Page 25 of Knot Gonna Lie
“There’s nothing wrong with that,” Maia hissed, elbowing Tobias in the ribs with protective force. “You better watch your words, or you can sleep alone in your own bed with nothing but your hand for company.”
“Maia! Baby!” Tobias pleaded, his cockiness instantly evaporating. “You can’t say that. You know I was only joking.”
“It’s not funny.”
“Have you forgotten she was the same way?” Sylas chuckled, pulling Stella closer against his side. “Maia only leaves her engineering bay because we force her to.”
“Whose side are you on, Sylas?” Tobias shouted, throwing his hands skyward in theatrical betrayal. “I thought we were brothers!”
“Nah, that’s what you have Seth for.”
“The betrayal…” He dramatically covered his chest as if mortally wounded. “How can you do this to me?”
“Maybe you should pick your battles more carefully,” Elara chuckled, leaning into my side with natural ease. “Instead of seeking help from others, you should’ve tried making amends with her directly.”
“They’re always like this,” I whispered against her ear, making her shiver deliciously. “It’s better to let them fight it out rather than intervening.”
“Bossman can’t handle the heat, so he stays out of the engine room,” Stella mocked, soft chuckles punctuating her blade sharpening. “Don’t worry, we’re always respectful toward each other. Our banter usually doesn’t escalate beyond harmless teasing.”
“Usually,” I repeated, drawing in Elara’s intoxicating scent. She smelled like fresh lavender and vanilla—sweet but notdesperately needy. We had time to continue socializing with the crew.
“I’m not looking to start conflicts,” Elara announced, scanning the table and meeting each person’s gaze with steady confidence. “I want a safe and caring alpha, a loving pack, and a supportive clan. My goal isn’t causing problems within your established relationships.”
“You aren’t here to steal our mates?” Stella asked, pausing her psyblade against the plasma focusing rig.
“Why would I want to interfere with already established pairs?”
“Because it’s within your rights as the clan’s omega.”
Elara stepped away, emerald eyes blazing with sudden resolve.
I held still, knowing I shouldn’t interfere—not unless it became absolutely necessary. She needed to speak for herself. After all, once my mark claimed her, she would officially be this clan’s omega.
She leaned forward, placing both palms on the table and fixing the four betas with an unwavering stare. Her entire presence demanded their complete attention.
Unfortunately, it was something that rarely happened, especially when the whole clan gathered.
“Listen carefully to what I’m about to say,” Elara announced, her voice calm and controlled as steel. “I see you. I may not bear your alpha’s mark yet, but that doesn’t mean I’m blind to the hesitation and worry in your eyes.
“Soon, I will be your new omega, but that doesn’t mean I’ll claim every person aboard this vessel just because they smell appealing.”
She stepped forward and gently took each crew member’s hand, lifting their wrists to her nose. One by one, she inhaled—slow, deliberate, reading them like a story in scent.
When she finished, she stood taller, her expression calm and certain.
“Now I understand why this vessel is calledParadise—together, you smell like a tropical vacation waiting to be savored. And while your aromas are warm, inviting…they aren’tmine.” Her gaze swept the two couples. “Each of you carries a unique signature, but what stands out most is the way your partners’ scents are woven into your own. You’re already marked. Bonded. And I would never interfere with that.” She smiled gently. “So relax. I’m not here to disrupt what you’ve built—I’m here to find what’s meant for me.”
“How can you make such declarations so easily?” Maia asked, tilting her head as she exchanged glances with Stella. “You’re an omega. You could claim the entire ship if desired, and we’d be at your mercy.”
“Just because she could doesn’t mean she would,” I interjected, crossing my arms and studying my crew with mild irritation at their continued questioning. “I could have demanded each of you in my bed constantly to ease my needs, and you’d have no recourse.”
“If you were like that, we never would have sworn loyalty to you.”
I gestured toward Elara, indicating the same principle applied.
“She just made identical declarations. Therefore, my omega will only show interest in those who aren’t already claimed by another. This means everyone at this table is safe.”
“Is what he’s saying true?” Stella stood, placing her blade and sharpener on the table’s surface. “You aren’t interested in us?”
