Knot Over (Omega Den #3)

2. Kaylani

Chapter 2

Kaylani

N ot wanting to go back to the den, I allow myself to be taken to the one place I've always felt safe. Aunt Eden's house looks just as I remember, frozen in time. The familiar wraparound porch and the old swing creak gently in the breeze, triggering memories of lazy summer afternoons spent lost in books.

I follow Eden into my childhood home. The TV blares with children's cartoons, but I barely register it. It's been far too long since I've set foot in this house.

“Auntie Kay?” A small, excited voice cuts through my thoughts and I turn to see Ren hurtling toward me. Her disheveled black hair bounces with each step, her ten-year-old face lit up with pure joy.

“There’s my favorite niece!” I exclaim, dropping to one knee to catch her in a tight hug. She’s grown taller since I last saw her, but her mischievous grin hasn’t changed a bit. "I'm your only niece," she says.

“What happened to your hair, Rennie? Did you decide to wrestle a tornado today?”

She giggles, a sound that instantly brightens my mood. A true and genuine joy wraps around me. One that I haven't felt in a long time.

“No! I was playing with the twins, and they’re terrible at hair braiding.”

“Clearly,” I tease, pretending to inspect her wild mane with a critical eye. “It looks like a bird tried to build a nest in there.”

Ren swats at my arm, laughing. “Auntie Kay, you’re so silly! But I missed you.”

“I missed you more,” I say, pulling her close again. “You know, you’re getting too big for me to pick up. What am I going to do when you’re taller than me?”

“You’ll just have to try harder!” Ren declares, puffing out her chest like a little warrior. I can’t help but smile at her confidence. She looks just like Serenity, my foster sister.

“Where’s your mommy?” I ask, finally releasing her from the hug but keeping her hand in mine.

“She’s in the kitchen making cookies,” Ren replies with a sly grin. “If you’re nice to me, I might save you one.”

I raise an eyebrow at her, feigning seriousness. “Oh, I see how it is. Bribery already? You’ve been spending too much time with the twins.”

Ren shrugs playfully, clearly proud of herself. “Maybe, but I learned from the best.”

I laugh and ruffle her hair, then give her a gentle nudge toward the stairs where the other kids Aunt Eden fosters are playing. She darts off, her laughter mixing with the innocent joy of the other children as they disappear from view.

Left standing in the doorway, I take a moment to soak in the surroundings. The familiar creak of the floorboards, the gentle hum of the old refrigerator, and the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the lace curtains—all of it feels like a balm to my weary soul. The familiar staircase I used to race Serenity up and down, the photos lining the walls, capturing moments of laughter and love, all serve as comforting reminders of simpler times.

I step further into the living room, letting my fingers graze the well-worn furniture and the framed photos that tell the story of our lives. Each picture is a snapshot of happiness, a memory frozen in time. I pause at one photo, it shows younger versions of Serenity and me, arms wrapped around each other, faces smeared with chocolate from one of Aunt Eden’s baking sessions. The weight on my chest lightens, just a bit, as I allow the nostalgia to wash over me.

As I make my way toward the kitchen, a sense of calm settles over me, like being curled up in a nest on a cold winter's night in a warm blanket.

The sounds of familiar voices drift toward me, their light-hearted chatter a soothing contrast to the chaos of the past months. I force a smile onto my face as I push open the kitchen door, hoping to blend in with the normalcy that my childhood home always offers me.

Inside, Serenity and her alpha, Lorenzo Avelino, are seated at the table, chatting over mugs of coffee. Serenity’s face lights up with surprise and delight as she spots me in the doorway, but that joy quickly turns to horror as she takes in my tear-streaked face and disheveled appearance.

I cringe as she rushes to me. I know I look horrible. I've been crying, and my makeup is probably ruined.

“Kay! Oh, sis, it’s been too long,” Serenity exclaims, quickly setting down her coffee and rushing over to wrap me in a tight hug. Her vanilla scent is comforting and familiar. Her arms around me are like a lifeline, and I cling to her, but the tears I thought I had under control spill over again. I catch Lorenzo’s concerned gaze over her shoulder, and the fierce protectiveness in his eyes almost makes me break down completely.

“Who made you cry?” Lorenzo growls, his deep voice vibrating with barely contained anger. Before I can answer, he steps up and engulfs me in a big bear hug, lifting me off my feet and spinning me around in a playful circle. I squeal in surprise, as I half-heartedly slap his broad shoulder.

“Put me down, you big lug!” I protest, trying to sound indignant but failing miserably. His antics bring a genuine smile to my face for the first time in what feels like forever. Being home is exactly what I need right now.

