Knot Happening Again (Claimverse Book 2)

‘Oh, God. Not more flowers,’ Maddox groans as Mace and the delivery man grunt, hauling yet another massive bouquet through the front door.

I peek around the corner, watching as they set down what looks like an entire florist’s shop worth of my favorite blooms. The scent of roses, peonies, and sweet peas wafts through the air, mingling with the alphas’ familiar scents.

Troy appears behind me, letting out a low whistle. ‘What is this, the twelve days of Christmas?’

‘More like the twelve days of groveling,’ Maddox quips, rolling his eyes. ‘First the Mercedes, then the chocolates, and now this. What’s next, puppies in every room?’

‘Puppies wouldn’t be so bad,’ Mace muses.

I can’t help but smile, even as I shake my head at the extravagance. Maddox is right. Leon’s been relentless in his efforts to make amends, showering me with gifts and gestures big and small. The custom baby blue car was a little over the top, but I have to admit, it’s stylish.

It would have been one thing if he’d done all this before we were on better terms, or I would have thought he was just trying to buy my forgiveness.

He knows better than that, at least.

But now… now, he’s pulling out all the stops and I can’t really deny that it’s nice.

As Mace signs for the delivery, I step forward to examine the enormous bouquet of roses. A small card is nestled among the blooms, and I pluck it out with trembling fingers.

My heart skips a beat as I read the masculine yet neat handwritten letter.

Ophelia,

I know flowers can’t make up for the past, but I hope they can be a start toward a new future. Would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner tonight?

Yours always,

Leon

I stare at the card, a mix of emotions swirling in my chest. He’s really trying, isn’t he? The Leon I knew before would have never been this… persistent.

This thoughtful.

And why would he?

The whole world was laid at his feet. There was nothing he couldn’t have back then.

Including me.

‘What’s it say?’ Troy asks, peering over my shoulder.

‘It’s… an invitation. To dinner.’

Maddox raises an eyebrow. ‘Are you going to accept?’

I bite my lip, considering. Part of me wants to say no, to keep my walls up and protect myself from getting hurt again. Going on this date somehow feels ore intimate than letting him touch me, if only because it’s the first time we’ll be truly alone.

But another part—the part that’s been slowly, cautiously unfurling since that night in the arena—whispers that maybe it’s time to take a chance.

‘I… I think I might,’ I say softly, surprising even myself.

The guys exchange glances, a mix of concern and support in their eyes. They’ve been so patient with me, so understanding of my complicated feelings toward Leon. I know they’ll support whatever decision I make.

‘You sure about this, princess?’ Troy asks, his voice gentle.

I nod, more certain with each passing moment. ‘I am. I’m not letting my guard down completely, but… I’m willing to see where this goes.’

Mace steps forward, enveloping me in a warm hug. His burly arms wrap around me, and I breathe in his comforting scent. ‘We’ve got your back, little one. No matter what.’

I melt into his embrace, feeling safe and cherished. When I pull back, I see the others nodding in agreement.

‘Thanks, guys,’ I murmur, touched by their support. I send a quick text to Leon, letting him know I’m willing to go to dinner and asking when he texts back immediately, I do a double take.

‘How’s one o’clock?”

‘That’s a little early for dinner, isn’t it?’ I write back.

‘Can’t tell you more than that. It’s a surprise.’

I shake my head. I don’t know what he’s up to, but I guess I’d better get ready.

As I head upstairs to get ready for my day, my mind races with thoughts of the upcoming date. What will I wear? What will we talk about? Will it be awkward, or will we fall back into the easy rhythm we once had?

I shake my head, trying to clear the nervous thoughts. It’s just dinner, I remind myself. No need to overthink it.

But as I step into the shower, letting the warm water cascade over me, I can’t help but let my attention wander.

The day flies by in a blur of nerves and anticipation. When I hear my phone buzzing, a part of me wonders if Leon is going to say he changed his mind about the date or something came up.

When I see it’s just Natalie replying to the last cat video I sent her, I feel more relief than I want to admit.

