Knot Alone (The Omega Den #2)

1. Creed

Chapter 1

Creed

E nough is enough.

My mother has gone too far this time. I refuse to sit idly by and let my family dictate the lives of me and the people that I love any longer. Hux is at her mercy, and he's only there because of me—defending Vaughn and I against that alphahole Dane. Hux has been there for us when we needed him, and now we have the chance to do the same. Plus, Kay is in there.

Alone.

And if we don't do something now, who knows what will happen to them?

"Let's think about this," Vaughn urges, his voice a calming contrast to the storm raging inside me. I turn to face him, my chest tightening with the familiar ache of our severed bond. But now isn't the time to dwell on that. Not when there's so much at stake.

"I'm done thinking, Vaughn," I say, my voice edged with determination. "Hux and Kay need us, and I refuse to let my family continue to hurt those I care about." My eyes bore into his, silently adding him to that growing list of people. Even after everything, I still care about him. I shake my head of those thoughts, now isn't the time.

"Kaylani is in there, risking everything to uncover the truth about Rebecca. We have to support her. And Hux is in there because he defended you," I remind him.

"I know, love," he murmurs softly. "But be smart about this. We can't just go in there, guns blazing. That's exactly what your mother wants."

I shake my head. I couldn't keep living in this suffocating cycle of manipulation and control.

"Enough is enough. She can't continue to get away with this, Vaughn!" The words spill out, carrying with them years of pent-up frustration and hurt. Vaughn's gaze holds mine, understanding flashing in his gaze. "We're wasting precious time. We can't afford to hesitate," I insist, my frustration bubbling fully to the surface.

"But rushing in blindly is a stupid idea. If we get ourselves caught up in this too, then no one will be safe." Vaughn's expression hardens, his tone firm.

"Your voice of reason is beginning to piss me off," I snap. "Everyone makes decisions for me, even you , and I'm done with it. I'm not letting you talk me out of this. I'm going in, with or without you."

Before Vaughn can respond, I turn away, my resolve solidifying with each step. I storm up the stairs of my family home. Gripping the ornate door knobs, I yank the front doors open with force, Vaughn close on my heels. He growls low in frustration, but follows nonetheless, and I smirk.

A part of me knew he wouldn't let me go in alone.

"Mother!" My voice echoes through the grand foyer as I announce my presence. It's reckless and stupid.

But I don't care.

Inside, my heart races with adrenaline. This is my chance to get answers. I glance back at Vaughn, who stands behind me, his eyes reflecting both worry and determination.

"I'm not letting you go in there alone," he says firmly, a hand resting on my shoulder. His bitter scent settles over me and slows my racing heart. He has always had this calming effect over me. I open my mouth to apologize for lashing out at him. But he just shakes his head.

"You were right, love. I have made decisions for you, and I'm sorry."

"I don’t really blame you, I blame my mother," I mutter bitterly.

Vaughn's eyes bore into mine. "We can't let her keep tearing us apart. You were right, it's time we put an end to this."

Despite the lingering hurt his words dredge up I nod in agreement. "I have no idea what nefarious plan she has concocted, but we can't afford to wait any longer. We need answers—now. We at least need to protect Kaylani." My mind is racing. "She's in there with Adam. Alone."

Vaughn's jaw tightens. "Let's do this. Together."

We reach the door to my mother's office, and I burst into the room, my eyes locking onto the scene before me. Titus, the leader of the Hounds, sits across from my mother at her desk, their heads bent together in conversation.

Where is she?

I shift my gaze between Titus and my mother. The thought of them collaborating sends a chill down my spine. Anything to do with the Hounds means trouble. The gang has been overrunning the docks and causing havoc in Sterling City for months.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I growl at Titus. His gaze pierces mine, but he remains silent, infuriating me further.

Mother looks up calmly, unnervingly composed. "Creed, please lower your tone," she says, her voice steady. If she thinks I'm going to sit idly by and let whatever partnership this is go unanswered, she's got another thing coming. But it’s not something I can deal with right now, I have to find out what happened to my friends.

I scoff at her audacity. "Where is Kaylani?"

I'm here for Kay and Hux, and I'm not leaving until I know they're both safe. But she’s not answering, and it’s just making me more angry.

"What the fuck is going on?" I demand, my eyes drilling into my mother's stoic expression.

Her gaze lands on Vaughn. "Why is it that both my sons decided to bring strays into my house this evening?" she muses, as if she finds this all entertaining.

I growl.

I hate that she called either of them a stray. They are both so much more than where they come from.

Vaughn places a calming hand on my shoulder, speaking placatingly. "Let us leave with Kay and Hux, and you won't have to see either of us stray's again."

Mother's calm facade doesn't falter as she regards us with an unwavering gaze. "Sit down, Creed. We need to talk," she finally says, disregarding Vaughn completely.

I scoff incredulously, my frustration boiling over. "Talk? Like you talked to Hux before throwing him in some underground basement?"

Smooth, Creed.

Showing my cards like this in front of my mother isn’t the smartest move. She’s known for exploiting weaknesses. And if I’m not careful, I know she will use anything against me to get what she wants.

I'm not even sure what that is anymore.

But whatever it is, I know I've just given her ammunition. Mother is a master manipulator, adept at turning any vulnerability into a weapon. And I've just unintentionally shown her all of my weaknesses, none of which she would hesitate to use to her advantage. I need to be strategic now, to gauge her reactions and plan my next move carefully.

Titus's presence is an added layer of complexity. His alliance with my mother raises questions about his motives and loyalties. What was the alpha's end game? Is he truly loyal to her, or is there something more sinister at play? I can't afford to trust him blindly. I'm surprised my mother does.

Titus leans back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Easy there, Creed. Your mother and I were just discussing some matters of mutual interest."

