Page 18 of Knot So Sweet (Leather and Lace #1)

Chapter 17

Candi

Six Years Ago

M y heart pounded in my chest like a drum, each beat echoing in my ears as I ran, legs burning with every desperate stride. I couldn't let them catch me. I knew what happened to omegas like me, and I refused to become just another statistic.

Why did I have to perfume at a party? The question spiraled in my mind, mixing with the dread that gripped my throat. It wasn’t fair. I just wanted to feel normal, to belong, but now all I felt was terror sinking its icy claws into me.

A howl pierced the night, followed by cruel, taunting laughter that sent a chill racing down my spine. The Hounds. Jordan and Dare were out there, hunting me.

Their laughter was a twisted symphony with my panic, as if this was all a game to them. If they caught me, they’d drag me back to that room where my innocence lay shattered, a trophy for their sick amusement.

Another howl. Another taunt meant to terrify me.

I ducked under a low branch, the sharp claw of a twig grazing my face, I winced, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t. Yet, it wasn’t them I feared most—it was Travis Knight. The alpha, who, in front of all our classmates, had claimed me as his with a smile that felt more like a snare.

His rough hands pawed at my chest, meaty fingers digging into my sensitive skin. All I could do was freeze, terrified. He was just like my father, and no matter how much I wanted to fight, I didn’t. I was paralyzed by fear. I’d never trust an alpha again.

I should have fought him.

Even as I laid there, Travis's body pressed against mine, his scent of bitter lemon engulfing me, I felt myself breaking. That smell would haunt me forever, making me gag every time it lingered in the air.

I didn’t say, “No”. I didn’t stop him from reaching into my panties, his fingers slick with my shame. My spirit had been frayed at the edges.

I would never be weak like that again. I will fight.

If it hadn’t been for Linc, I didn’t think Travis would have stopped. Linc had slammed into him without warning, shouting for me to run. So, I did—driven by pure desperation.

But deep down, I knew I wouldn’t get far. Not with Jordan and Dare on my heels, their breath hot with the thrill of the chase.

I choked on a sob, stumbling through the woods behind the Sterling Estate, my tears a silent plea for help. But I couldn’t stop. Not with the Hounds closing in, their laughter twisting the knife of my fear even deeper.

"You're mine, sweet tart," Travis's voice sliced through my thoughts like a knife. I would never forget how weak that made me feel.

A howl cut through the night, followed by Jordan’s mocking voice. "Faster, Candi! If I catch you, I might decide to keep you for myself." His words made my blood run cold.

I was frozen for a moment, heart racing as I scanned the darkness for movement. The cruel laughter of the Hounds echoed to my right, sending me darting further into the woods. Branches lashed at my skin as I fought to escape the nightmare.

"You can’t hide forever, Candi!" Dare’s voice carried through the trees.

"We’re just playing!" Jordan added as they both howled together in excitement.

Playing.

The word churned my stomach. I wasn’t running from a game. I was running for my life.

My lungs burned with each ragged breath as I glanced back at the shadows shifting among the trees. I had to find a way out. Somewhere to hide.

Linc had risked everything for me, but even he couldn’t help me now. I was alone, caught in a nightmare that every omega feared.

I stumbled into a clearing, the moonlight casting a silver blanket over the ground. I paused to catch my breath, but the rustling behind me reminded me I had no time.

They were close.

Too close.

Jordan’s voice called out mockingly, "Where are you, Candi girl? I just want to play!"

The laughter felt like ice water in my veins. I bolted, but a hand gripped my arm, yanking me back into the terror I couldn’t escape. The world spun as I was dragged, my breath hitching in my throat. I fought, thrashing and kicking, but their hold was iron, relentless.

"Let go of me!" I screamed, my voice cracking under the weight of my panic. Tears blurred my vision, streaming down my face as my body twisted in desperation. I promised myself I'd fight. That I'd never let anyone touch me again. But I hadn't expected it to be now .

"Why would we do that?" Dare’s voice dripped with malice, a twisted grin spreading across his face as he shoved me hard toward Jordan.

Jordan caught me, his hands rough as they pawed at my waist, fingers digging into my skin like claws. "Don’t fight it, Candi," he taunted, forcing my back against his chest as his hands slid lower, tugging at the hem of my shirt. "It’ll be over quickly, if you’re good."

"No!" I twisted, trying to wrench myself free, but Jordan’s grip was vice-like. His breath was hot against my neck as he pressed his lips to my ear, whispering vile things that made my skin crawl.

"Stop! Please!" My voice was hoarse, every word a plea, but they only laughed, a cruel symphony that echoed in the night.

