Page 7 of Knot Your Sunshine
"I'm not sure that's—"
"Josh." I use my head alpha dominance. "Show. Me."
He reluctantly swipes at his display, fingers moving like he's defusing a bomb. A new window opens. "I created a systematic approach based on my research into omega psychology and modern courtship patterns."
What fills the screen makes me want to put my head through the wall.
"Is that a torso?" I ask, though I'm afraid I already know the answer.
"A muscular alpha torso," Josh says, like that makes it better. "Omegas are biologically programmed to respond to displays of physical fitness."
The TikTok profile picture is a close-up of chiseled abs, cropped from chest to waistband. The username reads 'AlphaMagnate808.'
Keanu makes a choking sound that might be laughter or horror. "Josh, my man, I've literally seen that exact photo in ads for those sketchy testosterone supplements. You know, the ones that promise to make you an 'alpha god' in thirty days."
"It's aspirational," Josh defends weakly.
"It's sleazy," I grit out, then sigh in resignation. "Can you show me the messages?"
He winces and swipes to the next screen.
AlphaMagnate808:hey beautiful, I have an offer for you [Seen 3 days ago]
AlphaMagnate808:hello??? [Seen 3 days ago]
AlphaMagnate808:I can change your life [Seen 2 days ago]
AlphaMagnate808:you don't know what you're missing [Seen 2 days ago]
AlphaMagnate808:I know you're reading these [Seen 1 day ago]
I close my eyes and count to ten. Then twenty. When that doesn't work, I try thirty.
"Josh," I say slowly, opening my eyes to find him practically melting into his chair. "What exactly was your strategy here?"
He straightens, slipping into what Keanu and I call his 'professor mode', chin up, shoulders back, like he's about to deliver a TED talk. "A mysterious yet enticing approach. The shirtless photo establishes physical desirability, while the vague promises create intrigue. According to my research—"
"Your research told you to send creepy messages from a fake account?" Keanu asks, no longer hiding his amusement. "Bro."
"The academic papers were very clear about the importance of confidence and mystery in initial courtship approaches—"
"Academic papers?" I run both hands through my hair, probably making it stand up in all directions. "Josh, when was the last time you actually talked to a real person you were interested in?"
His silence stretches out, painful and telling.
I've had enough. Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands.
I pull out my phone, my fingers flying over the screen with the confidence of someone who's closed million-dollar deals with a text message. This is just another negotiation, another offer.
Well, except it's not, is it? This could change everything for us. No pressure at all, Noa…
My thumb hovers over the purchase button. A first-class ticket to Hawaii. Open-ended dates. No restrictions. Complete flexibility. My finger taps down. Purchased.
"What are you doing?" Josh asks, trying to peer at my screen.
"Going on the offensive," I mutter, already moving to the next step.
"Let me see," Keanu demands, abandoning the couch to look over my shoulder. Josh rolls his chair over as well, and suddenly I'm surrounded by my packmates, all of us staring at my phone screen like it holds the secrets of the universe.
