Page 24 of Knot Gonna Lie
“No, but you have considerable ground to cover before reaching that point. You need to focus on immediate tasks—creating strong bonds before determining your future path. Stars, you may decide against having children once your birth control expires.”
“We have time,” my alpha soothed, his purr rumbling through his chest like distant thunder. “We’ll take everything one step at a time. Of course I’d love giving you purpose within the crew once we’ve weathered your heat, but patience seems wisest for now.”
“I understand,” I muttered, hating the sensation of being treated like a petulant child receiving lectures from concerned parents. “I simply want to be useful…more than just an omega whose only purpose is keeping her alpha sane.”
“You will be,” he urged with gentle conviction. “It just requires time. This is uncharted territory for all of us.”
“You’re right.” I sighed and released his hand, watching as he offered it freely without resistance. Moving to Quinn, I wrapped my arms around her familiar warmth as she embraced me in return. “I’m going to miss you terribly when I’m gone.”
“I’ll always be an intercall away,” Quinn soothed, rubbing comforting circles on my back. “Go spend time with your clan. I’ll gather your belongings and ensure they arrive before you can miss them.” She pulled back to peer over my shoulder at my alpha, who I could sense standing close behind me through his protective scent. “I’ll contact your ship in the morning to check on my omega. Make sure you don’t miss my call.”
“I’ll ensure my crew knows to expect you.”
She nodded with satisfaction. “Then let’s not delay this transition any longer than necessary. I can scent you from here and refuse to be the reason you aren’t being properly tended.”
“I love you, Quinn.”
She cupped my cheek with infinite tenderness, tilting her head as I witnessed her own struggle against tears. “I love you too, Elara.”
“Thank you for everything you’ve done.”
“It was my greatest honor.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
LUCA
Watching Elara bid farewell to her caretaker felt like witnessing something sacred and heartbreaking in equal measure. I couldn’t fathom caring for someone for years, nurturing and protecting them, only to have them torn away the moment they reached their next life stage.
My omega was clearly ready to move forward—she hadn’t resisted any of my lingering touches or comforting gestures, melting into my embrace like she belonged there.
Yet her sudden demand to work had caught me off guard.
Omegas weren’t supposed to work.
In traditional times, they’d been hidden away behind fortress walls and armed guards, allowing their alphas to rule their clans without distraction. After the great war settled into uneasy peace, demands for fair treatment and basic rights had emerged from the ashes.
Part of me wanted nothing more than to keep her safely behind protective barriers, away from anyone unworthy ofwitnessing her beauty. But I knew caging her would be its own cruelty.
Elara deserved worship—absolutely—but she also craved the independence becoming common among our generation. I needed to ensure she felt valued as both crew member and cherished person within my clan. Adjusting to her presence would take time, especially during her first heat cycle.
Afterward, I’d need to evaluate my feelings about her venturing into public without escorts. Typically, an omega surrounded herself with home’s comforts alongside at least her pack members for constant support. Wealthier clans often employed servants to manage daily demands.
I’d reassess her request once we’d settled. But if she still wanted meaningful responsibility within the clan, I’d create a position for her—even if it meant partnering her with existing crew members.
Perhaps one of the women would enjoy her company.
“And this is the mess hall,” I explained, pressing my palm against her lower back as I guided her through the doors. The rest of my crew waited anxiously around the table, paired with their significant others like matched sets. “And this is the rest of the crew.”
“Hello!”
“Oh, Stars.” Tobias swung his feet off the table, shock flashing across his face. “I didn’t believe it would actually happen.”
“That’ll be a thousand credits.” Stella smacked Tobias’s shoulder and jerked her head toward Elara. “Name’s Stella, and this loser is Tobias, our medic Seth’s older brother.”
“That’s his name?” Elara glanced my way, biting her lower lip with endearing uncertainty. “The name suits his shy demeanor perfectly.”
“Yeah, he’s always been that way,” Tobias agreed with brotherly fondness. “Spent more time buried in tablets than doing social things—”
