Page 12 of Knot His Omega
I hesitate. “How old were you when she died?”
“Umm…seven. Yeah, seven. She was in a car accident—she died on impact. It was hard, but it got easier as I got older. My dad helped a lot. He always made sure I knew how much she loved me and how much he loved me. He still calls me at least once a week to tell me he loves me.”
“That’s sweet.” I frown. “I wish I would’ve called my ma more often to tell her I loved her.”
“She knew. They always do. You’ll always wish for things to be different, but you can’t change the past. All you can do is move on into the future. That’s what she would want for you.”
I chuckle, finally bringing my gaze back to her. “I’m aware—she told me as much. Can I tell you a secret?”
“Oh, I love secrets. Please do.”
“Okay, but this has to stay a secret—at least for two weeks. You can tell your pack, but no one else.” I don’t know why I’m trusting a stranger with this information, but she doesn’t feel like a stranger. When she nods, I continue. “I was on a reality dating show called?—”
“Heated!That’s why you look so familiar.” Alora grins up at me. “I love that show.”
“Of course you do. I got the phone call that my ma was sick—apparently she’s been sick for a few months, but she didnae want to worry me. She’d taken a turn for the worst and was in the hospital. I tried to leave right then, but he told me no because that’s what my ma said to tell me. A few days later, he called again to tell me I needed to come straight home.”
She lifts her hand to her mouth. “Oh, no! So you had to leave Bree behind!”
I nod. “I did, but that’s okay. We weren’t meant to be. I think we both knew it, but weren’t ready to admit it. This happening forced us to admit it. But that’s the first thing my ma asked me about. I think she was hoping she’d get to see me mated before she passed.”
“But she didn’t.” Tears sparkle in Alora’s eyes, making her even more beautiful. “That’s so sad.”
“Yeah. I always hated to disappoint her, but this hit harder since I knew she wouldn’t be alive to meet my mate if I ever meet her myself.”
“You didn’t disappoint her,” she says vehemently. “She wouldn’t have wanted to see you settle for someone who isn’t right for you. She might not be able to meet them, but I like to imagine that our loved ones still get a front-row seat to our lives even after they’re gone. That way, I know my mom gets to see everything I’ve accomplished. I don’t like to brag, but it’s been a lot.”
I laugh again. “I like that idea. That way, even if she doesn’t get to meet her, she’ll get to see her. And really, how much can you have accomplished at the ripe old age of twenty-five?”
“You doubt me?” She pokes me in the side with her free hand, still smiling. “I graduated high school two years early. Istarted college at sixteen and got my bachelor’s when I was nineteen. Then my PhD when I was twenty-three. And met my pack when I was eighteen—just a few months after I revealed as an omega.”
I ignore the mention of her pack. I don’t want to think about that right now. Especially since that means she’s been with them for seven years.
“I’ll admit that’s impressive. I didnae get my MD until I was twenty-eight.”
“You’re a doctor?”
“I’m a psychiatrist, but aye, I’m a doctor. But you knew that, didnae you? I thought you said you watchedHeated.”
She shakes her head. “I did know that. I just forgot. A sexy doctor with a Scottish brogue. I don’t understand how you’re still single.”
I shrug, ignoring the way her words make me flush. “I couldn’t tell you.”
“I guess they just didn’t know what they were missing. It’s okay. You’ll find the omega for you.” She pats my arm, and my stomach drops.
I have to get my shit together.
She has a pack—of course she’s not interested in me.
All she needs me for is to get her back to her pack, and I’m damn well going to make sure that happens.
Chapter Five
FINNEGAN
“So you’re some kind of genius?” I ask her.
We’re almost back to the parking lot, and I really hope her pack is there. I need to get away from Alora as soon as possible.
