Page 57 of The Knotty Omega

Dear Sharing is Not Caring,

Step number one: Invite yourself over and ask your friend if you can test drive her alpha.

Actually, don’t do that.

Your friend is likely seeing how idyllic your life is with your pack and is thinking that she wants to experience what you do. It can be hard to be a beta when traditional minds do not think they belong in packs. That does not excuse her behavior though.

It can be just as difficult to be an omega, and to constantly juggle the expectations of society while also trying to stay true to yourself.

Sit down with her and explain to her that packs are instinct, and that her and her alpha are simply not pack. For you, or for your alphas. There are plenty of pack mixer events for people to try and build their packs, or you could suggest that she build her pack herself, one member at a time.

Above all, tell her that you only want the best for her, and while your pack seems like a good choice at the moment, your alphas are actually flat-earthers. That should scare her off.

Signed,

The Knotty Omega

***

The sound of Hannah’s squeal has me pulling the phone away from my ear. “Oh my god, Cady, you got a tattoo?! And your alpha gave it to you?”

“Yeah, I told you, remember? He owns Industrial Ink.” I smile as I look down at my tattoo, the splashes of color behind the book and dragon making it seem so whimsical. It’s like I have a piece of Ollie wherever I go.

Everyone at work today wanted to see it too, and I’m glad my office is lax on their tattoo and piercing policies. I'm seriously considering asking Hannah to dye the ends of hair purple, like in an ombre effect.

The rest of the guys loved it as well, praising Ollie's artistry and how it makes me look "dangerous" and "sexy". I could only snort, but I sure as hell accepted the multiple orgasms that came after.

I’m lounging on the couch in the upstairs den, it’s the first time I’ve had the house to myself since I moved in. Well, except Titus, but he doesn’t count because he doesn’t interact with me anyway. Ollie’s working late, Simon has an overnight shift, and Mattie and Archie are on their weekly date. They tried to get me to come with them, but I declined, knowing they still need time for themselves.

“God, you are so damn lucky, Cay.” She doesn't sound angry or jealous, just wistful.

“Hey, you’ll find your pack, Hannah-Banana.” I tell her softly, using my old nickname for her.

She only snorts. “I don’t know. It feels almost impossible at this point. Maybe I’ll go on one of those pack finder websites.” They aren’t as safe as the OMS, but they also aren’t as expensive for the packs that register.

“Let me know if you do,” I tell her, before my phone beeps and I check my screen. “Oh, Wren’s calling. Should I patch her in?”

“Yeah, I could use a dose of her cuteness,” Hannah sighs.

“Hey, I’m cute.” I pout before giggling and pressing the button to merge the calls. “Wren! Hannah’s on the line too!”

“Hey ladies!” Wren chirps, “Brennan says hi too.”

“Hi Brennan,” Hannah and I call out.

“I hope I’m not interrupting an important call,” Wren says, sounding a little anxious.

“Not at all, babe,” Hannah reassures her. “I was just telling Cady how I might sign up for one of those pack finder websites.”

“If you do, I’ll volunteer Brennan to escort you so you’re not by yourself,” Wren says confidently.

Then we hear a voice in the background go, “Hey, what about me?”

Wren scoffs. “Ethan, you know I love you but when my friends need help hacking into their ex’s bank accounts, that’s when I’ll volunteer your services.”

Hannah and I snort. Ever since we had our girl’s night before I met my pack, we’ve had a pretty constant group chat going, but this is our first three-way phone call. I could get used to it.

“Anyway,” Wren says, drawing out the word. “I wanted to see if you guys wanted to hang out tonight? Girls night and all that.”

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