Knot Over (Omega Den #3)

20. Kaylani

Chapter 20

Kaylani

H ux and I step out of his bedroom, and my eyes immediately lock onto the closed door across the hall—my room, my nest. A surge of excitement floods through me, leaving me feeling giddy and exhilarated. The idea of having a nest, something I’ve never had before, makes my heart race with anticipation.

“When do I get to see my nest?” I ask, trying to hide my impatience. “It’s been a week since you and Creed went shopping! I’m practically bursting with curiosity.”

Hux chuckles softly, a warm, easy sound that makes his eyes crinkle with amusement. “So impatient,” he teases, a smirk playing on his lips. “Just wait for Creed and Vaughn, they need to be here too.”

I pout, crossing my arms. “Oh, come on! Why do they need to be here for me to see it? Please?”

He throws his head back, laughing heartily. “Come get me as soon as they get back, kitten, and we can all go in together.”

"Why can't I go in now? All week I've seen boxes being brought up here and taken inside. I'm dying," I say dramatically

A dark, almost predatory glint flashes in his eyes, making my pulse quicken. “I promise, it’ll be worth the wait.”

I glance wistfully at the closed door, sighing dramatically. “Okay, fine. I’ll come get you when they're back.”

Hux steps closer, closing the distance between us. His lips brush mine in a soft, lingering kiss, his beard scraping gently across my lips. The sensation sends a shiver down my spine, the kiss is tender, yet brimming with a hint of something more intense that leaves me breathless.

With one final, lingering touch, Hux pulls away, his eyes still locked on mine. “I’ll see you soon, Kay.”

Hux’s gaze remains fixed on me, filled with warmth and promise. He chuckles softly before he turns and heads towards his office. The warmth of his kiss still lingers on my lips, leaving me with a flutter of anticipation. As he disappears down the stairs, I turn my attention back to the loft.

My home.

The once-bare wall in the living room is now covered with a series of monitors, a new addition Pixie installed recently. They offer a small comfort, allowing me to keep an eye on everything downstairs, though they also serve as a stark reminder of the challenges we face.

I move to the kitchen table and sit down, feeling the cool metal of the knife Vaughn gave me pressing reassuringly against my hip, tucked securely against my waistband. Creed got me a holster for it and I haven’t put the knife down since he handed it to me. Having it close makes me feel safer, like I’m carrying a part of my pack with me.

Candi is at the counter, pouring herself a cup of coffee. The rich aroma fills the air, its comforting scent contrasting with the lingering tension from earlier. She turns to me, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “About time my growly brother told you how he feels,” she teases, her voice light.

I chuckle, shaking my head. “He didn’t exactly tell me... more like showed me.”

Her smile widens as she joins me at the table, sliding a cup of coffee across to me. “Well, that’s Hux for you. He’s never been good with words, but when it comes to actions... well, he’s all in.”

I take a sip of the coffee, letting its warmth spread through me, offering a brief respite from the anxious flutter in my chest. “Yeah, he really is. And the nest... I can’t believe they’re making me one. It feels so surreal.”

Candi leans back in her chair, her expression softening. “He’s been planning it for a while, you know. Ever since you came back, he wanted to do something special for you. I think it’s his way of showing how much you mean to him.”

Touched, I smile. “I can’t wait to see it. They made me promise not to peek until they’re all back, though.”

“Typical,” Candi says with a grin. “They want it to be perfect. Hux may act all tough, but when it comes to you, he’s got a soft spot a mile wide.”

Her words warm me from the inside out. It’s hard to grasp just how much they care about me, but whenever it hits me I feel on top of the world. “I’m lucky to have you all.”

Candi’s smile dims slightly as she glances at the monitors. “We’ve still got a lot to do before opening night next Friday. The Den’s coming together, but there’s always more to prepare. And… I’m worried about how the Hounds will respond. They’re not going to be happy about us staking our claim here and how it will affect the Bramwell Sanctuary.”

The mention of the Hounds sends a shiver down my spine. “I’ve been thinking about that too. Do you think they’ll come after us?”

Candi sighs, running a hand through her hair. “I wish I could say no, but we both know how they operate. They’re not going to let us have this territory without a fight. But we’re stronger together, and we’re prepared. That’s what all this is for,” she gestures toward the monitors. “We’re not going to be caught off guard.”

I nod, feeling a mix of determination and unease. “I’m ready to do whatever it takes to keep this place safe. This is our home.”

Candi reaches across the table, her hand enveloping mine in a reassuring squeeze. “I’m glad my best friend and my brother have you, Kay. Owen has softened up since you came into our lives.”

I squeeze her hand back, a surge of solidarity filling me. “We’ll make it work. Together.”

She lets go and takes a deep breath. “Anyway, enough of the heavy stuff. What’s your plan for the day?”

I lean back, thinking about the tasks ahead. “I’m waiting for Creed and Vaughn to get back with the liquor shipment. After that, I’m really just excited to see the nest Hux and Creed made for me. I’ve been trying to keep busy so I don’t break my promise and sneak a peek.”

Candi laughs softly. “It’s going to be worth the wait, I promise. As for me, I’m putting out the new shipment of liquor today, so I guess we're both waiting for them to get back. We need to get everything ready for the grand re-opening. It's only nine days away now!”

I nod, anticipation building inside me. “We’re so close. I can’t wait to see everything come together. I talked to Serenity, even though she's five months pregnant her alpha said she could come.”

Candi’s grin mirrors my excitement. “I'm excited too. It’s going to be a night to remember.”

As we sip our coffee, the back camera triggers, letting us know someone is here. I glance at the screen, not seeing Creed's truck yet but knowing that they are back. The thought sends excitement coursing through me. A smile spreads across my face, excitement bubbling up. “I think I’ll go meet them. Maybe hurry them along.”

Candi chuckles, a playful glint in her eyes. “You tell them, girl. You’ve waited long enough for somewhere to call your own, and they need to stop making you wait.”

I laugh along with her, feeling a deep sense of warmth and belonging. “I couldn’t agree more.” With that, I set my coffee down and head toward the back door, eager to see them. And finally get to see the nest they’ve been working so hard on.