Knot Over (Omega Den #3)

Epilogue

Kaylani

D riving to Eden's house for Sunday dinner, the weather is chilly and I pull my thin sweater tighter around my shoulders, wishing I would have just come in jeans and not this dress. My pack surrounds me, their scents combining into a sweet coffee aroma that settles over me.

Creed, in the backseat beside me, his hand warm on my knee, gives me a reassuring smile. I glance over at Vaughn in the passenger seat, his large frame barely fitting, and he turns slightly, his deep, steady presence calming my nerves. Hux, focused on driving, offers a gentle smile in the rearview mirror.

I feel a surge of happiness looking at each of them, knowing they’re here for me. But beneath that joy, there's a current of sadness and nervousness. Bex should be here. She would have loved them, loved seeing me happy. Her loss still ebbs and flows through me, and the thought of introducing my pack to my family without her feels like a knife twisting in my heart.

As we get closer to Eden's, the familiar sight of the neighborhood brings a flood of memories. Sunday dinners were a staple growing up, a constant in a world that often felt uncertain. The thought of stepping back into that world, even with my pack by my side, makes my stomach twist with anxiety. I just hope my family can see how much these men mean to me and how they’ve helped me find my way back to myself.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. We’ve been through so much together, and tonight is just another step in our journey. My pack’s presence is a balm to my nerves, and I know, no matter what happens, we’ll face it together.

"You doing okay, tiny?" Creed asks, his hand sliding over the backseat and resting on my bare knee.

I nod, and give him a half-smile as his thumb draws lazy circles on the inside of my knee. His touch, gentle and reassuring, sends warmth through me, soothing the anxiety that's been gnawing at my insides.

"Are you sure? You seem like something is bothering you. You know you can talk to me about anything, right?" Creed's brows furrow with worry.

I blow out a breath. "I haven't been to a Sunday dinner at Eden's for over a year. It was a staple growing up. We had so many people coming and going on Sundays. I swear, Eden was trying to feed the entire neighborhood," I say, a fond smile playing on my lips.

Creed grins, squeezing my knee. "Eden sounds amazing and I can't wait to meet her officially, and the rest of your family, tiny."

I nod, glancing out the window but not really seeing much of the world go by as I try to get my emotions under control. I remember the last time I came, I had brought Bex with me.

"I miss her so fucking much," I whisper.

Some days, I'll laugh at the memories of my best friend, other times I cry at the void she left behind. Today her absence feels like a fresh wound that won't stop bleeding.

"She would be so proud of you, Kay," Creed says softly.

My eyes shoot up to his, my lips wobbling into a watery smile. "How do you know?" I murmur.

Vaughn, sitting in the passenger seat, turns slightly to face me. "Because you've become everything she believed you could be," he says, his deep voice steady and reassuring. His hand reaches back, resting on my shoulder with a firm, comforting grip. Vaughn’s touch, like Creed’s, is filled with unspoken promises and unwavering support.

Hux, behind the wheel, chimes in without taking his eyes off the road. "We've all seen it, Kay. You're strong, resilient, and you've brought us together as a pack. She would be proud of the woman you've become."

I feel a warmth spread through my chest at their words, the love and support of my pack enveloping me. I look around at each of them, feeling incredibly grateful. How did I get so lucky to have these amazing men in my life? Each of them has played a part in my journey, helping me heal and grow. I don’t know where I’d be without them.

As we sit at a stoplight, Creed turns his body to face me more. "You defended yourself when you had to. You fought for the pack you wanted." He tucks my hair behind my ear. "How could she not be proud of you? I am."

His pale green eyes search mine. I'm not sure what he sees, but his shoulders visibly relax and a lazy smile graces his full lips. I have the urge to kiss him.

Sucking his bottom lip into my mouth, I feel the warmth of his breath mingling with mine. He responds instantly, his hand tightening on my knee as his other hand cups the back of my head, fingers threading through my hair. The kiss deepens, and for a moment, the world outside the truck fades away. It's just us, tangled in a web of emotions and unspoken words.

When we finally pull apart, we're both breathing heavily. Creed's eyes are darker now, filled with an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. "Well I feel better," he admits, his voice rough.

"Me too," I chuckle, my fingers still resting against his cheek. The connection between us feels electric, alive with the depth of our bond.

