Page 4 of The Bright Omega

I set my glass down on the coffee table, the little round one with the mosaic top I found at an estate sale, and fold my hands in my lap like I’m about to deliver a formal presentation. "Six years," I say. "That's how long I've been on suppressants. And your dad says my kidneys need a vacation. Like, a real one. ‘Not a long weekend, Cammie. A vacation.’” I do a fairly good impression of his steady, unhurried delivery. "He wants me to run at least one full natural heat. Possibly two."

Lucy winces sympathetically.

"Don’t even say it. I know it’s a lot." I reach for my glass again.

"Are you going to a clinic?"

I tip my head side to side, considering. "I’m not opposed to it. Even one of the nicer ones, the paid ones where you actually get to pick your alphas." I pause. "But that's kind of a last resort situation for me."

"What's the first resort?"

I look at her. She looks at me. "I want to find a pack," I say. "Not my pack, necessarily. Or… maybe. I don't know. But I want to actually date a little. Meet some alphas who aren't horrible. Have some excellent sex." I wave a hand. "Let them take care of my heat when it hits. If something happens after, great. If not, oh well. Thanks for the knots, fellas."

Lucy nods slowly, processing. "Okay. That sounds very reasonable, actually."

"Right? I think so." I gesture grandly at the wine. "Which is why tonight is not just any Friday wine night, Lucy. Tonight, we are setting up my dating profile."

Her eyes go wide. Then she grins. "Lowkey, that’s perfect for you."

"Lowkey, I know." I reach over and clink my glass against hers. "I need good photos, a bio that says down for a good time without saying it in so many words, and someone to stop me if I start writing something embarrassing."

"I can do the photos," she offers immediately, already reaching for her phone.

"I was hoping you'd say that." I stand, smoothing my top, a deep violet wrap that does excellent things for my chest, which I put on specifically for this occasion. "Okay. I'm thinking living room, good light, something that says I'm fun, my tits are amazing, and also I can afford this view." I gesture to the river below.

Lucy is already on her feet, squinting at me with the critical eye. "Turn a little. Toward the window."

I turn.

"Chin down just a— Yeah, there." She snaps a few in quick succession. Shows me the screen.

I review the photos. "Okay," I say. "I'd swipe right on me."

"Everyone is going to swipe right on you."

I take the phone from her, scroll through, and select the best two. In one I'm laughing at something Lucy said, and the light from the window is doing good things for my complexion. In the other I'm looking directly at the camera, and I look like a woman who has seen things. Things an alpha will want to see. I forward both to my number.

We settle back on the couch, shoulders together now, my profile pulled up on my phone.