Page 22 of Chain Me Knot

“I don't own a phone,” I point out, the absurdity of the statement almost making me laugh. Own a phone? Sure. I would have called emergency services two years ago and saved myself a long trip to hell.

Mira reaches into her bag and pulls out a box. “I knew you wouldn't. This is for you. I’ve put my number in the contacts. Call anytime, day or night.”

I’m sure the smile I send her is as watery as my eyes. “I can call you? Any time night or day? And no one will stop me?”

“Yes… Emma, you don’t have to live with restrictions anymore. I know how hard it is, but it’s true. It might not feel like it, but you’re free. Things are changing. Just…give Asher and his pack a chance. For your own sake if nothing else.” Her hug is fierce, and we cling to each other. Eventually Mira releases me. “I’m not going anywhere, Emma. And you’re not either.”

I nod at her. She turns to look at her alpha and the smile on her face is real and genuine, and the smallest flutter eases through me at that look. She’s not only found alphas who care for her, but she’s fallen in love with them. It makes it a little easier to take the step away from her I know I must take, clutching the phone to my chest.

Things move quickly after that. Dr. Chen appears with discharge papers and medications. Asher takes the bottles, listening intently to every word. Soren secures the corridor, half in and half out of the room. Phoenix explains the transport plan in a voice that asks permission rather than gives orders.

I'm struck by the strangeness of it all, and by the time we're ready to leave, my legs are trembling with fatigue. My brief burst of strength is fading, my body reminding me how broken it still is. The thought of walking to whatever transport they've arranged is impossible, but I’m going to try.

“Let me carry you,” Asher offers, stepping forward with careful movements.

“No.” I skate backward. The word comes out sharper than I intend. A large part of me wants nothing more than to sink into his arms again, to breathe in that comforting scent, to feel that purr vibrate through my bones. And that's exactly why I can't let him touch me. That path leads nowhere I want to be.

I straighten my spine, ignoring the protest of muscles that haven't been properly used in years. I’m determined to savor every stride not confined by the length of a chain. “I want to walk.”

Tension tightens his shoulders, but he inclines his head and moves aside. Not far enough to stop him from touching me, but enough to let me pass. I don’t overthink it. I brush past the alphas on shaky legs, forcing one foot in front of the other. Left. Right. Left. Right. Each step a victory. Each movement a declaration: I am still here. I am still fighting.

The hospital room door opens to reveal a corridor lined with armed officers in tactical gear. I come to a stumbling halt, my heart leaping into my throat. At least a dozen men, weapons visible, faces grim.

“They're here for your protection,” Asher rumbles from behind me, his voice gentle. “They're all betas. Not one alpha in the bunch. You don’t have to be afraid.”

Said the lion to his prey, yet the knowledge helps. These men are still large, still intimidating, with their bulletproof vests and stern expressions, but there's something different about beta energy. Less predatory. Less triggering. My parents were both beta and they loved me right up until the day they died.

Mira slips her arm through mine. “I'm right here. And you've got four alphas at your back who would tear apart anyone who tried to hurt you.”

It takes everything I have to start walking. The corridor is endless, but Mira's presence anchors me to the present, keeps me from sliding into panic.

Black scorch marks mar the previously pristine walls. A smear of blood stains the floor near what looks like bullet holes. Evidence of violence. Of battle. My stomach turns as I realize how close they came. How close I came to being dragged back to that basement.

“They made it this far?” I whisper.

“We never would have let them get to you,” Soren says quietly.

But they nearly did. The thought makes my knees weak. All these armed officers, all these alphas, just to protect one broken omega. The short walk takes more out of me than I want to admit. Each movement becomes heavier than the last. My vision blurs around the edges as we approach the elevator. Just a little farther. Just a few more steps. I can do this. I can—

My legs buckle. Before I can hit the floor, strong arms sweep me up. Dark amber and black coffee scents bloom around me, the amber more honeyed the longer he holds me. Phoenix.

“Whoa there, Tough Girl,” he says, his blue eyes kind as he adjusts me in his arms. “Save your strength for the important stuff, like deciding which takeout we order later.”

“I can walk,” I protest weakly, embarrassment burning my cheeks.

“Of course you can,” he agrees easily. “Just like I can bench press a car if I really need to. Doesn't mean it's not stupid to try when there's a perfectly good tow truck available.” He winks. “That's me, by the way. The tow truck.”

I stare at Phoenix, processing that he's made a joke. An actual joke. My mind scrambles to reconcile this gentle teasing with everything I know about alphas. His drugging scent wraps around me like a buffer against panic, somehow making it impossible for terror to fully take hold.

The elevator doors slide open with a soft chime. Asher turns to the line of officers. “Take the stairs. Meet us in the foyer. Full perimeter guard.”

We move toward the elevator, but it quickly becomes clear it's too small for all six of us. Mira glances at Adrian, then at me.

“I'll see you soon,” she promises, wrapping me in one last hug. “Call me, okay? Anytime.”

Before I can respond, she steps back, and suddenly I'm alone in the elevator with three enormous alphas. The doors slide closed, and their combined scents intensify in the confined space. Each breath fills my lungs with their markers. An unnatural heaviness swells in my abdomen and extends between my legs. It’s heat, but languid heat without scorching ferocity.

I'm acutely aware of their physicality. Asher's broad shoulders as he stands protectively in front of me, Soren's controlled stillness to my right, Phoenix's solid warmth as he holds me. Each one towers over me, could overpower me in seconds, could—

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