Page 41 of The Knotty Princes Club

Ignoring his comment, I turn to Desmond. “I’ll need you to draft up the transfer of power. I’m sorry, brother. This isn’t how I wanted things to go.”

“We do what we have to,” he responds.

He’s right. I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure our formal bond with Kinsey, even if it means making a deal with the devil. Luckily, Rommel isn’t the only monster. I’m worse. He’ll regret ever coming here.

I’ll show no mercy.

Chapter fifteen

Desmond

Omega Sanctuary

Thescentofthefrightened omegas nearly overwhelms me on the drive home. I pull through the looming gate to the palace and glance in my rearview mirror. The sun breaks on the horizon as dawn lights the grounds, shadowing everything in a sleepy haze. I don’t know what we’re going to do from here, but we couldn’t just leave these omegas at the Smithsons. Who knows what Rommel would’ve done?

I don’t trust him. I never will. It kills me to think that I’ll have to sign away my territory to such a despicable man, even temporary. Because I know Wilder would’ve never made that deal if he didn’t have a plan. We’ve always tried our best to do things mostly according to the law or with reasons that we could explain to the Pack Regimes. If Rommel was telling the truth, though, they might be coming for us. Most of the leaders are as old or older than our father was, and they’re not ready to give up their power despite their ideologies being outdated and cruel. Unfair. I don’t give a fuck about their supposed excuse of protecting the most vulnerable in our society by having packs arrange unions or auctioning them to packs of power for a supposed better life. What I care about is giving omegas the freedom they need to truly be taken care of the way they deserve. Like with Kinsey. I never imagined I could fall in love so deeply and irrevocably with anyone. Also, like the love I see budding between Holly and the Silversteins. The world would be a better place if there weren’t assholes trying to build walls to keep those they see beneath them contained. I’ll do everything I can to tear down the obstacles they claim are for everyone’s safety, but we all know that isn’t true. It’s time we get rid of those stuck in the past. We need to plan for those who will live in the future.

“Welcome to the Gilded Sands Pack palace. This is a private sanctuary, and our security will ensure your safety. We’ll be relocating you shortly to the fortress, where we’ll get things figured out. Is that okay?” I turn in my seat and glance at the seven silent omegas huddled together in the back cargo space. I didn’t want to separate them, and I definitely didn’t want my brothers handling them. They’re too close to going into rut that they could accidentally frighten them because Kinsey will be the only omega they want around. It’s instinctual. Deep-seated but manageable. I just didn’t want to test it.

None of them respond, so I assume they won’t fight it. They’ve been traumatized and broken into obedient beings, and it’s going to take more than a couple of kind words to get them to open up. But hopefully soon.

I pull out my phone and click on my number one favored contact.

Me: Can you meet me on the driveway? Tell Enzo to stay inside. I don’t want to frighten these omegas, but I need help. You’ll be able to show them they’re safe. They’ll trust you more than anyone.

Pretty Girl: Of course. I texted Holly, and she’ll be on her way in a bit. She’ll meet us at the fortress.

Me: Good. It’ll be more comforting with both of you.

Pretty Girl: With you too. You have no idea the effect you have on others. I’m sure they’re already a lot better than they were.

Me: I hope so. Brace yourself. This is a bit rough. I’m afraid it might trigger you.

Pretty Girl: I’m good. I feel grounded and better than I had. I’m coming down the stairs now.

I glance up at the front door, waiting for Kinsey to materialize before exiting the vehicle. She rushes to me with wide eyes, her dark brown hair flowing behind her. She wears a simple blue dress with bare feet. All I want to do is scoop her up and kiss her. Hug her and whisper how much I love her. I hated the way things ended at the funeral, and it nearly broke me watching Enzo drag her away, not allowing her to destroy the man that ruined her life.

It bothers me that I hadn’t done it myself, and I’m afraid to tell her that he gets to live another day because he succeeded in manipulating us with his blackmail.

“None of them have said a word. I tried to talk to them on the way back, but they were just far too terrified. Maybe you can get their names or the packs they came from. We’re hoping that maybe they’re not all considered unwanted, and we can help them find their way home if they want to go.” I stroke my fingers on Kinsey’s arm, playing with the soft fabric of her short sleeve.

She bobs her head, turning her green gaze to the cargo van. She can’t see them from here because of the lack of windows, but I know she wishes she could. They’ll probably startle the second we open the back door.

I peek in from the driver’s seat. “I’m opening the back up to let my mate in. I don’t want to scare you. She’s an omega too.”

For the first time, I get a reaction, and one of them whispers something to the male omega under her breath.

I smirk at Kinsey and nod, motioning for her to open the doors to the cargo space. She slowly swings them open, keeping her movements slow as if the omegas are frightened animals. I love her so much, watching how cautious and careful she is, handling herself with confidence despite how horrible the situation is.

“Hi there. I’m Kinsey. Is it okay if I ride in back with you? We’re going to take you up the road to the fortress. You’ll like it there. You’ll get your own rooms if you want, or you can share. Ms. Melina is waiting for you. She is the nicest woman. And I promise we’ll keep all the alphas away from you. I know you must be so scared right now. I want you to know that you’re safe. We will not allow the Pack Regimes to take you back.” Kinsey uses my shoulder to step up into the van, and she perches on the wheel well, the small seat just big enough for her. She nods at me to close the door, and I do as she wishes and meet Enzo’s gaze from across the yard. He remains in the doorway to the foyer, keeping his distance just as I requested.

He waves his phone at me, and I pull mine out of my pocket to see a text message.

Little Shit: Is there anything I can do? I feel useless.

I rack my brain, knowing that he won’t be satisfied if I tell him just to wait.

Me: Can you look over the paperwork for Platinum Shores? Wilder will explain everything, but we’re signing over the territory to Rommel for now. This will give us the chance to get him.

---