Page 106 of Knot Ready

Lakelyn laughs, stepping in next. “And to finally meet the person who convinced Chad to move back to Blue Ridge.”

“That was a team effort,” Elliott replies with a wink.

“It was the show, not you three,” I say before he can say anything else.

He smiles at me before turning to Mason. “And you must be the infamous Mason.”

“Infamous, huh?” Mason chuckles, gripping Elliott’s hand. “I’m sure Chad exaggerated.”

“Not at all,” Elliott says with a playful grin. “You’re exactly as he described.”

Before Mason can fire back, the door opens again. Two more figures step in, one with a confident stride and an air of quiet charisma, the other with a warm smile that immediately puts everyone at ease.

“Look who’s finally here!” Lilah announces, rising from her seat to greet them. She presses quick kisses on their lips, and I can’t help but smile at how happy she is. A completely different person from the girl I met that first day ofOmega in Paradise.

Rafe, ever the picture of effortless charm, waves casually. “Sorry for the delay. Got caught up on set.” He moves toward us, his handshake firm but friendly as he greets everyone. There’sno arrogance in his tone, just an easy self-assurance that makes you forget he’s one of the most recognizable faces in the world.

Miles follows, adjusting his glasses and giving a sheepish grin. “And I got stuck in traffic. Typical New York, right?”

Elliott claps a hand on Miles’s shoulder. “Better late than never!”

Introductions go quickly, everyone settling into an easy rhythm despite the newness of it all. Mason, ever the observer, seems to relax a little more with every word exchanged, though his arm stays draped protectively over my shoulders.

Rafe takes a seat across from us, his sharp eyes glinting with humor. “So, how’s life in Blue Ridge treating you all? Adjusting to the quiet after this chaos?”

Lakelyn laughs, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I wouldn’t call it quiet. Let’s just say our lives got a lot more interesting when Chad arrived.”

Miles chuckles softly. “Sounds like you’re keeping busy.”

Dean leans back, his arms crossed, but his tone surprisingly light. “It’s been…different. But good.”

“Different is good,” Rafe agrees, raising his glass in a mock toast.

As the conversation flows, Elliott disappears into the kitchen and returns with snacks, passing them around like he’s known my pack forever. It doesn’t take long for laughter to fill the room, the easy camaraderie making the penthouse feel less like a stranger’s home and more like a shared space for old friends.

I glance around, taking in the scene—the pack I’ve found in Blue Ridge and the connections that brought us here. It’s surreal but comforting, a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much more there is to look forward to.

Mason catches my eye and smirks, leaning close to whisper, “Think they’ll survive a visit to Blue Ridge?”

I grin, nudging him with my shoulder. “Guess we’ll find out.”