Page 3 of Knot Your Kismet

“You’re giving me whiplash, Ivy. You asked for a year to prove that I want this life, not to help me figure out how to escape it.” I take a step back, turning slightly as not to breathe in her permeating alpha scent, the heavy rose and powder reminding me of my least favorite fragrance. “You were also trying to drug me. Why would you think I would take it?”

Ivy sighs and shakes her head. “I thought we were friends. I would never drug you without your consent. I was offering you a little medicated assistance. Something to relax you.”

Wow. She doesn’t see it like I do. Offering medicated assistance is drugging me. I guess the rumors are true. Maybe the wealthier omegas here have just given in to Ivy and her using them. It would make sense. The more omegas she has at the Omega Resort, the more money she has. And the more money an omega has, the less likely they want to leave. It’s a win for both parties involved.

I don’t know how I feel about this. But maybe I should play along. As long as I can keep my mind set on my true desires, I can get out of here. I can use this against Ivy.

“Oh.” It’s all I can say in response to her comment. I can’t argue with her. I have to fake it. It’s the only way I can see her helping me get my sterilization application approved.

“I care about you, Cali,” Ivy continues. “I just want the best for you. So if you agree, I will teach you how to make it as an omega. You have more power than you realize. Omegas are stronger than alphas. They are just raised to believe they are not. Our society would fail without you. Why do you think everything revolves around an omega? Why do you think power is based on packs with an omega? It’s all about playing the game correctly and winning, Cali.”

I blink a few times, mulling over her words. She’s right. Of course she’s right. But it still doesn’t change how I feel. Because even if an omega has power, we still have to rely on an alpha. On a pack. At least now things have changed for the better. Omegas are cherished. But I don’t want to be cherished. I don’t want to be seen as a breeder. I just want to live. I want to be happy. Even if my mom is happy with our new pack, I still see how much her life before haunts her. I don’t want to be haunted. I want to be free.

“How do I know you’re not just lying? I know you get money for me being here.” I shouldn’t say this. I can’t help myself, though. She needs to know that I’m not stupid even if I go along with things.

“I thought you were smarter than that. You know I’m different. I can’t have the same power as a male alpha. You’re just going to have to trust me.”

I don’t think I’ve trusted anyone in my life. Except for maybe my mom. But even then, I know she does stuff that benefits herself.

“Trust must be earned,” I say, remaining expressionless.

“You’re absolutely right. So let me earn it. One year. I will teach you everything you need to know, and then you can make your decision, and I will support you regardless.” Ivy holds out her hand to me.

I gingerly take it, trying not to react to how tightly she squeezes my fingers. “Don’t be disappointed when I don’t change my mind.”

“Whatever you say, Cali. Whatever you say.”

3

Fake Date

Calista

“This is a great opportunity. It’s a thousand dollars for an evening. All you have to do is play pretend. This guy is loaded. I’m sure he’ll even tip you. No sex involved…unless you want me to negotiate it. Alphas love sweethearts like you.” Ivy must sense my hesitation. I already agreed to go on a fake date with an alpha who is up for a CFO position at one of the top tech companies in Arizona.

The problem he faces is he’s been lying about being engaged to an omega. That’s where I come in.

I’m supposed to play the part of his omega. It wouldn’t be the first time an alpha faked having one. And falling into the role shouldn’t be hard. I’ve been around alphas plenty of times. I know how to get them to pay big tips when I work at the Lounge as a server. This shouldn’t be much different. Except this time I’m nervous. I have to go with a stranger. I have to act as if I’m in love with him. I have to pretend this is my future. And the feelings settling inside me prove just how much I don’t want it.

“Don’t forget my parents are coming this evening. What if the event runs late?” I ask, running my fingers through my soft curls still warm from the styling tool.

“Don’t worry about them. I plan to greet them myself and will serve an extra extravagant meal. They will forget why they’re even here.” Ivy saunters closer and touches the straps of my dress, adjusting the V-neck top lower to expose my cleavage.

I cringe at her touch, wishing she wouldn’t insist I dress in an outfit comparable to lingerie. It’s uncomfortably short and my heels are wickedly high, making me nearly as tall as Ivy. I would think a more formal gown would be appropriate, but she insisted this is what her client picked out.

It’s probably because he can imagine me with it off. It leaves a little to his imagination.

“Is there anything else I should know about Mr. Carter?” I step out of Ivy’s reach and grab my small bag from my dresser.

“That you need to make sure to call him Joseph. You are supposed to be his fiancée. Make sure you act more comfortable than this. I’ve never seen you so stiff. You can still take me up on my offer for something to help relax you.” Ivy pulls a small bottle from her pocket and shakes it. “It won’t mess with your perception. It’ll just settle you down. Help you relax and have fun.”

“No. I’ll be fine. I’m ready.” I toss my hair over my shoulder and expose my neck, knowing that the gesture will send my omega scent into the air. Instead of suppressing it, I applied a cream that will enhance it. Everyone needs to know I’m an omega from a mile away. They need to know that I’m Joseph Carter’s.

I hate the sound of that.

“Perfect, because he’s here.” Ivy glances at her phone and smiles. She holds it up so I can look at the screen. I see two-thousand dollars displayed as a payment from Pack Carter.

I can’t stop the frown crossing my face. “I thought you said a grand not two.”