Page 14 of Knot Their Arrangement

The memory makes me shake my head.

"But everything is going to change with this movement settling in,” she concludes.

"We can only hope because if we're going to be empowered more, I'd pray that includes us being privileged to do more things in life," I continue, my voice growing passionate. "Drive. Independence. Careers that aren't treating us like Maids." My eyes light up as I imagine the possibilities. "Heck, I can go hardcore and become the first famous Omega Influencer in the realm of Bookstagram! Heck, Booktok would love me!"

Astraea gives me that soft smile that tells me she loves seeing me excited about something.

"We can dream that this is the beginning," she encourages, and I'm grateful for her support.

If we don't hold onto these dreams, no matter how far-fetched they might seem, we risk drowning in the heavy sadness that comes with being an Omega in this world.

"The Uber wait is only a minute so let me make my way downstairs," she announces, checking her phone. "I'll be back late so don't wait up."

"I'm going to be starting a new K-Drama tonight," I reveal, already anticipating her reaction.

As expected, she groans, knowing full well what this means. No sleep for me tonight –or tomorrow for that matter. I'll be glued to my screen until I've devoured all twenty-five episodes, then spend the next day complaining about finishing it too quickly.

"Don't do that. You're horrendous to deal with when you haven't slept for 48 hours," she whines, then suddenly brightens. "I thought that new book came out today."

"New...book..." The words take a moment to register before realization hits me like a lightning bolt. "O.M.G! It's today!!!"

I practically dive for my Kindle, all thoughts of K-dramas forgotten. This is why she's my best friend – she always knows exactly how to redirect my obsessive tendencies into slightly healthier channels.

As I settle onto the couch, Kindle in hand, I'm already lost in the first page. It's a talent —or curse— I've had since childhood – the ability to completely immerse myself in written worlds.

Sometimes I think I should write my own story, chronicle the journey from pampered heiress to runaway bride to...whatever I am now.

But who would want to read about another poor little rich Omega?

Through my peripheral vision, I see Astraea pause at the door, looking back at me. I know that expression – she's worried about me, about leaving me alone with my thoughts and my fictional escapes. But I also see the pride in her eyes, the love and hope she has for both of us.

She thinks I don't notice how she watches over me, how she tries to protect me from falling too deep into melancholy. Just like I pretend not to notice when she sends anonymous donations to organizations helping Omegas escape arranged marriages.

We're both broken in our own ways, but somehow we make it work. Two runaways who found family in each other.

The sound of the door closing barely registers as I dive deeper into my book, but I catch her quiet words to the new security camera.

"You're some top-notch security, huh? Should give you a name like Starry. Your owner is some rich Motherfucker billionaire."

I bite back a smile, pretending not to hear her continue.

"Let me go before all the Omegas think my hermit ass has finally lost her marbles. Protect my bestie and pups for me. I'm off to see a bunch of cocky Alphas and hope that sexy giant from the gym is there."

As her footsteps fade down the hallway, I lower my Kindle and glance at Blaze and Ember, still peacefully sleeping in their corner.

They're our real security system – loyal, loving, and far more reliable than any technological marvel.

"Your mama's going to find her happiness," I whisper to them, though they don't stir. "She deserves it more than anyone."

Settling back onto the couch, I try to focus on my book, but my mind wanders to the future.

Maybe this movement really will change things. That someday, Omegas won't have to run away to find freedom.

Maybe we'll be able to choose our own paths, our own packs, our own destinies…

And both Astraea and I will find packs who see us for who we are, not what we're worth.

But for now…

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