Page 73 of Knot All Is Lost: Part 2

My underwear was ruined and even if I wanted to wear them again, they were soaked with my slick and scent. I wouldn’t be able to walk anywhere without someone scenting me.

Cleaned up as best as we could manage, the three of us left Marius’s office. Now here I was walking through the Capitol Building with no underwear on, making a liar out of me when I’d told Rafael I’d never do it outside of the house.

“I think we should go out to dinner to celebrate,” Nixon announced.

Upon everyone agreeing, my mouth went dry knowing I’d have to go bottomless. Thankfully, my skirt was plenty long enough and the fabric was thick enough that no one would know but the two people who looked far too pleased with themselves. Bodhi wrapped an arm around my shoulder when the others started to leave and I was still rooted to where I stood.

“Come on Cambi, most of the people should be gone by now,” he reassured me thinking that was my reluctance. “Nixon called and made a reservation at this amazing steak restaurant that is super hard to get into. They got us in right away and have a private room for us to use. Guess Marius being the leader of our country for now gets us some perks,” Bodhi added, grinning down at me.

Hearing this made me breathe a little easier, I wouldn’t be in a crowded room with people who might guess my secret. “That sounds awesome, I can’t remember the last time I had a steak.”

“You know who’s pretty amazing at grilling, Oscar. Never would have guessed it, the man isn’t so good with the stove, but you give him a grill and damn those are some of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten. He cooks a lot during the summer, so I’m sure you’ll eat more meat than you ever have before,” Bodhi said chatting along happily.

Spencer looked over his shoulder with a wicked grin telling me whatever came out of his mouth next would be filthy. “Oh, I’m pretty sure our Little Dove has already earned herself more meat than she thought she’d ever have.”

Nixon smacked him on the back of the head and scowled. “Not out in public, you never know when reporters might be listening in. That’s the last thing we need running around in the papers.”

“Fuck, you’re right,” Spencer said, looking chastised.

This time we didn’t take the limo, instead there were three blacked out SUVs that they split us between. Marius had me with him and Nixon, which meant Savo came as well, while the others were in the second vehicle.

“I’m sorry, this is going to be the new routine if I’m with you. All of you will have security details with you, but now that I’m the sole leader of our country, there are extra precautions,” Marius explained. “There will be some freedoms we give up but that’s a price I am willing to pay to help change this world for the better.”

“It’s fine Marius, it makes sense. If they lose you then there’s no one to handle things,” I agreed.

The restaurant was in an area I’d never ventured to before, but it was deep in one of the more well off neighborhoods my pack lived in. Security went in first and we were escorted right into the room we’d be eating in. People gawked as we passed, but many cheered and yelled their encouragement. Only a few people seemed unhappy but they kept their mouths shut, only glaring. I had a feeling those benefiting most from the deals with Yoram would be the most resistant.

“We are so honored to have you and your pack dining with us this evening, Official Stone. I’m sorry, I believe the new position is Head Speaker, my apologies. If you would give us the pleasure, my chef has asked that he might be able to prepare a special four course meal for you all,” a man in a fancy suit greeted us once we sat down.

Marius smiled at the man then looked at all of us. “Does anyone have an issue with that?”

“As long as we can still order our own choice of wine then I’m fine with that,” Rafael said with a smile.

“Of course sir, I’ll make sure to get you a full list of what we have to offer. Are there any allergies or other requirements our chef should know about?” the man asked.

Everyone shook their heads and with that the man gave a little bow and left the room.

“Can I just say that makes things so much easier,” Bodhi said with a sigh. “I couldn’t decide what I wanted and now I don’t have to make a choice.”

Laughter filled the room, and I couldn’t help but agree, not to mention I didn’t know what the things listed were. By no means was I a picky eater, I just wanted to know what it was I was eating. Drinks were ordered and salad was served before they left us in peace until the next course.

I cleared my throat nervously and used my spoon to clink my water glass like I’d seen in movies to get people’s attention. Instantly, I had all of their attention and I blushed. “I know today has been a big day already, but I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what I want to do in the future and I said I would share them with you when I am ready. After talking it over with Rafael and looking into classes I think I know what I want to do.”

“Tell me, Princess, I would love to hear what dreams you have for yourself,” Marius encouraged as he folded his hands on the table, giving me his full attention.

My gaze flicked to the others and they too were fully invested in what I was about to say. “There isn’t a degree or specific classes that will help me get to where I want to be, but counseling and social work of sorts are the closest Rafael and I could find to what I needed to spend time learning about.” I bit my lower lip only to stop instantly knowing better and shifted in my seat uncertain about this next part. “Marius, I know you said there were plans in the works for the Care Centers and what you wanted to change them into. If you haven’t already set things in motion, I have a plan I think might be the best solution to help Omegas as well as others who want to become a pack.”

Marius smiled and nodded for me to continue as he took a sip of wine.

“I know my education wasn’t normal, but I still believe they haven’t been teaching us Omegas what it truly means to have this designation. I want to change the Care Centers into something that helps packs learn how to be a cohesive unit, while also educating Omegas in their role. We need to change our perception of both pack life and structure, as well as including an Omega into the mix. Both have been looked down upon, manipulated, and misunderstood for so long that no one knows what it’s supposed to look like,” I explained.

Nixon nodded his agreement as he leaned back in his chair. “It’s true, our pack in fact was viewed as odd since we built it around an idea and people we felt a genuine connection and friendship with, instead of what value each person brought into the mix. Seeing so many packs that are formed purely for the advantageous nature, makes me wonder what their home life is like. Do they even really have a pack or just people who live in the same house tolerating each other? It’s also highly uncommon in recent years for Betas to be brought into the mix if they aren’t a lover of one of the Alphas.”

“I agree, so many people found it shocking that you guys took me in when I had nothing to offer, and at that point wasn’t with any of you,” Bodhi added.

“Re-education is going to be vital for this new era and I couldn’t think of anyone better to pave the way than our Little Star. She’s seen it all, the best and worst of the system as it is now. It would be interesting to work with already existing packs as well if they want counseling,” Oscar shared.

“I suppose this is when I should tell you Marius that I won’t be running for any of the Governor positions. I feel it’s going to best serve our people for me to work with Cambrie on this effort, offering counseling and support as Oscar mentioned,” Rafael announced. “But that is something we can discuss later. I believe there is more our Omega wishes to share with us.”

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