Knot Happening Again (Claimverse Book 2)

I adjust the centerpiece on the main table for what feels like the hundredth time, my fingers trembling slightly as I fuss with the arrangement. The meeting hall looks perfect—elegant yet welcoming, with soft lighting and tasteful decorations. But is it enough? Will it make Ophelia feel truly accepted and loved by our families?

My mind races with all the ways this evening could go wrong. Ophelia has been let down so many times before. What if someone says the wrong thing? What if she feels overwhelmed or out of place? I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. No, I can’t let myself spiral like this. Our families are good people. They’ll love her, just as we do.

The only families who won’t be here tonight, for obvious reasons, are Leon’s and Ophelia’s. But everyone else… I know and trust them enough to feel confident they’ll adore her.

I catch sight of Leon across the room, his brow furrowed as he speaks quietly into his phone. When he hangs up, I make my way over to him.

‘Everything alright security-wise?’ I ask, unable to keep the worry from my voice.

Leon’s expression is more serious than usual as he nods. ‘I’ve sent out conflicting reports about where the event is being held. Somehow those bastards caught wind of it happening, but they shouldn’t be able to find us here.’

I run a hand through my hair, frustration bubbling up inside me. ‘How do they keep getting this information? It’s like we have a leak somewhere.’

‘I don’t know,’ Leon admits, his jaw clenching. ‘But I’ve got my best people on it. We’ll find out who’s behind this, Rhys. I promise.’

I nod, grateful for his determination. ‘Thanks, Leon. I appreciate everything you’re doing to keep Ophelia safe.’ I glance around the room, double-checking that everything is in place. ‘Nothing can go wrong tonight. She needs this to be perfect.’

‘Agreed,’ Leon says firmly. ‘And if somehow the paparazzi do figure out where we are, I’ll create a distraction. Give you all time to get Ophelia out safely.’

‘Sounds like a plan, then.’ I can’t believe it’s even come to this. But those people are vultures.

As he turns to leave, I call out to him. ‘Leon, wait.’ He pauses, looking back at me with a questioning gaze. I take a deep breath, pushing aside the lingering tension that’s existed between us. ‘I just wanted to say… I’m proud of you. I know things have been strained between us lately, but I see how hard you’re trying. Ophelia’s happy, and that means everything. I appreciate the effort you’re making.’

Leon’s expression softens, a small smile tugging at his lips. ‘That means a lot, Rhys. Thank you.’

As he walks away, I feel a weight lift from my shoulders. It’s good to be on better terms with my bondmate again. We still have a long way to go, but this is a start.

The first guests begin to arrive, and I greet them warmly. Mace’s sister and brother-in-law with their kids, my parents and sister, Troy’s grandmother who raised him, Maddox’s parents and brother—they all file in, excitement buzzing in the air. I make small talk, ensuring everyone is comfortable, but my mind is elsewhere.

Finally, when everyone has arrived, I excuse myself and make my way to the back room where Ophelia is getting ready. I knock softly, hearing muffled voices inside.

‘Come in,’ Ophelia calls.

I step inside, my breath catching at the sight of her. She looks radiant in a deep blue dress that brings out her eyes, her hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders. Natalie stands beside her, fussing with Ophelia’s hair.

‘You look beautiful,’ I say, unable to keep the awe from my voice.

Ophelia blushes, a small smile playing on her lips. ‘Thank you, Rhys.’

I turn to Natalie. ‘Would you mind if I spoke to Ophelia alone for a moment?’

‘Sure thing.’ Natalie says with a nod, squeezing Ophelia’s hand before slipping out of the room. ‘Might as well go see if your pack has any single brothers.’ As the door closes behind her, I see the nervousness in Ophelia’s eyes.

‘Hey,’ I say softly, crossing the room to take her hands in mine. ‘How are you feeling?’

She takes a shaky breath. ‘Terrified,’ she admits. ‘What if they don’t like me? What if I say something wrong or⁠—’

I cut her off gently, cupping her face in my hands. ‘Ophelia, listen to me. They’re going to love you. Do you know why?’ She shakes her head, her blue eyes wide. ‘Because you’re you. You’re kind, and strong, and beautiful inside and out. All you need to do tonight is be yourself. That’s more than enough.’

Tears well up in her eyes, and she blinks them back. ‘But what if⁠—’

‘No what-ifs,’ I say firmly. ‘You are loved, Ophelia. By me, by the pack, and soon, by our families too. Just be yourself, and everything will be fine.’

She nods, taking a deep breath. ‘Okay. I’m ready.’

I offer her my arm, and she takes it, her grip tight. As we walk toward the main hall, I can feel her trembling slightly.

‘Remember,’ I murmur, ‘I’ll be right beside you the whole time.’

