Page 35 of Knot Gonna Lie
Her smile faltered slightly. “I honestly don’t know where to begin. I’ve never had to think about what I needed…beyond what the station provided.”
The admission landed hard. I pulled up a clean note tab, keeping my tone casual. “Okay, let’s start simple. What kind of clothes do you like? Casual wear, formal attire, sleepwear?”
“Everything, I suppose.” Her hands fidgeted in her lap. “I want to look presentable—as part of your clan.”
“You’ll look beautiful in anything.” Seth’s voice came soft from across the table, full of warmth. “But nothing beats seeing your mate in your shirt.”
Elara blushed, fingers curling into the hem of her borrowed garment.
“But comfort should be your priority too,” he added more gently.
I nodded and continued scrolling through categories, careful not to draw attention to our new omega’s flustered state—no need to embarrass her further.
“What about nesting supplies?” I asked casually. “Blankets, pillows, scent-marking materials?”
Elara tilted her head slightly. “Scent-marking materials?”
Seth answered before I could. “Our company developed jewelry specifically for that—necklaces, bracelets, that sort of thing. They’re crafted with hyper-absorbent gems designed to hold a pack’s scent. Useful for omegas who need comfort or grounding—especially when their mates are away.”
“We’ve got some aboard the vessel for you,” I said, pointing to the list we’d kept ready for any omega in need. “A necklacewith matching bracelet. They’re yours—use them whenever you like, especially if you’re separated from the clan…or your pack.”
“Really?” Her eyes widened, absorbing every word like something entirely new. “I…I’m not entirely sure what else I need.”
The way she said it—small, uncertain—twisted something in my chest. Not because she lacked knowledge, but because no one had ever thought to give it to her. Another gap in her education we’d need to fill.
“That’s okay,” I assured her. “We’ll figure it out together. That’s what a clan does. We’ve got you.”
Hours later, the weight of solitude with our clan’s new omega hadn’t been part of my morning’s design—yet here I stood. Seth remained beside me like a silent sentinel as we helped shape the edges of her sanctuary, while the others flowed in and out through her chamber’s threshold like worker bees attending their queen.
With her nest now taking shape, it became clear how important every detail was to her. Not just soft. Not just functional.Hers.
I watched her move—fingertips brushing over fabric, adjusting the layering of pillows and blankets with quiet intent.
She wasn’t nesting aimlessly. She wasbuilding. Reclaiming space. Control. Comfort.
And I took note of it all. The missing pieces. The hesitations. The way she lingered on certain textures or shifted items that didn’t sit quite right. We hadn’t gone shopping yet, but this gave us the blueprint. Whatever she needed, we’d provide. She wouldn’t go without.
Maia and Stella directed the flow of containers with practiced precision, their voices weaving through the room as theydebated layout and symmetry. Tobias and Sylas moved the heavier crates, their banter a steady rhythm beneath the sound of fabric rustling and belongings settling into place.
The only one missing was our alpha, still finalizing our departure to Planet Tera—a seasonal refuge of lush jungles and crystalline shores. A place worthy of beginning the next chapters of our clan’s life together.
Our omega should want for nothing. That was my responsibility—and if I’d miscalculated anything, I’d fix it. Immediately.
Inventory had always been my domain. But I never imagined I’d be here, helping shape a nest for an omega—ouromega—while our clan moved around her like something sacred was unfolding.
Traditionally, betas didn’t get this close. Even being considered for a heat cycle was rare. Most alphas believed they could handle their ruts alone, unwilling to admit needing help—especially during something so intimate. For many, relying on another was seen as weakness.
Others simply didn’t trust anyone near their omega during such a vulnerable time. History had taught them why—enemy clans attacked when defenses were down.
Yet here I stood, beside Seth, surrounded by our clan—the only family I’d ever trust with her. All of us attempting to perfect this sanctuary into something magical.
“This shade of purple clashes with the emerald in my bedding,” Elara said with a small frown, standing before her nest like a painter studying an unfinished canvas.
Behind her, Maia unpacked bath products with practiced efficiency, while Stella sorted through scarves and soft fabrics, clearly in her element.
“Royal purple and lavender are in the next crate,” I said, tapping my tablet where I’d catalogued the latest additions.“Sky blue and turquoise came in with the container Tobias just dropped off.”
“They sound promising.” She picked up the offending violet pillow and tossed it gently toward Seth. “But this one’s not staying.”
