Like running away from the altar and leaving five motherfuckers behind to launch a “manhunt” for my Omega ass isn’t diabolically dramatic…
"Because SOMEONE assumed her Black AMEX was going to work after ditching her hubby and pack at the altar."
Okay…that was stupid of me.
"It's not like I assumed it would work," I defend, running a hand through my long black curls.
Unlike Astraea's unique silver locks that seem to catch every ray of light, my hair is as traditional as my upbringing.
"I only miscalculated how fast my family would cut me off for pulling such a heinous stunt. Then again, they were also fasting all morning so I'm going to assume they were hangry when I ran for the hills in my Swarovski crystal Saree!"
When her expression doesn't soften, I cross my arms and pout.
"Alright. I didn't have a game plan when I did that, so thank you to my loving best friend of ten years for writing passionate songs for desperate musicians and keeping a roof over our heads."
Truthfully, if it wasn’t for Astraea, I would have been homeless. More so, Omegas with no money or shelter on the streets don’t last long.
At least until they disappear and are found when they’re no longer breathing…
"Woof!"
We both look down at her two pomskies, their adorable faces lighting up at the attention. These fur babies are more family to us than our actual relatives at this point.
"And somehow convincing the Manager of this Omega Haven to allow us to keep our pomskies!" I drop to the floor, showering them with affection until they scamper off to play with Astraea's discarded papers.
With a sigh, I watch as my best friend's resolve starts to crack. Despite her rebellious nature and the walls she puts up, I know her better than anyone.
"I know you have a point, Karma," she mutters, running those delicate fingers through her hair. The action reminds me of how different we are – her all grace and subtle power, me still learning to stand on my own two feet. "But..."
I don't let her finish that thought.
Moving closer, I cup her face in my hands, taking in the subtle freckles that dust her nose – another feature that makes her uniquely beautiful.
"Hey. Why don't we ask Velvet if there's any way of delaying this thing? I mean I know we're of age now that we're nineteen, but these events mostly have much older men. Like over twenty-five. We could ask if there's a way to be offered a different way of meeting some younger packs?"
Even as I say it, I know it's a long shot.
The system isn't built for our convenience.
"Yeah. Why don't we ask her tomorrow? I'm going to go super early to the gym so I can avoid the Alpha traffic of hell. Don't want to go into Heat in that crowded manhole."
Heat…right. We’re of age for that nonsense…
I can't help but make a face at the thought, which makes her laugh.
"C'mon, Karma. With that look, I'd assume you're a lesbian at this point."
If it got me to avoid being gang fucked by men who can barely say my name right, probably. Heck, they wouldn’t even need to say my name, and I’d be doing what? Sticking my ass up and begging for their cocks all because my Omega pheromones are begging for it.
How one’s body can betray them just for dicks and knots is sad really.
The thought makes me want to shiver, but I push it aside just as quickly. I don’t need to manifest such a cruel reality that’s sadly what happens to most Omegas who can’t find a safe haven like we did.
"Nothing wrong with bending both ways, but I do not want to be anywhere near a football field full of sweaty, self-centered, muscular gods who love looking at themselves in the mirror more than being a decent fucking man in our female-deprived society."
"Omega deprived society more like it," she corrects, and I have to nod in agreement. "And Knox's gym is not as big as a football field. It's average."
"Average coming from one of the 'soon-to-be' youngest millionaire Omegas, proves I need to further raise my standards in life." I shake my head, moving to my bed as inspiration strikes. "At this point, a normal pack won't do for you."