Page 27 of Knot Your Karma
“Actually, that went better than expected. Sage didn’t expose me. She played the helpful dealer and told Declan exactly where the compass is.”
“She what?”
“It’s with some collector in Newport. Sterling Ashworth. Sage is going to arrange a meeting.”
“Wait, so you might actually be able to get it back?”
“Maybe. If this Ashworth guy will sell. If we can afford whatever he wants for it. If I can keep pretending I’m just a helpful antique expert instead of the person who put it on the black market in the first place.” I drain more of my coffee, letting the warmth spread through my chest. “You know, small details.”
“And meanwhile you’re falling for the entire pack of men who are trying to recover it.”
“Yeah. That about sums up my life right now.”
Destiny is quiet for a moment, swirling her coffee thoughtfully. “Okay, but can we talk about the fact that your omega instincts are responding to all three of them? Well two. Because that’s actually kind of significant.”
“How so?”
“Well, when was your last heat?”
I nearly spit out the last drops of my coffee. Fire climbs up my neck again. “Destiny!”
“What? It’s a legitimate question. Being close to heat affects who you’re attracted to.”
When Destiny mentions heat cycles, my hand automatically goes to my neck, fingers pressing against the scent glands I’ve been ignoring for months. They feel... different. Warmer. “I’m not close to a cycle. My cycles are still irregular because of stress.”
“Exactly. Stress messes with heat cycles, but it can also make them unpredictable. What if your omega instincts are trying to tell you something about what you need?”
“Like what?”
“Like maybe one alpha isn’t enough for you. Maybe you need the stability of a pack.”
I consider this, the empty coffee mug warm between my palms. “You think my broken biology is making me want multiple partners?”
“I think your biology is working exactly like it’s supposed to. You just haven’t had good options before now.”
“Blake made me feel like I was auditioning for the role of girlfriend every single day. Like I had to earn the right to be wanted. These guys...” I touch my neck where Reed’s scent still clings. “They make me feel like wanting me is the easy part.”
“Which is often the first step to something deeper.” Destiny leans forward, her dark eyes serious. “Karma, when’s the last time you felt excited about someone? When’s the last time you felt wanted?”
“It’s been a while.”
“Blake made you feel like you had to earn affection. Like you were lucky anyone wanted you at all. These men are making you feel like you’re worth pursuing. That’s a good thing.”
“Even though I’m lying to them about stealing their family heirloom?”
“That’s... more complicated. But the attraction part? The omega part? That’s healthy.” She reaches across the table again. “Besides, you’ve got bigger problems to worry about.”
“Like what?”
“Like the fact that you’re about to help them track down a compass you’re the reason they lost. And if they find out the truth...”
“If they find out the truth, I’m screwed. Completely and utterly screwed.” My stomach clenches at the thought, and I have to breathe carefully to keep from panicking.
“Then you better hope this Ashworth guy is willing to sell.”
“I should get home. Tomorrow’s going to be complicated enough without staying up all night worrying about spontaneous combustion from too much attractive male energy and unresolved sexual tension.”
“Good plan. But Karma?”
