Page 21 of Knot Their Arrangement

I despise their whole framework, but then again, I’m one of the few Alphas who would dare think that way. Why argue against something that benefits you? 99% of our population of cocky bastards wouldn’t try it.

"Probably," I agree, starting to walk toward my car. "But Velvet must have some serious connections. Rich bitch or not, the fact that she's kept the place running despite constant government interference suggests protection from high places."

My mind drifts back to the Omega who crashed into me.

The way she emerged from that side entrance, the quality of her saree, the perfect grace in her movements...

"She has to be from there," I mutter, more to myself than Damon. "The Safe Haven. She came from that direction…"

"Oh?" The interest in Damon's voice carries a dangerous edge. "I'm starting to feel jealous,Tesoro. You know I could find out who this mystery Omega is in about five minutes."

Ugh. I need to stop upsetting him…

Damon has always been an “act-now and thinks-later” type of person.

"Don't you dare start trying to kill anyone you see as competition," I warn, though I can't help but smile. Damon's possessive streak is both endearing and terrifying – I've seen what happens to people who try to take what he considers his.

Not so happy endings if you ask me.

"Me? Never." The false innocence in his voice makes me roll my eyes. "But you have to admit, it's rare for you to show interest in anyone but me. This Omega must be something special."

"Careful, your jealousy is showing,” I joke but I know it’s true as fuck.

He is jealous of anyone who takes my attention from him.

"I prefer to call it a healthy concern for my partner's romantic pursuits." He pauses meaningfully. "Besides, you know I don't share well with others."

Well…yeah.

"That's the understatement of the century," I snort, remembering the last Alpha who tried to proposition me at a charity gala. They're still trying to rebuild their family's business after Damon's "completely unrelated" hostile takeover.

My eyes drift back to where she disappeared, the memory of her scent making my nose tingle.

"She was wearing a saree and looked well..."

I trail off, unable to find words that would do her justice. How do you describe someone who embodies both tradition and defiance? Who can make running through dark streets in formal wear look like a dance?

Like a runaway trying to stop the hands of time from moving against her favor…

The thought strikes me suddenly, making me pause mid-step.

There was something about her desperate sprint, the way she clutched her saree close while running, that stirred memories I usually keep buried.

"You know," I find myself saying into the phone, "I always wanted to marry someone outside my culture…which is ironic given that I'm already a walking cultural fusion."

The way this Omega has me frazzled, even down to my thought process isn’t a good thing, but she forces me to remember my heritage.

Being half-Indian and half-Korean has always been a unique experience.

My Father's genes blessed me with thick, black silky hair that grows abnormally fast. I recently cut it from below my shoulders to a more professional length, knowing full well it'll be back to its previous length within months. But my Mother's Korean heritage gave me my flawless complexion and facial features, creating a blend that often leaves people guessing.

"You're quiet," Damon observes. "Thinking about your family background again?"

"Hard not to," I admit, running a hand through my hair – a habit I picked up from my Father.

At 6'4", I inherited his height and build, the broad shoulders and natural strength that marks me as his son. But my face – the high cheekbones, almond-shaped eyes, and smooth skin that seems to resist aging – that's all from my Mother's side.

Growing up was…complicated.

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