Page 140 of Knot Their Arrangement

"Kamari..." Her tone carries that warning note that says I better explain better.

"Right, right. I was saved somehow by some Alphas who have beef with my ex-fiancé and his pack and started some sort of mafia war?" I glance at Ezekiel, who raises an eyebrow at my description. "So I'm the prize?"

"You're the prize?" she sounds as uncertain as I feel. "You don't even sound sure!"

Accurate deception but I guess I’ll roll with it.

"Well, I don't know because whoever wins this 'war' gets to marry me basically so I'm kind of technically being kept hostage in Dubai, which doesn't feel like it since this city is filled with millionaires, good food, and anything a girl like me could dream of. Bonus points are my 'captors' feed me well and are far nicer Alphas than I've ever witnessed with my own eyes," I summarize, earning another smirk from Ezekiel. "But yeah. I'm kind of the end game in all this madness, but for now, I'm safe. I have a nest to sleep in and the doctor that was helping Velvet with the haven gave me some patches and stuff that help so I can survive around all this Alpha testosterone, but until this family drama is solved, I'm here."

"I get distracted with life and my best friend lands herself in a whole other country," Astraea sighs through the phone.

"You make it sound like it's only been 24 hours," I protest, unable to keep the whine from my voice.I guess for me, it’s been what? 48? 72 hours give or take. Then again, I’m only now realizing I really haven’t heard from Astraea in a hot minute."I haven't heard from you!! You should be explaining yourself, young lady!"

"I'm at least still in the country," she points out. "And I somehow landed touring with Blooming Salvation. I only have time with my phone because they're having a serious band meeting talking about the future etc. Can't say much more than that since there are NDAs involved. I'm their temporary Omega so I'm allowed to be around here, but not everyone is pleased with my company and all."

My brain short-circuits at this revelation.

"Hold on," I cut her off before she can continue. "Did you just say you're touring with Blooming Salvation? THEE Blooming Salvation?! The rock band sensation that had to delay their tour a few weeks due to the whole Knot Their Omega Movement and the violence spewing across the city, Blooming Salvation? The band of sexy hot Alphas everyone salivates over and would sell their organs to get tickets, Blooming Salvation?!"

A deep growl from behind me makes me squeak in surprise. Turning, I find Ezekiel looking distinctly unimpressed with my enthusiasm about other Alphas.

"Listen!" I defend myself. "You don't know what it's like to be an obsessed fan of music. Don't get all growly because there are other sexy Alphas in the world. Jeez." I can't help muttering under my breath, "Did I compare you to them? No."

"Hurry up with your phone call. We gotta go," Ezekiel says, his tone carrying that edge of authority that makes my Omega instincts want to submit instantly.

"Awww, don't be mean!" I try pouting at him. "I haven't talked to my best friend in weeks. Have pity on me."

"No." His response is immediate and firm.

"Please." I attempt my best puppy eyes.

A quiet chuckle from the doorway draws our attention – making us realize Kieran is back. It doesn’t look like he’s going to stick around for long cause he’s pushing off the door after giving Ezekiel some sort of signal.

Maybe he’s patrolling or something.

"Be nice to her, Boss. She did earn this phone call."

"Whatever," Ezekiel grumbles, though I catch the slight softening around his eyes.

"You sound like you're in jail," Astraea complains through the phone.

"Ugh, it's not that bad," I assure her, watching Ezekiel's expression shift between annoyance and amusement. "Now back to you! Girl, I want all the fucking tea when I get back because you're touring with the hottest band in America right now! Though, I guess with the drama going on, not sure if they'll officialize their tour."

"Drama?" She sounds confused. "What do you mean?"

"You said they're in a meeting now, right? About the band's future."

"Yes," she confirms.

"Well, even though they announced they found an Omega, I think two of the band members want out. The guitarist and background singer." I lower my voice slightly.

I guess it’s a good thing I keep up with drama whenever I can, making the drive to the safe haven before the drugging ‘let’s go to Dubai madness’ transpired is helping me.

"Wait...why?" Astraea sounds genuinely surprised. "None of the guys had mentioned that when we were on the tour bus today. I met the guitarist, James, and the background singer, Rex, and they both were friendly and welcoming." She pauses before adding, "I mean, neither of them brought anything up when we've been on the tour bus together the last few days."

"Hmm, honestly, it may have to do with you, bestie."

Now that I know she’s touring with them, it’s obviously clear she’s the Omega in question.Which I’m proud as fuck for her, but it’s also worrying.

---