Page 3 of Knot So Social

I pause for effect, letting the message sink in. “So, take my advice. Claim back your freedom and your safety, and make sure you’re the one pulling the strings, not your alphas and betas. Newsflash! It’s your responsibility, not anyone else’s.

“And if you’re not sure how to do that, hit the subscribe button, because that’s what we’re all about here on the Boss Omega channel. Then jump in the comments and say “blueprint” and I’ll send you my guide on how to reclaim your financial independence.”

Almost done, but I need to keep my viewers on the hook so they keep coming back for more.

Flourishing for attention, I add, “Tomorrow, I’ll post my five criteria for choosing a good security company. But, if you’re in a hurry, check out the description. I’ve linked my top recommendations there.”

With a dust of blush and powder, I quickly finish my makeup. “All right, Omegalings. I’m heading off to the office now. Hopefully the traffic isn’t too bad today.” I flash my signature wink, then close with, “Stay bossy out there,” before ending the recording.

Phew. I take a deep breath and steady myself on the vanity. My heart hammers as I take the phone off its cradle. Did I talk too fast? I’m sure I sounded confident and smooth, but maybe it’ll only be seen as arrogance. I get enough comments calling me a cocky bitch for broaching these topics.

Mr Shares thumps his silky tail as I leave the bathroom.

“What do you think?” I ask. “Was the product placement too obvious?”

He cocks his head, panting lightly.

“Don’t look at me like that. I haven’t done a promo for a while.” I lean down to fondle his ears, my tension draining away. “I thought I was pretty natural?”

He whuffs in agreement and dances around, clearly my biggest fan. Although I still doubt myself, my delivery’s improved a lot since I first started.

“So what if it’s a lie?” I scoff under my breath as I limp to the laundry and scoop out the dog biscuits. “My whole life is a lie, but what am I supposed to tell them? Incapacitated by lightning strikes? No one would even believe it, plus a shut in doesn’t make for an omega role model.”

Mr Shares parks his rump on the ground, watching me closely, his big black eyes devoid of judgement. Unlike the rest of the world. When it comes to the sphere of influencing and omegas, anything less than perfection is crucified.

And I’m far from perfect.

The moment I think it, the voices of the past murmur in my ears, quiet to begin with but growing louder.

“You? What can a weak omega like you do?” Fingers trailing up the back of my neck to grasp my hair. “High school dropout. No education. No parents. You think you have something to contribute? Don’t make me laugh, Willow. You’re lucky we took you in, because no one else would have you. Tell me, where are the alphas lining up to listen to your every word, huh?”

Laughter echoes in my ears. I crouch down on the tiles and cover my head with my hands, trying to silence the mocking voices. But that doesn’t stop the memories.

“Wanna know where your place is?” The grating scrape of metal as he unzips his fly. “Right here, on the end of my cock. Open wide, Willow.” Laughter, and more zips unraveling.

I gasp, and look around, frantically checking if they’re here. My pulse pounds in my ears and my breath grows shallow. Sweat dampens my upper lip. How many years has it been, and I still can’t get rid of those voices?

Mr Shares nudges his head under my locked arms. As I open up, he crawls right up onto my body, panting lightly and licking at my neck.

They’re not here. It’s just me and my dog. I bury my face in his fur. They can’t control me anymore. I’m safe.

Pressing one hand to my chest, I ask myself, “What five things do you appreciate about yourself, Willow Sheldon? Hmm?”

I list them off aloud, blind to anything else. Persistence, nice eyes, animal-lover, business-oriented. The counting helps as much as the self-care. I’ve built so many routines to stop the terror, to escape their taunting voices. But at this point, I’m starting to think I’ll never break free.

Willow Sheldon doesn’t get to be happy.

With a huff, I push away from the cupboard, straightening my spine and lifting my head. I’m the Boss Omega. I’ll tell as many lies as necessary to prevent even one omega experiencing the hell I went through.

And to keep my mask in place.

Mr Shares whines, checking me all over with his cold nose. Although I’ve just filled his food bowl, he’s not interested in eating when I’m on the brink.

“Go on, eat your food,” I coax.

He leans on my leg for a long moment before moving to his bowl.

“I didn’t ask for this,” I mutter.