Page 13 of Knot Shattered
Fallon touched my arm again lightly, eyes searching mine with genuine care. “You okay, O?”
“I’m better than okay,” I whispered truthfully, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. Turning toward Henry, I met his steady gaze again, offering him a grateful smile. “Before we sit down, I need you all to meet Henry officially.”
Henry stepped forward, his presence steady and reassuring, giving the alphas a respectful nod as I introduced him. “Henry is my bodyguard and a very dear friend. He’s looked after me and the other omegas since we were children. He’s an essential part of my life, and I’d appreciate it if you all respect his role in it.”
To my surprise and quiet relief, each of the alphas nodded seriously, shaking Henry’s hand with genuine respect and understanding. Henry’s stance relaxed visibly, pleased and protective.
Kingston finally spoke, gentle and understanding as always. “Odette, if you’d like, we can reschedule the meeting. I’m sure everyone would understand.”
The kindness warmed my chest, but I shook my head firmly, determination surging forward again. “Thank you, Kingston, truly. But this is too important. We can’t afford delays.” My gaze shifted to my new mates, strength flowing steadily back into my spine. “We’ll have plenty of time after this to get to know each other. Right now, this takes priority.”
Micha’s eyes flashed with quiet pride, Salem nodded appreciatively, and Haze grinned even wider, clearly impressed. Ravik watched me silently, quiet respect shining in his dark gaze.
Haze smiled, gesturing toward the table. “Of course, my sun. Come, sit with us.”
He guided me to my seat, and I felt another thrill of warmth when Salem settled quietly on my left, his calmingpresence easing any lingering anxiety. At the same time, Haze dropped comfortably into the seat to my right, his grin contagious and bright.
As the meeting began around us, I glanced at each of them again, my heart feeling lighter than it had in months.
Because for the first time in forever, I felt something beyond fear, beyond memories, beyond darkness.
I felt hope.
Micha
August 26th
8:30 P.M
The room quickly settled into focused silence as Kingston stepped forward. He commanded everyone’s attention without effort, his calm voice resonating with quiet authority.
“Adrienne had an emergency and won’t make it tonight,” Kingston began evenly, eyes scanning around the table. “But she sent along her intel. Romano uploaded everything into the shared system.”
Romano gave a single nod, his fingers dancing swiftly across his keyboard. Instantly, screens around the room flickered to life: maps, surveillance stills, and lists of names flashing across multiple monitors. My gaze sharpened, instinctively absorbing each piece of new information.
“Here’s the situation,” Kingston continued smoothly, pointing to a highlighted area on the map. “Multiple prominent Chicago figures, CEOs, political influencers, even some known underworld players, have quietly converged within this ten-mileradius on the outskirts of the city. We strongly suspect this is the new location for the omega fight ring.”
“A ten-mile radius isn’t precise enough,” Jex immediately interjected, his voice steady and authoritative. “We’ll need pinpoint accuracy to make any meaningful move.”
“Exactly,” Kingston agreed, nodding at him. “And that’s why we’re breaking this down carefully. We’ll assign roles based on each pack’s strengths.”
He turned to Voss, whose silent intensity made him seem more shadow than man. “Voss, you’re handling our direct intelligence extraction. Identify targets, and use your methods to pull critical intel from informants. Whatever it takes.”
Voss smiled darkly, something dangerous and eager in his eyes. “Understood.”
“If you need any help, baby,” Fallon practically purred. “I’m willing to get my hands dirty.”
Voss chuckles, the sound dark enough to raise the hairs on the back of my neck.
“Bloodthirsty princess. This is why I love you.” He gives her a hard kiss before turning back to the room.
Haze catches my eye, giving me a look that says, “See,I told you she was insane”.
Kingston’s gaze slid to Romano next. “Romano, you’re on cybersecurity. Tap communications, electronic trails, and cell towers. Dig through every layer to uncover their hidden connections.”
“Already on it,” Romano replied calmly, his fingers flying effortlessly over the keys.
Jace leaned quietly against the table, silent and imposing, his gaze coolly assessing. “Jace, you’ll accompany me,” Kingston continued. “We’ll handle direct security and muscle for our people on the ground. We’ll be ready to intervene at a moment’s notice if anything goes sideways.”
