father’s voice chases us down the hall, cracking with something I’ve never heard before—desperation. “Ren! At least let me explain?—”

I don’t turn back.

The front door slams shut behind us with finality, the sound reverberating through my bones. Sunlight hits my face as we stride down the marble steps, but all I feel is the cold, creeping numbness spreading through my chest.

Finn’s hand finds mine, his fingers lacing tight between mine. Silent. Steady.

We reach the car. I fumble with the keys—my hands shaking now that the adrenaline is fading.

Jax takes them wordlessly, brushing his thumb over my knuckles before opening the driver’s side. “I’ve got it.”

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