Knot Over (Omega Den #3)

19. Vaughn

Chapter 19

Vaughn

S itting on the mat, I glance over at Kaylani. Her skin glistens with a sheen of sweat, her hair a tangled mess plastered to her forehead. We've been here for hours, it's well past nightfall and time for us to call it a night. Her lips are slightly parted as she tries to catch her breath. She’s petite and the thought of her facing someone like Adam alone fills me with dread. How do you tell someone you love that you’re scared they’re not strong enough?

She wants to learn self-defense, and I’m so damn proud of her for taking that step. Yet, the worry gnaws at me, a relentless reminder of the world’s brutality. Adam is a monster, a force of nature, and I can’t bear the thought of Kaylani facing him alone again. The fear in my chest is a constant ache, but I push it down, focusing on what I can do to help her.

I pull out my favorite blade from my pocket, the one I carry everywhere. It’s the only thing I have left from my mom. The handle is worn from years of use, the blade sharp and deadly. Holding it in my hand, I feel a rush of memories and emotions. This knife has been my constant companion, a symbol of strength and resilience. Now, I’m about to entrust it to Kay, and the weight of that decision hits me hard.

Kaylani looks at the blade curiously, her eyes wide. “What’s that?”

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the past pressing down on me. “This knife... it was my mom’s. And I want you to have it. She gave it to me before she was killed by the Hounds. It’s been with me through everything.”

Her eyes soften, and she reaches out, her fingers gently tracing the handle. “I’m so sorry, Vaughn.”

I nod, swallowing hard. “She was a strong woman. She fought hard, but the Hounds... they don’t play fair. They killed her, and losing his sister is what pushed Viper to form the Steel Serpents. That’s why there’s always been a rift between the gang and the MC. They’ve been at odds with them ever since.”

Kaylani looks at the knife, her expression thoughtful. “Do you miss her?”

“Every day,” I admit, my voice thick with emotion. “But having this knife... It's like having a piece of her with me. It’s kept me safe, kept me grounded.”

Kaylani looks up at me, her eyes filled with determination and fear. “Why are you giving it to me, then?”

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my voice. “Because I want you to have something to protect yourself with if...” I take her hand and place her fingers firmly around the handle. "If you get the chance to stab him, Kaylani, promise me you won’t stop.”

Tears well up in her eyes, and she shakes her head. “You don’t think I can fight him off, do you?”

I reach out, cupping her cheek with my hand. “It’s not that, Kay. It’s just... Adam is so much bigger than you. If anything happened to you, I wouldn’t be able to bear it. This way, you have something to defend yourself with. You have to be smarter than him, doll.” I shake her slightly. "If you get the chance, stab him until you can’t lift your arms. Promise me ."

She looks down at the knife, her fingers trembling. “I don’t know if I can do it, Vaughn.”

“You can,” I say, my voice breaking. “You have to. I can’t always be there to protect you, but this... this can be your protector. You want back your power? This is it.”

She looks up at me, her eyes a mix of determination and fear. “I’ll try. For you, for Bex, for all of us.”

I pull her into my arms, holding her tightly. “That’s all I ask. Just promise me you’ll use it if you have to.”

“I promise,” she whispers, her voice choked with emotion.

I hold her for a long time, the gravity of our situation pressing down on us. I want to protect her from everything, to keep her safe from all the horrors of the world. But I know I can’t do that. All I can do is give her the tools she needs to defend herself and hope that she’s strong enough to use them.

“Tell me about your mom,” she says softly, her fingers tracing the outline of the knife.

I take a deep breath, memories flooding back. “She was a good woman. Strong, kind. She taught me everything I know about fighting, about survival. This knife... it was hers. She gave it to me when I was just a kid, told me to always keep it with me, to always be ready. It’s kept me safe, kept me grounded. And now, I hope it protects you just as fiercely.”

She nods, her fingers tightening around the handle. “I’ll keep it safe, Vaughn. I promise.”

I smile, my heart swelling with love for her. “I know you will, doll.”

We sit there in silence for a while, the weight of our emotions settling around us. I can see the determination in her eyes, the fire that burns within her. She’s stronger than she knows, stronger than she believes. And I’ll do everything in my power to help her see that, to help her believe in herself.

“Vaughn,” she says softly, breaking the silence.

“Yeah?”

“Thank you. For everything. For believing in me, for trusting me with this.”

I reach out, taking her hand in mine. “Always.”

She smiles, and it’s like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds. At that moment, I know we’ll get through this. We’ll face whatever comes our way, together. Kaylani is a survivor and no matter what happens, I’ll always be there for her. To protect her. To love her.

“Let’s call it a day, my little fighter ,” I say finally, my heart swelling with pride.