Page 99 of Knot Gonna Lie
Our good time had come to an end. We were now at the mercy of Alpha Zeke.
Glancing between Alpha Zeke and my worried betas, I tried to gauge what I should do. Stella was cursing and shouting, creating a scene as she continued to try to get through to me, but now four robed figures held her back. Maia was trying to appear strong, fighting back her tears as she frantically typed on her wristband.
If I followed his directions without resistance, perhaps he would get whatever he wanted and let us go our own way without any harm done. I needed to protect Stella, Maia, and the rest of my clan. Everyone’s fate rested on my shoulders, and I couldn’t bring punishment upon them by making a wrong move now.
“Your alpha is one of Coco Pharma’s co-owners.” Alpha Zeke frowned as he lazily opened his eyes. “You see, I’ve been trying to find a way to build a business venture with them but have been met with some resistance. I’m hoping you’ll make them see it my way, so we can establish a connection.”
“What do I have to do with my clan’s business?” I challenged, jerking my head as I curled my hands into fists. “I have no sayin what my alpha does with his brother. It’s not my fault they haven’t entertained your offer.”
“Let’s call it persuasion,” he purred, leaning close enough that our noses almost touched. “If I take you to my private villa, he will be forced to come and listen to what I have to say.”
Ice coursed through my veins.
He would use me as leverage to pressure Luca to fulfill his demands.
He couldn’t take Stella and Maia. They didn’t deserve to suffer. They had nothing to do with what Alpha Zeke wanted. His focus was on my connection to Luca—not them.
If I could convince him to allow my betas to leave, that would give Luca and the clan fewer people to worry about. Even though I knew my clan would fight for their return, I needed to negotiate their freedom, so they wouldn’t become casualties in this situation.
“If you release my betas, I will go willingly.”
“I can smell your fear, omega,” Alpha Zeke mocked with a deep chuckle. “It’s brave of you to grasp at any power in this situation, but I’ll entertain your wish since I’m not looking to make enemies.”
“You can’t, Elara,” Stella shouted, clawing at the nearest robed guard. Her face was as red as her hair as she struggled against the wall of bodies between us. “I won’t leave you!”
“It’s for your own good,” I replied, begging for her to understand. “If I can guarantee your safety, then I will. The clan will be in a better position.”
“I’ve promised our alpha that I would keep you safe—”
“She will be safe,” Alpha Zeke barked. “Omegas are treated like gods on my planet, pampered and worshipped. There’s no safer place in the galaxy—not even Syzygy Station. I promise, Beta, that your omega will be in good hands.”
The power of his voice washed over me, triggering the urge to submit to his wishes. I had never experienced an alpha’s bark since I’d matured into an omega. Now I understood its power. It was as if my body was helpless and Alpha Zeke’s order was the law. I couldn’t resist. His voice held the implicit threat of severe punishment.
Glancing around, I noticed a crowd forming. Bazaar shoppers and nearby merchants were witnessing the commotion. No one had made any effort to aid us, perhaps afraid of crossing the planet’s ruler in our defense.
My betas stood still and watched me in distress as tears ran down their faces. Stella had lost her fight, and her chest heaved with sobs. I could tell she wanted to resist his bark and try to reach me, but I needed her to keep the clan safe.
“Stella, listen to him,” I pled. “It’s not like we have a choice. No matter what I do, he’ll get his way, so I might as well go willingly to make this as painless as possible. I hope that everything resolves swiftly so I can return to the villa soon.”
“We trust you.” Maia gripped Stella’s shoulder and stepped in front of her, glaring at Alpha Zeke. “But we don’t trust him. Alpha Luca is furious and has taken offense at your actions. I hope you’re prepared for the fallout.”
“Believe me; once I’m done, he will be thanking me.”
Alpha Zeke’s words slithered through the air like smoke from a dying fire, and something in his amber eyes shifted—calculation replacing charm.
The marketplace crowd had grown thicker, pressing closer with the morbid fascination of those who witness disaster from safe distances. None would intervene. Not against their planet’s lord.
He snapped his fingers.
The robed figures closed in, white-and-gold fabric rippling as they tightened their circle. Not the clumsy aggression of stationalphas drunk on synthetic hormones—these gammas flowed like water around stone, each movement deliberate, trained, lethal.
“Walk with me, omega.” His hand found my elbow—gentle enough to appear courteous, firm enough to make refusal impossible. “My transport awaits.”
The parking structure loomed, shadows pooling between pillars like spilled ink. My heart hammered, ribs too fragile to cage it. Behind me, Stella’s curses had become wordless snarls, Maia’s wrist-comm tapping frantically—calling Luca, Seth, anyone—before—
“Your betas are fierce.” Alpha Zeke guided me between hovercrafts, deeper into the dark. “Loyalty like that is rare. You’ve chosen well.”
They chose me.The correction burned my tongue. I swallowed it.
