Page 199 of Knot So Lucky

"Good." He releases my shoulders, some of the intensity fading. "Now, about this stalking situation. Should you interfere?"

The question makes me pause, considering the strategic implications.

If I interfere—if I bring my family's resources to bear on this threat—the Lane family will definitely dive in with overwhelming force. My father doesn't do half-measures when it comes to protecting his children. The stalker would be identified and eliminated within days.

But that also means we might never understand the full scope of what's happening.

Who else is involved.

What the ultimate goal is beyond just hurting me.

And I need to figure that out and end it…

"Only interfere if necessary," Roran says, apparently reading my thoughts. "I want to see how far this goes. But obviously, don't let yourself get actually hurt. The moment things escalate beyond psychological warfare into physical danger, we bring in the full Lane security apparatus."

A plan forms in my mind—risky but potentially revealing.

"So I should be a good Omega," I say slowly, letting a smirk curve my lips. "Play along with this 'secret admirer' who's so desperate to get rid of me. Let them think they're winning, that their threats and sabotage are working."

Understanding dawns in Roran's expression, followed by approval.

"Draw them out. Make them overconfident enough to make mistakes."

"Exactly." I'm warming to the idea now, seeing the strategic possibilities. "If they think I'm scared and vulnerable, they might get bold. Reveal themselves or their connections."

"Just be careful," Roran warns. "These people already tried to kidnap you once. They've sabotaged your car. They're not playing games."

"Neither am I," I say with more confidence than I feel.

Roran studies me for a long moment, then nods.

"I believe you. But maybe focus on something else right now—like helping your pack destress. They're clearly wound tight as fuck, and that's going to affect performance if it continues."

He winks, and I feel heat creep up my neck as I catch his implication.

"I meant emotionally support them," he clarifies with a grin. "But hey, if other methods work too, I'm not judging. Just maybe soundproof whatever room you use because nobody needs to hear that."

"Roran!" I smack his arm, mortified.

He laughs—genuine and warm—before heading toward the door.

"Go talk to Luca and Cale. Take them somewhere away from the compound. Do something that gets them to loosen up a bit, because they're both stressed beyond functional levels."

The door closes behind him, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Luca's confession echoes in my mind.

The last time I got close to an Omega, she fucking died.

He's not just being difficult or sending mixed messages out of confusion about his feelings. He's actively trying to keep me at a distance because he's terrified of losing me the way he lost Sera.

And Cale—loyal, possessive Cale—is caught in the middle of pack dynamics that are straining under external pressure.

Both of them need something.

Not just physical release, though that might help. But genuine connection, reassurance, the security that comes from pack bonds being reinforced during crisis.

What would help them destress?