Page 40 of Forget

“One thing we don’t do here is put ourselves down,” Hollis says seriously. She’s probably about ten years older than I am, but gives me older sister vibes. She doesn’t put up with bullshit from anyone.

“I have back up plans for people who aren’t sure of what they want, Aisling. I’ve been matchmaking for a long time.”

As far as I know, she’s single, and something tells me it may be by choice. Hollis is a tall brunette, curvy, and has pouty lips that make me jealous. She also has a great rack. If women like her and I can’t find packs, then I don’t know what’s wrong with the universe.

“What’s the back up plan?” I ask as she flicks the lock to the front door and turns the open sign to closed.

“Let me choose a few packs for you to date,” Hollis suggests, gesturing to a seating area that’s filled with pillows and colorful blankets. Cupid’s Call is open and inviting, and I don’t see anyone else here but her.

I read somewhere that she was a one-woman shop. Hollis sets up all her appointments, runs the app, and updates her website as well. She has the business skills for it all, which amazes me because she is so good at it all.

My failed dating experiences are barred from all of this.

“It can’t hurt,” I say with a nod. “I have a few omegas I’d like for you to meet with next week. The Omega’s Haven has been launched for a few months, and it’s going well. However,no matter how many sex toys The Naughty Tote donates to us, I know more options are needed.”

“I’ve heard of the Naughty Tote,” Hollis says with a smirk. “I’ve ordered from there, and their toys are amazing. How did you get them to partner with you?”

“The brothers who run it are located here in Minneapolis, and Wren and I met with them right before we opened,” I explain. “Shaw came with us as our protection detail, which was fun, but they weren’t intimidated in the least which I appreciated. We just laid out the details of what was needed and why and they immediately agreed.”

“Did they say why they agreed?” Hollis asks, and I bite my lip. It wasn’t a secret, so I figure I can explain it.

“They started their business in the interest of catering to single and packed up omegas,” I begin. “There are toys for everyone, but their needs are all different. Some of their toys have very realistic knots that expand completely, and respond to an omega’s body during her heat. It’s not perfect, but it helps. They also have creams that have synthetic alpha pheromones to help soothe an omega during their heat. If things were different and I wasn’t already committed to trying out the system, I may say fuck it and use their products instead.”

Except, I’m terrified of being alone during my heat. That’s what it all boils down to now. I’ve never needed anyone before, so I hate to need someone now.

“You don’t owe me or anyone else anything,” Hollis snaps, making me flinch as I look at her. “You’re the most selfless person that I’ve ever met. If someone told you to lay in traffic because it would help an omega, I bet you’d do it, wouldn’t you?”

“Meh, probably,” I mutter. “I’m so focused on this project so other people don’t have to go through what Wren or I have. It’s never going to be perfect, but I want to be the place people go towhen they’re in trouble. Being invisible is almost as much of a curse as having everyone stare.”

“You’re too good for this world,” Hollis rasps, blinking rapidly. “I can see how you swayed the alphas at The Naughty Tote to work with you. What agreement did you reach?”

“We have a back area in the building where we decorated each room with a calming environment. Light blues and teals are what we painted the walls, with pops of yellows for the pillows. Each bed has curtains that can be closed completely, but there’s also a television with every type of porn imaginable. Toys, lubricant, and more are in the headboard that doubles as a secret cabinet,” I explain.

“The omegas who stay there can take whatever they use with them, and afterward, the rooms are cleaned thoroughly for whoever needs it next. The Naughty Tote said they’d deliver a new care package of sex toys every month.”

“That’s an omega’s dream come true,” Hollis says. “Horny, in heat, and just needing to fuck it out in a safe place. Fucking perfection, Aisling.”

A small smile emerges as I nod. “Each room has its own private bathroom, the courtyard is beautiful and fenced off. Every month we add something else until it has everything we can possibly imagine,” I say.

“The money from the fundraiser is going farther than I thought it would, especially with so many donating services. It feels like there’s not enough time for everything.”

“There doesn’t have to be,” Hollis says seriously. “You’re doing more than anyone else has done. The reasons why this is necessary aren’t pretty, but the Omega’s Haven is a work of art.”

Now I blink furiously to hold back my tears, and Hollis grabs a box of tissues for me.

“Aisling, you’ve thought of everything outside of actual alphas with knots,” she teases me.

“Um, actually…” I trail off, glancing up to see if she’s serious or not.

“Oh this is going to be good. Tell me,” Hollis says with a saucy grin.

Unused to her humor, I giggle as I wipe away my tears. “I’m going to the University of Lyons soon to chat with their host club next month. I have an appointment,” I say, blushing. “It’s a co-ed club with men and women who date and also, um?—”

“They fuck people for money, Aisling,” Hollis says, snorting as she sees my face. “God, it’s amazing that this is basically what we’re looking for without the payment part. Hmmm.”

“What?” I ask, mirth still in my features. “It’s a little outside of the box, sure. However, there are moments where anything less than a knot isn’t going to do the job. Ah, or so I assume. Maybe I can have a few of them on call since they’re not far from here for Omega's Haven.”

“That’s awfully progressive for a virgin,” Hollis says, eyes wide.

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