Page 56 of Knot a Bad Idea

I close my mouth.

“And now I think feelings are involved, all around,” she adds, a bit softer. “I think you bit off more than you can chew, and you’re starting to see what it’s like when it’s not just for show and turning into something real.”

I stare at my hands in my lap.

Of course, she figured it all out.

“How long have you thought this was going on?” I murmur. “Not that I’m saying you’re correct.”

“For a good while,” she says. “But I also wasn’t kidding when I said Liam and Hunter are in love with you.”

I scoff. “Don’t.”

“I know what I see, April. I know what it’s like when someone looks at my daughter with love in their eyes.”

“And what about Donovan?” I ask quietly, picking at my fingernails. “What do you see when you look at him?”

“An infuriating young man,” she mutters, and I bark out a harsh laugh.

“That’s one way to put it.” I blink away tears that form in my eyes.

The phone Hunter gave me buzzes in my pocket again, but I ignore it.

Regardless of my mom’s words, it doesn’t change what Donovan said.

Hunter could be become obsessed with anyone. Liam could fall for anyone.

I am not special.

“I assume you have another event with them?” my mother asks, frowning at whatever she sees on my face.

I nod. “Soon. A charity ball.”

I know I can’t show up with heartbreak all over my face.

I signed a contract with them—to be the perfect, doting Omega, and I can play that part with a broken heart.

I can be maliciously compliant, as Skylar would call it.

I’ll be the best damn girlfriend they could want—all fake smiles and meaningless words.

And afterwards, I’ll be able to let the three of them go.

Maybe I’ll find my own pack one day, a real one that wants to be with me?—

“April.”

My mom interrupts my train of thought.

“I’m always here for you. Don’t forget it.”

Guilt bubbles in my chest. “I know.”

“Sometimes I think you forget, honey.”

Another urge to cry hits me, and I say goodnight to my mother quickly. She graciously doesn’t try to continue the conversation.

Once in my bedroom, I change into a sleep shirt and cotton shorts and crawl under the covers, curling up into a tight ball.