Page 17 of The Knotty Omega

“You plan on…continuing to work? After you find a pack?” Carl asks, his eyes wide.

“Of course.” My brow furrows. “I’ve put in years of hard work to get my degrees, as well as a few internships to get to where I am now. I’m not planning on just giving that up.”

After that, the conversation just kind of…fizzles out. Brennan and I are walking to the car when he chuckles. “I think the one on the right was going to have a heart attack.”

I snort.

“Yeah, they aren’t looking for someone like me.”

“Do you have a list of those books you were talking about?” He asks suddenly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I think my omega would enjoy those.”

“The monster smut?” I raise a brow at him teasingly.

Red creeps up his neck as we continue towards the car. “Yeah. She’s a lot like you, actually. She’s been obsessed with that new fantasy game that just came out—”

“Oh! The Redemption of the Broken Sword?”

“That’s the one.” He nods, opening my car door for me. I told him when he picked me up he didn’t have to do that, but I suppose I can’t complain.

I slide into the back seat. “I think I have a few recommendations.”

***

Back at the office, I slide into my chair and toss my bag under my desk right when Archie passes. “Hey CJ.” He grins. “How was the meeting?”

I shrug, wiggling my mouse to wake up my computer. “Pretty boring. Didn’t get much for the article I’m working on.”

His grin widens, and if I didn’t know any better, I’d think he’d look…smug. But there’s no way he knows what I’m up to. I still smell bonded.

He carries on to wherever he was going, whistling a little tune.

CHAPTER EIGHT

“Delores, can you please make sure my calendar stays clear for saturday except the lunch I have scheduled?” I take my finger off the intercom button, awaiting her reply.

My secretary’s voice sounds through the speaker. “Yes, Mr. De Lucca.”

“Thank you, Delores.”

Work has been hectic the last few weeks with the launch of our newest tablet coming up, but it all takes a back burner to the fact that Pack De Lucca will finally be meeting Cady Jackman in two days. A thrill runs through my chest at the thought. Archie’s sister, Bethany, didn’t even have to pull any strings. Based on her answers at the OMS, our pack was pulled automatically and she picked us all on her own.

If that is not a sign, I don’t know what is.

Archie has shown me a few pictures posted on her social media profile and she is absolutely stunning. Before, when we thought we had no chance of meeting her, I didn’t want to see any pictures. I was afraid it would hurt too much. Now that we’re going to be meeting her in person, I thought it would be prudent to at least know what she looks like ahead of time.

A pulse of satisfaction rings throughout the bond with Archie, and my curiosity is piqued when ten minutes later, my phone starts vibrating.

He’s video calling.

“Hello,cucciolo,” I purr, holding my phone up so I can see my beta on the screen. He’s looking delicious today with his black waves pushed away from his face, a blue button up shirt and a tan cardigan. “Where are you, naughty boy?”

“I’m walking to my car,” he says in a low voice, and I can see the parking garage behind him. “Hold on.”

He slides into the seat of his car and holds the phone up so I can see him properly. “CJ met with her first pack today.”

“And?” I raise a brow.

“I’m pretty sure it was a bust.” He grins.

---