Knot the One They Want (Claimverse Book 1)

I hum softly to myself as I flit around the house, straightening picture frames and fluffing pillows. It feels good to be up and about again after being cooped up in bed for days, lost in the haze of my heat. The alphas were reluctant to let me out of their sight, but I managed to convince them I was well enough for some light nesting and supervising the staff while they’re out.

My fingers brush against the marks on my neck, now fully healed and formed into complete mating bites. The skin there tingles pleasantly at my touch.

It’s still surreal, being mated to four alphas.

To the Blackwood pack.

The marks feel different from anything I’ve experienced before. A constant, pleasant buzz under my skin, reminding me of my new status as a fully claimed omega. It’s a soothing balm to any nerves that are still frayed. I can feel them through my bond as if they’re right here with me in this very moment.

The intensity of the bond thrums through me, a constant reminder of our connection. It’s overwhelming, all-consuming. No wonder Daria left such a gaping wound in their souls. The phantom pain of a severed bond must be excruciating.

I trace the marks on my neck, lost in thought. Their pain doesn’t excuse what they put me through. But now, feeling the depth of our connection, I can almost feel their agony, too.

When Daria left, she didn’t just break their hearts. She tore away a piece of their very beings. The alphas were left raw, bleeding, desperate to fill the void she created. They lashed out, clinging to the idea that they could recreate what they lost.

It wasn’t right. It wasn’t fair.

But I understand them better now.

The realization settles in my chest, heavy yet oddly freeing. Empathy doesn’t erase the hurt they caused, but it helps me make sense of it. Helps me see a path forward.

A tentative hope blooms in my chest as I think about our future together. We’ve come so far from those first painful weeks, and yet…

Damien’s words about Daria echo in my mind, an unwelcome intrusion. I can’t help but wonder if they’re truly ready to let her go. If I’ll always be living in the shadow of their first omega.

I shake my head, banishing the thought.

No use dwelling on what-ifs and maybes. For now, I’m determined to enjoy this moment, this fragile peace we’ve found.

The doorbell chimes, interrupting my musings. I perk up, assuming it’s the delivery driver with the new decorations I ordered for our nest. I’ve been itching to add some personal touches, to make it truly ours. I already have personal items and those pillowcases from each of the alphas, so I have their scents wrapped around me at all times, but I’m nothing if not a perfectionist.

But when I open the door, my smile falters. Instead of a harried courier, I’m faced with a beta woman in a crisp suit, clipboard in hand. Her eyes, a steely gray, assess me coolly.

‘Evangeline Blackwood?’ she asks, her tone clipped and professional.

I nod, a knot of nervousness forming in my stomach. ‘Yes, that’s me. Can I help you?’

She flashes a badge too quickly for me to read it properly. ‘I’m from the Council’s Omega Welfare Division. We received a report that I’ve been asked to look into.’

Fuck.

I groan inwardly. The doctor at the hospital must have reported my case after all. Enough time has passed since all that, I thought maybe they’d forgotten about it. Did I miss a follow-up appointment? Actually, since I’ve been lounging around the house and sleeping half the time to restore my energy after my heat, accomplishing precisely nothing while my alphas dote on me and enjoying every minute of it, that’s definitely a possibility. It feels like I’ve been in a time warp.

The most blissful time warp of my life.

I plaster on my most convincing smile. ‘Oh, I see. Well, I can assure you, everything is fine. It was all just a misunderstanding.’

The beta’s expression doesn’t change. ‘I’m still required to make a full report and assessment. May I come in?’

I hesitate, my mind racing. I could refuse, but that would only make things worse. With a resigned sigh, I step back, gesturing for her to enter. ‘Of course. Please, come in.’

As if on cue, Lori appears in the foyer, her eyes widening at the sight of our unexpected guest. ‘Oh! I didn’t realize we had company, Miss Evie.’

I seize the opportunity, grateful for the distraction. ‘It wasn’t planned. Lori, would you mind bringing us some tea? We’ll be in the living room.’

Her eyes widen, clearly onto the fact that something isn’t quite right here. ‘Of course, Miss!’

As Lori scurries off, I turn to the beta. ‘I just need to grab something from the kitchen. Please, make yourself comfortable in the living room. It’s just through there.’

She nods, her heels clicking against the hardwood as she moves in that direction. The moment she’s out of sight, I whip out my phone, firing off a quick text to Asher.

Council investigator here. Everything’s fine, but you might want to come home.

I slip my phone back into my pocket, taking a deep breath to steady myself before rejoining the beta in the living room. She’s perched on the edge of the sofa, her clipboard balanced on her knee.

‘I’m sorry, um, what did you say your name is?’ I ask.

‘I didn’t,’ she answers. ‘But it’s Diana.’

‘Right…’ I sigh.

‘Now then, Mrs. Blackwood,’ she begins as I settle into the armchair across from her. ‘I just have a few questions for you.’

Lori bustles in with the tea tray, and I use the momentary distraction to school my features into a mask of calm. As she pours, I wrack my brain for a plausible explanation that won’t result in my alphas being hauled before the Council.