He smiles, a genuine, heart-stopping smile that makes my heart flutter. "We're going to be okay, tiny," he says, his thumb brushing against my jaw. "No matter what happens, we're in this together as a pack."

I nod, feeling a sense of calm wash over me. "Together," I agree.

The light turns green, and Hux reluctantly pulls away, turning his attention back to the road. The rest of the drive is quiet, but it's a comfortable silence, filled with the unspoken understanding between us.

As we approach Eden's house, my nerves start to creep back in. The familiar sight of the large, welcoming home brings a flood of memories, both happy and sad. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

Hux parks the truck and turns to me, his expression serious. "You ready?" he asks, his hand finding mine and giving it a reassuring squeeze. His grip is firm, grounding me in the moment.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I reply, squeezing back.

We get out of the truck, and as we walk up the path to the front door, I can already hear the sounds of laughter and chatter coming from inside. It's a comforting sound, one that makes the knot in my stomach loosen just a bit.

Eden opens the door before we even have a chance to knock, her face lighting up with a warm, welcoming smile. "Kay! It's so good to see you!" she exclaims, pulling me into a tight hug. She smells like cinnamon and home, and I feel a lump form in my throat.

"It's good to see you too, Eden," I manage to say, my voice thick with emotion.

She pulls back and looks me over, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "And who are these handsome men?" she asks, her gaze shifting to my pack.

"This is Hux, Vaughn, and Creed," I introduce them, and they each step forward, offering their hands.

"Nice to meet you, ma'am… officially," Hux says politely, his grip firm and steady.

Vaughn nods, his deep voice respectful. "Thank you for having us."

Creed smiles, his charm evident. "We've heard so much about you."

Eden waves away their formality and pulls each of them into a hug. "None of that 'ma'am' business. Just Eden is fine," she insists, laughing.

As we step inside, People are bustling around, setting the table, preparing food, and chatting animatedly. It's chaotic in the best possible way.

"Come on, let's get you all something to eat," Eden says, leading us toward the kitchen.

As we navigate through the crowd, I spot familiar faces, each one bringing back a flood of memories. My sister and her pack, Shade and Liam, are off in the corner chatting.

It's overwhelming, but in a good way.

I feel Hux's hand on the small of my back, grounding me. Vaughn stays close, his protective nature soothing, while Creed’s playful presence keeps my spirits high.

We finally make it to the kitchen, where Eden hands us plates heaped with food. "Eat up, there's plenty more where that came from," she says with a wink.

We find a spot at the large dining table, and as we sit down, I can't help but feel a sense of belonging. This is my family, my home, and for the first time in a long time, I feel like I'm exactly where I need to be.

Creed leans over and kisses my temple. "It's nice to see where you come from, tiny. Eden must be proud," he murmurs.

I smile, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "It's good to be back," I whisper back, and for the first time in a long time, I truly believe it.

Hux sits next to me, his hand finding mine under the table. His touch is steady, reassuring. "You’ve done an amazing job, Kay. Bringing us all together, finding your place. We’re proud of you."

Vaughn nods, his deep voice filled with sincerity. "We wouldn’t be here without you. You’ve made us stronger, better."

Creed’s eyes sparkle with mischief and affection. "And a lot happier," he adds, making me laugh.

Later, as the evening winds down, I find myself sitting outside on the porch, the cool night air refreshing. Hux joins me, his presence a comforting anchor. "You okay?" he asks, his voice gentle.

I nod, leaning into him. "Yeah, just needed a moment to take it all in. It’s been a lot."

He wraps an arm around me, pulling me close. "You’re doing great, kitten. We’re all here for you."

Vaughn and Creed soon join us, and we sit together in companionable silence, the stars twinkling above us. It’s a perfect moment, one that I’ll cherish forever.

"We’re a pack," I say softly, my heart full.

Creed nods, his smile warm. "Always."

Vaughn squeezes my hand, his grip reassuring. "Forever."

Hux kisses my forehead, his love a steady presence. "Together."

As I sit here, surrounded by the love and support of my pack, I know that we can face anything. Bex's memory lingers, a gentle reminder of the journey that brought us here. And while her loss still aches, I find solace in the fact that she would be proud of the woman I’ve become, and the family I’ve found.

At this moment, on the porch of my childhood home, I realize that I’m not just home – I’m finally whole.

THE END

Stay tuned for Candi's story and what happens next between the Hounds and MC.