My phone buzzes again as I’m stepping out of the shower. I wrap a towel around myself and check the screen, seeing another text from Natalie complete with screaming shock emojis.

Before I can type out my usual response—that no, I haven’t seen it, and I really don’t want to for my own sanity’s sake—an image pops up on my screen. It’s the cover of some trashy gossip magazine, emblazoned with a headline that makes my stomach churn.

CARVER PACK’S NEW OMEGA WITH AN ESCORT PAST: GOLD DIGGER OR TRUE LOVE?

Beneath it is a candid photo of me leaving a boutique with Mace and Leon, both of them laden with shopping bags. I look small between them, almost fragile, and there’s an awkward, forced smile on my face.

It’s not a flattering shot. I remember exactly when it was taken, too. The last time we went shopping, and a reporter ambushed us from behind a pretzel stand. Mace and Leon chased him off, but I guess the damage was done.

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. Until that moment, I hadn’t realized just how much the pack was shielding me from ever since the big fight. But I should have known it was only a matter of time before something slipped through.

My phone buzzes again. Natalie.

I sigh, guilt twisting in my gut. Natalie’s been nothing but supportive through all of this, even if she does come on a little strong at times.

Her response is immediate.

I hesitate, my thumb hovering over the keys. Finally, I admit it.

There’s a long pause before she replies.

Another pause. When Natalie’s next message comes through, there’s something off about it. Maybe it’s just my imagination, but her enthusiasm seems forced.

I frown at my phone, a nagging sense of unease creeping up my spine. But I push it aside. Natalie’s my friend. She’s just looking out for me, even if her methods sometimes stress me out. She’s always been there for me, through everything. I’m probably just projecting my own anxieties onto her.

As if on cue, another text comes through.

This time, it’s from Leon.

My heart does a little flip in my chest. I glance at the clock—barely an hour to get ready. Panic starts to set in. I text back, already rifling through my closet.

His response is immediate.

I pause, frowning at my phone. It’s a warm evening. Why would I need a jacket? Curiosity prickles at the back of my mind, but I push it aside.

I’ve got more pressing concerns right now.

I settle on a deep blue dress that hugs my curves in all the right places. It’s not too formal, but definitely a step up from my usual attire. Although after all these shopping sprees, even my sweats are designer now. I’m not used to feeling so… pampered. But I don’t really mind it.

It’s kind of nice being taken care of for a change.

I pair my outfit with strappy heels and minimal jewelry, letting my hair fall in loose waves around my shoulders.

As I’m applying the finishing touches to my makeup, I catch sight of myself in the mirror. For a moment, I barely recognize the woman staring back at me.

She looks… confident.

Put-together.

A far cry from the broken, angry omega I was just a few months ago.

And most of all, calm.

When was the last time I felt like this?

I can’t remember. Even before everything went to hell and I was living the charmed life with my parents, there was so much pressure. I always felt like I was wearing a mask, playing a role, and the moment the mask slipped, the whole world would know the truth and reject me.

The Carver pack has seen me at my worst, and yet, they haven’t. They make me feel so… safe. Wanted. Loved.

That word makes my heart flutter and my chest tighten. Is that really what it is?

Over the last few months, they’ve all shown it in their own ways. Every day. Mace with his nurturing and lovingly prepared meals, and those big, warm hugs that make me feel like I’m snuggling a giant teddy bear. Troy with his snarky banter and gentle teasing, and the way he makes me feel like a present he can’t wait to unwrap the second we’re alone. Sometimes before then. Maddox with his calm, steady presence and the way he makes me feel so held. So seen. Rhys with his worshiping tough, gentle words of affirmation, and constant, unwavering care.

And then Leon…

Pulling out all the stops. Spoiling me every chance he gets. Defending my honor in front of the press even when it could have cost him his career. Keeping me shielded from the circus I know is roiling out there, even now. Maddox admitted the other day that when Leon’s not dealing with lawyers, he’s working tirelessly to figure out who leaked my past to the press.

They all are. But Leon has made it his new mission in life.

