Page 149 of Knot Their Starlet

“Of course I am,” she sniffs. “You know how hard I’ve worked to keep you safe?”

I cringe back at her words. If she really cared about my safety, I don’t think I’d be in Beck’s apartment right now. She would’ve never forced me to pick between going back to Ezra after what he did to me or pretending to be in a fake relationship with a stranger.

I got lucky that Beck and the people in his life are good people.

What would’ve happened to me if they weren’t?

“I’m at a friend’s,” I say. It’s not a lie, but it’s also not the entire truth. It’s a knee-jerk reaction, not being honest with my mom.

My morning has been special. Magical even.

I woke up in the arms of Leo, who braided my hair and learned how to take off my makeup while I was drunk.

I made out with Eli on the kitchen counter, and it was the hottest make-out session I think I’ve ever had.

And then Beck—sweet, sweet Beck—wanted me to join him in a docuseries about my experience as an omega.

Because I deserve a voice too.

But will I ever get one?

“Which friend?” My mom asks. “I don’t recognize the address.”

My eyes fall shut, and I brace my forehead against my palm.

No, I don’t think I’ll ever really be free.

“Beckham’s,” I say, softly.

My mom falls silent.

Which is even scarier than her yelling.

I don’t know why it’s that shocking. I was photographed leaving the club with him.

“You spent the night at Beckham Knights.” It’s not a question. If anything, she says it like a prosecutor repeats an accidental confession back to someone on the stand.

Because in her mind, I’ve seemingly committed a grave crime.

“It was late, and I was drunk. I didn’t want to⁠—”

“You’re sleeping with him.”

“Mom—”

My throat closes. I haven’t, but even if I told her the truth, she wouldn’t believe me. She’s concocted this narrative in her head, and there’s no ripping her away from it.

“Don’t ‘Mom’ me,” she bites out. “This is exactly what I warned you about. These men are using you, Andromeda. They see a pretty face and a famous name, and they will use you up and throw you away, and I will be the one who has to put you back together. Again.”

I want to scream. I want to rip my hair out. I want to buy a one-way ticket fucking anywhere but here, and disappear.

I feel insane.

My mom didn’t do jack shit to put me back together after everything happened with Ezra.

And sure, I was never the best daughter, but she’s making it seem like she’s this patron saint when she isn’t.

“What do you have to say for yourself?” she asks when I’ve been silent for too long.