Knot Broken (Hiddenverse)

31. Lilah

CHAPTER 31

Lilah

The club's energy is electric, the music a pulsating beat that vibrates through my entire body. The lights flash in sync with the rhythm, casting a kaleidoscope of colors over the crowded dance floor. I’m trying to keep my mind off what just happened with Elliott, trying to blend back into the group and act normal.

Act normal . I snort, not that anyone can hear it over the music.

But now we’re on the main dance floor, and the atmosphere’s intoxicating. I spot Rafe moving through the crowd toward me, his eyes locked on mine with that mischievous glint I know too well.

“Hey,” he shouts over the music, a grin spreading across his face. “Remember the first time at Wisteria?”

I groan and shake my head, attempting to look away from him, the memory flashing vividly in my mind. The puking all over him is a core memory. A terrible core memory, but still not something I can pretend didn’t happen. “Yeah, how could I forget? I’m surprised you’re still willing to come near me after that. ”

He laughs, shaking his head. He leans close and whispers against the shell of my ear, “I figured I’d give you another chance. Plus, you look stunning in blue.”

I blush, grateful for his easy going nature, even if it’s an act. “Thanks. I promise not to ruin your shoes this time.”

“I’ll hold you to that. There is one other thing I’ve thought about since that night, come on.”

Rafe takes my hand, leading me through the throng of dancers to a ladder leading up to one of the dancing cages suspended above the floor. He climbs up first, reaching down to help me up. As I step into the cage, the music seems to get louder, the lights brighter. The small, enclosed space feels intimate despite the crowd below.

He starts dancing, his movements fluid and confident, and I can’t help but follow his lead. The way he moves is mesmerizing, and I find myself drawn closer to him. Our bodies move in sync, the chemistry between us undeniable. Every brush of his skin against mine sends shivers down my spine.

For a moment, I forget about the cameras, the other contestants, and even Elliott. There’s just Rafe and the way he makes me feel. The attraction’s intense, almost overwhelming. I can feel the heat between us, and it takes all my willpower to keep a small distance even in the cage.

Rafe leans in, his breath warm against my ear. “You’re incredible,” he says, his voice low and intimate despite the loud music. “I’ve wanted to dance with you like this for a long time.”

His words send a rush of warmth through me, and I find myself smiling, unable to hide how much I’m enjoying this. But then I remember Elliott, and the reality of the situation crashes back in. I can still feel Elliott’s essence on my thighs, a reminder of what happened not long ago. Rafe might be flirting, but he made it clear that what happened with Elliott doesn’t change anything .

A pang of uncertainty tightens my chest. Rafe’s just playing his part, acting for the cameras. Sure, there is a lust that burns between us, but there is no love. I know that. He hasn’t kept it a secret. He’s not deceiving me. But in this moment, it feels like more than that, even if his words don’t line up with this feeling.

“Rafe,” I start, needing to hear him tell me I’m right. It’s just lust. It’s just a show for the cameras. “Is this just lust? Are we just putting on a show?”

He looks at me, his expression softening but still guarded. “What do you think?” he asks, his hand lingering on my waist, his touch sending shivers down my spine.

“I don’t know,” I admit, searching his eyes for the truth. “Sometimes it feels real. But then I remember why we started this...”

Rafe sighs, his hand moving to brush a strand of hair from my face. “It started as a strategy, yeah. But it’s more than that now.”

His words make my heart race, but doubt still lingers. “Yeah. There’s lust.”

He steps closer, his golden eyes intense and filled with emotion, his dancing stopped. Something flickers in their depths that I can’t read, and he nods. Sending my heart plummeting to my feet. “There’s that. I can’t deny I want you. You might have started out as a way to block the other omegas from me. But now—I can tell you this—I’m not that good of an actor.”

Despite myself, I laugh, the tension easing just a bit. “You’re better than you think.”

Rafe smiles, his thumb tracing small circles on my hip. “Maybe. But I meant what I said. You’re incredible.”

For a moment, I let myself believe him, let myself get lost in the music and the way he makes me feel. But the cameras are still there, capturing every moment, and I know I can’t let my guard down completely.