When I descend the stairs, I’m met with a chorus of appreciative whistles and catcalls. The pack is gathered in the living room, clearly waiting for me. Even Rhys is home from work early, lounging on the couch with a glass of wine.

‘Damn, princess,’ Troy grins, his eyes raking over me appreciatively. ‘If I’d known you were gonna get all dolled up like this, I would’ve insisted on Leon making it a double date.’

‘Technically, wouldn’t that be a triple?’ Maddox quips.

I roll my eyes, but I can’t help the blush that creeps up my cheeks. ‘You’ve had plenty of dates, rockstar.’

Mace lumbers over, enveloping me in a bear hug that lifts me clear off my feet. ‘You look beautiful, little one,’ he rumbles against my hair.

When he sets me down, Maddox is there, pressing a kiss to my cheek. ‘Leon’s not gonna know what hit him,’ he says with a wink.

I turn to Rhys, suddenly nervous. He’s been quiet, watching me with an intensity that makes my skin tingle. ‘What do you think?’ I ask, hating how small my voice sounds.

He sets his wine glass down and stands, crossing the room to me in a few long strides. His hand cups my cheek, thumb brushing over my bottom lip. ‘You’re breathtaking,’ he murmurs, his voice low and husky.

He pulls me in for a kiss that has my heart fluttering, and I’m grateful for his strong grasp when it ends, because I’m a little unsteady on my feet.

Before I can respond, the doorbell rings. My heart leaps into my throat. This is it.

I take a deep breath, smoothing down my dress. ‘How do I look?’ I ask, suddenly unsure.

‘Perfect,’ they all say in unison.

With one last glance at my pack—my family—I open the door.

Leon stands on the porch, looking devastatingly handsome in a tailored suit. His white hair is styled in that messy-but-intentional way that always drove me crazy, and his light brown eyes widen as they take me in.

‘Ophelia,’ he breathes, and the way he says my name sends shivers down my spine. ‘You look… incredible.’

I drink him in, my mouth suddenly dry. ‘You clean up pretty well yourself,’ I manage to say.

He grins, and for a moment, I see a flash of the boy I fell in love with all those years ago. But there’s something else there too—a maturity, a depth that wasn’t there before. It makes my heart ache in ways I’m not ready to examine.

‘Ready to go?’ he asks, offering me his arm.

I nod, slipping my hand into the crook of his elbow. His skin is warm beneath the fabric of his suit, and I have to resist the urge to lean into him.

As we walk to his car, I can feel the eyes of the pack on us. I glance back over my shoulder to see them crowded in the doorway, watching us go.

Leon opens the car door and holds it for me, offering his hand to help me into the passenger’s side.

‘So,’ I say as we pull out of the driveway, desperate to break the charged silence between us. ‘Where are we going to dinner that requires us leaving at one?’

Leon’s lips quirk up in a mysterious smile. ‘You’ll see.’

I huff, crossing my arms over my chest. ‘You know I hate surprises.’

He laughs, the sound rich and warm. ‘Some things never change, huh?’

Our eyes meet for a brief moment, and suddenly I’m eighteen again, sneaking out to meet him in the moonlight. My heart races, and I have to look away.

‘I guess not,’ I murmur, staring out the window as the familiar streets of the city pass by.

‘Trust me, I think you’ll like this one.’

‘If you say so.’

What am I doing? This is dangerous territory. I’ve worked so hard to build walls around my heart, to protect myself from the pain Leon caused. And now here I am, willingly following him into the unknown.

But as I sneak another glance at him, watching the way the midday sun paints his profile in shades of gold, I can’t bring myself to regret it. Not yet, anyway.

Leon’s eyes are on the road, but I can feel his attention on me. The air between us crackles with an energy I’m not sure how to define. Is it anticipation? Nervousness? Or something else entirely?

‘So,’ I say, desperate to break the silence, ‘how’s training going?’Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

He glances at me, a small smile playing on his lips. ‘It’s good. Tough, but good. Mace is really pushing me for this next fight.’

