Page 115 of Chain Me Knot

My shoulders slump in relief.Thank the gods.“Nothing. It’s nothing.”

“Come on. The faster we get going, the faster we can come back and fuck our omega into tomorrow,” Phoenix says.

“I think the term was ‘senselessinto tomorrow’, brother,” Soren says, sucking his stupid-full lower lip between even white teeth as his gaze roams my face with enough heat to sear.

“Any way she wants us, she can have us,” Phoenix growls.

Please let the ground swallow me now. “You heard.”

“Thank the gods we can’t scent you after a statement like that, because we’d be forced to abort the mission,” Soren says.

I punch his bicep that might as well be made from carved and polished marble. “You wouldn’t.”

“We would never give up on a mission.” Asher sends Soren and Phoenix a chastising look and then tips my head with a gentle knuckle under my chin. “But we never back down from a challenge, either.”

***

We slip out through the side door and into the garage, the overhead lights flickering on to reveal a black, top-of-the-line sedan. Sleek, elegant, exuding quiet power just like everything else in this house.

Asher takes the wheel, jaw set and eyes flinty, posture radiating calm control that doesn’t quite hide his tension. I climb into the back, my dress slightly hitching around my thighs, and settle between Soren and Phoenix, who take up their positions on either side with silent, watchful certainty. Soren’s hand findsmine and squeezes once, his palm steady and warm. Phoenix’s thigh presses solid against mine, reminding me I’m not alone.

Doors close softly, the interior lit by the faint blue glow of the dashboard. Leather seats cradle us, but my nerves are taut, strung like wire. The gun holster under my dress digs against my thigh, a constant but not-unwelcome pressure. A dangerous comfort in the storm that lies ahead.

The tires crunch over gravel as Asher pulls out of the garage, headlights swiveling to illuminate the empty driveway and then the quiet street. As soon as the house falls away behind us, every breath in the car sharpens. The city looms ahead, impossibly bright. I press in close to my alphas.

Asher’s phone buzzes, screen lighting up with Adrian’s name. He answers instantly. “Adrian. What’s the situation?”

Adrian’s voice comes through, a shade rougher than usual as we listen through the speaker. “Mira’s gone into heat. She’s a walking signal flare right now. No way she can set foot near the gala without drawing the attention of every alpha in a city block radius.”

I stifle my gasp as Asher lets out a tense breath, jawline rigid as he looks at me in the rearview mirror. “That’s rough, Adrian. You staying back with her?”

“Zane’s got her covered. He’ll take care of her. Cole and I are still coming, but we’ll be one alpha down. As soon as this is over, we’ll head back. No waiting around.” There’s a deep note of promise in his voice. “I’ve briefed Ronan on the update.”

Phoenix blows out a breath. “We get it, Adrian. I’d rather Mira be safe than risk our omega’s safety.”

I feel the impact in my chest—a strange pang of relief and loss twisted together. There’s no way Mira can be out in public. Not only isn’t she physically able to, but her alphas are right. Her scent would be a drawcard for every unmated alpha at that gala. “Tell her not to worry. Mira needs to take care of herself. I’ll handle things with Leah. She’ll have me.”

“Thank you, Emma. You know you mean the world to her. We’ll see you in ten minutes,” Adrian says, and ends the call.

I let the words sink in, my mind racing. It would be far too dangerous for Mira to be surrounded by strangers and predatory alphas in a heat that raw. I couldn’t bear it if she put herself at risk for us, no matter how much she wanted to be there for Leah. It’s not just a question of safety. Her body is calling her home, demanding safety and tenderness from those who love her. She deserves that shelter, but there’s loss tangled in the relief. An ache for the comfort of my friend, for the strength she gives just by being at my side. For tonight, it’ll be just me for Leah, and for all of us. I hope I’m up to the task.

Phoenix leans in, voice edged with concern. “You all right?”

I nod, forcing a steadiness I don’t quite feel. “Yeah. I’m going to be okay.” I press that conviction down until it fills every shaky part.

Pride softens Soren’s face. He brushes his knuckles over mine. “You know how proud I am of you, right? You’re stronger than you think, Emma. Way stronger.”

Inside I’m a mess, nerves crackling just beneath the surface. My heart is a wild, fast thing, but I manage a smile and squeeze his hand. That pride in his gaze does something soft and anchoring to me.

Phoenix grins. “Hell, I’d be worried if you weren’t nervous. Only the truly unhinged aren’t scared of a night like this.”

Asher’s steady voice grounds us all. “We play this out as best we can. Emma is our top priority no matter what else happens.”

We turn a corner, and the city is suddenly brighter, alive with energy. Asher guides us past where the Aegis Gala is being held. The building is old and huge, but quaint, and includes eight floors restored to their former glory. Spotlights sweep the facade, the colorful lights picking out decorated cornerstones and finished window frames.

People flow up the front steps. Women are dressed in shimmering, expensive gowns, alphas resplendent in tuxedos, laughter and anticipation riding high on the night air as they walk through the glittering entrance. The front doors glow with promise and privilege, but our business tonight is anything but glamorous.

Asher eases the car past the front, turning at the next intersection and ducking down a quieter side street. He pulls up beside a discreet entrance where Coleand Adrian wait, sharp and focused in tailored suits. Three more men stand with them, tall and broad-shouldered, their faces unfamiliar but their posture all business. Even in the dim light, anyone can see they’re alphas. The confidence in their stance and the controlled alertness marks them as men who solve problems.

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