Page 18 of Knot Going Down
More likely, it’s being an omega. Omegas are emotional and weak. Things I always prided myself on not being.
I’ve got to find a way to reverse this. Fix it. Rip the fucking omega out of my body and go back to my normal life. Not that my normal life was all that great as a non-medaling, recently-dumped athlete with no friends. But it was comfortable, and I was in control of it.
“I’m good.” I turn my back to Emily and gather up the last of my things. “I already packed.” With my purse around my shoulder and my two wheelie bags in hand, I try to smile. “I’ll see you back in the States… I guess.”
“Yeah.” She stands, and I worry she’s going for another hug, so I take a step back.
“Maybe we could go do something sometime?” she blurts, a life vest of friendship flung my way.
I give her the first genuine smile I’ve managed all day even as worry sits like a rock in my stomach. “I’d like that.”
11
EMILY
The airport is like a hive full of angry wasps—loud, fast, chaotic. The hum of voices buzzes in every direction, punctuated by sharp announcements in rapid-fire French I don’t understand. People weave around me with practiced urgency, dragging suitcases like tails, dodging one another with the grace of seasoned travelers. I, meanwhile, am rooted in place, clutching my crossbody like a life preserver, eyes darting from one overhead sign to the next, trying to decode the unfamiliar words while anxiety presses against the base of my neck like a rising tide.
Meggie and I were supposed to stay in Paris for another week after the Olympics, but after Dante got injured—and she went into heat!—they flew back early. And when Declan found out, he changed my ticket to fly back with him.
At least, that’s what we planned. Now, looking at the Departures board, seeing flight after flight canceled, who knows what will happen?
Nervous energy makes my stomach roll. I don’t like when plans change. Staying in Paris with Declan could be fun, butstaying in Paris with Declan and the man he has in custody? Not so much.
As if he can sense my unease, Declan’s dog Gunner rubs up against my leg. He looks intimidating, but I’m learning he’s a big softy who thinks he’s a lapdog in a linebacker’s body. He claimed my lap in the taxi like a cat with boundary issues. I’ve been picking dog hair off my leggings ever since.
“Stay close.” Declan squeezes my hand.
I giggle, trying to put on a brave face. “Not sure how I could do anything else when you’ve got a death grip on me.”
He loosens his hold slightly before giving me a quick peck on the temple. My heart twists at the tenderness of it. I wasn’t supposed to develop real feelings for Declan. It was supposed to be a fun fling at the Olympics. That’s it. That’s all it can be. I don’t date alphas.
“Hey, at least you’re not handcuffed to the guy,” Knox says, with a playful smirk, holding up their joined hands so the shiny metal clinks. Despite his smile, there’s something dark lurking in his eyes. Even after all these years, I can still read him like a book, and I hate seeing him like this.
Someone bumps into me, and both Declan and Knox growl as Gunner barks. I put on a bright smile for the stranger, even though my insides feel jittery, then turn back to Declan. “I’m fine. Let’s just go see if we can get on a different flight tomorrow or something.”
Declan gives a gruff nod.
Knox chuckles. “Sorry, princess, I don’t think anyone’s getting out of here anytime soon. If they’re canceling that many flights, it’s gotta be big.”
Declan grumbles under his breath, but doesn’t correct Knox.
“Well, then, we’ll get to enjoy Paris more.” I try to look at the bright side, but my chest feels tight as I think about it. How would staying even work? The Olympic village is closed now, soI can’t stay there. Declan already checked out of his hotel. Would we even be able to find two more rooms? If I end up staying someplace with Declan and Knox together, I might die. My smile is so big it hurts my cheeks, but I don’t think either of them are buying it.
An announcement comes over the intercom in French, and every muscle in Declan’s body tenses. He’s the only one of us who speaks the language. As soon as it ends, it repeats, this time in English.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we regret to inform you flights have been grounded until further notice due to a widespread software outage affecting air traffic control towers across Europe. Our teams are working diligently to resolve the issue. At this time, we do not have an estimated timeline for when normal operations will resume. We appreciate your patience and understanding.”
That tightness in my chest clenches, making it harder to breathe. If flights are canceled for days all across Europe, hundreds of thousands of people will be trying to get out once they’re back up and running. We could be stuck here for weeks.
“Is this like terrorism?” I manage to say the question without my voice wavering, a feat I’m proud of given the airport announcement. Something throwing off flights across multiple countries has to be huge.
“Remember Europe basically fits inside Texas, sweet pea.” Knox shoots me an easy smile. “Something taking out multiple air traffic control towers across lots of countries here is like a storm grounding flights in New York and New Jersey.”
Europe would absolutely not fit inside Texas, but I appreciate him trying to calm my nerves.
“Can we take these cuffs off, big guy?” Knox jangles the metal at his wrist. “Love the kink, but I’m starting to chafe. Gotta lube me up next time. Or at least get me some lotion.”
Declan’s glare could make a kid put a stolen cookie back in the jar.
