Page 94 of Knot So Fast
"I'll come over," he says immediately, like it's already decided.
"How? When you don't even know Lachlan..." I trail off as pieces start clicking into place, memories of Kieran at my apartment, of Caspian at my parents' house, of all the careful looks and loaded silences. "Wait. You guys all know each other?"
His chuckle is answer enough, carrying years of history I can't access. "Did you bring your little pouch of meds?"
"Yes," I answer, already knowing where this is going.
"Pop a pill and sleep so you don't have a migraine when you wake up. I'll be there soon."
I huff in mock annoyance, but we both know I'll do what he says. Luke has talked me through enough anxiety attacks and panic spirals to know what I need better than I do sometimes.
"Fine," I concede, already reaching for the small bag I'd transferred from my racing suit.
"Auren?" His voice stops me just as I'm about to hang up.
"Yeah?"
There's a moment of silence, heavy with something I can't quite identify.
Then, soft and sincere.
"You looked phenomenal on that track. I'm proud of you, baby."
The words hit me like a physical blow, making my throat tight with sudden emotion. I smile even though he can't see it, blinking away the moisture that's gathering in my eyes as I stare up at the ceiling. The ornate molding blurs slightly as tears threaten to spill over.
Because that's what I needed to hear.
Not that I was reckless or brave or insane—all things that are probably true.
But that I was phenomenal.
That someone who's seen me at my absolute worst, who's held me through panic attacks and memory gaps and nights when I couldn't remember my own name, is proud of what I accomplished today.
"Thanks, Luke," I manage, my voice thick with unshed tears. "I needed this."
I needed to race.
Needed to prove I could still do it.
Needed to show everyone—including myself—that Auren Vale isn't just a ghost of someone who used to exist, but a force to be reckoned with in the present tense.
I can feel his smile through the phone, warm and genuine and exactly what I need in this moment.
"I know."
TERRITORIAL DISPUTES
~LUCIUS~
The security guard bows his head slightly as I approach the private elevator, his expression shifting from professional alertness to confused recognition.
"Lachlan? Didn't you just pass by here?"
I flash him my most charming smile—the one that's gotten me out of more trouble than I care to count—and give him a casual wink.
"Forgot to get winning flowers for my Omega," I say, bobbing my head toward the elaborate bouquet in my arms. White roses mixed with those purple flowers she's always loved, even if she can't remember why. "You know how it is."
The guard nods slowly, still looking puzzled but not willing to question someone he thinks is the four-time world champion. Before he can work through his confusion, I'm already stepping into the elevator.
