Page 137 of Knot Unwanted: Part Two

But despite their suspicion, they can’t argue with results. The detective’s confession opens floodgates of information. Names, dates, locations—all the details of Heath’s operation that had been systematically erased from official records.

By the fourth day, raids have been conducted on three additional facilities similar to the one where I was held. Twenty-seven omegas rescued. The networks of transport, security, andmedical support exposed. Every hour brings new developments, each one a small victory in the larger war against Heath’s organization.

I’ve been following the news obsessively, scanning the released photos of rescued omegas for a glimpse of Vi’s face. So far, nothing.

“You should try to get out for a bit,” Finn suggests gently as I refresh the news page for the dozenth time that morning. “The constant updates aren’t helping.”

He’s right, of course. My anxiety has been building steadily, making me restless and unfocused. But the thought of leaving the security of our home still sends a flutter of panic through me.

“The rehabilitation center called again,” Finn continues, sliding a mug of tea across the counter to me. “They’re still hoping you might visit. Talk to some of the survivors.”

The Omega Rehabilitation Center had reached out shortly after news of the raids broke, extending an invitation for me to meet with the rescued omegas. I’ve declined twice already, not sure I have anything of value to offer them in their trauma. But the thought of Vi potentially being among them, alone and frightened…

“Okay,” I decide, surprising myself with the firmness in my voice. “I’ll go today.”

Finn’s eyebrows lift. “Really? Are you sure?”

“No,” I admit with a weak smile. “But I need to try. For Vi. If she’s there. And for myself. Hiding from it isn’t making it any easier to bear.”

His expression softens with understanding. “I’ll go with you.”

“Actually…” I hesitate, uncertain how to articulate what I’m feeling. “I think I need to do this alone.”

Concern flickers across his face. “Hailey...”

“Not completely alone,” I clarify quickly. “Someone can drive me. Wait outside. But meeting with them—I think it needs to be just me.”

He studies me for a long moment, then nods. “I get it. But promise you’ll call if it becomes too much? We’ll be there in seconds.”

“Promise.” I reach for his hand, squeezing it gratefully. “Thank you, Finn. For understanding.”

Two hours later, I’m seated in the passenger seat of the SUV as we approach the rehabilitation center, a modern, low-rise building surrounded by gardens and tall fencing.

Jax hasn’t said much during the drive, seeming to sense my need for quiet contemplation. Stone in the back is also silent. But as Jax pulls into a parking space, he turns to me with an expression of carefully controlled concern.

“You don’t have to do this,” he reminds me. “No one would think less of you for waiting until you’re more recovered.”

I appreciate his concern, but it only strengthens my resolve. “I’m not fully recovered,” I acknowledge. “I might never be, not completely. But that doesn’t mean I can’t help others. Maybe I can.”

A ghost of a smile touches his lips. “When did you get so wise?”

“Must be all those alpha pheromones I’m breathing in day and night,” I tease.

Jax grins before he exits the vehicle and comes around to open my door.

With a deep breath to steady myself, I exit the vehicle. Jax is like my shadow as I approach the center’s entrance. The receptionist, a friendly beta, informs someone of my arrival. Minutes later, a tall, elegant omega appears, introducing herself as the center’s director.

“Ms. Ironwood, thank you for coming,” she says, her voice warm but professional as she leads me through secure doors into the facility proper. “The residents have been quite eager to meet you.” She pauses as she reaches the second set of doors, gaze shifting to Jax and Stone, who are scanning every corner like bloodhounds. “Uh…Mr. Ironwood, I’m afraid you’ll both have to wait out here.”

Both Jax and Stone’s gaze slides to her. “Why?”

The omega flinches slightly, though she tries to hide it. “The omegas here do not react well to alphas…I’m sure you understand.”

Jax’s jaw clenches, and I reach for him. “It’s okay. I’ll be fine.”

He doesn’t look convinced. “How many exits are in that room?”

The omega looks surprised and confused by his question. “Just this one.” She points at the door before us.

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