He cups my cheek, lifting my eyes to his. “For now, can we just enjoy this? Just you and me, no cameras, no competition… just music and dance?”

I nod, deciding to let go of my doubts for now. He starts to sway again, taking me with him, our bodies moving in sync, the chemistry between us undeniable. Even if this moment is fleeting, I decide to savor it, letting myself feel the warmth of Rafe’s touch and the thrill of our connection.

As we move, I can't help but hope that maybe, just maybe, this is more than a strategy, more than a game. Maybe this is real. Maybe I can have it all.

Reality slams back into me the second I’m back at the mansion, with the next ceremony looming. I had sex with Elliott and then couldn’t keep my hands off Rafe. While Miles chatted with the other omegas, his eyes never left me for too long. It’s like they are mine. My pack. And I want them. Forever.

But so do seven other omegas. Well, if I can count Willow. And I’m not sure I can. I think she snuck off with the cameraman this morning after being encouraged by Chad. Not that I am going to tell anyone…how could I after what I did?

Once the guys leave, we gather in the living room. Shelly, Thomas, and Turner join us with the film crew. The air is thick with anticipation and nerves. Shelly smiles softly at each of us. She’s different from Thomas, who seems to always have a perpetual frown.

“Congratulations for making it this far on your personality alone. ”

Chad snorts, unable to contain himself. “Personalities—I’m pretty sure Hailey’s only personality is fame-hungry bitch.”

Thomas presses his lips together, looking like he might have had something bad to eat, but he doesn’t say anything to deny Chad’s blunt words.

“Better than a panting, alpha-chasing omega,” Hailey replies, looking him up and down once as if it makes her point.

“Newsflash, that’s the reason all of us should be here—to win,” Chad snaps back, his eyes narrowing.

Hailey’s eyes flash with anger, but before she can retort, Shelly raises her hand, drawing our attention back to her. “Let’s get back on track. Going forward, your perfume will be in the mix; as well as their musk. Before the next elimination, you each will be scent blocker free.”

A quiet falls over the room as we look at each other nervously. I know what the pack smells like, and they know my perfume too. But what if Ben or Tamika or even Chad match them? I’m not even sure if scent matching is actually real or just something my heart wants to be real. And if it is… can they be mine?

I’m such a mess.

Chad nudges me gently, a reassuring smile on his face. “You’ll be fine,” he whispers. “We’ve got this.”

I nod; he’s right, I know my place here—second best. Again. But that isn’t Chad’s fault, he’s become a friend throughout this chaotic process, even if he wants to be the last omega standing. He’s almost like a best friend, and it doesn’t make me want to cringe. It should. Because I’ve already lost out to one bonding ceremony because of my best friend. This is different though, right?

Willow gives me a quick wink from across the room. She looks the most at ease with the revelation. And I’m sure it has something to do with her disappearing act… Hailey and Blair, on the other hand, exchange smirks, clearly relishing the discomfort coming off the rest of us.

Shelly continues, “This is the final stretch. The alphas have gotten to know the real you, beyond the scents and the masks we all wear. It’s about connection. But now, we are adding back your perfume into the mix.”

Hope blooms inside of me at her words, and I try to tamp it down. I know what hope got me last time. An expensive ass bonding ceremony that meant nothing and never even happened. But somehow, the thought of it hurts less than it used too. Are Rafe, Elliott, and Miles to thank for that? Or is it this show that allowed me to heal? Because even if they do pick Chad at the end, I think this show has given me the greatest gift of healing my heart. If it gets broken again, I’ll heal. Right?

The thought is interrupted by Blair’s voice, sharp and cutting. “Some of us don’t need pheromones to lure them in.”

Willow rolls her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Yeah, because your natural charm is just so overwhelming.”

Blair glares at her, but before a full-blown argument can erupt, Shelly steps in again. “Enough. This is about finding true connections. Let’s keep it that way.” She clears her throat and looks at each of us. “Now, Turner’s going to announce the change to you. And you all are going to act excited or nervous or happy. Do you understand?”

She waits until all of us agree. Then she waves Turner forward and steps back, nodding at Thomas to take the reins for filming.