Page 27 of Knot Broken

Her gaze softens slightly, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “I know. It just feels like…like we’re running out of time.”

Fox’s expression darkens slightly, a familiar determination settling over him. “Then we move faster. We hit them harder.”

Jex nods, his jaw set with quiet resolve. “Agreed. Whatever it takes.”

The room settles into tense silence once more. We all know Fox is right—things are going to get worse before they get better.

But at this moment, surrounded by my mates and secure in our home, I find myself determined to do whatever is necessary to protect what’s ours.

No matter the cost.

Violet

May 25th

7:03 P.M

“So,” Fallon nudges me gently, her eyes gleaming mischievously as she wiggles her eyebrows, “tell me about you and your mates. Spill everything.”

We’re curled up together on one of the plush, overstuffed couches in her living room, sipping iced coffees while our alphas are off doing what Dare cryptically calls “recon.” According to Fallon, “recon” is actually code for them taking threats and problem assets to what she affectionately calls “The Pit.”

“You probably know as much about them as I do,” I sigh dramatically, swirling my straw through my coffee. “I mean, seriously, I met them for like half a second that night. Ever since then, I’ve been playing catch-up.”

Fallon snickers, nudging me playfully. Her midnight blue hair is piled messily on top of her head, and her green T-shirt and black leggings hug her slim figure. The happiness radiating from her makes me smile, despite the chaos of our lives. It’s nice to see her so deeply, ridiculously in love. It gives me hope—well, mostly hope. Right now, it’s tinged with envy.

“Okay, but Vi—” she lowers her voice, conspiratorial “—I grilled Kingston.Grilled.Like, over-the-coals level interrogated him about your trio of alphas.”

I raise a brow, curiosity piqued. “And?”

She rolls her eyes dramatically. “He gave menothing.He just said they were good men and trusted them with his life.”

I blink. “Wait. Heactuallysaid that?”

Fallon nods, solemn. “Swear on my last cinnamon roll.”

I whistle low. “Coming from Kingston, that’s basically the highest praise possible. He doesn’t trustanyone.I’m surprised he even trusts his own reflection.”

“Right?!” Fallon says, throwing her hands in the air. “So, naturally, now I need the real story. You’ve been living with them. Give me the tea.”

I sigh, shifting to sit cross-legged, my black jean shorts riding up a little as I fiddle with the edge of my oversized shirt. “They’re…amazing, Fallon. Like, unfairly hot, totally overprotective, and kind in ways that are terrifyingly genuine.”

Fallon leans in, her eyes sparkling.

“Dare’s probably the easiest to talk about. He’s this mix of smooth and intense—like if a thunderstorm learned how to flirt. His mom lives out in California, and she’s called him, like, every day since we moved in. I’ve talked to her a few times. She’s sweet. The kind of woman who already refers to me asmy sweet girl,and ends every call with a promise to send cookies.”

Fallon melts a little. “That’ssowholesome.”

“Right?” I grin. “Then there’s Jex.”

She perks up. “The one with the bedroom eyes and the tattoos?”

I laugh. “That would be him. His parents are... the exact opposite of Dare’s. Total hippies. Last I heard, they were in Sedona doing mushroom ceremonies and advocating for free-range bees or something. He loves them, I think, but he can’t keep up with their ‘let the wind guide your soul’ lifestyle. It’s adorable how exasperated he gets.”

Fallon chuckles. “And Fox?”

My smile falters, just slightly. “That’s... a little harder.” I exhale slowly, my voice lowering. “I haven’t gotten the whole story. I know his parents wereterrible,Fallon. Like, sell-you-out-for-drug-money bad.

Fallon’s teasing fades immediately, her hand reaching out to squeeze mine gently.

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