Page 14 of The Knotty Omega

I’ve accepted two non-offensive packs, smelling leather and musk, and another with pine and lemon. They’re perfectly acceptable.

At the second to last card, I pull it out and…

Oh.

The scent of…a fire pit. Toasted marshmallows. Peppermint. Coffee. Bourbon. Notes of vanilla and chocolate that just work together.

Dangerous.

That’s what this is. My mouth waters in a way that has nothing to do with hunger and find myself taking a second whiffas my perfume fills the air. Shit.

Bethany chuckles. “Do you like that one?”

I should say no. I like this too much.

I don’t want a real pack.

I don’t want a real pack.

I don’t want a real—

“Yeah, we can add this one too.”

Damn my needy omega brain!

Bethany has a small smile that she quickly covers up by asking if I want to scent the last card.

“No, I’m okay. Three is enough.” I shake my head emphatically. The last thing I need is for the last card to smell even more amazing.

“Okay!” Lanie says brightly, “We’ll note in the system that you didn’t scent this one, so if none of the packs are to your liking, we can start with them.”

“Okay.” I swallow and realize I’m still holding the damn scent card that threw my omega into overdrive.

Hastily shoving it back into its bag like it might attack me at any moment, I stand quickly and look between Lanie and Bethany. “What happens now?”

“We’ll call the packs and let them know they have a meeting. You’ll set some times with Christine up front that work for you and the packs will choose which time works for them. You’ll have an alpha escort pick you up and drop you off for your safety.”

I feel almost numb as I nod, and they escort me back to the front desk, where I let Christine know my availability, and by the time I’m back in my car, my heart feels like it’s going to pound out of my chest.

Pressing the button on my steering wheel that triggers the voice command, I say loudly, “Call Hannah.”

“Hey babe.” Hannah picks up on the third ring. “What’s up?”

Hannah’s been in the loop on everything that’s happened in the last week, and had been particularly excited about me going to the OMS. She’s wanted a pack for years, but hasn’t had any luck with them. No doubt she's one of the five omegas Bethany referenced.

“Just had my scent card appointment.” My voice is clipped with nerves.

“Oh shit! How’d it go?”

“I picked a few packs to meet with.” I don’t know why I’m being sparse on the details. Hannah knowseverything. She’s the one who bought me my first knotted dildo when my heat spikes starting hitting in college.

“And? Don’t be stingy! Did you find any scents you liked?”

“It’s not a real thing, Hannah.” I tell her, feeling suddenly defensive. “I’m not going to stay with any pack I find. This is just so I can keep my job.”

Hannah sighs. “I know you think that, babe. But would it be the worst thing in the world?”

“Yes.”

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