Page 55 of Knot Excused
Ifelt unusually nervous as I walked across the lawn for our campaign event. My job as a politician was ordinarily something I ground out because it was my duty.
Erain and Teddy were already on the stage waiting.
It was the last week of the campaign and the latest polls had us well in the lead.
I should be relieved. I knew this speech like the back of my hand. My late father’s pack had led the country for many years, and when I came of age, it was expected that I would follow in his footsteps. And I always had.
There was nothing to worry about.
Teddy’s unfortunate football incident was embarrassing but people seemed to think he would get back in shape and make quarterback again. The drama at Erain’s art show had made the rounds, for sure, with many elite Alphas amused to see his defeat.
But the fact that he had not been angry, and even praised Piper had blunted criticism of his competition loss.
And our poll numbers had barely gone down. We had weathered those storms, and now it was time for me to solidify our position in the final days of the campaign.
Beatrice nodded to me. I couldn’t wait for the campaign to be over so I wouldn’t have to work with her again.
“Do you want to get together for drinks later?” she asked, her hand brushing by my arm.
I fought down the wave of nausea and revulsion I felt at anyone besides my fated mate touching me.
“No,” I said shortly. “I won’t be seeing you in private ever again. All I care about is making sure our Omega knows how cared for she is and building her nest.”
Piper
There was instantly a twitching in my cock at even the memory of her, the thought of citrus and rose and her bold, confident blue eyes.
Fuck, I hoped our winning this campaign would impress her.
I wished she was here. My skin had started to itch almost uncontrollably being apart from her.
Just one more damn punishment for how I treated my Omega.
But I gritted my teeth and started my stump speech, Erain and Teddy in their suits seated behind me.
“We must care for our Betas and Omegas,” I said firmly. “And encourage a therapeutic synergy between all groups to work together.”
“Booo,” I heard a clear, melodious voice call out.
I jerked my head so far around that I got a cramp in my neck, and I saw Piper and those damn Betas standing at the edge of the crowd.
“Booo,” she said again. “You suck.”
Everyone started turning around and whispering to each other.
The Alphas began to gesture at me to do something.
Piper had her arms crossed in front of her, and I wondered if Mario, Cesare, and Raffi were somehow drunk, because otherwise it was pretty bold of them to boo an Alpha.
I narrowed my eyes, feeling my throat close convulsively.
Her lovely face was set in a frown and there was a deep line between her eyes.
The Betas began to wave signs in the air.
ROOK IS A WEASEL Cesare’s said.
ERAIN – TINY DICK OR NO DICK AT ALL? asked Raffi.
