Page 15 of The Knotty Omega

“Listen, did you call me to bite my head off about the situation you’re in, or are you actually going to share the nitty gritty details?”

“Fuck, I’m sorry,” I sigh. She’s right. I called her, and now I’m being a bitch. So I tell her about everything, from the questionnaire, to Lanie and Bethany, and how I picked two non-offensive packs. When I get to the part about the last scent card though, she squeals.

“Do you think they could be scent-sympathetic?” She asks, her voice vibrating in excitement.

“Does it matter?” I ask dumbly. My omega instincts are practically screaming in the back of my head that of course it matters. It matters so damn much. But denial is more than just a river in Egypt.

“Listen, Cady,” Hannah sighs. “I’m just glad you might finally have someone to take care of you. Pack life doesn’t have to look like what your family tried to force on you.”

I really hope she’s right. But somehow, I doubt it.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Dear Knotty Omega,

Ever since we found out I’m carrying twins, my alphas have been unbearably…overbearing. Suddenly, I’m not allowed to walk anywhere in the house without one of them carrying me, one of them is always trying to feed me, and they ask me how I’m feeling every thirty minutes. I love them so much, but I need space. How can I get them to take a step back from the mother-henning without hurting their feelings?

Signed,

Feeling Smothered

I sigh as I read the newest in my inbox to be answered. Some of it…I hate to admit it, sounds kind of nice. Having someone there to care for you, make sure you’re eating enough…

My stomach rumbles in a reminder that I didn’t eat breakfast today. There has to be a balance though. Between how I’m living my life, and ‘Feeling Smothered’ is having hers run.

Dear Feeling Smothered,

Life is all about balance. It’s important for your alphas to feel like their omega is cared for, but that does erase your autonomy. I would call a pack meeting, and let them know that you love and appreciate all they do. However, you need some room to breathe. Let them know what you’re willing to compromise on. Maybe they only carry you up the stairs instead of everywhere. Maybe you pick one meal where they can go all out for you. But give them a list of things that would be helpful. Whether that’s a foot massage every night, or for them to bring you your daily allotted dose of caffeine in the morning, If you let them know the ways you would rather they channel their nurturing instincts, it will allow you to feel like you have some control, and give them an outlet for their anxious alpha energy.

Signed,

The Knotty Omega

“Miss Cady, are you ready?” The alpha bodyguard I’ve been assigned asks from the driver's seat of the car we’re in. The OMS sent him to pick me up from work for my first meeting and he’s been nothing but professional. He had introduced himself as Brennan with a curt nod as he showed me his OMS badge, plus he's courteous enough to wear scent-blockers. His dark suit and sunglasses seem a little over the top, but I suppose it’ll make unruly alphas think twice before messing with me.

“Yes, thank you.” I smile tightly at him before we both open our car doors and step out into the parking lot of the coffee shop I had chosen at random, The Snug Mug. The first pack we’re meeting is the one that has the lemon and pine scent, I believe.

The bell above the door of the coffee shop chimes as we step inside, Brennan close behind me.

It’s a cute shop, with comfy couches, fairy lights, and bookshelves lining the walls. It’s not very busy, seeing as it’s ten on a Wednesday morning, and the pack I’m meeting with sticks out like a sore thumb, all buttoned up business suits and stiff posture.

They immediately stand when they spot me, and I approach tentatively, feeling a little less nervous with Brennan at my back than I would have if I was alone.

There are four alphas, all of similar build and stature. It’s like someone hit copy and paste, tweaking a few things here and there.

“Are you Omega 3143?” The one furthest to the left asks. He has perfectly coiffed sandy blonde hair, gray eyes, and a kind smile. He’s by no means unattractive, but I don’t feel any sort of spark.

They might be perfect.

“Only my family calls me that,” I joke, and get a few blank looks in response until they realize I’m not serious and awkwardly chuckle. “I’m Cady, it’s nice to meet you.”

The first alpha smiles and shakes his head. “I’m Louis, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

The rest of them introduce themselves, as Tom, Carl, and Henry. They all have varying shades of sandy blonde hair, though Carl has green eyes versus Tom and Henry’s brown. They all look to be in their late thirties.

“Here, have a seat,” Louis says, pulling out a plush chair around the oak table they’ve set themselves up at. They’re scents wash over me, a completely unoffending mix of lemon, pine, orange, and rosemary. Louis’ nostrils flare as I take a step forward, and I suddenly remember I smell bonded.

They all settle in their seats and exchange a look. “I apologize if this is too forward…” Louis starts, “you smell amazing…but also bonded. Is there another alpha in the mix we should know about?”

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