Mutual interest?

The words send a surge of unease through me. I stand there, jaw clenched and fists at my sides. I struggle to maintain composure, but force myself to respond with calculated restraint. "Mutual interest? What kind of mutual interest involves you collaborating with a gang like the Hounds, Mother?"

My mother's eyes flicker with amusement, a dangerous glint in her gaze. "Creed, dear, there's more to this than you understand."

I narrow my eyes, refusing to back down. "Then enlighten me. What exactly is going on here?"

Titus chuckles deeply, a sound that sends a chill down my spine. "Your mother and I were just discussing the next Generation Pack."

I swallow hard, fighting to keep my emotions in check. Involving the Hounds is a power move that comes with huge risks.

Titus's cryptic response fuels my frustration, and I lash out, "Stop playing games, Mother. I want answers—now."

Deep down, I know unraveling my mother's web of deceit will require a lot more than just demanding answers. I need a plan, and time is running out.

Time we don’t have.

"Titus's son Jordan will mate into the pack. Ensuring our place as head of the founding families and the control of our city."

"Mating with the Hounds? That's low, even for you," I retort, my voice laced with bitterness.

Titus stands up slowly, his eyes fixed on mine as his alpha energy suffocates the room. "Watch it, little omega. You may be Michelle's son, but you'll show me respect."

Respect?

Vaughn steps up beside me as I seethe, struggling to contain my rage. Titus’s gang has caused Sterling City nothing but trouble, he doesn’t deserve anything from me. "I'll show respect when you start acting like a leader, and not some power-hungry bitch ." I immediately regret the choice of words, even as they escape my lips. Vaughn's voice echoes in my mind—warning me about my sharp tongue, but I can't hold back. The frustration, the betrayal—it's all too much to bear.

"You little shit," Titus explodes, his calm demeanor vanishing in an instant. He hops to his feet, his hand reaching for his waistband.

There’s suddenly a gun pointed at my temple, but I meet his gaze head-on, my own eyes burning with defiance. I don't take my eyes off of the threat before me. My heart is in my throat, but I refuse to back down from the stare-off between us. I know I'm treading on thin ice, challenging both my mother and the leader of the Hounds. But I can't stand idly by while they manipulate our city for their own gain.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. This isn't just about me and my friends anymore—it's about standing up for what's right.

Titus's hand tightens around the gun, his eyes locked on mine. I can see the fury simmering beneath his controlled exterior. But I won't be intimidated, not when so much is at stake.

"That's enough," Mother snaps. "We will soon be family, and in my house you will follow my rules. Titus, lower your weapon. NOW!"

Titus hesitates, his gaze flickering between my mother and me. Slowly, reluctantly, he lowers the gun, though the fire in his eyes remains.

I exhale, feeling the weight of the standoff begin to lift. But I know this confrontation is far from over.

"You'll regret ever speaking to me like that," Titus warns, his voice laced with venom.

Mother's expression hardens. "I won't tolerate insubordination, especially not from you, Titus. Now, sit down and let's continue our discussion. Or did you forget I have final say."

Titus glares at us both in warning before finally resuming his seat. Though that does little to ease the tension that remains in the room.

As the immediate threat subsides, I exchange a look with Vaughn, silently communicating our next moves.

"Where is Kaylani?" Vaughn asks, before I can.

"How should I know?" my mother retorts coolly. "I told Adam to take out the trash. I'm assuming he is following my orders."

The dismissive response only fuels my frustration. I can't trust anything my mother says. "Stop playing games, Mother," I demand, my voice tinged with anger. "I'll never go along with your plans if Hux and Kaylani are hurt."

Mother's gaze hardens, but there's a glint of something else in her eyes—something calculating, and perhaps even a hint of satisfaction.

"Creed, dear, you're always so quick to jump to conclusions," she replies smoothly. "Kaylani is resourceful. I'm sure she'll turn up eventually."

I clench my fists, fighting to keep my composure. My every instinct is telling me not to trust her, but I can't afford to lose control now. “Mother, stop dodging my questions and give me a straight answer.”

Mother's smile widens, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "If you're quick, you might be able to save the stray, but this will be your only chance."

Vaughn and I exchange a quick glance, understanding passing between us. We can't afford to waste any more time.

"I'll find her Creed," Vaughn says firmly.

I nod, my mind again racing with a mixture of determination and fear. I feel Vaughn’s lips press to my temple, and watch him walk quickly from the room before I turn back to my mother, eyes narrowing at the woman who has done nothing but make my life miserable.

"Enough of the taunting," I snap, my voice cutting through the tension in the room. "Where's Hux?"

Mother's smile widens slightly, a hint of triumph flashing across her features. "Ah, yes. Owen Huxley."

She gestures towards Titus, who reaches into his pocket and pulls out a phone. He taps it a few times and turns the screen towards us, revealing a live video feed.

On the screen, Hux appears, pacing around a small cell. This confirms my suspicions, he's right here in the basement of the estate. I let out a breath at the sight of him, but the relief that washes over me is short-lived.

Hux will go crazy being confined like that.

"You see, Creed," Mother continues, her tone chillingly calm. "Hux is alive—for now."

The threat hangs in the air like a dark cloud, a stark reminder of just how powerless I am in this twisted game.

"Let's make a deal, shall we?" Mother suggests, her voice dripping with malice. "You cooperate with me, and I'll ensure Hux remains alive."

I don't miss her choice of wording. She didn't promise he would remain unharmed, just alive. I grit my teeth, struggling to contain my anger.

This isn't a negotiation—it's blackmail.

"What do you want?" I ask, my voice low and seething.

I have no cards left to play, and I just hope that we can navigate my mother's dangerous game and come out on the other side with our pack intact.