Knot Over (Omega Den #3)

16. Kaylani

Chapter 16

Kaylani

S liding into the cab of Creed's pickup, I slam the door shut, feeling the familiar jolt of the truck’s interior. The early morning sun filters through the windshield, casting a warm glow over everything. Vaughn’s comforting, chocolatey scent wraps around me, a balm to my frayed nerves. I inhale deeply, trying to steady myself. The lingering effects of my heat have made me even more sensitive to my pack’s scents.

I swallow hard, nerves fluttering in my stomach as I brace for the day ahead. Excitement bubbles beneath the surface, barely contained. Today marks our first sparring session and the first time I’m leaving the Den since Hux brought me home when my heat started. The thought of stepping out into the world again, of testing my strength, fills me with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

The idea of eventually confronting Adam head-on is terrifying.

The engine roars to life, a deep rumble that vibrates through my seat, and Vaughn expertly guides the truck away from the curb. The soft morning light filters through the windows, making the interior glow with a gentle warmth. I take a moment to study his profile—the strong lines of his jaw, the way his tattooed arm dangles casually out the open window. His other hand grips the steering wheel with a relaxed confidence, his knuckles barely showing any strain. It’s a small thing, but that ease, that control, does something to me that makes my heart race.

The thought of his strong, tattooed arms wrapped around me as he instructs me to break free sends heat to my core. I squeeze my thighs together, trying to stem off the ache I can't deny. Without Creed's teasing banter diffusing the tension, it’s just me and Vaughn tonight. And it will be that much harder to keep my hands off of him.

I watch the passing lights and shadows as the truck rolls down the quiet morning streets, trying to steady my nerves. The truck’s rumble and the soft hum of the engine are the only sounds that break the silence stretching between us.

I steal another glance at Vaughn. His features are highlighted by the morning light—strong jawline, stubbled chin, everything about the beta screams rough around the edges. But despite everything, there’s a softer side to him too, a warmth that makes me feel like I’m in capable hands.

“So, where are we going?” I ask nervously, trying to keep the tremor out of my voice. “The docks?”

I gnaw on my bottom lip, the idea of seeing Vaughn fight again more tempting than I’d like to admit. Memories of the last time flash through my mind—his precise movements, the raw power behind each strike.

A shiver runs down my spine.

Vaughn chuckles, clearly enjoying the heat in my eyes, and a blush coats my cheeks as I wait for him to talk.

“You want to know if we're going to the docks?” He gives me that lazy grin again, and for a moment, I forget to breathe. “Nah, doll, we’ve got something different in mind today. But first a little pit-stop for breakfast. Can't train on an empty stomach.”

My heart skips a beat, and I blink, trying to process his words. Vaughn is so rarely like this—teasing, almost playful—and it throws me off balance. “Pit-stop?” I echo, curiosity piqued. “Where?”

He glances over at me, his eyes twinkling with a mischief that’s so out of character it makes my pulse jump. I do love this side of my beta, but it's also putting me even more on edge than I was when I got into the truck.

“Well, you missed meeting my family when you were at your aunt's house. Remember?” His tone is light, but there’s an edge to it, a reminder of the chaos I caused by leaving Bex's funeral the way I did. “My uncle has been asking about you.”

My eyes practically bulge out of my head at the idea of meeting his family—more specifically, his uncle Viper. The MC lives just on the outskirts of town, a world I’ve heard about but never ventured into. The thought of stepping into that world, of meeting the infamous Viper Calhan, sends a jolt of adrenaline through me.

“Now?” I squeak, the word coming out higher-pitched than I intended. My mind races with possibilities, none of them particularly reassuring. “Vaughn, I—” I cut myself off, not even sure what to say. Meeting Viper? The idea is both terrifying and intriguing, and I’m not sure how to feel about it.

Vaughn laughs again, this time a full, rich sound that makes my insides twist in the best way. But even the delicious sound can't stop the knots from forming in my stomach.

“Relax, doll. Viper’s not as scary as everyone says.” He pauses, a wicked glint in his eyes. “Well, maybe a little.”

Vaughn winks. He fucking winks at me. Teasing me.

"Don't joke!" I say, a nervous laugh escaping my lips. “You’re not making this any easier, you know.”

“Don’t worry so much, doll. You’re with me. Nothing’s gonna happen that you can’t handle.” The weight of his hand lingers. "Plus, my unc is going to love you, Kay. Just like I do."

I smile softly, my mouth suddenly dry. I give him a nod, more to convince myself than anything, and try to shake off the nerves. If Vaughn says I can handle it, then I believe him. But as the truck speeds down the road, carrying us closer to whatever awaits, I can’t help but wonder what meeting Viper will be like. Meeting Vaughn’s family, his MC, is a whole new level of intimidating. I’ve heard stories about them—stories that would make anyone nervous. But there’s also a flicker of curiosity. I’ve wanted to understand this side of Vaughn, the world he comes from, ever since I first met him. But I need to know what I'm walking into.

"Okay I'm meeting the Steel Serpents. No pressure," I murmur before turning to face him again. "So tell me where we are going, then. It's only fair." I know I'm whining at this point, but I can't seem to stop myself.

Vaughn chuckles softly at my tone, that lazy grin never leaving his face. "We’re headed to their clubhouse."

My hand grips the seat belt tighter as I gaze out the window, the cityscape blurring past in a mosaic of early morning light. The sun has barely risen, casting a soft, golden hue across the streets as we leave the familiar hustle behind in the city. But I can't focus on anything else but the tangled knots of anxiety. The nerves about meeting the Serpents have nothing to do with their reputation as a motorcycle club, but everything to do with them being Vaughn’s family.

The truck rumbles steadily, its old engine growling with each bump in the road. We drive through quiet suburbs, and my thoughts whirl with every passing streetlight. The world outside is waking up, but inside the truck, inside my head, tension swirls and no amount of deep breathing seems to soothe it.

The houses slowly bleed into a wooded area and the truck seems to hit every pothole in the bumpy dirt road. We turn down a random dirt trail where tall, overgrown grass flanks the path. As we crest a curve, a massive house comes into view.

The house Vaughn grew up in.

The sprawling porch is adorned with mismatched rocking chairs and hanging plants, each one showing signs of years of use. A few people are milling about outside; a young woman in a sunhat waters a row of potted plants, while a burly man in a leather jacket leans against a pickup truck, chatting animatedly with someone inside. Near the porch, a group of kids are playing catch, their laughter ringing out across the lawn.

It's all a bit overwhelming. I wasn't expecting this many people. Do they all live on the Serpents compound? I blow out a long breath, taking it all in before gazing up at Vaughn, pleading for reassurance.

Looks like I am about to walk into the snake’s den. Here goes nothing.