We step into the hall, and a hush falls over the room. All eyes turn to us—to Ophelia—and I feel her stiffen beside me. But then, as if a spell has been broken, the room erupts in warm greetings and enthusiastic applause.

My mother is the first to approach, her arms outstretched. ‘Ophelia, darling! We’ve been so excited to meet you!’

My father is right beside her, calm and steady as always, content to bask in her outgoing personality. ‘It’s been a long time coming.’

‘It’s a pleasure to meet you both,’ Ophelia says, clearly a bit shy until my mother envelops her in a hug. It’s hard to be too reserved around Madeleine Carver.

‘Mom, Dad, I’m so glad you’re finally getting to meet my mate,’ I say proudly, slipping an arm around Ophelia’s waist.

‘She’s just as lovely as you described,’ Mom says dreamily, genuine joy sparkling in her gaze as she looks between us. ‘Oh, where is Leon?’

I chuckle. My family more or less adopted him when Leon and I bonded, considering his family is MIA. Sometimes I tease that they like him better than me. And judging from the way they’re looking at Ophelia, the same applies to her.

‘He’s just taking care of a few things outside with the others,’ I say, not wanting to let Ophelia know the pack is on full alert this evening, even though I’m sure she senses something through the bond we all share now. But we still want to shield her from it. She’s nervous enough about tonight as it is.

Mace’s niece, a precocious seven-year-old, runs up to us next. ‘You look like a princess!’

‘Oh,’ Ophelia says with a soft laugh. ‘That’s so sweet of you to say. But so do you,’ she says, gesturing to Tiffany’s big pink dress. ‘I love the color.’

‘Pink is my favorite!’ Tiffany says, grinning from ear to ear as her parents wander over. ‘Are you really an artist? Can you teach me how to sculpt?’

‘Let the poor girl settle in a bit first, sweetheart,’ says Amber, Mace’s sister, scooping the girl up into her arms.

‘Oh, I don’t mind,’ Ophelia assures her, smiling as she looks back at Tiffany. ‘I’d love to give you a lesson sometime.’

Mace comes in from outside, grinning as he wanders over. ‘Just in time for introductions,’ he says, introducing them as Troy’s grandmother and my sister make their way over, too. Before long, all our family members are crowding around, fawning over the newest addition to our big, strange extended family. Even Natalie seems to be having a grand time chatting up Maddox’s brother, even if he looks a bit overwhelmed.

At first, I’m worried it will be too much, too soon for Ophelia, but she seems to be completely relaxed now. And I find myself relaxing in turn.

This is the way it should be. Ophelia surrounded by people who love and appreciate her. Basking in their warmth and acceptance.

And she glows at the center of it all, like a radiant sapphire.

God, I love this woman. Our omega. Our mate.

I can’t help but smile as I watch Ophelia chatting animatedly with my sister. The nervous tension that had been radiating off her earlier has melted away, replaced by a warm glow of happiness. She fits in so seamlessly with our families, it’s as if she’s always been a part of this world.

A tap on my shoulder pulls me from my reverie. I turn to see Maddox, his expression a mix of apology and resignation.

‘Hey, Doc. It’s your turn for watch duty,’ he says, jerking his thumb toward the exit.

I nod, reluctantly tearing my gaze away from Ophelia. ‘Right. How’s it looking out there?’

Maddox shrugs. ‘Quiet so far. But keep your eyes peeled. Those vultures have a way of appearing when you least expect it.’

With a final glance at Ophelia, now laughing at something Troy’s grandmother said, I make my way outside. The cool night air is a stark contrast to the warm, lively atmosphere inside. I take up my post near the entrance, scanning the surrounding area for any sign of trouble.

For a while, all is calm. The muffled sounds of laughter and conversation drift out from inside, and I find myself relaxing. Maybe we’ve actually managed to pull this off without a hitch.

That’s when I notice him. A man, lurking in the shadows near the parking lot. There’s something off about the way he’s moving, too casual to be natural. My instincts prickle with unease as he approaches.

‘Hey, man,’ he calls out, his voice overly friendly. ‘Got a smoke?’

I shake my head, forcing a polite smile. ‘I’m afraid not. Terrible for your lungs, you know.’

He chuckles, moving closer. ‘Oh yeah? What are you, a doctor or something?’

‘Actually, I am,’ I reply, my guard up.

A smirk spreads across his face, and my unease deepens. ‘Oh yeah, you’re that alpha who’s a fancy omega doctor who was on TV a few months back, right? The one from the Carver pack?’

Alarm bells are ringing in my head now. I’m well known in my field, but the only people who recognize me by my face are people who know me through Leon and now all this recent tabloid drama. Before I can respond, he’s firing off questions.

