Knot a Thief (Knot your Darling #2)

Prologue - Ava

The pink diamond glints in Garrett’s hand. Its brilliance is visible from my hiding place in the shadowy hallway.

The soft light from the open safe casts a halo around Garrett’s silhouette as he stares ahead for a moment, in deep contemplation.

He's owned the diamond since I became his omega. And now I wonder what he’s thinking as his fingers close around the gem. A diamond which is perfect in its four C’s: color, clarity, carat weight, and cut.

It’s also worth around fifty million dollars.

He opens his palm again and runs a delicate fingertip over the flawless oval-shaped jewel.

He doesn’t normally look at it.

Is he getting closer to asking me to be his wife?

I'm surprised it took him so long.

Not sure why, but for an alpha, he’s taken his time.

But then, I’m still waiting for lots of firsts. He tells me I’m not ready after everything I went through.

I wish he’d just kiss me.

Or fuck me.

Or ask me to marry him.

Surely then I’d get something.

Ugh . Maybe he'll ask after the ball tonight, or perhaps he'll take me to Italy like I've hinted at so many times. Where he’ll propose under the moonlight, and hopefully I’ll realize at that moment, he is indeed my mate.

A larger smile curves my lips as I think of how he’ll do it. As Garrett does nothing in half measures, I’m expecting something as elaborate as he is. Whatever his plan is, I don't want to interrupt him while he makes it.

Barefooted, I creep backward, away from his office, through his opulent home, and back to my bedroom.

His penthouse is a grand masterpiece, with vaulted ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and deluxe furnishings that most people cannot afford to buy.

The apartment is a treasure trove of priceless artwork and expensive items, each piece is testament to Garrett’s opulence and eye for exquisite items.

He collects anything expensive, arts, jewels ... me.

The floors are smooth, finished with the most expensive marble in the world, and polished to perfection with underfloor heating, making it warm underfoot.

The hallway is heavy with the scent of fancy candles and freshly cut flowers. There’s a hint of fruity perfume, perhaps from the flowers arranged perfectly in various vases throughout the rooms.

As I stroll through his home, my fingers glide over smooth marble countertops. Every surface is of the highest quality and craftsmanship, giving off an air of affluence and luxury.

But there is nothing here that is mine – or me.

I wonder if that’ll change once he proposes.

Because this home is a palace fit for a king and queen, his omega , and yet, it’s merely one of many properties owned by the billionaire alpha, Garrett Jameson—my alpha.

I quietly shut the door when I reached my bedroom.

I find it strange—not sharing a bedroom with Garrett. All the alphas I've heard about are dominant and like their omega around them as much as possible.

Not Garrett.

He gives me space, telling me we needed our relationship to develop naturally when my stepfather sold me to him over a year ago.

I never wanted this life, but I'd never have the lovely things I have today if it wasn't for the deal he made for me.

Mom struggled to give her daughters the life they needed before she married my stepfather. But that’s where it all went wrong for the Darling sisters.

It actually started after the death of my father, and then she told us she met a rich alpha through an online dating app.

One month later, I had a new stepfather, step sisters I never got to meet because only after she married him did we find out he sold his omega daughters when each of them turned eighteen years old.

Only now do I see what he did.

He realized the worth of an omega and sought my mom for an extra payday. He planned it all along.

And after selling me, one by one, he plans to sell my sisters too.

"Avaline."

My eyes flash to the doorway. I smile and lower my gaze. "Yes, Alpha."

“Wear the black dress tonight.”

“I thought—”

“Black.”

Sweet, bubbly champagne and decadent desserts create a mesmerizing scent in the air. Mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres are passed around on silver platters, each bite bursting with flavor.

I’d love to taste everything, let the sweetness of the wine and savory bites dance on my tongue, but that’s not how Garrett Jameson’s omega acts.

I glance at the large mirror on the back wall as my fingers play with the side of my masquerade mask. It’s obsidian, hard, has cat-like eyes, and pointy ears to match. Only the lower half of my face is uncovered, just as Garrett likes it, because it hides me away.

Why he wants to keep my identity a secret is something I’ve never found out the answer to.

Just like this ball, he organized it to be a masquerade event. I’ve suspected that as omegas are becoming more and more rare; he is worried someone may kidnap me—again.

Tonight I’m the same as all the other guests. Each is wearing an elaborate mask, concealing their identities behind feathers and lace.

I love shiny, expensive things. So for me, this is my fairytale come to life. Not only the glittering masks, or the costumes made of silk and velvet, but also the sounds of laughter and music filling the grand ballroom. And watching rich people do their thing.

“Hello Garrett. It’s been a long time.”

I spin to the deep male voice. He is wearing a black suit, black shirt and matching tie, and the mask he wears is identical to mine.

His hair is dark brown and his face sharp, at least what I can see.

My heart skips a beat as I lock eyes with the man. There’s something in his gaze, a spark of recognition that sends a shiver down my spine.

I try to inhale, desperate to smell his alpha scent, for any clue, any hint of uniqueness that might set him apart.

But it’s pointless.

I no longer have a scent and I don’t smell alpha pheromones, not like other omegas do.

I might as well be a beta.

I smell nothing other than the general scents all around me. Expensive perfumes, the lingering scent of cleaning products. When all I want to smell is the faint musk of an alpha—but there’s nothing specific to him.

I’m a flop as an omega.

Every man smells the same. And each time I’m reminded is a punch to the gut—a stark reminder of my deficiency.

