Page 6 of Knot Happening

A lone Omega, with a lone Alpha, wouldn’t run into the same issue. An Omega’s heat is built for their bonds, or relationships. Their specific needs. If you’re only being exposed to one scent…you won’t need more than one Alpha’s knot. But let's say you spend a lot of time drowning in the scents of the same people all day, every day. Your hormones react to that.

Again, there are exceptions. Incompatible scents. Hatred. Heartbreak. Emotions can fuck with hormones and instinct.

My first heat would be the perfect example, if I weren't actively avoiding thinking about that Alpha-hole. But let's just say, we did fine without any added Alphas running in to satisfy me. One was enough.

Gah! Back to the task at hand.

I can do this job! I’m more than capable of flirting with strangers.

Of course, to make the kind of money I need, I’ll have to do a lot more than flirt. Which might work in my favor, honestly. Clients of Haze Instincts aren’t looking for a girlfriend or to bond, they only want to get off. Or chase away their loneliness. I know how that feels.

Sometimes when I was alone, to fight the boredom I would pretend I was an actress, that I wasn’t living this life, but instead I was just playing a role. I stopped after I learned that was a sign of trauma. Maladaptive daydreaming, I think it’s called.

The Alpha follows close behind me. Close enough that I can feel his body heat. I don’t get any bad vibes from him, just the sense that he’s interested in me. Bad judgment on his part. That's his first red flag.

“Have dinner with me.” When he speaks, his voice is a rough, rumbling sound that makes me shiver. I like that sound. I giggle, turning to face him once more, genuinely amused.

“You don’t even know my name. Or anything else about me. I could be a thief, or a criminal.” I prop my hand on my hip and smile at him. I’m both. Well, I’m a thief, which is a criminal. So, yeah, both.

The silver bracelet is burning a hole in my pocket as we speak, and I’m eager to take it home to my treasure box.

Don’t worry, I’m more of a Robin Hood sort of thief, but in this case, I’m the poor.

“You could be, but you seem much too sweet to be a criminal. And the dinner invite is to get to know you. You could tell me your name now, though? I’m Declan, if that helps you say yes.”

I shake my head at him and his boldness, but find him endearing, so I give him just an inch. I won’t let him take a mile. “I’m Tatum.”

I don’t spend much time flirting with strangers, much less in a sex shop. Most of my time is spent working. But I don’t mind this.

Don’t get me wrong, this is going nowhere. He’s still an Alpha, with the ability to shatter my poor little heart into pieces, so while I’m okay with a bit of flirting, this won’t go any further than that. I probably won’t see him ever again either, which helps.

“Tatum.” Fuck, the way he says my name, like he savoring the flavor of his favorite dessert. I shiver. “I like it. Suits you. So Tatum, dinner? I could take you out somewhere nice. Or we can get take out. Whatever you like.” He’s confident. Charming. Wildly handsome. I don’t think it even occurs to him that I might say no.

“As lovely as that sounds, I can’t. Thanks anyway.” I turn once again, not wanting to see the rejected look on his face, but Declan isn’t the kind of Alpha that gives up easily. He moves quickly, putting himself in front of me without touching me, demanding my attention with his massive muscular body one last time.

“Alright, Tatum. Can I get your number? So we can get to know one another, and if it’s still a no in a few weeks, I’ll take the hint.”

I snort and lift my brow at him. “The same way you’re taking the hint right now?”

He grins, but the look in his eyes is full of dark and dirty promises. He’s used to getting his way, probably especially with Omegas. “Fair enough, Little Omega. Fine. I’ll give you my number, and you can text me if you change your mind.”

I don’t point out that him giving me his number is still him refusing to take a hint.

Before I can even respond, he’s taking my hand in his and writing on my skin with a pen I didn’t see him pull out. I giggle again, shaking my head. Honestly, I might text him after this. Just for fun. He said if I say no in a few weeks, he’ll take thehint. Is there any harm in letting him shoot his shot until he gets bored and moves on?

“You’re persistent.”

“You’re entirely too beautiful to walk away from without at least trying to convince you to go out with me.”

His smile is alluring and draws me in a little too well. Jeez, I must be more lonely than I realized. I mean, Alphas try to flirt with me at the diner all the time, and I usually just deflect.

They never smell right. Their scents are always too strong, and not in a good way. Sometimes they remind me of rotten eggs or gasoline. Or their Alpha instincts are so dominant that my inner Omega cowers in their presence. I like when an Alpha takes charge, or I did once… Now, I’m not sure what I like.

Maybe I like to be chased or talked into it a little bit. Or maybe I’m just avoidant. I like that Declan wants to get to know me. That he’s willing to be told no, but doesn’t get aggressive. Just more playful.

Not enough to let this go further than flirting, but I’m not too proud to admit I enjoy his attention.

Sometimes, just the sight of an Alpha is enough to set off alarm bells.

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