Page 23 of Knot Gonna Lie
Closing my eyes, I melted against the warm sanctuary behind me and drew in his steady, calming essence. The tension around us was suffocating—too many people, too many scents. Their anxiety bled together, draining me as five bodies hovered, trying to comfort and shield me all at once.
“I want to return to their ship,” I murmured. Instantly, invisible weight lifted from my shoulders, as if the others had been holding their breath awaiting my decision. “You know how deeply I want this.”
“And I won’t stand in your way if that’s truly your heart’s desire.”
“It is.” Nodding, I opened my eyes, meeting her warm brown gaze with unwavering certainty.
“Then I’ll arrange for your belongings to be gathered and sent to theParadise.”
“Once Elara is safely aboard my vessel, I’ll send betas to assist you.”
“I appreciate the offer, Alpha Coco, but only if they’re willing.” Quinn stepped back, her demeanor shifting to pleased approval. “I don’t want to burden your crew.”
“It won’t be a burden,” Jaxom chimed from his position at the table. “I’m more than willing to help.”
“Me too,” the medic added with a quick wave. “I don’t have pressing duties now that we’ve completed our delivery, and I’m certain Elara will want her belongings as soon as possible once the claim is made.”
“I definitely don’t want to be on that ship when it happens.” Xavier crossed his arms, theatrical disgust painting his features as he stuck out his tongue. “This room already reeks of her approaching heat and your mutual need. Hopefully by the time we return, you’ll have finished so things can settle down.”
“Once she’s marked, I can escort you both back to your ship,” Quinn said, her gaze sharp as it settled on the male behind me. “Then I’ll take your three betas to her cabin. No one’s allowed in the omega chambers without a proper escort or a valid reason.”
“I’d love that,” I interjected, stepping forward with sudden urgency. “It gives me precious time with you before I have to…”
“It’s okay, Elara.” Quinn surged forward, her caretaker instincts overriding my alpha’s claim and the watchful crowd as she cupped my cheek, locking our gazes together like an unbreakable promise. “We knew this moment would arrive eventually.”
“I know,” I whispered, voice catching on unspoken grief. “Being prepared for something and living it are entirely different creatures.”
“I feel the same.” She sighed, understanding flowing between us like shared breath. “Believe me, I know. We’ll navigate this transition together, and regardless of what comes, we’ll remain bound as friends.”
Exiting The Den’s inner chambers and navigating through the crowds to the hangar felt like walking through a gauntlet of judgment. Between those who offered congratulations and others who sent daggers of resentment our way, I was desperate to escape the spotlight and find sanctuary within theParadise’sprotective walls, away from prying eyes and whispered speculation.
Quinn walked slightly ahead of my alpha and me, with my new betas flanking our sides like silent sentinels. I doubted anyone would dare approach us and start trouble, but after Quinn’s warnings about the resistance she’d faced on the arenafloor, uncertainty gnawed at my confidence. I was grateful they took precautions, even if I resented needing them.
Would this become my reality once mated and away from the station?
Before I’d matured into an omega, life on Earth hadn’t been glamorous, but I’d never needed escorts or bodyguards. I’d been capable of venturing into public alone—shopping, playing in the fields with neighborhood children, existing without constant vigilance.
Had I viewed those memories through rose-colored filters, never noticing how adults truly behaved? Non-gendered persons were often invisible unless they came from wealth or power. Unmated omegas in public were unheard of—they were whisked straight to Syzygy Station. And bonded ones never ventured into my humble neighborhood. They existed only on screens and in passing conversations, like mythical creatures from distant realms.
The Elders had painted bonded life beyond these walls in golden hues, giving us dreams to chase. But I was beginning to wonder if their stories were truth or beautiful lies meant to comfort.
Only time would tell.
We halted beside a sleek merchant vessel, clearly one of the newer models gracing the hangar. It was an elegant display of both wealth—but power. No one would dare challenge Coco Pharma’s ship with the arsenal of weaponry it displayed like deadly jewelry.
I wondered if such protection was necessary—and how often they encountered pirates during deliveries.
“This is her,” Xavier announced with obvious pride. “Isn’t she a beauty?”
“She’s one of the most stunning ships here,” I replied, squeezing my alpha’s hand with genuine admiration. “I suppose you need to fly the finest if you’re delivering the finest.”
“Damn right,” Xavier agreed, nodding in my direction with approval. “You can’t arrive in something run-down, or clients assume you’re peddling counterfeit goods. People love selling fakes for quick credits these days.”
“I wouldn’t know.” A small laugh escaped me, feeling suddenly out of my depth. “We aren’t told much about what happens beyond the station. Only when it’s deemed important.”
“You have nothing to worry about, Elara.” Quinn shot a sharp glare at Xavier, then my alpha. “Focus on surviving your heat and gathering your pack. After that, your clan will handle politics and business.”
“I’m not some decorative trophy, Quinn,” I countered, spine straightening with defiance. “You know I want to learn about my clan’s work and contribute, even if it’s office duties behind a desk within our home’s safety.”