‘Of course,’ I say, forcing a smile. ‘I’m happy to answer any questions you might have.’

The beta takes a sip of her tea, her eyes never leaving my face. I can tell she’s scrutinizing me. ‘Let’s start with the incident that led to your hospitalization. Can you tell me what happened?’

I take a deep breath. ‘We just weren’t able to complete the mark right away. I’d rather not get into all the… spicy details, if you don’t mind.’

Her eyebrow arches skeptically. ‘And the infection? How did it get that bad?’

I drop my gaze, feigning embarrassment. ‘They were just so busy, and I thought I could treat it myself. It just got out of hand,’ I say, cringing inwardly at how vapid I sound.

‘Mrs. Blackwood,’ the beta says, her voice softening slightly. ‘An omega should always be able to go to her alphas for anything. Especially medical concerns.’

I nod, meeting her eyes. ‘I know that now. They’ve made it very clear that I can come to them with anything. And the marks are complete now, so there’s nothing to worry about.’

Her gaze drops to my neck, lingering on the collar that mostly hides my marks. No more need for those bandages.

‘I see. Would you mind if I took a look? Just to confirm they’ve healed properly.’

Swallowing hard, I reach up to unclasp the collar. It’s still unlocked, since I’ve had to take it on and off so much lately. It’s funny how it once felt like shackles, but now… It feels wrong, taking it off in front of a stranger. Like I’m baring a part of myself that should be private. But I know refusing will only raise more suspicions.

As the collar falls away, I tilt my head, exposing the four distinct bite marks on my neck. The beta leans forward, her eyes narrowing as she examines them.

‘Hmm,’ she murmurs, scribbling something on her clipboard. ‘They do seem to have healed nicely. I’m glad the situation has been rectified.’

And not a moment too soon.

Relief washes over me, but it’s short-lived. Diana sits back, her expression turning businesslike once more. ‘Now then, I’d like to take a look around, if you don’t mind. Just to ensure you have sufficient lodgings.’

I nod, rising to my feet. ‘Of course. I’d be happy to give you a tour.’

As we move through the house, I find myself babbling nervously to keep her distracted, pointing out every amenity and comfort the alphas have provided. Diana makes noncommittal noises, jotting notes on her clipboard as we go.

When we reach the bedroom, I hesitate for a moment before pushing open the door. Our nest feels sacred, private. The thought of a stranger examining it makes my skin crawl. But I know refusing would only raise more red flags.

Glad it’s not still in the state it was during my heat.

To my surprise, the beta’s eyebrows rise, a flicker of approval crossing her face. ‘My, this is quite impressive,’ she says, taking in the plush bedding and carefully arranged pillows. ‘You seem to be very comfortably set up here, Ms. Blackwood.’

I allow myself a small, genuine smile. ‘Yes, I am. My alphas have been very attentive to my needs.’

We’re heading back downstairs when I hear the front door burst open. Asher’s voice, tight with worry, echoes through the foyer. ‘Evie? Evie, are you alright?’

I hurry down the stairs, the beta close on my heels. Asher stands in the entryway, his hair disheveled and his tie askew. He must have rushed here the moment he got my text.

‘I’m fine,’ I assure him, moving to his side. ‘Everything’s okay. This is Ms. Diana…’ I trail off, realizing I never got the beta’s last name.

‘Ms. Thompson,’ she supplies, extending her hand to Asher. ‘From the Council’s Omega Welfare Division.’

Asher shakes her hand, his posture relaxing slightly. ‘I see.’ He looks from me to the beta, his expression carefully schooled into neutrality. “And is everything… satisfactory?”

Ms. Thompson nods, a small smile playing at her lips. ‘Yes, it would seem so. Ms. Blackwood appears to be very well cared for. Of course, there is the possibility the Council will ask me to conduct a random follow up, just to be sure. But I expect that won’t be a problem.’

‘No,’ Asher says, looking guilty. ‘Of course not.’

She turns to me, fishing a card from her pocket. ‘Here’s my contact information, should you ever need anything. Don’t hesitate to reach out.’

I take the card, murmuring my thanks as Asher shows her out. The moment the door closes behind her, I sag against him, the tension draining from my body.

‘What happened?’ Asher asks, his arms wrapping around me. ‘Are you sure you’re okay?’

I nod against his chest, breathing in his comforting scent. ‘I’m fine. The doctor at the hospital must have reported my case to the Council. She just came to check things out.’

Asher’s arms tighten around me. ‘Fuck. I can’t say I blame them for checking, but still…’

‘I know,’ I sigh. ‘I just hope that’s the end of it.’

Before Asher can respond, the door flies open again. Cole and Lake burst in, looking just as frazzled as Asher had. Close on their heels is Damien, his usual composure nowhere to be seen.

‘Evie!’ Lake exclaims, his eyes wide with concern. ‘What’s going on? Are you alright?’