"Stop?" Dare mocked, his hand grabbing a fistful of my hair, yanking my head back painfully. "Oh, Candi, we’re just getting started." He leaned in, his breath foul as his lips ghosted over my cheek. "You smell so good when you’re scared."

I gagged, choking on my sobs as Jordan tore at my shirt, the fabric ripping with a sickening sound that echoed in the cold night air. His hand slid up my bare stomach, fingers grazing my bra, and bile rose in my throat.

"Look at her, Dare," Jordan sneered, tossing me toward his friend like I was a toy. "She’s trembling. Isn’t that cute?"

Dare caught me easily, his hands immediately finding my hips, pulling me against him as his fingers curled under the waistband of my pants, tugging them roughly. "Think she’ll beg?" he asked with a sick grin, fingers brushing my bare skin as he jerked my pants lower.

"Get off me!" I screamed, writhing in his grasp, but it was no use. His fingers were everywhere, invasive and cold, stripping away not just my clothes, but my dignity, my sense of safety.

Jordan stepped closer, looming over me with a smug smirk. "You’re just making it harder for yourself, Candi. Omegas like you… you were made for this. For me and my beta to enjoy."

My heart pounded, panic surging as I twisted wildly, throwing an elbow into Jordan’s gut. I felt the brief satisfaction of his breath hitching, but it wasn’t enough. "Let me go!" I screamed again, the words breaking into a sob.

"Oh, she’s feisty," Dare cooed mockingly, his hand moving to cup my throat, fingers pressing down just enough to cut off my air. "But you’re only making this more fun for us."

He tightened his grip, his other hand ripping the rest of my shirt away, leaving me in nothing but my bra, exposed and trembling beneath their hungry gazes.

Tears streaked my face as Jordan yanked me back toward him, his lips twisting into a cruel grin as he grabbed the waistband of my panties, snapping them against my skin. "Don’t worry, Candi, we’ll be gentle. At first."

"Please," I whimpered, voice barely audible, my body shaking with fear as Dare’s hands roamed over my body, fingers leaving bruises in their wake. The darkness around us closed in, suffocating, as their taunts blended into the night.

"Tell us how much you want it," Dare hissed, his lips brushing my ear. "Come on. Beg. I can smell your slick. Your body wants us."

I shook my head violently, choking on my sobs as I struggled, the desperation clawing at my chest. I had to get away. I couldn’t let this happen. Not again.

With a sudden surge of adrenaline, I slammed my foot down onto Dare’s, hard enough to make him grunt in pain. His grip loosened for a split second, and I took my chance. I shoved Jordan with all the strength I had left, making him stumble back, surprise flickering in his eyes.

But I knew I wasn’t free yet. They would be on me in seconds, but the brief window of escape was all I had. I ran, heart pounding wildly in my chest as their laughter followed me, sick and twisted.

I dashed toward a massive tree, pressing myself against the rough bark, praying the darkness would hide me. I shivered as I hid in nothing but my bra and panties.

"Where are you hiding, Candi?" Dare’s voice was close now, too close.

I held my breath, every sound amplified in the silence. Their footsteps slowly faded, and I let out a shuddering sigh. But a sudden snap of a branch behind me made my heart jump. I screamed, stumbling backward.

"Shh, Candi. It’s me. You’re safe," a raspy voice whispered from the shadows.

Roman’s bulky frame emerged from the darkness, his dark hair falling over his eyes. Relief washed over me as I collapsed into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. "You're safe now," he repeated.

I nodded, and the moment his words registered, a choked sob escaped me, the sound bursting forth before I could contain it. I shot up and threw myself into his broad chest. The warmth of his body felt like a sanctuary amidst the chaos, and I felt the dam break as sobs racked my frame.

"I thought they’d get me," I gasped, clinging to him as relief washed over me, mingling with the remnants of terror. "How did you find me?"

"Lincoln," he whispered, wrapping his jacket around me. His scent—like rain with an earthy undertone—curled around me, pushing away the memories of fear and the sour taste of lemon. I buried my face in the fabric, trembling as gratitude surged through me.

Thank God Roman found me before they did.

Roman was a gentle giant and had been on the receiving end of Travis and his crew's cruel games. I remembered how Linc had always defended him, and now, because of both of them, I was safe.

Travis and his friends had cornered Roman in the halls at school freshman year, mocking him for being different, for being the silent type. I had felt a mix of anger and helplessness. I had wanted to fight back, to shield him from their cruelty, but all I could do was watch. Now, here he was, saving me when I felt most vulnerable.