Page 40 of Knot Forever

“It’s not that, little one. We’d be proud to have you with us. But the casino… it’s not a good place.”

“I know. Seth told me. I’ll stay close to him, Asher.” I fiddle with the edge of my blouse, tugging at a piece of thread. “I’d like to see a little more of what you all do.”

They’re very mysterious about some of their work. I have no doubts that their hands are not entirely clean. Power doesn’t come without a cost. But the casino seems legitimate enough.

“I’ll look after her,” Seth promises, crossing his arms. Asher sighs.

“It appears I’ve been outvoted. But if you’re taking Nova, then I want all of us there. Just in case.”

Chapter eighteen – Seth

Marcus fiddles with the edge of his suit as we wait in the hall for Asher and Nova to appear.

“Marcus.” When he looks up, I tilt my head at him. His brows lower. I know he’s not comfortable with our change in plans tonight, but he wouldn’t stay behind, either.

“I’m fine.” He brushes a non-existent piece of lint off his suit.

I’m starting to regret my push to take Nova with us. The place will be full of presumptive assholes, but as long as she stays close to one of us at all times, she’ll be fine.

I couldn’t say no to her, not when she gave me that look.

Fuck, I caved to her like some green teenager on his first date. I’d swear she’s got some kind of omega magic, with those wide eyes of hers. At least I’m not alone. Asher is as immovable as a boulder, and even he bent for her with barely a murmur.

We’re all on our knees for her already.

Asher jogs down the stairs, impeccably dressed in his usual black. “Where’s Nova?”

“Here.”

We all turn, and… holy fuck.

Not a ruffle in sight.

Our omega looks flawless in bright, vivid scarlet, the full-length silk hugging every curve as she makes her way down the stairs. Her hands, covered in intricate black lace elbow-length gloves grip the wooden rail to keep her balance. Nova lifts her dress up so she doesn’t trip, giving us a perfect view of pencil-thin black stilettos as she moves towards us. Her head comes up, and she blushes as she sees the three of us standing here. “Hi.”

My mouth has glued itself to the top of my mouth as I watch her.

“Nova.” Marcus recovers first, the smug bastard, and he moves past me to take a lace-covered hand and press a kiss to her palm. “You look beautiful.”

She beams at him. “Thank you, Marcus.”

Marcus tucks her hand into the crook of his elbow as he escorts her past us, leaving Asher and I in his dust.

We both stare at each other. Asher groans, bringing his hand up and covering his eyes.

“We’re going to end up spilling blood tonight,” he predicts drily. “In that dress? With those men?”

I crack my knuckles as I turn on my heel. “We talked about this. Anything happens, Marcus will take Nova home.”

Asher is being dramatic. The casino is our territory, filled with our cameras, our men. Every attendee owes us something. It’ll be fine.

I slide into the car, taking Nova’s other side and leaving Asher to sit opposite us. He glowers at me, but the lines smooth out when Nova turns to him.

“So,” she says, leaning forwards. “What are my instructions for this evening?”

“Instructions?” Confused, I look down at her, and she shrugs.

“Stay quiet, look pretty, etcetera.” She sounds jovial enough, but there’s something off about her tone. It’s a little too buoyant, and I can tell by Asher’s face that he agrees.

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