Page 45 of Knot Your Kismet

Calista

Am I crazy or stupid? I don’t have the answer for that. Mostly, I’m desperate to prove myself and my love. I want all of Poppy Cove and Pack Kismet to see for themselves. It’s been too long since they left. I can’t imagine a meeting with the whole pack for approval could take so long and be good. I’m sure there might be arguing. I’m just so nervous they won’t unanimously agree to our bonding without the whole breeding stipulation. The Kismet brothers can assure me all they want that we’ll get what we want, but I just—I’m not one to wait around. Not when it should be so easy.

That’s what my mom taught me. She actively sought alternatives to protect me from my bio dad. She wouldn’t judge me for going all in now and doing things for myself. She would probably encourage it.

Damn. I need to get out of my own head.

Dabbing the extra gloss from my lips, I ruffle my fingers through my curled hair and give myself another once-over. The Kismet brothers will drool over me. This dress is the perfect combination of sexy and sweet, the ideal persona of an omega. I just hope it works in my favor.

Because if Pack Kismet rejects my proposal to Nolan, Jensen, and Lucas…I don’t want to think about it.

Gathering my bravado, I head in the opposite direction of the main living area of the estate. I know for a fact that Nolan has security personnel on watch. They’re always around but never in the way. They were probably commanded to keep an eye on me but have grown comfortable with me remaining in my room. I’m supposed to be a good omega after all. Instead of double-checking on them, I walk down the staff stairwell toward the garage. I exit through it to the wrap-around driveway, where a driver waits for me.

“Heading to Main Street and Meadow Drive?” the driver asks, glancing at me in his rearview mirror.

“Yup. In front of City Hall, please.” I don’t speak for the rest of the ride, not engaging in his small talk until he gives up. Pulling the car next to the curb, I hand him a twenty and exit without saying another word. I don’t have time to mess around. I’m usually a lot friendlier, but what I’m about to do is important.

The golden sun setting turns the air dreamy, and the quiet of the park gives me privacy while I mentally prepare to propose to Nolan, Lucas, and Jensen in front of everyone. I’m so nervous. Omegas usually don’t take on this responsibility, but I have to. I want to control my life, so it’s up to me to control it. What if the rest of Pack Kismet rejects me, though? What if they say I have to breed or get the fuck out of Poppy Cove?

Maybe this is crazy. I should have just stayed at home.

Damn it. I can’t do this.

This is so incredibly stupid of me.

The Kismet brothers can handle this.

Shifting on my feet, I hesitate, staring at the wild poppy flowers scattering the edges of the grass. City Hall looms across the street. It would be so easy to sneak in and listen to what’s going on before I stand in front of everyone with my heart on my sleeve. I can better assess things if I do.

But what if—

A hand covers my mouth while an arm grips around my waist, pulling me flush against a body. The familiar wretched scent slaps sense into me as my brain catches up with what’s happening. Stomping my foot, I try my best to break free from Alexander. The Pack Loomis reject was the last thing on my mind today.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Alexander breathes heavily against my throat, resting his chin on my shoulder. “Shh. Don’t make a scene. I don’t want to hurt you. If you remain calm, things will be okay for you. I don’t blame you for shit, okay? You’re just a fucking omega.”

I inhale through my nose, my mind racing. What do I do? Can I fight? Would I win? What happens if I can’t? Alexander’s words don’t make any sense. He should blame me. He should want to hurt me again. Why should I believe him?

“That’s it. Calm down. Relax. This isn’t about you.” Alexander loosens his hold around my waist but doesn’t let me go.

“Please,” I whisper against his hand, his palm moist against my mouth. How my body doesn’t wretch because of it is beyond me. It’s like my brain shuts down in an attempt to protect myself.

“I said be quiet. My brother is almost here. He would be upset with me if I tried anything stupid. I’m smarter now. I don’t let my emotions get the best of me. Losing my pack made me see the world differently. I won’t make any mistakes again. I’m not going to risk my chance at joining another pack.” Alexander forces me to walk back with him until we’re behind a large magnolia tree. I blink my eyes, trying my best not to react to the hormones rushing through me. Omegas don’t do well in stressful situations like this, and I really wish I could’ve already had my sterilization. That would’ve made things so easy.

But my life was never easy. It’ll always be hard, it seems.

What do I have to do with him joining another pack? My heart races despite my best effort to remain calm, breathing slowly in and out of my nose.

Minutes tick by, feeling like hours. The main street remains empty, everyone of importance now within the walls of City Hall.

“Where is he?” Alexander murmurs, standing rigid behind me. “He should be here by now.” I know he’s not asking me, but it makes me wonder as well. What is this all about?

“Just let me go,” I say, my voice muffled against the palm of his hand. “If you do, I won’t say anything to anyone. Whatever you’re planning… Please. Make a good choice. Just get out of here.”

Alexander releases a low growl, the noise reverberating across my earlobe. “If I have to tell you to shut up one more time—”

“Let the omega go.” The familiar voice grates on my nerves. What is Will Daines doing here? Did Ivy send him back after our conversation? Fuck. I shouldn’t have put it past her to do something like this. She’s not used to not getting her way with things, especially when it comes to omegas at the Omega Resort. But I’ve given that up. I don’t need her. I’ve never needed her.

“I’m not hurting her. She just got in the way. She knows me.” Alexander says, taking a step backward and pulling me with him. “My brother is coming shortly. He’ll handle this.”