How is this my life right now?!
And once we get her all alone, I know she’ll instantly fall for us.
I know I already have.
That soft blonde hair, those pink lips and dark eyes—I was gone the second she stepped into that spotlight.
“Pack name goes here?” Knox asks, tapping the bottom of the next piece of paper.
The beta barely looks up from his spot on the other side of the table. His hair is slicked back and his eyes are dull. He looks bored out of his mind. “Yes. Mr. Romner.”
Knox straightens with a quiet grunt, stretching his back like it’s been hours since he moved. He hands over the form to the bored-looking beta. He has ink-stained fingers and zero sense of urgency.
Dakota lets out an exaggerated sigh beside me, then scrubs his face with the palms of his hands. He looks like he might die if he has to wait even one more second.
I know how he feels.
“Why is thereso muchpaperwork?” Dakota says to me in a hushed tone. “We already paid. Shouldn’t that be the end of it?”
The bored beta immediately speaks up, voice flat, like he’s giving a well-rehearsed speech, “Your omega is registered through an official academy. In order for herto look like she’s legally acquired, then all her records have to be completely redone with your pack’s name. You’re not buying a stray. You’re assuming legal and permanent ownership.”
Dakota blinks, stunned. “Oh.” He glances over at me, eyes wide. “I didn’t realize it’d be this... official.”
“It isn’t usually,” the beta says, clearly used to dealing with restless packs. “We rarely get omegas that are fully documented. But it means she’s recognized by every registry in the quadrant. You’ll be able to take her out in public and show her off. Not every pack gets that.”
I shoot a look at Knox, but he’s still completely focused on the last form—brow furrowed and lips pressed into a thin line. I grin anyway—someone has to.
I can’t believe this is actually happening!
After several more swipes of his pen, Knox finally flips the folder closed with one hand. “Done,” he says as he places the pen on top. Glancing over, he meets my eyes, then Tadeo’s, a small smile tugging at one corner of his mouth.
“They’re processing the claim now,” the beta says. “She should be ready shortly.” He looks at a sizable red velvet tent not far away.
Dakota straightens like he’s been shocked. “Right now? Like, we’re gonna meet herright now?”
Knox snorts softly at his question as the bored beta behind the table nods.
I can’t help but laugh. “Better fix that face, little man. Don’t wanna scare her off.” I ruffle his short hair.
Dakota shoves my shoulder, a crooked smile filling his face despite the nerves flashing behind his eyes. Tadeo stays quiet, jaw tight, staring at the ground like he wants to crack it open and see what’s underneath.
That damn alpha worries way too much.
“These are for you.” The bored beta slides several documents across the desk toward Knox. “These include your omega’s updated identification card, academy completion certificate, and official claiming documentation. Should you encounter any legal or regulatory authorities, these will confirm that she has been claimed through entirely lawful and recognized procedures.”
He gathers the remaining paperwork and holds it carefully against his chest. “Your omega has been given a short-term heat suppressant that will wear off in a few weeks. I also need to remind you, this omega was recently rejected by her former pack. In order to establish a stable bond and prevent damaging levels of distress, it is strongly advised that you initiate physical bonding without delay.” His voice lowers slightly, emphasizing the importance of the matter. “Early claiming iscriticalfor her sense of safety and for the formation of a stable bond with your pack. If this is delayed, there is a significant risk that she may retain residual ties to her previous pack.”
My eyes widen at that as Knox goes stiff and Tadeo’s head snaps up.
We have to initiate physical bonding without delay?
Fuck, yes!
A rush of excitement pulses deep in my core, and my cock goes hard. All at once, every primal instinct within me howls with urgency, and I have to fight the urge to rush that fucking tent, pin that precious omega down, and feed her every inch of me until she’s breathless, sweaty, and limp with pleasure.
But that’s not what we agreed to.
I glance at Knox.