But beneath my smile, a storm is brewing. I can’t shake the anger that’s been simmering since Bex’s funeral—the raw edge of grief mingling with the bitter taste of betrayal. Hux knew about the twisted plans involving Michelle and Stacy. Maybe he didn't know exactly what the Hounds were planning. But still, how could he keep something like that from me? It feels like a betrayal of the bond we share, which is supposed to mean everything. Instead, it’s overshadowed by him keeping secrets. Not to mention the threat of Adam, the mate I need to break free from before I can truly be a part of Hux’s pack.

By either his death or mine…

Creed, Vaughn, and Hux are all I truly want. I want what Serenity, Lorenzo, and Dario have. A family of my own.

I’m trapped in this painful limbo.

Lorenzo finally puts me down, holding me out to look at me. "There. That’s better," he says, referring to the grin on my face. If only he knew how fragile that smile truly is, how it’s barely holding together the pieces of my broken heart.

“Where’s Dario?” I ask, looking around for the third member of their pack, who’s always been like a big brother to me.

“He’s out getting groceries,” Lorenzo replies warmly. “He’ll be back soon. It’s so good to see you, Kaylani. You have no idea how much little Rennie missed you.”

My sister's smile widens, her hand instinctively resting on her stomach—a gesture I don’t miss. "I sent Dario out on a special mission. I’ve been having these wild cravings lately."

Lorenzo chuckles, shaking his head. "Wild cravings is putting it mildly. We’re talking pickles and ice cream at three in the morning."

I laugh, the sound feeling foreign but a welcome reprieve. "Pregnancy cravings? You're...?" My eyes widen with realization and excitement.

Serenity’s smile grows even wider as she nods. "Yep! We’re expecting our second child. I’ve been meaning to tell you, but with everything going on, it slipped through the cracks."

A rush of joy and relief floods through me, momentarily lifting the heavy weight of grief. "Oh my god, Serenity! That’s amazing news!" I reach out and hug her tightly, careful of her growing belly. "Congratulations! I’m so happy for your pack."

She hugs me back, her happiness radiating. "Thank you, Kay. We’re thrilled. Ren is excited to be a big sister."

Lorenzo’s eyes shine with pride as he adds, "It’s a blessing, Kay. Rennie is almost ten now and we’ve been wanting to expand our pack for a while."

I nod, trying to hold onto the joy of this moment, but it slips through my fingers like sand. I’m happy for Serenity, I truly am, but the reminder of what she has—what I might never have—cuts deep.

Hux and I could have had this, a family, a future, but Adam's bond chains me to the past, to a man who doesn’t even care. And now I don’t even know if I can trust Hux.

I can’t help but wonder if things would be different if he’d just been honest with me. If he’d trusted me enough to tell me the truth, maybe I wouldn’t feel so lost, so betrayed.

"It's good to have you home," Serenity says softly, sensing my shift in mood.

"Yeah," I agree, squeezing her hand. "It's good to be home. Sometimes you just need your family."

Aunt Eden, who’s been quietly watching from the doorway, smiles warmly. "This will always be your home, dearie. Let me cook something for you. You look like you could use a good meal," she says, her voice filled with motherly concern.

Eden has always made us food when we’re down. Whether it was because of a bad grade or a boyfriend breaking up with me, she would whip up my favorite pancakes and listen to me cry. Aunt Eden believes in the healing power of her cooking, and those pancakes, cooked in bacon grease, are legendary—a comfort that soothes anyone who tastes them. As she moves around the kitchen, I feel a sense of relief wash over me, knowing that I’m in good hands here, surrounded by family.

Tears threaten to spill from my eyes as I sink into a chair, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions and memories that being here brings. This kitchen has witnessed countless moments of joy and sorrow, and in this moment, it offers me the refuge I desperately crave.

“Thanks, Auntie. I’ve missed home so much,” I reply, my voice soft with emotion. “Everything’s been so… chaotic lately,” I admit, my gaze drifting toward the window, where sunlight dances on the leaves outside. “With Bex’s death and all.”

Those two words—Bex's death—never get easier to say. Talking to my family about my best friend being gone feels like a dam breaking, releasing all the emotions I’ve held back. Out of everything that’s happened in the last several months, this is the one thing I’ll never get over.

Serenity places a hand on my shoulder, her eyes filled with empathy. “I’m so sorry about Rebecca. I wanted to go to her funeral, but I had to stay with Ren.”

I take a deep breath, collecting myself. Serenity was always like a sister to me. Though she’s a bit older and we had different sets of friends, she’s always treated me like family. That’s just how the Jacobs are.

