Page 14 of Knot Happening Again

I nod, hauling myself to my feet. "Yeah, I think so. What happens now?"

"Now," Samantha says, leading me back to the lobby, "we process your application and start looking for potential matches. It usually doesn't take long on an omega's side of things—we'll be in touch within a day or two with some options for you to consider. You can come in and meet the potential packs and figure things out from there."

I nod, trying to ignore the flutter of anxiety in my stomach. This is really happening. I'm really doing this.

"And remember," Samantha adds as we reach the front desk, "you're under no obligation to accept any of the matches we suggest. If none of them feel right, we'll keep looking until we find someone you're comfortable with."

I manage a weak smile. "Thanks. I appreciate that."

The Scent Bar could learn a thing or two from this place when it comes to their policies on consent.

As I step back out onto the street, the late afternoon sun warm on my face, I can't shake the feeling that I've just set something in motion that I won't be able to stop. But as another cramp twists through my abdomen, I remind myself that I don't have much choice.

My doctor's words at my last visit come back to haunt me.

“It's not just about the suppressants being dangerous, Ophelia. Although they certainly are. This formulation was never meant to be used for as long as you have without letting yourself go through the recommended annual heat cycle. But if you continue to use them, eventually, your body will develop a resistance. And when that happens, the suppressants won't be enough to hold your heat back.”

It's clear my body has decided I'm going into heat, suppressants or no. So it's this or suffer through an agonizing heat alone.

And I'm not sure I can survive that.

I start the long walk home, telling myself not to get my hopes up. Nothing will come of this anyway. No alpha or pack in their right mind would want a damaged omega like me.

But as I climb the stairs to my apartment, I can't quite squash the tiny flicker of hope in my chest. Maybe this time will be different.

I let myself back into my sad little apartment, immediately heading for my nest. As I curl up among the pillows and blankets, I realize I feel... lighter, somehow.

But I've been burned too many times to truly believe things can change for the better. So I push the hope away, burying it deep where it can't hurt me. No use getting excited over nothing.

Still, as I drift off to sleep, I can't help but wonder what kind of alphas might be interested in a broken omega like me. And for the first time in years, I let myself imagine what it might be like to feel safe and cared for during a heat.

It's a dangerous thought. But as I slip into dreams, I can't quite bring myself to push it away.

CHAPTER 4

RHYS

Leon stands in front of the mirror in the foyer, straightening his tie as he prepares to leave.

"Are you sure you don't want us to wait until you're back?" I ask, unable to keep the hint of disappointment from my voice.

Leon shakes his head. "No, there's no need for that."

I sigh. "I just wish you and Maddox could come with us. It's just my luck that the agency finally called right as you had to leave for your fight."

"I know," Leon murmurs. "But Maddox had to fly ahead to prepare, and you know how important this match is."

"I know, I know," I grumble. "Go kick some ass. We'll hold down the fort here."

Leon chuckles. "Keep these knuckleheads in line. And call me as soon as you're done at the agency, okay?"

"I will," I promise. "Be careful, alright?"

I can't help but worry about him. Even more than I worry about the others. We may not be a couple, but it's not exactly natural for an alpha to be separated from his pack, let alone one he's bonded to.

That and Leon has been even more distant lately. Part of me is afraid it's the whole omega thing, even if he's saying he's fine with it.

"Aww, saying your tearful goodbyes?" Troy's voice cuts through the moment, dripping with mock disgust. "Some of us are trying to keep our breakfast down."

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