Not that I’ve told Garrett.

How can I tell my alpha I don’t know if he’s truly mine?

The thought makes my stomach churn with guilt.

I should tell him, but I don’t want to give up this luxurious life.

I’ve come to love it.

My gaze scans to the man’s right, seeking a distraction from my tumultuous thoughts. Only then do I notice the petite lady with a neat blonde bob, blue eyes, and a pretty face glaring back at me.

Just like his, her gaze is intense and sets me on edge. I squirm uncomfortably. It’s like they can see right through my facade, the one pretending she’s the perfect omega.

I press closer to Garrett's side as the weight of their combined stares makes me want to shrink into myself, to disappear.

I wrap my arms around myself, a futile attempt at protection. I have an overwhelming urge to flee, but I’m trapped, caught between my obligations to Garrett and my own uncertainties.

Because I know this is all on me.

“Long time indeed,” Garrett responds, his voice oozing with surprise. His eyes narrow, scanning the man from head to toe, searching for something I can’t put my finger on. “But this is not the time or place.”

The mysterious man smirks, his lips curling into a sly grin, setting my nerves on edge. “It isn’t, but remember, you have something that’s not yours.”

Garrett’s grip tightens around my arm protectively. Yet, I’m only thinking about the millions of dollars’ worth of pink diamonds sitting in his safe, and wondering if that’s why he was looking at them. “We’ll talk about that tomorrow. Not here.”

“We will, because tomorrow I will be collecting.” The other man looks at me, his silvery gaze darkening as his eyes lock with mine. It’s only for a few moments before he nods his head. “Goodnight.”

I smile weakly, nearly losing myself in his now blistering but stormy gray eyes. But I don’t want to irk Garrett by giving the man too much eye contact and turn my gaze to the floor.

Later that evening, Garrett is staring at the pink diamond again. Two times in one day, and it makes me wonder if he looks at it more often than I realize.

As I step into his office, he turns and stares at me.

“Can I undo my hair and have a shower?” I’m still wearing the dress and my brunette hair is pinned in delicate curls at the back of my head.

“Come here.”

I smile as I stroll to him, but gasp when he pulls me to him and presses a kiss on my forehead. His lips have never touched my skin in such a way before.

He holds my arms and stares at me before he wraps his arms around me, holding me close.

I bite down on my lip, wanting to cry as he tenderly holds me for the very first time.

He plants his lips on my head again, this time lingering longer than necessary while taking a deep inhale of my scent.

I swallow. Can he smell me?

“I’ve thought about it long and hard, and I can’t be with you any longer. I need an omega who is mine.”

I stand back, pushing away from him, open-mouthed, slowly shaking my head. “I'm yours.”

“You’re not.”

“Have you found someone else?” My voice raises accusingly.

Garrett sighs, his eyes filled with regret. “No, it’s not about someone else. It’s about … something else.” He hesitates, his fingers nervously fiddling with the pink diamond in his hand.

His words hang heavy in the air, leaving me feeling a mixture of confusion and hurt. “What is it?”

He takes a deep breath, as if trying to gather his thoughts. “I want to find a scent match. I can’t live this lie any longer.”

My heart breaks a little.

I don’t smell Garrett, but I thought he’d know I was his by my perfume. I lift my wrist—nothing other than the perfume I sprayed earlier today.

I nod slowly, my mind quickly piecing together all the times he’s been cold to me.

From not wanting me to console him like an omega can, to shutting me out of his life—his bedroom.

“I know I don’t have a scent, but I thought you loved me, for me.”

He closes his eyes and sighs. “I love you for you, but you know, you’re not my future.” Garrett’s voice is low as uneasiness coats his words. “You never were.”

“But you bought me. You must smell me.” I clench my hands into fists to stop me from reaching out and begging him.

He shakes his head. “I don’t, and I know you don’t smell me.”

“It’ll come back. My scent.” Tears roll down my cheeks as he pulls a pile of papers from his drawer.

“If I was your scent match, I’d know. Despite your lack of a scent.”

I drop my head and stare at the floor.

“Sign this NDA agreement, and you can walk away with five million dollars. You’ll be free,” he says. His voice is suddenly chilled, like he wants this over with as soon as possible.

“Just like that?” I stare at him, my eyes misted with tears. “It’s over. You’re letting me, an omega go? You’re rejecting me?”

I’m still a fucking omega.

He should be on his knees for me.

He doesn’t respond as I stare at the NDA on his desk before glancing at him, still clutching the pink diamond in his hand.

That’s why he’s been looking at it so much, wondering if I was the omega who would wear his expensive jewel.

I’m not.

Every vein in my body pulsates with simmering rage. “If we’re over, I want ten million dollars.”

He glares at me.

When I nonchalantly shrug my shoulders, he responds by arching an eyebrow.

Well fuck you, Garrett.

I now know he wants me kept as his dirty little secret and for that, he can pay.

“Transfer it now, and I’ll never mention your name ever again. I’ll never see you ever again.”

“Just like your stepfather,” he states. “Money is your driving force.”

I laugh at the ridiculousness of his words.

Shaking my head, I say, “I’ve never had money for it to be my driver, Garrett. But my past has hardened me. Being kidnapped changed me, and if I wasn’t rescued, the pack would have used me as they wished. And then my stepfather sold me to you, and now you’ve made a fool out of me.” I breathe, shoulders back as I steel myself. “So I want ten million. I’m going to use your money to make sure no alpha will ever get the chance to make my life hell again.”