Page 12 of Knot Their Arrangement

"Not yet, but they're anticipating it for tonight, which was another reason why I was calling to say you should be careful when going home. I'm sure with the news Alphas are going to be extremely angry, if not violent."

"Nothing new," she shrugs, and I admire her casualness. "I doubt they'll riot, honestly. They're going to think it's a test or joke. Give it about three solid days before the memo sinks into their brains."

Her comment makes me laugh despite the seriousness of the situation.

"You know what? You're probably right. A shame for them, a blessing for us."

"It is now that we've talked about it a bit." There's a new confidence in her stance as she checks her reflection one final time. "I'll walk with my head up high tonight."

"You were going to do that anyway," I point out with a knowing smirk, unable to resist teasing her. My eyes drift to the new security camera by our door. "But what's with the camera? Did we suddenly become famous and need to watch out for thieves?"

"You and I both know our lives aren't that exciting," she laughs, and I join in because it's true.

While other Omegas near Deviante need extensive security for their luxury items, our most precious possessions are each other and these two furry babies.

"You and I both know our lives aren't that exciting," I laugh, though there's a hint of irony in my voice. To some, especially those I grew up with, our current situation would be considered "sad" – two Omegas living in a Haven without the extensive security systems that are practically mandatory for those living near Deviante Avenue.

Back in my old life, every Omega I knew had state-of-the-art security. Multiple cameras, motion sensors, even panic rooms – all designed to protect their physical assets.

Their closets alone held more value than our entire apartment, filled with designer pieces they wore once before discarding them as "last season."

How times have changed…

The only things truly worth protecting here are Ember and Blaze. I've watched Astraea train them since they were tiny pups, teaching them a special escape route that leads to a fire and earthquake-proof safe room.

Some might question her priorities, but I understand completely. Those furry angels are more family to us than our actual relatives.

"But to be honest, I received it last night," Astraea explains, drawing my attention back to the sleek camera by our door. "It's a ring camera from a new security company to aid in protecting Omegas. Maybe they got a heads-up on what was going to happen with this movement and sent out the prototypes early. Already got it approved with Velvet. She liked the idea."

She smirks and points to the box.

"Once the other Omegas in this place notice, they're all going to be asking for one. I guess the security company has to be well-known enough for Velvet to approve of them supplying prototypes. It looks expensive. Has some extra protective sensory shit that when forcibly removed from the door without the fingerprint or code will sound an alarm and call the police to the location in two minutes."

My eyes widen at the technological advancement.

In my family's world, such security measures were common, but they came with hefty price tags and even heftier waiting lists.

"I-Is that legal?"

"I don't know." She shrugs with that casual grace I've come to admire. "Honestly, this is probably the high-tech shit the luxurious Omegas enjoy daily. I mean, we're all shocked and amazed, but what if this is a normal occurrence for them? Like the difference between an ancient iPhone 6 and an iPhone 24 X Supreme."

"When you put it that way, you're 100% right," I whine, memories of my past life flooding back. "This is probably nothing to the well-off Omegas. Just surprising to me cause I've never seen such a high-tech capture ability. For my family to get security installed by one of the top security companies, it cost a shit ton and was a fifteen-month waitlist."

The look of shock on her face makes me laugh.

"Say what now? Fifteen what?"

"Fifteen months," I groan, remembering the endless family discussions about it. "It was absolutely ridiculous. They wanted a very specific company. Said they're top of the line in security and protection of assets. The crazy thing is the owner is in his early twenties! Everyone thought the Father harvested the organization but nope. It was his son and it's worth billions now."

"Billions, huh."

She contemplates this, and I can see her mind working through the implications. Having grown up differently from me, she has a unique perspective on wealth and its true value.

"When you know one's worth, money is nothing. In life, money comes and goes. What we invest our money in is what determines its value. Vesper's songs have made artists go from nobodies to billionaires with one hit that makes them money years later. He also doesn't release many songs. It makes a demand no one knew was needed in the industry, and no one can replicate just how good his songs are."

I try not to smile at how she talks about Blair Vesper in third person, maintaining her secret identity even with me.

Though I suppose old habits die hard when you're protecting a multi-million dollar persona.

---