I nod, trying to ignore the way my stomach flips at the mention of his upcoming match. ‘And you’re feeling ready?’

‘As ready as I can be,’ he says with a shrug. ‘There’s always more to learn, more to improve on. But I feel strong.’

The conversation flows easier after that, slipping into a rhythm that feels both familiar and foreign. We talk about his training, about my art, about the pack, about anything and everything except the past that looms between us like a shadow.

It’s not until I notice unfamiliar surroundings that I realize we’ve been driving for quite a while. ‘Leon,’ I say slowly, ‘where exactly are we going?’

He grins, that mischievous glint in his eye that used to make my heart race. Still does, if I’m being honest with myself. ‘You’ll see.’

Before I can answer, the turnoff for the airport comes into view. My eyes widen as Leon smoothly takes it.

‘The airport?’ I sputter. ‘Leon, what the hell? I didn’t bring clothes for a trip!’

He chuckles, turning into a different lane from the one all the other cars are taking. When I see the guard stand we’re approaching, I can’t help but be confused. ‘Relax, it’s not a long one. It’s just dinner.’

‘Dinner? At the airport?’

‘Not exactly,’ he says, stopping at the guard stand. He and the man who comes out exchange a few words, and Leon shows him something in his wallet before he lets us through under a sign marked VIP Departures.

What the hell?

When we park in a small lot on the edge of what looks like a private runway, Leon gets out and walks around to open my door. I’m still shellshocked when he offers me his hand.

I take his hand and step out of the car, my mind reeling. ‘What’s going on? What kind of place are we going for dinner that we have to fly to?’

Leon’s eyes sparkle with excitement. ‘Toulouse.’

I blink, confusion washing over me. ‘Toulouse? As in… France?’

He nods, grinning like a little boy with a secret. ‘Do you remember? There was a rooftop restaurant there, overlooking the canals. You said it was your favorite place on earth and you’d do anything to go back one day.’

The memory hits me like a tidal wave. My aunt’s wedding, years ago. Leon and I, the only teenagers there, bonding over our shared boredom and fascination with the beautiful city.

‘That was… we were just kids,’ I say, my voice barely above a whisper. ‘You remember that?’

His expression softens, a tenderness in his eyes that makes my chest ache. ‘I remember the sparkle in your eyes as you looked out at the water. You deserve to feel that way all the time, Ophelia.’

I’m not sure what to say, my heart thrumming an erratic beat in my chest. Part of me wants to melt at the gesture, at the fact that he remembered something so small from so long ago. But another part, the part that’s been hurt and hardened by years of pain, whispers caution.

‘It’ll be too late by the time we get through security and everything,’ I say, grasping at practicality like a lifeline.

Leon’s smile doesn’t falter. ‘Don’t worry, I have reservations. And we’re not going through security. We’re taking a private jet.’

My jaw drops. ‘A private jet? Leon, this is⁠—’

‘Over the top?’ he finishes for me, leading me toward a sleek aircraft I hadn’t noticed before. ‘You’re worth it.’

An attendant appears, taking Leon’s keys. He helps me up the steps of the jet, and I have to stifle a gasp as I step inside. It’s more luxurious than I could have imagined, even larger than the one Rhys and Maddox took me on, all plush leather seats and gleaming wood paneling.

‘How many jets do you guys have?’ I ask in disbelief.

Leon chuckles. ‘A few.’

‘This is… a lot,’ I manage to say as I sink into one of the impossibly comfortable chairs.

Leon settles across from me, a smirk playing on his lips. ‘Is it working?’

I can’t help but laugh, some of the tension easing from my shoulders. ‘It’s not bad,’ I admit as the attendant appears with a bottle of champagne.

The bubbles tickle my nose as I take a sip, the crisp taste dancing on my tongue. It’s probably the most expensive thing I’ve ever drunk, and I try not to think about how much this whole excursion must be costing.

