Page 11 of Knot From Around Here

“As nice as that sounds, I do like my independence. I can’t imagine sitting around all day with nothing to do.” Bella sighed at me in exasperation.

“Omegas do so much more than sit around Piper! You have to stop looking down on your own designation, it only makes it okay for others to do so as well! Omegas have a lot more power than meets the eye!” I listened halfheartedly, but as much as I tried, I couldn’t wrap my head around what came so naturally to other omegas. A text pinged on my phone, and I grabbed it from my bed.

“He’s here!” I quickly spun in my top and skirt, and Bella clapped approvingly.

“You look stunning! Now, get down there so you can go on your date! And maybe get a knot or two.” I rolled my eyes at her cheeky comment, grabbed my purse, and headed downstairs. The Omega House staff had a separate room for introductions between omegas and potential matches. The air was filtered and there were guards present. It all seemed so official. My social worker Callie ushered me into a room, giving me reassurances as we went. “Remember, your limit is four hours.” The doctors wanted me to slowly start exposing my body to alphas and pheromones while on suppressants. I was told a four-hour max time window would be best. Which was perfect - I didn’t think the date would go on for that long anyway. Callie brought me to the door. I took a deep breath and walked in. There he was - Aiden. He stood once I entered, and I noticed he was dressed up for the occasion.

“Normally we like the full pack introduction to be done here, but as Miss Miller has requested, she would like to start with you first.” I barely heard their words as I took in Aiden again. He was even taller than I remembered, his coppery hair full and wavy even as it was styled. He broke out in a grin as I headed toward him.

“It’s nice to see you again.” He reached out to offer his arm, and I blushed as I caught a whiff of his incredible scent. No air filter could get rid of it entirely. Luckily for both of us, I had been advised to double my suppressants so that I wouldn’t spontaneously spring into heat during our first official outing. Omega Social Services had been anxious about my upcoming heat, but more anxious about it happening without an alpha to help me through it. Between my doctor and Callie, I felt they were relieved that I was finally courting.

“Remember the house curfew! And four hours max!” Callie chirped as we walked out. Aiden and his pack were vetted and on the registry so I wasn’t worried they would do anything to harm me, but I still had to abide by the house rules.

As I curled my hand through the crook of Aiden’s arm, I felt something electric run through me. This was actually happening. He gave a wave to Callie. “Don’t worry, I’ll have her back in time.” He winked at me and led us out to the front of the building where a very nice,veryexpensive looking Rolls Royce was parked. I was momentarily confused when he led me to the passenger side before he opened the door to let me in. I realized it was the first time that a man opened the car door for me, and now I was feeling kind of pathetic that no guy ever treated me right before.

Aiden settled into the driver’s seat and started the car. “Piper, I know this is all new to you. Please don’t hold back if you have any questions about how all of this works.” I nodded as he drove us to dinner. “And for the record, I was thrilled to see that you matched with my pack.” I felt myself blush at his words. I had no experience being alone with any man this attractive in my life. How was I going to get through an entire date without being an awkward mess?

Dinner, as it turned out, was at a restaurant high up on the rooftop of a skyscraper. We stepped into an ornate elevator which was practically soundless as it brought us up higher and higher. I gasped when the doors opened to the restaurant, revealing a priceless view. There were floor-to-ceiling windows that gave us a panorama of the entire area for miles, filled with the sparkling lights of the city below. The hostess greeted us and had us seated at a table right next to a window, and I couldn’t help thinking that it was a place I never could have afforded in my old life. I caught Aiden watching me with pools of hunger in his eyes and righted myself.

“Order anything you want. This is one of the finest dining experiences in Haven.” I beamed when I heard him say those words that I had always dreamed a man would say on a date. When the server came around I did exactly as Aiden requested, and it didn’t hurt that the menu didn’t have prices next to anything. Otherwise, I would have picked the cheapest item out of habit. By the time our food arrived, our conversation was flowing easily and my nerves had all but disappeared.

“How have you been managing so far? I know you have a job, but have you been able to feel more at home here?” His eyes were hopeful, and I realized he was hoping I preferred Haven to where I came from.

“It’s been… an adjustment. Mostly the whole changing of my body and getting used to the rules here. But I have been making more friends. I just wish I could be out and about more often. I want to explore.” He nodded and watched as my eyes rolled back when I took a bite of the shrimp linguini I had ordered.

“Well, I can certainly help with that. And things will get a lot easier once you get used to being an -” He cut his words short and I realized he didn’t want to draw attention to the fact that I was an omega in public. Perhaps because I perfumed the last time we were together. For all anyone else could see, we were an alpha and a beta together on a date. I nodded, embarrassed to be talking about my biology. He cleared his throat. “So. What kinds of things do you want to explore?”

“Well, I do want to go hiking and camping, obviously. I also want to explore the city, the nightlife, and make more friends, not just be limited to the people who live where I am staying.” Aiden’s face lit up as I spoke.

