Page 75 of Knot Happening

"What about you?" I ask Theo. "Any concerns about solo time with our potential omega?"

Theo is quiet for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "I'm worried about intimidating her," he says finally. "You and Felix are easier to be around,because you both have natural social skills, know how to make conversation flow. I'm better at being part of a group where I can listen more than I talk."

"Belle specifically mentioned wanting to know our past,” I remind him. "She's going to want to hear about your military service, your transition to civilian life. Those aren't stories that need social finesse, Theo. They just need honesty."

"And she's not easily intimidated," Felix adds. "Did you see the way she handled herself tonight? The way she stood up to us when we were being presumptuous? Belle can hold her own."

I think about this, about the woman who faced down three alphas when she thought we were being manipulative, who helped a stranger through a panic attack despite her own fear, who agreed to consider something that terrifies her because she's brave enough to want more than safety.

"She's amazing,” I say quietly. "I still can't quite believe she's willing to give us a chance."

"We have to make sure we don't waste it," Theo says.

"Agreed. So what's our strategy? How do we approach dating?”

Felix leans forward in his chair, his expression growing more focused. "I think we should each plan something that reflects who we are, what we're passionate about. Give her a real sense of what life with each of us would look like."

"What do you have in mind?" I ask.

"For me? I'm thinking something creative. Maybe a visit to an art gallery or a cooking class. Something where we can create together, where she can see how I approach problem-solving and aesthetics,” Felix says.

"That sounds perfect for you," Theo agrees. "What about you, Marcus?"

I've been thinking about this since Belle first agreed to the dating, and the answer comes easily. "Something that shows her my work, my passions. Maybe a visit to one of our current construction sites, followed by dinner somewhere we can talk about our goals and dreams."

"She'll love that," Felix says immediately. "Belle is all about understanding people's motivations, what drives them. Showing her your work will give her insights into who you are that she can't get any other way."

"And you, Theo?" I ask.

Theo is quiet for a longer moment, his brow furrowed in concentration. "I'm not sure yet," he admits. "I want to show her that there's more to me than just security and protection, but I don't want to pretend to be someone I'm not either."

"What makes you feel most like yourself?" Felix asks gently. "Outside of work, what brings you joy?"

"Reading," Theo says after a moment. "Hiking. Quiet spaces where I can think."

"Belle loves reading," I point out. "Maybe something book-related? A used bookstore, or that little café that has the poetry readings?"

"Or a hike," Felix suggests. "Somewhere beautiful and peaceful where you can talk without distractions."

"Both of those feel right," Theo says, and I can see him beginning to relax as he considers the possibilities. "Maybe I'll give her options, let her choose what sounds most appealing."

"That's a good approach," I agree. "It shows you're thinking about her preferences, not just trying to impress her."

We spend the next hour talking through logistics, timing, how to coordinate our individual dates without overwhelming Belle or making her feel like she's being passed around between us. It's important that each interaction feels genuine and organic, not like some kind of scheduled evaluation process.

"We should probably space them out," Felix suggests. "Give her time to process each date before moving on to the next one."

"Agreed. And we should check in with each other afterward, make sure we're all getting a sense of how she's feeling, whether she's comfortable with the pace."

"What about pack time?" Theo asks. "Should we plan any group activities, or focus entirely on individual connections for now?"

"I think we follow her lead on that," I say. "If she suggests group activities, we're open to them. But the priority right now is helping her understand what a relationship with each of us would look like."

"This feels surreal," Felix says suddenly. "Six months ago, we were convinced we'd never find our omega. Now we're planning dating strategies with the most perfect woman we've ever met."

"Don't get ahead of yourself," I warn, though I'm fighting the same sense of disbelieving hope. "Belle is still figuring out what she wants. There's no guarantee this leads where we hope it will."

"But there's a chance," Theo says quietly. "For the first time in years, there's actually a real chance."

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