Page 28 of Knot Happening

Pretty little thing, that Omega. Watching her skitter off like a startled mouse doesn’t ruin her charm, either. Her hair is long and blonde. When she smiles, little peeks of dimples show. Her lips are pink and full. Plump.

Being here, in this place, was a risk. They use some kind of scent blocking central air system. That doesn’t stop the scents of every person in this place from hitting me like a bomb.

I’m not used to being exposed to so many fucking scents. I’ve spent a long time suppressing my instincts. Only using them to my advantage.

The sweet Omega, Tatum, made me feel something I haven’t felt in a long time. Well, I can’t remember ever feeling like this.

She’s cute. Intriguing. I usually feel nothing more than disgust or simple indifference.

I saw her walk in on the day they did orientation, and at that time, I didn’t really care. Sure, she is pretty to look at, but so are a lot of Omegas.

I normally wouldn’t be in here like this, but as I watched from the alley across the street, I saw her walking in. Caught her faint scent of vanilla and blueberries and couldn’t help myself. I just wanted to know what her voice sounded like. All I hear all day long are men. If I do hear the softer voice of a woman, she’s usually terrified.

I wouldn’t normally give into such a temptation, but I have been losing my mind a lot more lately. I think it’s my uncle. I follow his instructions. Every demand. I am his soldier. His deadliest weapon, but he’s been focusing more and more on trafficking. Something that I just can’t allow. He must know I’m the one responsible.

Something to ponder later.

Tatum…I like her, I think.

It’s time to get the fuck out of here, though. I drop some cash on the bar top, because I amallegedlya murderer, but I am not a thief.

Once I’m back outside, I head for the motorcycle I stashed in an alley across from the club.

I think I might have discovered another way in. One the Hayes brothers won’t see coming.

Tatum

After I followed Dream back out onto the floor, I looked for Everett, but he’d left. Which is for the best. I’d wanted to see him, but also… I acted like a crazy person and then ran off with his beer.

But now I do need to check my laundry, so I head down to the basement. The load of delicates I’d run is finished, so I tossthem in the dryer, and set it to low heat. It’ll only take an hour to finish, so I should probably get back upstairs to talk with Declan. Maybe he won’t be in his office, and I can just drop the bracelet and run.

I need a minute to myself first, to gather my courage. There’s a door that leads outside from the laundry room, but it’s always locked, unless someone’s outside, then we prop it open until the break is over. We’re not supposed to go out here alone, but I just need a second.

I’ve noticed my coworkers often come out here for their breaks, when two or three of us are on break at the same time. Some smoke, while others just want to be outside in the night air.

As soon as I step outside, though, I see him. Declan. His eyes are closed, and he’s tipped his head back against the brick of the building, where he stands at the foot of the stairs that lead up to the alley behind Haze. The brightness of the moon reflects off his skin while the rest of the area is shadowed, and I wonder if he’s really as in control as he always seems. I hide my hands behind my back, just in case.

“Can’t escape it,” he grumbles, takes a deep breath and then spins. He pulls up short when he sees me. “Tatum…” He’s surprised, obviously, but doesn’t look bothered by my interruption.

“Laundry day,” I explain, but I can see he’s taking in the sight of my waist high black jeans and corset. “Also thought I’d use the time to observe, but didn’t want to stick out.”

“You stand out no matter how you dress, Tatum.”

I glow, because that sounded like praise. My silly Omega heart took it as praise, anyway.

“So do you, boss. Why are you out here?” I stand beside him, wishing, not for the first time, that he wasn’t always wearing scent blockers.

“There's a persistent scent in my office that I can’t seem to escape,” he chuckles, shaking his head. “Starting to think I’m imagining it.”

“Ah. Have you lit a candle?” I offer teasingly, and he snorts, a smile tugging his lips up. “Downloaded another dating app,” I randomly blurt, heart rate kicking up when he turns his full attention to me.

“Oh?”

“It would seem that I’m lonely and miss flirting with this weirdo Alpha I met at a sex shop a couple of weeks ago.” I shrug. Not entirely sure why I’m bringing this up to him. Maybe I just want to hear him say he misses it too?

“Ahh, I bet he feels similarly. You’re a dazzling Omega. You’ll find someone to fill that void with little trouble.”

“I don’t think I will. There’s only one Alpha I want to message. He’s off limits. Doesn’t fraternize with his employees, apparently.” I wrinkle my nose at him, making him grin again. I like making him smile.

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