Page 22 of Knot Your Kismet

I tighten the blanket more around me and straighten my shoulders. It takes everything in me not to respond to him, because I know that’s what he wants. He wants me to argue, so he can try to figure me out.

I won’t let him. He already has the power in the situation.

I stroll away in silence, refusing to look back. I will fight to gain control of this mess. I don’t care if it makes me seem bratty or unreasonable. He couldn’t handle the truth. No alpha ever wants to hear about omega sterilizations. It’s because they don’t get it. They might play or react to our nature, but we are the ones who lose everything when we bond with an alpha. My body. My mind. My heart. My life will turn into being the caretaker and the one who holds our pack together. I can barely keep myself together. The whole world is unfair.

“Shit. You’re not my brother.” Jensen sits on the desk, covering his golden eyes. “I swear I didn’t see anything. I was waiting because he turned off the security cameras.”

“See anything? Oh.” The answer dawns on me immediately. Jensen would know that I slept with Nolan. Not just because of my state of dress—or lack thereof—but because he can probably smell him all over me, even with the space between us.

Jensen stands. “I’m sorry. He didn’t mention anything yet. I thought you were—”

“He didn’t mention anything because this meant nothing. Don’t get all excited. I still plan to return to the city and live my life.” I tighten the blanket around me.

“Why would I be excited that you fucked my brother?” Jensen opens his amber-brown eyes, peeking at me through his fingers. He glides them through his hair, pushing the dark strands back.

“I…”

“I’m just teasing you. You don’t have to explain anything.”

“Good, because I wasn’t going to.” His comment strikes a nerve, and I decide to end the conversation. “Now, if you will excuse me, I have things to do.”

Jensen doesn’t say anything as I stride to the door. It’s only now that I realize Lucas stands outside in the hallway with his arms crossed, his hazel eyes expressionless as he drinks me in. Fuck me. I didn’t want this to turn into a spectacle. I don’t even know how to think or feel.

I just need to get out of here and clear my head.

Life has never been this complicated. This shouldn’t be my life. It shouldn’t be any of our lives.

14

Date Night

Calista

“Don’t forget to submit your dating log to me this week. I need to show your progress.” I read the text message for the third time. I thought I could get by without making an effort, considering what happened on my last supposed date.

I don’t respond to my lawyer, but instead I just give her a thumbs-up reaction. I will either have to schedule a bunch of dates right now or make shit up. I wonder if they’ll actually check.

Sighing, I grab my phone and tap on the icon for the Bonding App. My hand shakes as I do so, the disastrous date coming back to me. It’s also what led to my kiss with Nolan… Perhaps even how I ended up in bed with him.

I shiver and set my phone on my knee. I’m almost afraid to see all of the alphas lined up, ready to attempt to sweep me off my feet.

The first thing that pops up is the image of an envelope with a digital seal. I frown and click on it, wondering what the hell it is. It’s usually just private messages that light up my screen. This is different.

Sparkles explode on my screen, raining across the page as a letter pops up.

Ms. Cali Kismet,

You are cordially invited to the Alpha Nights Sunset Cruise. Formalwear is required. Enjoy a night out with your favorite alpha during one of the best events hosted by the town of Azure Shores. Be ready by seven PM.

It isn’t signed by anyone, and my heart thunders in my chest. My favorite alpha? Is this a joke? This has to be something created by Nolan. He’s trying to get under my skin to change my mind.

I consider rushing from my suite to find him, but a part of me is afraid that he’ll still be in the study. If I find myself alone with him, I might let my nature control me again.

Instead, I stroll to my wardrobe and peek inside. There’s nothing I want to wear. Most of the outfits are far too modest or childish. I wish I had my collection of clothing from the Omega Resort.

I fix my hair and makeup, deciding to head to my parents’ room after I’m ready. My mom will have something. She had loads of gowns and accessories. I used to play in her wardrobe growing up.

I swing my door open and hesitate. A garment bag hangs from the door frame, blocking my way. I should toss it aside. The last thing I need is to put on a dress picked out by Nolan. That’s what he wants. We did call each other by our orders, and maybe he thinks playing into his will sway me.