Page 57 of Knot So Damaged

There is no way that I could run from them. While some would be terrified, it makes me feel safer somehow.

Because the men that hurt me weren’t like them. They were just business men with bank accounts big enough to destroy lives.

But these three men? Well, they are big enough to destroy lives with nothing but their bare hands.

Maybe I am delusional for thinking that I will be safer with them. That allowing both me and my daughter in their presence is a good idea.

My instincts have never led me astray so far. I mean they were screaming at me to run the night of my sixteenth birthday. But right now? They are telling me to trust them. That we will be okay.

“What are you thinking about, Little Devil?”

I smile at the nickname. At first I didn’t know what to think of it but it has now grown on me.

“Just thinking about everything. What this is between us. Whether I can trust you three or not. If I am stupid to believe that I can actually get a happy ending.”

Bringing a hand up to my chin, he lifts my head until we are face to face.

“No matter what is to happen between us, you deserve your happily ever after. You deserve it more than anyone.”

I sigh as I continue to trace shapes in his skin.

“I’m trying to convince myself of that but it is hard. After years of denying myself any kind of happiness, it feels surreal to allow myself this. To open myself up to you, leaving me vulnerable and raw was one of the scariest things I have ever done.”

He caresses his hand over my face.

“I’m so fucking thankful that you trusted your heart with me like that, Valley. Being the person that you open up to in that way is an honor. One I will treasure for the rest of my life.”

I smile at him before bringing my hands up to hide my face. Why does this man know to say all of the right things? If my resolve wasn’t already crumbling, he would have made a big step in getting closer.

“What do we do about telling Vic and Olis everything? They are your pack and I know that means they are a package deal.”

Conall makes me find his eyes again. “Do you wantthem too?”

I pause for a moment and allow myself to really think instead of just jumping to agree. It's clear that there is something between both Vic and I as well as Olis and I. While I have had limited time with Olis, I know that there is something there. Something that I know I would kick myself over if I didn’t.

It's a spark, one I refuse to not answer.

Eventually, I nod. Cal smiles down at me, pulling me into his body more, if that was even possible.

“We take it at your pace. When you are ready to tell them everything, I will be right there supporting you every step of the way.”

I nod. “Do you think they will be mad?”

Cal ponders it over for a moment before he looks back at me. “They might take a moment to mull it over completely and everything that it means but I don’t think they will be mad at you, no. At the situation? Absolutely.”

I shiver as Cal continues, “We should be thankful that you killed those Alphas, Little Devil.”

I quirk an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

He chuckles and shakes his head. “Olis has never liked Alphas who hurt Omegas. It was only heightened when Gwen was killed. To say it would be a bloodbath is an understatement.”

I shiver again but there is a hint of arousal there. An interested quirk of Cal’s eyebrow lets me know he clocked that reaction, storing it away for a later date. I try to act casually but there is no denying the thought of an Alpha going to war for me like that.

“No matter what happens, I will be there for you,” he murmurs, placing a kiss against my forehead.

We continue to talk before Cal eventually starts to drift off to sleep. Bringing a hand up, I thread my fingers through the gray strands, unable to hold back from teasing the slight curls that have been calling for me for days now.

It's only seconds before his eyes relax completely and his eyes shut.