Page 14 of Knot Your Kismet

But that doesn’t concern me. Call me selfish. Call me a bitch. I don’t care.

I snatch the phone from Nolan’s hand. “If you need anything important and only in regards to our parents’ celebration, I’ll be in my room.”

I don’t leave an open end to the conversation. I don’t want them to argue with me. I just want to figure out what happens next. Because I hate the options I’ve been given.

That’s not the life I want.

I want so much more.

9

This Alpha

Calista

The last week has been a blur. I don’t remember a single person who has come to pay their respects to what citizens of Poppy Cove have claimed to be the greatest mayor of all time and his beloved wife. They’re just Mom and Henry to me. It’s hard to wrap my mind around how cherished Mom was. Everyone was crying. More so than me. I kind of just shut myself off and forced myself to get through it. I’ve never attended a funeral before. Hopefully I won’t have to again.

Sitting at my desk, I stare at my temporary phone. I don’t want to use it too much because I have to return it to Nolan. I’m afraid he will look at every single thing I do on it, including things I’d like to keep private between my new lawyer and I. Ivy helped me find one of the best lawyers in California. It took me a million times of telling her I can handle myself to get her to stay in Nevada. I know she’s anxious for me to return. I should be annoyed that it’s all about the money, but that’s something I’m willing to deal with if it ensures my Omega Sterilization. That want of mine hasn’t changed.

The phone lights up right on time, and I tap the screen and accept the video call. Ivy appears in view and offers me a huge fake smile.

“My Cali. I hope you know I miss you dearly. I have so many clients lined up and ready for you to return. Mr. Carter especially.” Ivy continues to smile, hiding any other emotion she might carry. “Not that they’re important. How are you doing? Did you receive the flowers?”

I lean on my elbows, letting my hair hang across the phone, hiding my appearance. I ignore her comments about clients. I’m sure Joseph Carter does miss me. We were supposed to have a long-term arrangement. “It’s been so quiet here. I hate it. The roses did help make things a bit better. I just wish I were home, you know? This is bullshit. Can you believe I’m required to find an alpha or go back to Pack Costa?” I omit the part about joining Pack Kismet as an official omega. It’ll freak Ivy out and might push her into refusing to help me.

“Our lawyer said that there are more options, and they just need time, remember? You can bypass the time limit by getting out there and dating. Or you know, there are plenty of suitors within Pack Daines…” Ivy tilts her head, gauging my reaction.

“Ivy… I’m not going to really date anyone. You know what I want. I enjoy my life at the Omega Resort. If I were to date anyone in your pack…it’s a kind offer, but—”

“No buts,” she says, cutting me off. “I understand. I don’t need any excuses. I was just reiterating that if everything else fails you can join Pack Daines. It’ll be different.”

I can’t blame the alpha for trying. Settling down with a pack is not what I want though. I’ve seen Ivy’s life and have had interactions with her pack. We just don’t match on that level. Things would be too difficult, especially knowing her time is spent keeping omegas independent. She has priorities, and it just doesn’t feel right to give up so easily when she’s always encouraged otherwise. Also, if I’m forced to find a pack, I want them to be able to put me first. Pack Daines could never. Is that selfish? I don’t really care. I don’t see why an omega has to put their alpha first if it isn’t reciprocated.

I sigh. “Thank you. I just want to focus on getting back to Nevada.”

“It’ll happen,” Ivy says. “We know your rights. The lawyer will ensure everything. I promise.”

A soft knock taps against the door, drawing my attention away from Ivy. I don’t have to ask who it is to know it’s most likely Nolan. He mentioned that he wanted to talk to me. Maybe he’ll even have a phone for me so he can take his back.

“I’ll keep you updated, Ms. Daines.” I say her name loud enough for Nolan to hear if he’s trying to eavesdrop. “Thanks again for your help. I’ll talk to you later.” Without waiting for Ivy to respond, I hang up the video call and roll back from my desk.

The knock sounds again.

“Will you leave me alone if I say go away?” I ask, spinning my chair to face the door. It’s worth a shot.

The lock turns and the door clicks open. What the actual fuck? What’s the point of giving me a lock when someone can just open my door? It’s pretend privacy, and it pisses me off. I hop to my feet and rush to slam my palms against the wood, shoving Nolan back out.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. You can’t just unlock my door and come in. You must wait for me to open it myself.” I press my shoulder against the wood, using my body as dead weight to keep him from pushing back.

Nolan groans before the sound of a thud. I can’t be sure, but I think he just bonked his head against the door. “I’m sorry, Cali. It’s a habit.”

“Who the hell are you constantly barging in on? That’s messed up.” I stride from my door and cross the room, flopping on my bed. “For that alone, I should never let you in my room. Especially after you just tried to come in without asking.”

“I thought the knock was good enough.”

“I don’t think anything could ever be good enough, to be honest. I just want to move back to the city. I have a lawyer, you know.” I stare at my ceiling, a bit satisfied that he still hasn’t entered my room. Maybe he’s actually learning something.

Silence greets me. I doubt Nolan would just leave. He’s either plotting something or trying to summon some sort of composure.