Page 166 of Knot Their Omega

I simply nod, admiring him getting into focus mode as he does what he explains is a routine check to make sure the bike is good to go. He normally isn’t as tedious, but because I’m coming with him, he’s taking the extra precautions, which is so nice.

Once he’s done with his call and settled on the bike, he slides his helmet on his head. I feel his hands as he seeks mine, pulling my arms to wrap tightly around his waist.

I don’t think he realizes how hot this all is.

To have a man who knows how to work a motorcycle and do all the safety checks to ensure the bike is good because he cares enough about you not to wish harm your way. It’s sad to admit most Alpha doesn’t give a damn, but I’m coming to realize they’re not all like that.

None of the men in my pack are like that.

“Ready, Astraea?”

“Ready,” I declare, trying not to sound nervous with excitement. There’s a giddiness boiling inside me at the idea of being on this motorbike with Kai, which only accelerates when the bike roars to life.

Kai looks from left to right before he lowers his visor. I notice he stares at the left one more time before giving some sort of head nod.

Following his gaze lands me on Icarus, who’s leaning against the door frame of one of the massive sheds. His look of approval shows in the depths of his eyes while he lifts his cup of coffee that’s still steaming hot from how those grey gloves rise from the black mug.

He’s in shorts, despite it being a tad chilly today, which tells me he was probably preparing to go for a run or to do some sort of workout.

Either way, seeing him gives me a sense of relief and accomplishment, even though I haven’t achieved anything by going on a bike ride with Kai. I guess his approval stems from me taking that next step of getting closer to my pack.

Having Kai take me for a ride on his bike is another checkmark in my book.

We’re starting to move, which prompts me to give Icarus a slight wave, so he knows I see him and wish farewell. His smirk grows into a gorgeous smile as his eyes soften at my gesture, his free arm rising so he can give me a simple wave.

“Hold on tight, Astraea,” Kai prompts, drawing my attention to him as we go down the driveway onto the road that leads to the massive set of gates. “This bad boy goes a tad fast.”

“Okay!” I reply and further wrap my arms around his waist, excited to see how fast this bike goes.

It’s not until we’re on the freeway that Kai goes full speed, andwow.

The bike is fast as fuck!

I squeal in pure elation as I take in the beautiful views of the various trees and how the leaves are beginning to change. It dawns on me that we’re in the mid-stages of fall, the leaves now beautifully shifted to various shades of color, from the enriched shades of green to the mixed beauty of red, orange, and yellow. It makes my heart swell with so much appreciation as the slightly chilled air fills my lungs, making me feel alive.

I haven’t felt like this in a long time.

I’ve missed this freeing sensation and how enlightening it all is.It makes me look back on how suffocating my life was, especially under the same roof as my mother. How desperate I was to be free from her shackles and to enjoy life, despite the fears of being alone in this massive world.

The ride encourages me to look back and be thankful that gaining a sense of independence led me down this crazy path. I strived to become someone, not simply due to my mom’s need to brag to the world about the little achievements I’ve done, thanks to her birthing me, but because I had so much to offer to the world.

Kai, Icarus, Kenji, and Nathaníel were right.

I have so much talent, and it shouldn’t be kept beneath the shadows just to make others comfortable. If I hadn’t pushed myself out of my comfort zone to create these various foundations of solicitude and income, I wouldn’t have found this net of security in my life.

I wouldn’t have carved myself into a woman who didn’t simply submit to any Alpha on the block.

My experiences and journey brought me down this path, where I ended up meeting this pack who has changed my life in so many ways and continues to help me grow in this world that’s morphed to belittle my worth.

There’s no need to hide anymore.

I deserve to be proud and free with my identity.

Whether it’s Astraea Soleil or Blair Vesper.

I’m proud to be both, and it’s about time I come to terms with that publicly.

Whether they accept it or reject it is their prerogative.

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