Page 43 of Knot Your Kismet

“What if this is a mistake?” I ask, my mind refusing to keep the question to myself.

“A mistake? What do you mean?”

“You could change your mind and then be stuck with me. You won’t be able to have children unless…” I’m not going to say unless something happens to me, because I don’t need those kinds of thoughts in my head. I’m safe now. The Kismet brothers will assure it.

Nolan tilts my chin, looking into my eyes again. He doesn’t let me hide my face against him for long, like he needs to read me like an open book. I need to work on my expressions. I can’t hide my feelings like he can.

Raising an eyebrow, Nolan says, “What if you change your mind?”

I scrunch my face. “I won’t.”

“Exactly. I won’t either. You’re not the only one who feels strongly about this topic.” Nolan kisses the tip of my nose. “I know you’ve been taught so much about alphas, but you’ve been taught what they want you to think. They’re not exactly complete facts.”

I guess he’s right. Of course all of the omega educational systems would teach us things in a way which makes us more obedient to alphas. I’ve been trained all my life that my duty as an omega is to breed, take care of my pack’s household, and basically just satiate an alpha’s needs. And seeing my mom in such a position really cemented my rage against how things are. Having Henry in my life, no matter how short it was and how involved he was, did open my eyes somewhat.

I had no idea that an omega can buy their independence with the Omega Independence Program. But how would I have known before? My father was heavily into being a ruthless alpha. He didn’t want an omega to cherish. He wanted an omega to control. And it seems as if the world is now split between the ideas, and fortunately, our government understands that they need us. They can’t just allow these brutal alphas to have their way.

But not every omega is lucky. Some have been brainwashed into being who an alpha wants. They’ve been used. Packs have treated them as property and not as people. And that’s what I’ve always been afraid of. It has ruined my order for me.

The moment I manifested as an omega, all I could think about was doom and gloom. But returning to Pack Kismet, no matter how hard it was and how much grief I still carry that my mom died, it has brought me to this moment where I finally have some relief. I don’t have to worry about what kind of pack I’ll find. I don’t have to worry about money and about buying my independence. Because I have found it. And I will maintain it because I have found alphas that are truly the men they were born to be. We are equals. We have the same ideals and beliefs. It’s not about power when it comes down to it. It’s about ensuring our entire pack, no matter where they lie in the structure of it, gets to have a life as they please. Because Pack Kismet believes in everyone having a right. Everyone having a voice. It makes me want to figure out how we can move our way of living beyond Poppy Cove.

But that’s something I can’t focus on at the moment. I need to be selfish. I need to worry about what happens to me next. Maybe after everything settles, we can do more. We can be more than the pack leaders of the small sleepy coastal town.

People like Ivy and Pack Daines don’t deserve where they are. They literally only see omegas as someone to use. Someone to have in control so they can maintain power since it’s the only way they have it. They had to figure out a way to take it. They weren’t fortunate enough to have been born somewhere they could rule. They have the city, and they’re making the best of it, even if it means the worst for others.

“Cali? Did you hear me?” Nolan asks, running his fingers along my cheek, trying to grab my attention. “Your mind is elsewhere. What are you thinking about?”

I lift and drop my shoulders. Now is not a moment to bear my heart. “Just about everything.”

“Why don’t you head back to your room and take a nap? I can have Steven bring you all of your favorites. And then when we get back, we’ll celebrate or something.” Nolan kisses the tip of my nose.

“Are you sure I can’t go with you?” I ask, wanting to help. “What if our pack has questions that I can answer?”

“If we need you, we’ll call you. Let me be your alpha. Let me handle this and tell our pack how much we love you and how great we’ll be with you regardless of anything that is stated in the contract.” Nolan smiles softly, his brown eyes remaining even on mine as if he’s trying to read my thoughts.

I can only nod my head.

“It’s all going to work out. I promise.”

I’m not used to believing promises because so many have been broken in my life, but for once, I can. I feel it deep in my very soul. This will work out.

For once, everything will be perfect.

My pack will ensure it.

My pack. Who knew I would love the sound of that?

25

Worthy

Calista

“Behave while we’re gone, Lis. I love you,” Lucas says, standing by the doorway. He stares at me, a smile playing on his lips.

“I make no promises. You’re leaving me alone for who knows how long. You know I get into trouble when I get bored.” I grin and pat his cheek.

“That’s why…I love you.” Lucas remains in place, searching my eyes.