Page 120 of Knot So Fast
"Because a whole new world was being built right here."
The realization hits, my eyes widening as the pieces click into place.
"You got... pregnant."
She nods slowly, that sad smile still playing at her lips.
"In Vegas, ironically. The city of sin, and clearly baby-making. But racing and pregnancy don't go hand in hand, Auren, so I had to make a choice. To strive for my dream... or to build a new one."
The weight of that sacrifice—giving up everything she'd worked for because of me—sits heavy in my chest.
"If that's the case... why are you against me racing?"
Her expression hardens slightly, not with anger but with the kind of protective fierceness that only mothers can achieve.
"Because racing is merciless to women, my dear. And now an Omega? One who should be fragile, submissive, humble to all the men and testosterone in the room that want her in the kitchen and not racing against them? They're merciless."
She pauses, seeming to gather her thoughts.
"And I never wished for my child to go through the irony of that. Pilates... Ballet... every activity has its share of brutes, but racing... the thrill is as addicting as it is deadly, but it can ruin you if you're not careful. And that's what I fear for my girl."
Then her expression softens again, and she pulls me into another hug. "But if this is the path you wish, I will do what a Vale can to protect you."
I fight tears as I hug her back, my voice thick with emotion.
"Thank you, Mom."
She pulls back, all business now despite the emotional moment we just shared.
"You'll promise me three things."
I nod, knowing that whatever she asks is going to be non-negotiable.
"One. You'll be given a personal assistant. They'll be your publicist, take charge of your socials so you don't need to be around that toxic stuff, and will be your bodyguard."
I whistle.
"Three in one?"
She ignores my interruption with practiced ease.
"Two. You'll continue doing medical examinations and you will make sure you maintain fit. I know you have your own regimen, but racing is as physical as it is mental and you need to be balanced and in the right mind. If you need medication for the PTSD or any other symptoms, it will be provided to you, no questions asked. We'll ensure our medical professionals are at every race, including a female Omega examiner. Deal?"
"Deal," I reply, knowing this is actually reasonable given everything.
"Three." She pauses for effect. "Birth control."
I pout immediately, the expression automatic.
"I'll gain weight though."
She gives me a look that could freeze hell.
"Okay, okay," I concede quickly. "No baby-making. Got it."
"Until you're ready to expand with your pack," she adds, then raises an eyebrow. "Which I'm assuming is Wolfe's?"
I can't help but smile at that, warmth flooding through me at the thought of Lachlan and the complicated dynamics we're navigating.
