Page 9 of Knot Broken

Dare presses a kiss to the top of my head—gentle, reverent—and something in me cracks wide open. I didn’t know how much I needed this. How empty I’d gotten without it.

I didn’t realize how touch-starved I’d become until now.

Usually, when things got too heavy, I’d curl up with Fallon or Odette—tangled limbs and whispered sarcasm until the world felt softer. But Fallon has her pack now, all growly affection and possessive warmth. And Odette… Odette’s been dodging me.

Every call goes to voicemail. Every text is answered with clippedcan’t talk right nowreplies that sting far more than I want to admit.

It’s like she’s slipping through my fingers, and I don’t know how to reach her.

I don’t even realize I’m frowning until Jex’s voice wraps around me, low and velvety, grounding me.

“How about we go out and grab dinner?” he offers. “And on the way, we can get some actual groceries.”

I glance up, craning my neck to meet his gaze—gods,he’s tall. Big in the kind of way that makes you want to climb him like a tree and thank him for existing. And despite everything… he still looks at me like I matter. Like I’mhis.

I open my mouth to answer, but before I can, Dare reluctantly releases me.

Only for Fox to immediately steal me away, tugging me back against him like I belong there.

My back presses to his chest, his arms wrapping around me with unshakable certainty. I huff, but don’t bother trying to wriggle away.

“Wouldn’t you guys be more comfortable at your house?” I ask, not unkindly.

Fox leans down, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear. “We want to be where you are, doll,” he murmurs, voice like smoke and honey. “But wouldyouwant to come to our house?”

I freeze, tension creeping in like frost around the edges.

That’s the real question, isn’t it?

Not where they want to be—but where I feel safe. Where I feelready.

Slowly, I shake my head. My voice is quieter when I speak again. “I still don’t know you. Not enough. I’m not comfortable with that yet.”

The air shifts—charged, uncertain—and for a second, I brace myself for pushback.

But it never comes.

Jex nods, his smile gentle. No pressure. No disappointment. Just… space.

“How about we compromise?” I offer, glancing between them. “Let’s order in.”

Fox presses a kiss to the top of my head, lingering there like a promise, his breath warm against my hair.

“Sounds perfect, doll,” he whispers.

And for the first time in a long time… italmostfeels like things are settling into place.

Violet

May 17th

7:40 P.M

The living room smells like takeout and comfort—garlic knots, greasy pizza, and three towering alphas who are currently shouting at the television like it personally offended them.

“This idiotdeservesto die,” I say, pointing a slice of pepperoni pizza at the screen as the blonde girl slowly backs toward the dark basement stairs. “Who goestowardthe creepy noise? In heels?”

“Shedeservesa better flashlight,” Fox mutters around a mouthful of crust. “That thing looks like it was made in the ‘90s.”

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