Page 45 of Knot Your Sunshine
"Interesting…" She leans forward, elbows on her desk. "So you need a contract that protects both your business interests and personal relationship with all of them?"
"Exactly. For the business side, I want to maintain control of my franchise concept regardless of their investment level. I don't want them overriding my vision just because they're writing checks."
"What kind of investment are we discussing?"
"We haven't talked specific numbers yet, but based on their resources and the scope of the project... millions."
She takes another sip of coffee, no reaction to the number. "That's substantial. What's your current revenue from your salon?"
"About eighty thousand annually from my single salon."
"So they're betting on significant scaling potential." No judgment in her tone, just assessment. "What makes them so confident?"
"They believe in the concept. Community-focused salons that create belonging, not just beauty services." I lean forward, finding energy in talking about my vision. "But I need guarantees that philosophy stays intact. I don't want my salons turned into soulless profit machines."
"Understandable." More rapid typing. "What percentage of equity are they requesting?"
"I don't think they want any equity at all."
Her fingers freeze mid-type. "They're offering millions with no equity stake? That's... highly unusual. But very favorable for you." She makes more notes. "Now, regarding the relationship aspect. What concerns do you have that make you want legal protection?"
"Well, their scents are... intense. Overwhelming." Heat creeps up my neck. "I'm worried we'll rush into something physical and lose perspective."
"Tell me more." She removes her glasses, cleaning them with a small cloth while she listens.
"I've dated alphas before. Never a pack, but individual alphas." I fidget with my blazer button. "They always say they love my ambition. Until they realize what that actually means. The late nights. Choosing work over pleasure."
"And then they expect you to change," Naomi says quietly.
"Exactly. And with these three, the physical pull is so strong I can barely think straight around them. If we get swept up in that,commit to each other, and then they realize they can't handle my lifestyle..."
"You're scared you'll lose both your business partners and your scent matches."
"Yes." I rub my eyes. "So I want to take things slowly. We've already agreed to use scent blockers. I want to see if they can handle my ambitions when we're all thinking clearly before we potentially take things further."
"Very wise, especially given pack laws in some jurisdictions." She puts her glasses back on. "Are you aware that in some states, cohabiting with a pack for ninety days constitutes implicit bonding consent?"
My jaw drops. "That's insane."
"Hawaii requires explicit consent, thankfully. But if you travel together to other states, different laws apply."
My mind drifts for a moment, imagining Josh, Keanu and Noa getting closer to my neck... biting me, claiming me on a technicality. Implicit bonding consent by law is terrifying, but the idea of them bonding me consensually…
"Ms. Everly?"
I blink, refocusing on the screen, blushing. "Sorry. It's very late. Or very early."
"No worries." She smiles sympathetically. "Everything's clear to me now, so let me summarize what I'll do if you decide you'd like us to work together. For the business terms, I'll draft an investment agreement with explicit operational control provisions. You retain all decision-making power regardless of their contribution level. All your intellectual property remains yours."
"Perfect."
"For the personal side, I'll create what I call a progressive intimacy contract. Staged consent protocols and exit options at each level."
"Exit options?"
"The ability to step back without legal or financial penalty. Too many omegas get trapped in bad situations due to legal technicalities." She studies me through the screen. "Have you been sexually intimate with any of them?"
My face burns. "No. Not yet."
