Page 22 of Knot All is Forgiven

I clear my throat.

"Anyways, I quite enjoy chamomile tea." I ruffle my hair awkwardly and look around the room. "Are you ready to go? I just have to put Dae in his carrier." Amusement flickers across her features, and the Omega nods in agreement.

Dae, the big asshole, fights me every step of the way, gifting me several raised red scratches. Jordan giggles as I wrangle him into the carrier, and he yowls at me the whole time. Eventually, we pile up in my car, with my suitcase, duffle bag, and annoying ass cat in the backseat.

The ride to the grocery store to get her car is awkward.

Scent matching as a whole is awkward.

There is a kind of magic to how we match with packs and mates. Scientists, of which I am one, overwhelmingly agree it has to do with biology and pheromones. That your body identifies your perfect reproductive partner in a scent match and your ideal family group in your pack bond.

But that can't be all it is.

And even if it is, man, it is so weird to sit next to a stranger who my body has told me is my soul mate.

Awkwardly, at that.

What do I say? Hey, it's going to be great getting to know you, and also, I have the inexplicable urge to tie your wrists to your ankles and bury myself knot deep in you? Also, how do you take your eggs?

Her car is cute, a small black and red thing that could never hold an Alpha. I wonder why not? She knew she was an Omega and was right about it, so did she never expect to get an Alpha?

I don't have time to ask. With a quick goodbye, she hops in her car and peels out. I struggle to keep her in my line of sight. "Should've gotten her phone number, Dae," I grumble.

"Mrow." Somehow, his meow sounds judgmental.

I can tell by the doorman at Jordan's condo that it will be nice, but nothing prepares me for that quiet, awkward elevator ride. The walls are lined with mirrors and gold accents. I have no idea where to look; her beautiful face is reflected on every surface. So, I choose to look down at my cat instead.

She must think I'm so weird. Is she upset about being matched with an Alpha like me? One who couldn't even find a pack?

I try not to linger on it. Like my momma says, I don't want to borrow worry. We'll get to know each other organically, even if this feels overwhelming. Isn't this how it always happens, though? You meet someone and boom, hello, we're meant to be.

"Here we are," she murmurs, opening the door to her unit. It's tasteful and high-end, with grey tile flooring and all-black fixtures. Beautifully bright paintings line the walls. I take a moment to inspect the one closest to me. The interior of a diner comes to life, with cracked red seats on the booth and abandoned milkshakes on the table.

"Did you paint this?"

"Oh," a deep flush fills her face, and she ducks her head, "yeah, I did."

"It's gorgeous."

"Thanks. It's just a hobby." We pass through the well-stocked kitchen, and I place my kettle and tea on the white marble counter, vowing to come back and find a home for it. She leads me into a bedroom that has not seen much traffic. It's lightly furnished with a navy blue nightstand with a gold lamp perched on top of it and ivory bedding. "You can make yourself at home."

Walking in and placing my things down, I can't help but feel a little disappointed that her place wasn't just a one-bedroom. I know that's presumptuous of me, but I can't help it. She fires me up in a way I've never felt before.

Dae screeches from his carrier, making me wince. "Uh, where is the litter box? And how do you want to introduce them?"

She chuckles. "I'll show you. Blush is probably hiding somewhere."

Her laundry room has a massive automatic litter box that looks like a spaceship. I eye it suspiciously. "I don't know if he's gonna fit in there," I say skeptically. Slowly, I open the door tohis carrier, pull him out, and place him in the box, soliciting another indignant meow from the angry orange cat. He seems to fit, though, and he jumps out and darts away.

"Do we need to supervise them meeting?" I ask her.

"Probably. I mean, I know we're supposed to." A loud screech from across the house rises up. "Yep, definitely should've."

We're darting to the source of the noise, and I think both of us expect Dae to have caused a problem. Instead, we find him cowering, a tiny, fluffy white ragdoll repeatedly bopping him in the head with her paw.

"Blush!" Jordan admonishes. The little thing looks up at her and then backs away before flopping down and casually cleaning her paws. Jordan squats down to pet the feline. "I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't that."

"Tiny but big personality. Reminds me of someone else I know."

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