Page 70 of Knot All Is Lost: Part 2

Rafael and I had worked on various parts of my PTSD, especially when it came to the front door. I still had some trouble going out the door but if I closed my eyes and let one of the guys guide me, it was easier. Today, Savo wasn’t taking any chances and scooped me up so I could hide in his neck as we left. In the street was a beautiful white limo with a man holding the door open for us.

The guys all climbed in first then Savo maneuvered me in skillfully, where Spencer took over, pulling me to sit between him and Nixon. “There we are, step one complete.”

“Did you really think it was going to be that big of a struggle to get us all out of the house?” I asked with a chuckle. “I can’t imagine why you would think that, when you’re the worst of them for running late.”

“Cheeky Little Dove,” Spencer said, catching my chin and planting a kiss on my lips. “Lucky you’re cute so you can get away with things like that.”

Grinning, I rested my head on his shoulder as I took Nixon’s hand and placed it on my lap. “Okay, go over this once more?”

“First, we are meeting with the current government leaders, we are just going to introduce you and put your name in the book of records as being our bonded Omega. Then we will move to the steps of the capitol, where Marius will address the country. Once that is done, I believe there might be a dinner we have to attend but I’m not sure about that. I think that is being left up in the air until we see how everyone takes the news of the new government,” Nixon explained.

The drive didn’t take long, and I was surprised to see how close we were to the Capitol Building. When we pulled up there was already security waiting for us and blockades set up to keep the gathering crowds from getting too close to the building. There was a large grassy area that people seemed to be camping out on, but the second they saw us exiting the vehicle they shot to their feet. Cameras started to flash, and news reporters spoke loudly into microphones and faced video cameras.

“I’m coming to you live from the Capitol Building where in just a few short hours Official Stone and Banks will be sharing their new government proposal. Official Stone’s pack has just arrived at the Capitol and this is the first time we are getting a glimpse of their newly bonded Omega. It’s rumored that she is the Omega that the late Yoram Dubois kidnapped and tried to sell off to Shearia. Do any of you have a comment? Can you tell us your name?” a reporter shouted at us.

Many more asked various questions, each wanting to know some detail or information about me or the pack as a whole. The security kept them off us as we headed up the steps and into the building. We made it through security without any trouble, but Savo kept me close to his side. While I’d made a lot of progress from when I first escaped, I still wasn’t great with people I didn’t know. This whole day was going to be full of moments with people I didn’t know, and I was trying to reason with myself that we couldn’t act like a scared child.

“BreatheKeksík, I won’t let anything happen to you,” Savo assured me as we walked down a long hall into a reception room.

Marius was waiting for us in a sharp looking pinstripe suit with his hair styled to perfection. His gaze fell on me immediately, and he smiled, his eyes lighting up with love and happiness. Savo let go of my hand just in time for Marius to grab my waist and pull me toward him.

“Look at you, Princess,” Marius murmured as he ducked down for a kiss. “You look radiant, and I couldn’t be prouder to introduce you today. What lucky men we are to have you as our Omega.”

The heat my blush put off could have started a fire with how embarrassed by his words I was. “Thank you Marius, you look dashingly handsome yourself.”

“Well, when we have you at our side, I doubt anyone will notice,” Marius teased.

“Oh, don’t worry that’s what I’m here for,” Spencer called out, giving us both a wink. “I’ll always make sure our Alphas don’t go unnoticed.”

I chuckled and turned back to Marius. “Remind me why we have to do this again?”

“Because until I share our new plans with the country, we are still under the legal obligations of the old law. So, if I’m going to go out there and tell them I made sure to follow the letter of the old laws I can’t make myself out to be a liar now, can I?”

“No, I would never want that for you,” I agreed with a sigh. “So do we just go in there and get this over with?”

“Patience, they will come get us when they’re ready,” Marius chided, but gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. He held me against him as he turned to face the others of our family. “I wanted to thank you all for being so supportive and understanding during this past week. Once this part is over, things should become more steady and I won’t have to work so late. It’s always been my goal that once we had an Omega in our pack, I would ensure I was home every night for dinner. That is something I plan to make happen as much as I can. After you hear the announcement, I’m sure you’ll understand things are going to change but I promise you my family is just as important if not more than my dreams for this country.”

Savo snorted. “The man’s already making speeches, and he hasn’t even been elected yet.” Everyone laughed at this. “Don’t worry Marius, we all have our roles and I have no doubt over the next month or year each of us will have a purpose that pulls us away for a short time. Whether times are good or bad, the packs are there to support one another.”

The others murmured their agreement as Marius clapped Savo on the back. “It still amazes me how it feels like you’ve just always been part of the pack. Guess our girl knew best when she picked you.”

“It’s all about learning to trust your instincts,” I interjected.

With everything going on, I hadn’t had a chance to tell everyone my plans for the future and I was hoping tonight might be the time to share.

“Official Stone,” a woman I recognized from the press conference called when she opened the door. “They’re ready for you.”

“Thank you, Lucy, we’ll be right there,” Marius answered, then looked down at me. “Ready?”

Nodding, I squeezed his hand, and we headed into a vast room with the seal of the Council of Four on the marble floor. There was a table with a group of seven men seated, watching us with warm expressions, setting me at ease. In the middle was Alton, but I didn’t recognize the rest of them.

“Welcome and happy greetings on this joyous day,” Alton greeted, rising from his chair. “I promise this will be painless and as I’m sure you’re aware, just a formality. Typically, this would be done prior to the Omega receiving the bonding marks but under the circumstances, we’ve all agreed it was done to safeguard the Omega in question.”

The rest of the men nodded in agreement.

“I won’t bore you with telling you all our names and titles, since many of us will be retiring today, but we are thrilled that the last act we have is placing an Omega with her forever family and pack. Cambrie, if you would please do me the honor of stepping forward,” Alton instructed.

Trying not to glance at Marius, I clenched my jaw and released my hold on his hand and headed to the table. There was a large book with names, dates, and various other information written in a ledger of sorts.

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