I pull away from Asher, touched by their concern. The fact that they all dropped everything and rushed home for me… it warms something deep inside. I assumed they would just send Asher.

‘I’m fine,’ I assure them, moving to kiss each of them in turn. ‘It was just a routine check from the Council. Everything’s okay.’

Cole’s brow furrows. ‘The Council? What the fuck did they want?’

I explain the situation, watching as their expressions shift from worry to relief. By the time I finish, Damien’s jaw is clenched so tight I fear for his teeth.

‘They had no right to barge in here without us present and stress you out,’ he growls, his eyes flashing. ‘You’re our omega. Under our protection.’

I reach out, laying a hand on his arm. ‘It’s fine. They were just doing their job. Making sure I was safe. Besides, I’m a Beaumont. I was raised to be prepared for unexpected company at all moments,’ I say dryly.

Damien’s expression softens slightly at my touch. ‘Still. They should have contacted us first.’

‘I think the whole point is so they know omegas are being honest and aren’t being forced to lie,’ Lake says dryly.

Damien blinks. ‘Guess that makes sense,’ he mutters.

‘Well, it’s over now,’ Asher says, running a hand through his hair. ‘And everything checked out, right?’

I nod, offering them a reassuring smile. ‘Yes. Ms. Thompson seemed satisfied that I was well cared for. And that the marks are complete.’ I touch my neck, realizing I forgot to place my collar back on.

Lake wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close. ‘Of course you are. We’d never let anything happen to you again, Evie.’

The conviction in his voice, mirrored in the eyes of my other alphas, makes my heart swell. This is what I’ve always wanted—to be cherished, protected, loved.

But as I look at them, I can’t help but wonder. Would they have reacted the same way for Daria? Is their protectiveness born out of genuine care for me, or lingering guilt over how they treated me before?

I push the thoughts away, determined not to let them taint this moment. They’re here now, all four of them, having dropped everything to rush to my side. That has to count for something.

‘I know,’ I say softly, leaning into Lake’s embrace.

‘Here,’ Damien murmurs, taking the collar off the coffee table where I left it. ‘Let’s put this back on.’

I gather my hair back and my heart flutters as his fingers brush the column of my throat while he refastens the collar. It feels like it belongs. A reminder that I’m theirs.

Cole clears his throat, a mischievous glint in his eye. ‘So, since we’re all home early… how about we order in some food and have a movie night?’

The tension in the room dissipates, replaced by a warm, comfortable energy. As the alphas debate what to order and which movie to watch, I can’t help but smile.

We’re finally moving in the right direction.

As we settle onto the couch, me nestled between Asher and Lake with Cole and Damien sprawled at my feet, I let myself relax. The warmth of their bodies, the mingled scents of my alphas, wraps around me like a cocoon.

The movie starts, but I’m barely paying attention. My mind is still whirling from the events of the day, from the Council visit to the way my alphas rushed to my side. It’s a lot to process, and I find myself stealing glances at each of them, trying to read their expressions.

Asher catches me looking and quirks an eyebrow, a silent question in his eyes. I shake my head, offering him a small smile. He doesn’t look convinced, but he doesn’t push, instead pulling me closer against his side.

As the night wears on, I feel the last of the tension seeping out of my body. The steady rhythm of Asher’s heartbeat under my ear, the warmth of Lake’s hand on my knee, the comforting weight of Cole leaning against my legs… it all serves to ground me, to remind me that I’m safe. I’m home.

Even Damien, usually so aloof, seems more relaxed than I’ve ever seen him. He’s still sprawled on the floor, his head resting against my thigh, and every so often his fingers brush against my ankle in an absent, affectionate gesture. I reach down, weaving my fingers through his hair and he purrs in approval.

It’s moments like these that make me believe we can make this work. That the bond forming between us is stronger than the mistakes of the past, the lingering ghosts that haunt us.

As the credits roll, I find myself yawning, the events of the day finally catching up with me. Lake notices immediately, ever attuned to my needs.

‘Tired, sweetheart?’ he murmurs, his lips brushing my temple.

I nod, burrowing deeper into the warmth of my alphas. ‘Mm. It’s been a long day.’

‘Let’s get you to bed then,’ Asher says, already moving to scoop me into his arms.

I want to protest that I can walk, but the truth is, I love being carried by them. Love the way it makes me feel small and cherished and utterly safe. And I love being surrounded by the four of them in our nest more than anything else.

As Asher carries me upstairs, the others trailing behind, I can’t help but marvel at how far we’ve come. From those first painful weeks to now, where they anticipate my needs before I even voice them.

He lays me gently in our nest, and I immediately reach for him, not wanting to lose contact. The others pile in around us, a tangle of limbs and warmth that should feel claustrophobic but instead feels like coming home.

‘Thank you,’ I murmur, my eyes already growing heavy. ‘For coming home today. For being here when I needed you.’

‘Always,’ Damien rumbles, his voice a low purr that vibrates through me. ‘We’ll always be here for you, Evie.’

And as I drift off, surrounded by the scent and warmth of my alphas, I let myself believe it.