Eden adopted her niece and nephew when they were very young, and ever since, the Jacobs household has been a refuge for strays like me. “Where is Shade?” I ask.

"He will be down soon." Aunt Eden says as she bustles around the kitchen, the clinking of dishes and the sizzle of bacon providing a comforting backdrop to our conversation. The aroma of pancakes soon fills the air, bringing with it a sense of nostalgia and warmth.

Shade walks into the kitchen, heading straight to Aunt Eden and giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Morning, Auntie,” he murmurs before turning to face me and Serenity. I can practically feel the tension radiating off Shade. His mossy eyes settle on me, narrowing with suspicion.

“What the fuck happened to you, Kay Kay?” he growls, using my childhood nickname, stomping across the room to take my face in his massive callused hands.

I frown at his touch and pull my chin free. “Nothing,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

“It doesn’t look like nothing. Who made you cry?” Shade growls again, his tone laced with an alpha-bark.

“Shade Jacobs!” Aunt Eden exclaims, her voice firm. “You leave that poor girl alone right now. She’s been through enough and needs to eat and rest. Not worry about some alpha barking commands at her! Not in my house, young man.”

Shade cringes at Aunt Eden’s outburst, realizing he’s overstepped. Serenity and I exchange a glance and she snorts, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh. I chuckle along with her. It’s like old times all over again—Shade being the overprotective brother, demanding we tell him everything, and Auntie reprimanding him with her motherly authority. The familiar dynamic brings a sense of comfort.

“Some things never change,” I say, mock-whispering as I try to hold back another peal of laughter.

Serenity lets out a giggle, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “She’s right, Shade. You're as predictable as ever,” she teases, nudging him playfully.

Shade’s expression softens, and I can see a hint of amusement breaking through his serious demeanor. “Very funny. A regular comedian,” he mutters, though the corner of his lips betrays a twitch of a smile. “Now, let’s eat before Auntie starts scolding us for not appreciating her cooking.”

Aunt Eden chuckles from where she's bustling around the kitchen. "I heard that, young man," she calls out playfully, causing us all to laugh.

Shade is a massive alpha, broad and thick as a tree. Despite being the youngest of us three, he always seemed older than his years. He reminds me, for a moment, of Vaughn, and a pang of guilt circles through me. I had left the service so abruptly, and he and Creed are likely worried sick about me. If I had my phone, I would have texted them already, but in my rush to leave I had forgotten it in Hux's car.

“Tell me something, okay?” Shade’s voice is soft, but his eyes are intense, searching mine. “I’m going crazy here.”

I nod, knowing I have to relive the painful events for my family’s sake. The plate of pancakes in front of me, with Aunt Eden’s cheerful smiley face made of whipped cream and chocolate chips, stares back at me as I take a moment. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my voice as I begin.

“Adam went feral when I didn’t complete the bond with him,” I start, my voice trembling. “The Hounds, Michelle. They want that bond broken. By any means necessary.” My chest tightens as I speak, and I see the rage in Shade’s eyes growing. He remains silent but seethes with barely contained fury.

“I had to come home,” I murmur with a shrug, pushing the whipped cream around with my fork. “To the one place I’ve always felt safe.”

Shade’s jaw tightens further, his fists clenched so hard his knuckles turn white. The air between us crackles with his barely restrained anger. As I finish speaking, he reaches across the table, placing his large hand gently on mine.

“Kay Kay, you don’t have to bear this alone. We’re family. We’ll face this together,” he says, his voice deep and filled with reassurance.

I look up at him, my eyes welling with tears. “Thanks, Shade. It means more than you know.”

Lorenzo, who’s been quietly observing, finally chimes in. “As an alpha, we don’t always get it right, Kay. We make mistakes too. But it sounds like Hux is a good alpha at heart, and he deserves a chance to explain himself,” he says thoughtfully. His gaze shifts to Serenity, his eyes softening with adoration, and he gives her a playful wink.

Serenity’s lips curl into a knowing smile as she nods. “Yep, sometimes they think they have all the answers. We just have to remind them that we omegas are strong too,” she teases, her voice light and affectionate. She turns her attention back to me, her expression serious yet supportive. “Stick with your pack, sis. Don’t run away from them.”

I manage a weak smile, feeling a flicker of hope despite the heaviness of the situation. “Maybe you’re right,” I say softly, letting their support sink in.

As we sit together, the aroma of pancakes and the gentle clinking of dishes provide a comforting backdrop. The familiar, loving atmosphere of Aunt Eden’s kitchen starts to ease some of the tension in my shoulders.

It's good to be home.