Page 127 of Knot Their Omega

My heart clenches at the truth.

“The one mourning me would be the Omega I didn’t listen to. Those who would carry my casket were my pack members who tried to speak sense to me. The ones who would carry the memories we shared in their hearts are those I positively impacted.” He smiles at the melancholy of it all. “All those I fucked and played around with? The fake friends and packs who told me to come into their circle of support would have ditched me the moment I became a burden. They’d forget me faster than a stream of wind passing a tombstone.”

He closes his eyes.

“And that’s a decision Nathaniel has to make… and regret if he chooses the wrong one.”

He opens his eyes, allowing the tension in his muscles to fade.

“You have a few days before he’ll wake up. Due to his injuries and written alerts of past admission incidents, he’ll be given sedatives to ease his recovery and ensure he’ll be able to wake up at a controlled rate that won’t risk any spiked hormones or potential side effects that may not have reached the surface.”

“So all we do now is wait,” I conclude.

“Yes.” He nods. “He won’t die in a week, but I’d suggest you speak with your pack this week about it. At least before the tour rolls out,” he suggests. “I’ll get everything organized to submit to the government. This will ensure you guys can keep busy and notbe punished by the movement, but I will hold off in submitting the details of Nate’s health condition.”

“‘Cause if you do submit it?” Nathaníel asks.

“It’ll be up to the government to let him live the lifestyle he wishes until his final breath, or they’ll enjoy the honors of disposing of him in a way that is most profitable,” Dr. Malcom concludes. “I can take a wild guess that Nate Jr. is not a multi-millionaire, so you can take a good guess which option will be given to him due to lack of ‘connection,’ yes?”

I swallow the lump that forms in my throat at the idea of the government stepping in to “quicken the deed.”

“This society is fucked,” Nathaníel whispers.

“Yet, it’s something none of us can escape because this is our birthright,” Dr. Malcom replies. “Why don’t you two go check on your Omega and pack mates? It’s been a long conversation with lots to go over. Go be with the ones who make you feel alive and blessed.”

Alive and blessed.

“Thank you, Dr. Malcom,” Nathaníel whispers.

“Just Malcom is fine,” he assures us and gives us a softened smile. “Whatever happens going forward is going to be a challenge, but remember to rely on one another for strength, and most importantly, begin to live life with purpose because so many don’t get such a golden opportunity.”

When we leave, the silence is deafening between us. I know something needs to be said. That we need to urgently tackle the news revealed to us, but no type of plan formulates in my mind.

Reaching the sleeping nests, I realize Kenji and Kai are already inside, snuggled next to our Omega, who’s barely keeping her eyes open, yet she’s smiling so radiantly.

Opening the door, I wait for Nathaníel to follow me inside before I take the few steps that land me into the very comfy-looking nest.

“Welcome back,” Astraea mutters and yawns. “We were waiting… so we can take a nap.”

“A power nap,” Kenji mumbles and opens his eyes slightly. “Y’all look like shit.”

“You’re blunt when you’re barely awake,” Kai notes with a deep voice, as though he’d fallen asleep and only now woke up. “You guys good?”

I’m not sure how to answer. That could be what has Astraea raising her arm out to me, her hand gesturing for me to come forward.

Without a word, I walk over to them until I’m squeezing myself between the wall and behind Astraea, then lowering until I can find a way to wrap an arm around her waist and pull her onto my lap.

She giggles at my rather selfish move, especially when Kai and Kenji were here first, but I need to hold her for a few moments.

Maybe a few hours.

“What’s wrong, Icarus?” That softened voice is like a heartfelt melody. “Are you mad at me?”

“Never,” I reply instinctively because deep within my heart, I know I couldn’t be angry with her.Fuck, she could kill, and I’d take the fall, then be mad.

“Then?” She leans back enough so she can peer up at me with her tired eyes. She looks so beautiful. Like a Sleeping Beauty who just woke up from years of slumber. “Why do you look so sad?”

Am I sad?

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