Page 15 of Knot Shattered
Odette gave him a look somewhere between admiration and disbelief. “Your definition of ‘fun’ worries me slightly.”
Haze winked playfully, smiling warmly at her. “You’ll get used to it, sweetheart.” He tugs a strand of her hair gently.
Odette looks at Fallon across from her, and they have some sort of silent conversation. She shook her head, but I heard her mutter. “I have a feeling he’s a friendlier Voss.”
Haze wagged his eyebrows at her, making her blush.
Romano interrupted gently, eyes focused intently on his screen. “One more thing. We’ve intercepted chatter about the fight ring itself. The organizers are ruthless. Omegas who lose matches or resist are…disposed of.”
A heavy silence settled instantly, the weight of those words pressing down painfully on all of us. I saw Odette flinch slightly, her jaw tightening with silent anger. Fallon’s hands curled into fists.
“We stop this,” Kingston said softly but firmly. “Now.”
Henry spoke for the first time, standing protectively close to Odette. “Do we have confirmation that the omegas taken from the auctions are definitely involved in these fights?”
Romano nodded, expression grim. “Confirmed. Multiple sources verify that omegas kidnapped across the region were moved into this ring. It’s the same people, same operation.”
Jace finally spoke up, voice quiet and deadly. “Then every last one of them goes down.”
“Agreed,” I said firmly, meeting Jace’s eyes across the table. “We move fast, hard, and smart.”
Kingston’s steady voice drew all eyes back to him, quiet but commanding. “Keep lines open, communicate clearly. No heroics. Every omega we save is another life returned home.”
Everyone around the table nodded soberly, the humor and teasing giving way to something deeper, fiercer—resolve.
“Questions?” Kingston prompted gently.
Silence met him as everyone processed, prepared, and committed. He straightened fully, clearly satisfied.
“Good. Get some rest, gather your equipment, and be ready. We’re taking them down and bringing those omegas home safe.”
Quiet affirmations filled the room as everyone stood slowly, determination etched into every face. I watched carefully as Odette took a deep breath, eyes bright with quiet strength. She wasn’t running from this. She was facing it. I felt pride tighten in my chest. They’d succeed. Failure wasn’t an option.
Chapter Five
Odette
August 27th
12:15 P.M
The music in the shop today wasn’t nearly as loud as usual. Instead of the usual harsh screams and pounding rhythms, softer guitar melodies drifted quietly through the air, lending the studio a sense of calm. For once, I didn’t feel the need to drown everything out. My heart felt lighter somehow, less tangled, though my nerves still simmered faintly beneath my skin.
Henry leaned comfortably against the workbench, arms crossed loosely as he watched me carve, a faintly amused smile tugging at his lips. His jeans and grey T-shirt were already slightly dusty. His boots crossed at the ankle as he relaxed.
“You’re staring,” I accused softly, glancing up briefly from the marble beneath my fingers.
“Yep,” he confirmed unapologetically, grinning gently. “Just thinking it’s nice to see you looking less like you’re sad or about to stab something.”
I laughed quietly, rolling my eyes. “I reserve the right to return to stabbing things if this carving doesn’t behave.”
Before Henry could respond, the door suddenly swung open. My mom, Valia, stepped inside, vibrant energy spilling from her in waves as she guided my four new mates inside the garage.
“Look who I found lurking outside your door, sweetheart!” she announced brightly, flashing me a mischievous smile as she waved dramatically toward the men. Her beautiful face is bright and happy, and the same blue eyes look back at me. She’s wearing a pretty deep purple maxi sundress. Her blond hair was pulled back into a braid that hung down her back.
I snorted softly, setting down my chisel and wiping my dusty hands on my shorts. “Lurking, huh? You sure you didn’t kidnap them yourself?”
Mom pretended offense, one delicate hand pressed to her heart. “Me? Kidnap? How dare you, Odette? I would never, unless you count Henry, and he’s basically family, so he doesn’t count.”
