Knot Ruined (Bound and Broken #1)

Chapter One

Fallon

“What do you mean I’m getting married?”

I must have misheard. Or maybe I was dreaming—no, having a nightmare—because there was no way my mother had just informed me I was marrying a stranger or strangers in this case.

But Elizabeth Creed didn’t deal in jokes or absurdities.

She sat behind her sleek, imposing desk, cool as ever.

Her blonde hair was twisted into some intricate knot at the back of her head, not a strand out of place.

Those icy gray eyes locked onto mine, sharp and unyielding.

She had the typical Alpha build—tall, slim, all sharp lines, and controlled power.

She slid a thin envelope across the desk. The kind with the metal clasp holding it shut. I didn’t take it. My hands were clenched at my sides, nails biting into my palms.

Mom sighed, irritation flickering across her otherwise unreadable face.

“In a week, you will be marrying into the Rosetti pack. You have no choice in this matter. A parent or guardian must sign off on an omega’s pack placement, and I will not be signing off on anyone else, Fallon.

You will do this for our family and our reputation. ”

The Rosetti pack?

Ice slid down my spine. My stomach dropped straight to the floor.

“Oh my Gods, you can’t be serious! The Rosetti’s are practically the mafia! Cold-blooded. Ruthless. I’m pretty sure they killed their last omega!” My voice shot up in pitch and volume, hysteria bleeding through the edges.

My mother barely flinched. “Don’t be ridiculous, Fallon. We both know you can take care of yourself. You are just as crazy as you claim them to be.” Her voice was clipped and measured. “And lower your voice. This is my office, and I won’t have you disturbing my employees.”

I wanted to scream. I wanted to knock everything off her desk and set fire to the damn contract. But she was right; I can, in fact, take care of myself.

Mom was the most successful defense lawyer in Chicago, a city that still treated Omegas like delicate little dolls incapable of independent thought. The law said I wasn’t stable enough to make my own decisions, that my hormones made me too fragile to function without an Alpha’s oversight.

I wasn’t even allowed to have a bank account in my name.

I had begged my mother to sign off so I could get my own apartment and my own life, but she refused. And now she was chaining me to a pack with blood on their hands.

This couldn’t be happening. This wasn’t happening. But the envelope sat there between us like a guillotine waiting to fall.

The envelope slid closer, her manicured fingers tapping against the desk. “Inside is everything you need to know about your new pack. I want you to have as much information as possible.”

I didn’t reach for it. Couldn’t.

She sighed, her expression softening just enough to crack the armor she always wore. “Contrary to what you may think, I do love you, Fallon. And I do want you to be happy.” Her voice wavered for a split second before she steadied herself.

My eyes narrowed. The way she said it—weighted, desperate—sent a ripple of unease through me.

She hesitated, glancing at the polished surface of her desk as if looking for the right words. “I can’t tell you why,” she admitted. “Confidentiality clauses. But you must trust me.”

Something in her voice made me stop resisting just long enough to really look at her.

My mother didn't seem untouchable for the first time in my life. She looked exhausted. The dark circles under her eyes were carefully concealed with makeup, but up close, I could see the strain tightening the edges of her face. The fine lines near her mouth hadn’t been there before.

The way her hands trembled—barely, but enough.

She wasn’t invincible. She wasn’t affected. I swallowed the lump in my throat, exhaling shakily. “Okay, Mom.” Her shoulders eased slightly.

I picked up the envelope as I stood, gripping it like it might bite. “I love you, too. So that you know. I don’t want this for myself,” I admitted, voice quieter now. “But I can see that you need this, and I will make the most of this.”

Her gaze flickered to mine, something unreadable passing through it before she nodded. “We need this, Fallon.” Her voice dropped back into that sharp, composed tone. “And don’t worry about anything. All the arrangements have been made. The only thing you need to do is find a dress.”

A dress.

Like that was the most significant issue here. Like I wasn’t about to be shackled to a pack of ruthless alphas who saw omegas as property.

I turned the doorknob but hesitated, glancing back at her one last time.

She had already closed her eyes. Her head tipped back against the chair like the weight of the world had finally settled onto her shoulders.

I slipped out, shutting the door behind me.

The office hummed with quiet efficiency—secretaries tapping away at keyboards, assistants murmuring into phones. I ignored them all. My pulse thudded in my ears as I pressed the elevator button, my grip tightening around the envelope.

I had no idea where to start. But I knew one thing. I needed my nest. Now.

Fallon

February 9th

1:33 P.M

I love my nest. Lying back against the pillows, I feel like I’ve stepped into a dream.

The bed is soft and inviting, wrapped in layers of cozy blankets and smooth sheets that feel cool against my skin.

A soft green glow bathes the room, casting gentle light across the space, making everything feel calm and weightless.

Above me, tiny lights twinkle like stars woven into the canopy while delicate strands of fairy lights hang down like vines, adding a soft, whimsical touch.

The sheer green curtains sway slightly, catching the light from the tall windows, their movement slow and effortless.

The floating bed, illuminated from below, makes it feel like I’m resting on a cloud, tucked away from the world.

I sink deeper into the pillows, running my fingers over the different textures, the soft knit of the blankets, and the silky smoothness of the sheets. The contrast between deep black walls and soft greens creates a modern and peaceful space, like a quiet escape designed just for me.

Since I can’t put it off any longer, I start blindly digging through the mountain of blankets and pillows like a raccoon, searching for lost treasure. Blankets fly, pillows get sacrificed, and when I’m convinced the abyss has consumed the envelope, I hear the telltale crinkle of paper.

I found it—the cursed thing.

Coming home a few days ago was mostly a blur—probably because I spent most of it throwing myself into my nest like some tragic Victorian heroine, drowning in a sea of self-pity.

I had a full-blown existential crisis, the kind that involved flailing, groaning dramatically, and screaming into multiple pillows like a true professional.

At some point, I must have worn myself out because the next thing I knew, I was waking up to the vague sensation of my mom hovering nearby. I wasn’t fully conscious, but I do recall her lightly patting my head like I was a sulking cat before disappearing into the night.

And now here I am. Face-to-face with the envelope of doom. Again. Sighing, I give up and open it. Pulling out various papers, glancing over them before snorting out an unladylike laugh. It’s information on each member of the pack, but what the fuck is this?

Confidential Dossier: Rosetti Pack

Prepared by: Halloway, Creed however, the scope of their activities extends far beyond conventional security, encompassing intimidation, "problem-solving," and asset retrieval of questionable legality.

Kingston maintains an air of calculated authority, rarely raising his voice but commanding absolute obedience through sheer presence.

Known for his ruthless efficiency, intelligence, and meticulous planning, he is rumored to possess extensive connections in political and corporate circles.

Unconfirmed speculation persists regarding possible mafia ties, though no concrete evidence has been discovered.

Personal Notes:

Displays protective instincts toward pack. Considered extremely dangerous when provoked; prefers cold strategy over impulsive violence.

Jace Calloway

Age: 33 Designation: Alpha Height/Build: 6’1”, heavily muscled, intimidating build Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Black, usually tousled Alpha Scent: Cedarwood and citrus Occupation: Senior Operative handles high-value targets expertly. Strong pack loyalty.

Romano Delgado

Age: 33 Designation: Alpha Height/Build: 6’4”, lean but defined, agile build Eye Color: Deep brown Hair Color: Black, often casually messy Alpha Scent: Smoked leather and vetiver Occupation: Senior Operative & Technology Specialist at Rosetti Grey Solutions