Page 64 of Knot Broken

Violet and Fallon cheer loudly, turning toward each other and slamming their palms together in a celebratory high five. Their laughter fills the tense silence, sharp and joyful, and utterly contagious.

I shake my head, laughing quietly as I glance toward Fox and Dare. “Of course, we end up with the crazy ones.”

Violet pivots in her seat, fixing me with wide, exaggerated puppy-dog eyes that shimmer playfully in the dim glow of the dashboard lights. She pouts dramatically, her voice dripping with sarcastic sweetness. “Oh, I’m sorry, Alpha. Would you prefer me softer? More delicate? Maybe a simpering damsel in distress?” She lifts her voice theatrically, pressing her hands dramatically to her chest. “Help me, Alpha, I can’t tie my shoes! Help me, Alpha, my own shadow scares me!”

Fox snorts loudly, shaking his head in amusement, and Dare chuckles quietly under his breath, eyes gleaming with affection. Fallon, meanwhile, is doubled over with laughter, tears of mirth streaming down her cheeks.

“You’ve got to admit,” Fallon manages between breaths, grinning wickedly, “she does a great impression of a helpless omega.”

Violet smirks proudly, lifting her chin in mock superiority. “Thank you, Fallon. Glad someone appreciates my talents.”

Fox leans forward, shaking his head with exaggerated despair. “Crazy-ass omegas. Absolutely impossible, the both of you.”

Violet flashes him a delighted grin, leaning forward to ruffle his hair playfully. “You love it.”

Fox’s eyes soften instantly, his smile turning tender even as he groans dramatically. “God help me, I really do.”

The SUV fills with laughter again, warm and genuine, a perfect contrast to the fierce destruction we’ve just left behind. I glance around at our pack, my chest tightening with pride and affection. This moment, filled with laughter and relief, is everything we’ve been fighting for.

We’re not done yet, but I’ll savor this small victory right now and the fiercely beautiful, unapologetically wild omega at the heart of it all.

Violet

July 30th

5:62 P.M

The quiet crackle of the fireplace is a soothing backdrop to the soft murmur of voices, comforting in a way I’ve never known before. Outside, the world feels distant, as if we’ve carved out our own sanctuary, a little pocket of peace in the storm we’ve just weathered.

I glance up from my canvas, paintbrush paused mid-stroke as I take in the quiet scene around me. Dare is sprawled out across one of the large sofas, head tilted back, eyes closed in a rare moment of rest. The firelight flickers across his handsome face, illuminating the faint shadows beneath his eyes, the line of his jaw relaxed for once.

Fox sits nearby on the rug, leaning back against Dare’s legs, absently turning the pages of a book he hasn’t truly looked at in ages. His dark hair falls messily over his forehead, making him look boyish despite the strength I’ve seen him display. I love seeing him like this—unwound, safe, content.

Jex occupies a large armchair, legs stretched out comfortably. He meets my gaze, eyes glimmering warmly beneath half-lowered lashes. A soft, tender smile lifts the corner of his mouth, silent reassurance radiating from him. Always watchful, always gentle.

It’s a snapshot of peace, and my heart squeezes painfully, beautifully full. A few months ago, I couldn’t have imagined this—belonging, security, trust. But here it is, wrapped around me in layers, stronger than anything I ever dreamed.

“You okay, sweetheart?” Jex’s low voice breaks gently into my thoughts, pulling me back into the cozy room.

I nod softly, returning his smile. “Just taking a mental picture.”

Fox glances up from his book, grinning softly, eyes glittering with warmth. “Make sure you get my good side.”

“You don’t have a good side,” Dare murmurs sleepily, eyes still closed.

Fox chuckles at his response.

“Don’t encourage him,” Dare mutters, finally cracking open one eye to give me a teasing wink.

I laugh quietly, setting my brush aside as I stretch my fingers. My painting can wait; right now, I just want to bask in this moment. Crossing the room, I curl onto the sofa next to Dare, leaning against him. He wraps a strong arm around my waist, pulling me snugly into his side, lips brushing gently against my temple.

I close my eyes, breathing deeply, letting their mingled scents fill my lungs. Cinnamon, bourbon, espresso, dark chocolate, sage, and sea salt—all of it blending together into something uniquely ours. Something home.

“We did good, didn’t we?” I whisper softly, half to myself.

“We did,” Fox replies quietly, setting aside his book, turning slightly to face me. His eyes darken a little, thoughtful. “But it’s not over.”

“I know.” My voice is gentle, calm despite the shadow of future battles. “But tonight, I want this. Just this.”

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