Page 179 of Knot Their Omega

“My parents couldn’t look my way without crying. My friends… my amazing band, didn’t want to face this confrontation between brothers, and I can’t blame them. Truthfully, it felt like everyone left me to face this situation on my own, and I decided if this was how it felt when I was just a normal individual in this vast world, what would have happened if I was famous? What would become of my life with this death scandal over my head? I wouldn’t be able to handle it.”

My eyes lock on Astraea’s, those alluring cyan-blue eyes that are glassy with so much emotion. She bobs her head in encouragement, pushing me not to back down from revealing the truth.

“So… I did what I could. I ran away,” I confess and smile. “I went to Europe and built a career for myself, where I did tattoos. Specifically for Omegas who wanted to feel a sense of empowerment with their packs.”

I take another deep breath and let it out.

“That didn’t mean I still wasn’t a slave to my past,” I continue. “My younger brother was getting gigs, but he wasn’t a strong live performer. His agents surely realized this, but he wouldn’t be going on tour any time soon, so records were what mattered. He contacted me, essentially blackmailing me to behis ghost singer. Create the vocals and send it over to him. It was the ‘least’ I could do for our younger sister’s death.”

“But he did it! It wasn’t you!” a fan calls out as many quickly agree.

I wait for them to shimmer down before I carry on.

“You’re right, but denial sometimes is the best medicine, right? That and a bit of drugs and alcohol can take you a long way in life. Besides, why did it matter? He was getting everything he wanted. A career and a group of loyal friends he got to rock with. Any Omega he wished to fling with. The money and popularity were rising at astronomical rates,” I elaborate. “He was finally living the Alpha rockstar dream.”

I smirk at my own words while I’m admiring Astraea once more.

“Then our Rebel came waltzing into our lives,” I declare proudly, drawing attention to Astraea. She doesn’t seem to notice at first, as our gaze is so intense and pure. “I didn’t meet her until Nate threatened me to not return to this city. I had no choice in the matter because the Knot Their Omega Movement was initiated, and I didn’t have an Omega. Without one, I couldn’t work, even though my license was independent work. I left Europe to return, and he found out. So, he was ready to threaten me by saying he’d sell this Omega the same way he did Suzy.”

“What?” multiple fans gasp in horror, and I watch Astraea’s eyes grow wide in shock. I know I hadn’t told any of them that tiny tidbit, but I guess if I’m coming clean, I might as well admit it.

I can only imagine the other guy’s expressions, and a quick glance at the big screen shows their horrified gazes as the camera goes from Kenji to Kai, then to Icarus.

When it returns to Astraea, I can see how emotionally moved she is by the truth I’m about to reveal.

“I couldn’t let the past repeat itself. I hadn’t even got over Suzy’s death. How could I let another Omega perish because of my existence? Or more so, because I wouldn’t interfere. I wouldn’t allow it to happen. I showed up at their house, opening the door only to bump right into the Omega my brother wanted to get rid of,” I explain.

I grip the mic a tad tighter, trying to calm the anger I realize is still there.

“One interaction and I understood why. Why he was so threatened by her because she was as rebellious as our younger sister. An Omega who wouldn’t simply follow the rules or orders given by her Alphas if put in that situation. She was strong. Resilient. Independent. I don’t think she realized we needed her more than she needed us. That’s what my brother was afraid of, and he hoped to push her away.”

The camera is back on me, and I look directly into the view as if I’m looking at my reflection.

As though I’m speaking to my brother who’s hiding away, probably drunk or high, while fucking who knows what.

“I made the decision there and then that I didn’t want to run away. Even if this Omega wasn’t mine or I didn’t really have a pack with my friends because of my brother’s influence, as long as I could protect her… even at a distance, I’d do it. That’s what my heart wanted to do. That’s what I’m sure Suzy would have wanted me to do. To break this cycle that one person’s selfishness had created.”

Taking a steady breath, I lift my head high.

“The last straw came when we found out that our entire catalog had been sold. This was after some of our band members expressed their desire to leave the group. It wasn’t their fault. They could see the toxic signs long before any of us wanted to acknowledge, but finding out years of songs that were written by each of us were sold without a second thought proved nothingwas going to change,” I emphasize. “My brother was the one who sold our catalog. Just like he was the one selling gossip to any tabloid that would purchase whatever he revealed about our band.”

The gasps this time are filled with anger as the fans realize just how low my younger brother was willing to go.

“Thankfully, the company who claimed our catalog worked out a deal and returned it to us without asking for payment. They wished for our success and triumph and could tell we had poured our heart and soul into these musical creations. That’s why we are standing on this stage, ready to deliver an entire album of new songs.”

The squeals and cheers of excitement ignite waves of applause, far and wide.

I swallow the lump in my throat while looking back at the others, seeing their reassuring expressions as they nod back in readiness.

“Why did I share this with all of you?” I decide to question. “I wanted this tour to be the beginning of a new era. To start fresh and let you all see the true lead singer of Blooming Salvation. To acknowledge the men behind me, who’ve not only gathered the courage to be on stage with me, despite the ridicule and wrongs done to them, but have backed me up and supported this stance.”

Peering back to Astraea, I give her a softened gaze.

“I’m tired of running. Of hiding as if I’m the mastermind in all of this when I was merely a victim. I’ll no longer cower from the challenges ahead. I’m going to face them head-on, good or bad.”

Seeing her loving smile blossom upon her gorgeous face makes my grin spread.

“So let me reintroduce myself,” I say loud and proud. “I’m Nathaníel Morelli of Blooming Salvation! ARE. YOU. READY?!”

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