‘So, tell me about this new omega of yours. Ophelia Thompson, right? How’s she settling in? Must be quite a change from her… previous line of work.’

My blood runs cold as the realization hits me. He’s a reporter. And he’s not alone. I can see others emerging from the shadows, cameras at the ready.

I understand why Leon lost it now.

A growl builds in my chest as I bare my teeth. ‘Leave. Now. Before I make you regret coming here.’

The first reporter just laughs. ‘What are you gonna do, Doc? Hit us like your nutjob bondmate? That’d make a great headline.’

I clench my fists, fighting to keep my temper in check. ‘I’m giving you five seconds to clear out before I call the police. This is private property, and you’re trespassing.’

Without waiting for a response, I turn and hurry back inside, my heart pounding. I lock the doors behind me, scanning the room for Leon. I spot him near the bar, deep in conversation with Mace’s brother-in-law.

‘Leon,’ I call out, my voice tight with urgency. ‘We have a problem.’

He’s by my side in an instant, concern etched across his face. ‘What’s wrong?’

‘Paparazzi,’ I spit out. ‘They’re everywhere outside. We need to get Ophelia out of here.’

Maddox overhears and joins us, his brow furrowed. ‘How is that possible? Only our families knew about this place, and only an hour before it started.’

I shake my head, frustration and worry churning in my gut. ‘I don’t know. But they’re out there, and they’re asking all sorts of invasive questions about Ophelia.’

Leon’s expression hardens. He pulls out his phone, barking orders to his security team. ‘What the fuck am I paying you for? Cover the fucking front entrance. No one gets in or out without my say-so.’

As he hangs up, I catch sight of Ophelia across the room. She’s still smiling, blissfully unaware of the chaos unfolding around her. My chest aches at the thought of shattering this moment of happiness for her.

‘We need to end this now,’ I say, my voice low. ‘Get her out before they find a way in.’

Leon nods, his jaw set in determination. ‘I’ll create a diversion outside. You get her to the car.’

‘Leon, no,’ I protest, grabbing his arm. ‘You’re already in hot water from the last incident. If you lose your temper again⁠—’

He cuts me off, his eyes blazing with intensity. ‘That’s exactly why it’ll work. They’ll be hoping I’ll snap, give them another juicy story. But I won’t. Not as long as it keeps her safe.’

I search his face, seeing the unwavering resolve there. Finally, I nod. ‘Okay. Be careful.’

As Leon heads for the door, I make my way to my parents. They take one look at my face and know something’s wrong.

‘What is it, Rhys?’ my mother asks, her voice laced with concern.

I explain the situation quickly, watching understanding and then determination settle over their features.

‘Take our car,’ my father says, pressing the keys into my hand. ‘We’ll create a bit of confusion, make it harder for them to know which vehicle to follow.’

Gratitude wells up inside me. ‘Thank you,’ I breathe, pulling them both into a quick hug.

With a deep breath, I turn to face the room. ‘I’m sorry, everyone,’ I announce, raising my voice to be heard over the chatter. ‘But we’re going to have to cut the evening short. There’s been a… situation outside.’

A murmur of concern ripples through the crowd. I catch Ophelia’s eye across the room, seeing the question there. Mouthing an apology, I make my way to her side.

‘What’s going on?’ she asks, her earlier nervousness creeping back into her voice.

I wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her close. ‘Paparazzi,’ I murmur in her ear. ‘We need to get you out of here.’

She stiffens against me, her scent spiking with anxiety. ‘But Leon⁠—’

‘Is creating a diversion,’ I finish for her. ‘He’ll be fine. Right now, we need to focus on getting you to safety.’Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

She nods, her trust in me evident even as fear clouds her eyes. As we make our way toward the back exit, I can hear Leon’s voice outside, loud and angry. It’s all an act to keep the press baited, I know, but it still sets my teeth on edge.

We slip out into the cool night air, my parents’ car idling nearby. I usher Ophelia into the backseat, sliding in beside her. Mace takes the wheel, with Troy riding shotgun.

As we pull away from the curb, I catch a glimpse of flashing cameras in the rearview mirror. My stomach churns with a mixture of anger and guilt.

How did this happen?

How did they find us?

Ophelia’s small hand slips into mine, and I turn to meet her gaze. There’s fear there, yes, but also a steely determination that takes my breath away.

‘What about Natalie?’ she croaks. ‘We can’t leave her.’

‘Maddox and the others will make sure she’s okay,’ I reassure her, stoking a hair out of her face. ‘Everyone will be just fine.’

She doesn’t seem convinced, but she nods. But not before I see the flicker of guilt in her eyes.

She blames herself.

I know she does, even if she won’t admit it. And that makes me want to make these bastards pay more than anything.

For now, all I can do is keep her safe and get her home.