Knot Over (Omega Den #3)

5. Creed

Chapter 5

Creed

T he rumble of motorcycle engines vibrates through the street, sending a jolt of adrenaline through my veins. My heart pounds against my ribs like a war drum. Each beat is a reminder of the stakes.

I run a nervous hand through my overgrown hair, the messy strands brushing against my fingers. Shit , I really need a haircut. My reflection in the bar's mirror is a testament to my anxiety—disheveled and out of sync with the calm facade I’m desperately trying to maintain.

I let out a sharp breath, trying to calm myself, but nothing is helping. Inhale. Exhale. I try to steady the storm of anxiety brewing inside me, but it feels like a hurricane. I’ve only met a few members of the Serpents so far—mainly Ghost.

And let’s just say the first impression I made was less than stellar.

Showing up at the MC's compound, drunk and belligerent, wasn’t exactly the best way to make a good impression. The memory makes me cringe, a hot flush of shame creeping up my neck. This is Vaughn’s family, and I desperately need this to go well.

My omega instincts are practically screaming for Viper’s approval.

But with my mother’s reputation, I can’t shake the nagging fear that he might already have his mind made up about me. The thought of them blaming me for the ongoing rivalry sends my nerves into overdrive, each second feeling like a ticking bomb. My hands tremble slightly as I wipe them on my shirt, trying to ignore the growing sense of dread.

"Stop looking like someone kicked your puppy, Creed," Candi drawls. "We need the MC and any of the Hounds not under Michelle’s thumb on our side, and we have to convince the Serpents to help us today, we can't wait any longer. Plus, we need to bring Kay home. It’s not about you and Vaughn’s relationship right now, okay?"

My gaze flickers to her, my stomach knotting with unease. I force a tight-lipped smile. I know she’s right. There’s more at stake than my personal insecurities, and I’ve missed Kaylani terribly these past few days.

I really need tiny to come home.

Her absence has only amplified the tension among our pack, especially with Hux keeping things from us. I trust my alpha, but the secrecy has left a bitter taste in my mouth. Vaughn and I should have been brought into the loop.

"Easier said than done. Viper’s not exactly known for being reasonable. He's a biker Candi."

She rolls her eyes, leaning closer as her voice softens, losing some of its edge. “Look, I know you’re worried about Vaughn's family approving of you, but this isn’t just about you two. It’s bigger than that. We’re talking about the Den, about protecting what we’ve built here. You’ve got to keep your head in the game.”

I nod, swallowing hard. Her words resonate, but the gnawing fear doesn’t dissipate easily. “Yeah, you’re right. It’s just… what if they see me as a liability? Vaughn’s already taking a risk being with me, and if they decide I’m more trouble than I’m worth—”

“Stop,” Candi interrupts, her tone firm, almost like a shield against my spiraling thoughts. “You’re not a liability, Creed. You’re strong, and you’ve got more fight in you than anyone gives you credit for. You're nothing like your family. Vaughn sees that, and so will they. But you have to show them. Don’t let your fear get in the way.”

I take a deep breath, letting her confidence wash over me like a calming wave. “Thanks, Candi. I needed that.”

She smiles, a genuine warmth in her eyes that momentarily chases away the shadows. “That’s what I’m here for. Now, get your ass together and let’s show these alphas what we’re made of. And remember. If life gives you lemons…”

I manage a small grin, the tension easing just a bit as her support bolsters my resolve. “Punch it in the face and demand chocolate.”

Candi’s laughter rings out. “Yes, exactly that.”

The roar of motorcycles momentarily drowns the sound out as they pull up in the parking lot. My nerves tingle with heightened anticipation as I turn to watch three bikes come to a halt. The central rider dismounts first, pulling off his helmet to reveal an older man with tattoos crawling up his neck and shoulders, disappearing beneath his cut. He looks to be in his forties, around the same age as Hux.

This must be Viper.

The resemblance between Vaughn and his uncle is striking—they share the same muscular build and imposing presence. The other two riders follow suit, one clad in sunglasses and a beanie that obscures most of his face, and the other shorter and stockier, a contrast to Viper’s tall and broad frame. As they approach the entrance, the guy with the sunglasses opens the door first. I recognize him as Ghost. He scans the room with a practiced eye before stationing himself by the entrance.

Well, at least I don't have to talk to Ghost right now.

“You must be Creed. The omega my nephew left my club for,” Viper’s deep voice rumbles, pulling me from my thoughts. I suppress a cringe as I cross the room, trying to keep my movements steady despite the clenching tension in my stomach.

Extending a sweaty palm, I offer it to him. For a moment, Viper’s dark eyes rake over me, assessing. I swallow thickly, feeling exposed under his scrutiny. His gaze is intense, like a predator assessing its prey. And his alpha scent is potent and dominating, enveloping the space between us with an almost suffocating aura.

Finally, he grips my hand with a firm squeeze. “I’ve heard a lot about you,” Viper says, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. My heart thunders in my chest as he continues. “You came to my compound drunk, puking in my flowers.” He raises an eyebrow, daring me to deny the accusation.

Fuck.

My mind races, scrambling for a way to salvage the situation. “Oh, umm,” I stammer, feeling like I’m floundering. I feel a flush of heat rise to my cheeks. The memory of that night is a source of deep embarrassment, and hearing it brought up now makes my throat dry up. “Uh, yeah, that was me,” I manage, my voice coming out more as a croak than a statement.

“Classy Creed,” Candi snorts as she walks up to stand beside me. I shoot her a glare. She was the one who supplied me with the alcohol and encouraged me to go win Vaughn back. But the look I give her goes unnoticed as her and Viper's gazes connect, the energy between them crackling like a live wire.

"You must be Candice Huxley," Viper says. A soft purr emanates from him, and my eyes widen in surprise as I volley my gaze between my best friend and my beta’s uncle.

Candi shivers slightly, her posture suddenly more rigid. Her chin rises defiantly, and she looks Viper dead in the eye. "Candi," she corrects, her tone sharp. "Candice sounds like an old grandma name. And the only one allowed to call me that is my brother."

A deep chuckle vibrates through Viper, but there’s a flicker of something darker in his eyes, a glimmer of challenge that matches Candi’s defiance. “Whatever you say, sweetheart. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Candi blushes. Actually fucking blushes. Her cheeks turn a shade of pink that’s hard to miss, and her usual sharp demeanor softens in a way that I’ve never seen before.

What the fuck is happening!?