“I like to go out myself. You know, it’s rare for someone of your designation to want to camp overnight in the woods.” He must have seen me react because he quickly spoke again. “It’s not a bad thing - in fact, I’d love to eventually make that a possibility for you, if you're okay with that. Maybe we could make a pack trip out of it.” Ugh, that pesky pack problem - I had been imagining spending a fun night under star-filled sky with just Aiden - now my fantasy changed to being squished in between three men, everyone fighting to be heard, having to take all these people’s wants and needs into consideration. I tried to stay upbeat about it.

“We’ll see how it goes.” I tried to give him a smile while we finished our dinner. Once the server brought out our dessert - a delicious-looking creme brulee - Adien watched me scarf it down in wonder. “It’s sogood!” I had heard of creme brulee but never imagined the texture and taste would be so incredible. A low sound rumbled and I paused, spoon halfway to my mouth. I looked up at Aiden who was again watching me like he wanted to devour me and not the creme brulee. Was hepurring? The noise abruptly stopped, and I made a mental note to research that further when I was back in my room. Aiden handed cash to the server and stood. I hadn't even realized the bill came.

“Are you ready for the next part of the date?”

“What’s next?”

“It’s a surprise. I think you’ll like it.” He walked over to help me stand, and I awkwardly took his arm again as he led me out of the restaurant. I suddenly understood why omegas were so obsessed with getting an alpha. If they did get this extra special treatment all the time, it would be easy to get addicted to it. Once we were back in the car, Aiden drove while I continued to take quick, secret glances his way. Even his hands were attractive. Big, sturdy, the type of hands that could do a lot of things… touch me in all sorts of places, hoist me up, reach into my most hidden spots. I figured I could fantasize a little bit since I took double the suppressants tonight. I had also used a descenter all over, so there was slim to no chance of entering heat early or perfuming. So I took in his jawline, his lightly bronzed skin - every inch of him was delicious. I let my eyes move a bit lower to his legs. Even his thighs were strong and taut, the muscle filling out his dress pants nicely. I wondered how big he was down there. Everyone said Alphas were well endowed, but exactlyhowwell endowed?

Suddenly my secret eye-fucking was interrupted when I saw twinkling lights outside the window. I looked over to see a large Ferris wheel and a multitude of carnival rides and realized we were pulling up to a night fair. “Is this the second part of the date?” I asked, trying not to get too excited. I always loved the fair as a kid, but Rob made fun of me for liking it as an adult. How could Aiden have possibly known I loved the fair?

“I take it you approve?” I nodded and beamed while he parked the car. “Good! I know it’s a little less flashy than the restaurant, but there are a lot of games, food, prizes-” I cut him off as I opened the door, eager to rush in. “I more than approve, I love it!” I spun in a circle as I took in all the rides and booths that surrounded us. It was a huge night fair, bigger than any I had seen before. I couldn’t wait to explore it.

“Alright then, let’s get you in!” Aiden laughed in his deep voice and reached for my hand. I paused for a moment, then reached back. Feeling his strong hand envelop mine made me feel so small and delicate. Another shock went through my system as my brain sent me waves of approval.He will protect. He will provide. Alpha.I shook my head, trying to ignore my biology and stay level-headed for the date. I still needed to feel him out, and if I approved of him - maybe I could get just him to help me through my heat. I wasn’t quite sure how things worked in this world, but surely there had to be some flexibility. I only wanted Aiden.

We walked in and browsed past the booths, stopping so I could play ring toss, pop the balloons stuck to a board, and then of course get cotton candy and ice cream. I was full from dinner but nothing was going to stop me from eating carnival food. Aiden seemed entertained by my enthusiasm, and I was just happy that someone enjoyed the fair even half as much as I did. He made sure to play a few games until he won, then handed me a stuffed bear. “For you,” he purred as he watched me accept his gift.

Every time he did something for me, my lower stomach clenched in desire. I had to keep my head on straight, or I might just go into heat in the middle of the fair. Even without the biological ticking time bomb, I was ready to jump Aiden and take my fill of him. These new hormones of mine were no joke. I hadneverfelt this horny before, and having a massive, insanely good-smelling man doting on me all night only made me realize how sex-starved I was. Luckily, he steered us to the Ferris wheel and handed over a few tickets so we could get a seat and a little privacy. Once we were settled in we slowly rose to get another view of Haven, this time with the added view of the carnival below.

“Are you enjoying yourself so far?” Aiden asked, but my mind was preoccupied with how close he was. We were side by side, and being near his warm body made me conscious of how much I wanted him. “Honestly, I’m loving this. I never had a date like this before.” I could see the pride swell up his chest at my words.

“If that’s the case, would you be open to meeting the rest of my pack soon?” The words barely left his mouth before I felt my chest deflate. How was I going to do this? I had no experience with that type of relationship.

“Well, how does it all… work? The pack, I mean. We didn’t have that where I came from. I mean, I know there are all types of relationships, but a pack is something I don’t quite get.” He nodded at my question.

“Sure. Dominic and Declan are people who I chose for my pack. I could sense deep down when we met that I wanted them with me for life, and I have complete trust in both of them. We came together over ten years ago. Since we don’t have an Omega we are still technically unmated in that way - meaning we can have relationships with other alphas, betas, and omegas unless we officially bring in an omega to our pack.” I tried to follow along.

“And so you all have been dating other designations this whole time?”

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