Page 1 of Knot For Keeps

ChapterOne

Lavender

Life at a Haven was many things, but it was never boring.

“He offered me a mansion, like that would make up for his blatantly rude behaviour?” Fawn sighed, running her hands gently over her impossibly neat blonde curls. She never had a hair out of place, it was infuriating.

We were sitting around the counter in our dorm’s common space, an open bag of pretzels between us while we lamented.

“My last offer didn’t include any property, not even a pack house! The pack was living with their parents and said they were going to wait and see if Ideserveda family home; after I had been their omega for a few years and given them sons of course.” I scrunched my nose at the memory. I had a habit of attracting the less-than-stellar packs. Then again, my misfortune was nothing compared to Fawn’s.

I could understandmebeing rejected or judged. I looked like I had just come out of a flea market; being adorned with numerous gold rings and necklaces, alongside my wild brunette waves with the ends dip dyed a patchy purple. Despite the messy nature of my chest-length hair, I was still pleasantly surprised at the outcome of that three-in-the-morning impulse decision.

I tended to wear mismatched clothing, whatever was comfortable as well as bright and fun - rather than adhere to the latest fashion trends that just wasn’t my style. I was currently wearing leggings and a large flannel sweatshirt that probably belonged to a giant once upon a time given its size.

Fawn on the other hand was flawless, she always looked pristine. Her style was sleek and classy, like a genuine princess. She wore delicate, expensive jewellery and almost always wore heels. Both polite and respectful, she was the model omega and I was baffled she hadn’t been snatched up by a pack already, despite all the big packs being attracted to her.

She had been in talks with the last three or four big money, old-school wealth packs that had come through the Haven, but it never seemed to work out. Her last potential pack had looked like it was going to, but two days after leaving with them she returned, oddly silent and resigned, unwilling to talk about it.

“You know…” Fawn grinned, lifting a handful of pretzels to her mouth. She wasn’t even being careful about crumbs, a surefire sign she was still stressed. “You could always go onDate an Omega.”

I laughed, taking another pretzel. “I don’t think I’mthatdesperate just yet.” I grabbed a small throw pillow off a nearby bar stool and lightly tossed it at her perfect face. “I’m no spinster yet, and let’s face it, a pack needs to see allthis-” I waved my hand dramatically, gesturing across my whole body, bunny slippers and all, “- before they make an informed decision.”

Fawn just laughed, not a hair out of place despite the projectile. “It’s not for me, either, but you never know!” She glanced down at her watch. “Shoot! I have to go.”

Another part of her ladylike demeanour? Fawn refused to cuss. I, however, loved it.

“Pack meeting?” I asked casually.

“No.” Fawn grimaced. “Meeting with the Haven lawyers about the pack I went home with. We’re still dissolving a lot of the contracts and frankly it’s a mess.”

“Oh no, that sucks. If you need anything, just pester me!” I knew she hated confrontation. Typical Libra.

“Haven't you got a call with Archer tonight?” Fawn asked, raising her eyebrow. “No disaster could pull you away from that.”

“I do!” I couldn’t help but grin. Archer and I had struck up a conversation a few months ago and became fast friends.

“Then you better get going. You really need to introduce me to this alpha, I can’t believe he wasn’t on my roster. I thought I had every pack on my roster.” Fawn frowned.

“Perks of being a Haven princess? Having every pack at your disposal?” I asked.

She sighed deeply, dramatically resting her hand on her forehead. “It’s the burden I bear!”

I snorted. “A burden you must carry alone. Now go, get to your meeting!”

“Okay, but I wanna hear more about Archer, it’s beenmonthsand you’ve hardly told me about him. I want to know more about the alpha that’s caught your attention!”

“Mine!” I tried to growl playfully, but broke into a fit of laughter instead.

* * *

Once in the safe confines of my nest, I piled a bunch of my favourite plush soft pillows against a wall to use as a back rest. My nest was where I felt calmest, all omegas made their nests comfortable and safe. Tapestries decorated every wall and soft fairy lights gave the space a dim glow that just made me feel at peace.

Quickly swiping through my tablet I deleted any notifications that weren’t relevant and opened the video call app. Archer and I spoke via text most days, but after a few weeks of messaging he had suggested a video chat and I decided to go for it. I was so happy I did. We got on like a house on fire and the video calls had been a weekly thing ever since.

* * *

THREE MONTHS AGO

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