As the jet takes off, I watch Leon. He’s relaxed, at ease in this world of luxury in a way I’m not sure I’ll ever be even though I technically grew up in it. But then, my family and his were wealthy in different ways even then. But there’s something else too, a nervousness in the way he keeps glancing at me, like he’s waiting for my reaction.

‘So,’ I say, setting down my glass, ‘Toulouse, huh?’

He nods, a soft smile playing on his lips. ‘Our first date had to be somewhere special.’

The sincerity in his voice makes my chest tight. ‘You didn’t have to do all this,’ I say softly.

‘I wanted to,’ he replies, reaching across to take my hand. His touch sends a jolt through me, warm and electric. ‘I want to give you the world, Ophelia. Everything I should have given you back then. This is only the beginning.’

I swallow hard, emotions warring inside me. Part of me wants to pull away, to guard my heart against the hope blooming in my chest. But another part, a part I’ve kept locked away for so long, yearns to lean into his touch, to believe in the promise of his words.

‘Leon,’ I start, not sure what I’m going to say.

He squeezes my hand gently. ‘I know it doesn’t make up for everything. I know I hurt you, and I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make that right. But I want you to know that I’m serious about this. About us.’

Leon’s words hang in the air between us, heavy with possibility. Us. Such a small word, yet it carries the weight of our shared history, the pain of the past, and the tentative hope for the future.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. ‘It’s… it’s a good start,’ I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

A smile breaks across Leon’s face, relief evident in the way his shoulders relax. He gives my hand another gentle squeeze before releasing it, and I find myself missing his warmth.

‘I’m glad,’ he says softly. ‘I want to do this right, Ophelia. No more mistakes, no more running away.’

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. Instead, I turn to look out the window, watching as the city grows smaller beneath us. The world stretches out, vast and full of possibilities. It’s breathtaking, and for a moment, I let myself get lost in the view.

‘Do the others know where we are?’ I ask, breaking the comfortable silence that has settled between us.

Leon nods, a mischievous glint in his eye. ‘They do. They helped plan this, actually.’

I can’t help but smile at that. ‘They’re good at keeping gifts a secret, aren’t they?’

He chuckles, leaning forward in his seat. ‘Oh, this isn’t your gift, Effy. This is just the date.’

I blink, confusion furrowing my brow. ‘What do you mean?’

‘You’re sitting in your gift,’ he says, gesturing around us.

It takes a moment for his words to sink in. When they do, I feel my jaw drop. ‘What? Leon, you can’t be serious.’

But his expression is earnest, his light brown eyes locked on mine. ‘I am. This jet? It’s yours. It’s already in your name, along with a beautiful house in Toulouse.’

I shake my head, disbelief warring with a surge of emotions I can’t quite name. This has to be a dream. Or a joke. But when I subtly pinch the outside of my thigh, it hurts like a bitch. And Leon looks perfectly serious. ‘But… why? Leon, this is too much. I can’t⁠—’

He stands suddenly, moving to kneel in front of me. The vulnerability of the gesture catches me off guard and the intensity in his gaze pins me in place as he takes my hands in his.

‘Because I want another chance with you, Ophelia,’ he says, his voice low and urgent. ‘But I understand that I don’t deserve it. And I want there to be no obligation on your end.’

My breath catches in my throat. I want to look away, to shield myself from the raw honesty in his eyes, but I can’t.

‘I want to make sure you know that you can have a secure and comfortable life without me, or the rest of the pack, if that’s what you choose,’ he continues. ‘The others agreed. This is nothing more than what you always should have had. So if you choose to be with us, it’s because you want to, and you know you have the option to leave at any time.’

Tears prick at my eyes, and I blink rapidly, trying to hold them back. But it’s no use. They spill over, hot trails down my cheeks.

‘Leon,’ I whisper, my voice choked with emotion.

He reaches up, gently brushing away my tears with his thumb. ‘I know I don’t deserve it,’ he says softly. ‘But I’m asking anyway. Will you give me that chance, Ophelia? To prove that I can be the man you deserve?’

