Page 39 of Knot Gonna Lie
The weight of passing scrutiny pressed against my skin. Strangers paused to stare at Elara—the omega who’d shattered protocol to claim her chosen alpha. Their attention made my skin crawl, but she stood taller, meeting each gaze with quiet dignity.
“My choice entirely.” Steel wrapped in velvet, her voice carried no apology. “I regretnothing.”
Dr. Chen’s smile held genuine approval, perhaps even relief. “As it should be. Choice remains an omega’s most sacred right.” Her attention returned to me, expression growing serious. “Care for her well. Don’t disappoint me. And remember—trust the science, but trust her instincts more.”
“Seth?” Elara’s fingers drifted to her throat, tracing where a comfort necklace might rest. “Would you help me select some pieces? I want to wear something that you’ve created, to understand.”
Her request hit hard—she was asking me to guide her selection—settling deep in my chest.
“Of course.” The words came out rougher than intended. “It would be my honor.”
“I’d like to see that too,” Dr. Chen added, stepping forward again with a knowing smile. “I’ve read the research. Now I want to see what my brightest student built with his own hands.”
Suddenly I was thirteen again, presenting prototypes to academy boards—except now the stakes were personal, the audience infinitely more important.
“Of course.” I turned, guiding them toward the vendor, pulse thudding like I was walking into a trial, not a jewelry store. “Follow me.”
As we moved deeper into The Center, Dr. Chen matched my pace. Her presence carried the weight of decades spent revolutionizing omega care across the galaxy.
“I must say, your company’s pharmaceutical line continues to impress.” Professional admiration colored her words. “Those temperature patches—artistry disguised as chemistry. The post-heat stabilizers? Revolutionary.”
Heat crept up my neck. Elara walked just ahead, and I was almost certain she could hear every word. “The claiming mark analgesics were born from patient observation. The answers weren’t in formulas—they were in listening. Sometimes, solutions hide in suffering, just waiting for someone to pay attention.”
Dr. Chen’s sharp gaze softened with something approaching maternal pride. “Which brings me to a delicate matter.” Her voice dropped to a confidential whisper. “Your omega’s dramatic selection yesterday—how is she adjusting?”
The question carried undercurrents I wasn’t sure how to navigate. Clinical details felt like betraying intimacy, yet her expertise could prove crucial.
“The mark heals well. Vitals stable.” Medical training warred with protective instincts as I chose my words carefully. “But heat indicators suggest acceleration. A week out, maybe less. Two if we’re lucky.”
“Change in environment and massive life transitions can do that—trigger or delay a heat cycle. Combine new pack bonds with unfamiliar atmospheric conditions, and it creates a perfect storm.” She nodded knowingly. “Where are you heading?”
“Planet Tera.”
“Smart move.” Her expression brightened. “It’s an omega haven. The atmosphere there nurtures their biology.”
She produced a sealed medical kit from her bag—slim, clinical, unmistakably high-grade. “Emergency heat regulators. Beyond standard grade. Keep them on hand.”
I accepted the container with care. “Thank you, but…why this level of assistance?”
“Because yesterday I witnessed something rare—an omega choosing from the heart, not calculation.” Professional distance cracked, revealing fierce compassion beneath. “Whatever you’re building deserves every chance to flourish.”
“Thank you.” The words felt inadequate for the gift offered.
“Once you reach Tera, stay put.” Her tone brooked no argument. “Through her first heat, through the adjustment period. On her own now with only a clan and no gamma. She’ll be forming new bonds, learning new dynamics. If she builds a pack, those relationships need time to stabilize. Naturally. Don’t rush it.”
I nodded, already filing it away for Luca. “Understood. I’ll ensure our alpha knows.”
Dr. Chen glanced back at Elara, now nestled between Maia and Stella, her scarf adjusted with care. “Good,” she said quietly. “Then don’t just monitor her. Support her. Trust her instincts.And make damn sure you don’t let the science speak louder than her voice.”
Glamorous Gems welcomed us with its familiar symphony of light and luxury. Crystalline displays caught The Center’s artificial illumination like captured stars. Toasty materialized from behind the counter, his diamond-studded smile gleaming with merchant’s joy.
“Miss Elara!” Warmth radiated from every word.“Congratulations on your beautiful claiming. Word is, love conquered bureaucracy—my favorite kind. You’ve got the romantic dreamers lining up.”
Elara’s smile held quiet grace, fingers brushing her healing mark. “Thank you, Toasty. Your kindness means much.”
“We’d like to see the scent-absorption jewelry.” Stella cut straight to the purpose. “Seth’s designs specifically.”
“The comfort collection!” His eyes lit with commercial delight. “My finest sellers.” He gestured with theatrical flair toward the elaborate display table dominating the store’s center, where delicate pieces sparkled under soft light. “Take your time. Please, examine everything at your leisure.”