I stare at him, this man who has hurt me so deeply, who has also shown me more kindness and consideration in the past few months than I’ve experienced in years. The boy I fell in love with is still there, beneath the guilt and the regret, but there’s so much more to him now.

‘Yes,’ I breathe, hardly believing the word as it leaves my lips.

The smile that breaks across Leon’s face is radiant. Before I can second-guess myself, I lean down, pressing my lips to his.

The kiss starts soft, tentative, but it quickly deepens. Leon’s hand cups the back of my neck, drawing me closer, and I melt into him. His tongue traces the seam of my lips, and I open for him with a soft moan.

When we finally break apart, we’re both breathless. Leon rests his forehead against mine, his eyes closed.

‘Thank you,’ he murmurs. ‘I promise, I won’t let you down again.’

I nod, unable to form words. My heart is pounding, a mix of excitement and fear thrumming through my veins.

Leon pulls back slightly, his eyes searching mine. ‘Can I… can I keep proving myself to you?’ he asks, his voice husky with desire.

Heat pools in my belly at his words. ‘How?’ I ask, even though I have a pretty good idea.

His hands slide up my thighs, pushing my dress higher. ‘Let me pleasure you,’ he says, his fingers tracing patterns on my sensitive skin. ‘Let me worship you the way you deserve.’

I bite my lip, considering. We’re alone on this plane, flying high above the world. Leon’s touch is igniting a fire within me.

‘Okay,’ I whisper, spreading my legs slightly.

Leon’s eyes darken with lust. He leans in, capturing my lips in another searing kiss as his hands push my dress up around my hips. I lift slightly, allowing him to pull my panties down and off.

He breaks the kiss, trailing his lips along my jaw and down my neck. ‘You’re so beautiful,’ he murmurs against my skin.

I shiver at his words, tilting my head to give him better access. His hands caress my thighs, gently urging them further apart.

Leon kisses his way down my body, pausing to nip and suck at my collarbone, the swell of my breasts as he takes the straps of my dress down and bares them. When he finally settles between my legs, I’m already breathing heavily, my body thrumming with anticipation.

The first swipe of his tongue against my core makes me gasp. Leon groans, the vibration sending shockwaves of pleasure through me.

‘You taste even better than I remember,’ he says, his voice rough with desire.

I thread my fingers through his hair, urging him closer. He needs no further encouragement, diving in with enthusiasm. His tongue circles my clit before dipping lower, teasing my entrance.

I arch my back, pressing myself against his mouth. ‘Leon,’ I moan, beyond caring how needy I sound.

He redoubles his efforts, alternating between broad strokes of his tongue and focused attention on my clit. Two fingers slide inside me, curling to hit that spot that makes me see stars.

The pleasure builds quickly, coiling tight in my core. I’m vaguely aware of the hum of the engines, the slight turbulence that rocks the plane, but it all fades away under Leon’s ministrations.

‘I’m close,’ I pant, my hips rocking against his face.

Leon hums in acknowledgment, the vibrations sending another jolt of pleasure through me. He sucks my clit between his lips, flicking it with his tongue as his fingers pump in and out of me.

My orgasm crashes over me suddenly, intense and all-consuming. I cry out, my body arching off the plush leather seat. Leon works me through it, not letting up until I push weakly at his head, oversensitive.

As I come down from my high, Leon presses gentle kisses to my inner thighs. He looks up at me, his chin glistening with my arousal, and I feel a fresh wave of heat wash over me.

‘Was that okay?’ he asks, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

The sight takes my breath away. This huge man, a world champion fighter at the height of his career, is on his knees in front of me, acting flustered and insecure.

I laugh breathlessly, tugging him up for a kiss. I can taste myself on his tongue, and it sends a thrill through me. ‘More than okay,’ I assure him.

Leon grins, settling back into his seat across from me. I can see the obvious bulge in his pants, but he makes no move to address it.

‘We’ve still got a long flight ahead of us,’ he says, his eyes twinkling with mischief. ‘Any ideas on how to pass the time?’

A smirk tugs at the corners of my lips. ‘Oh, I’m sure we can think of something,’