Page 3 of Knot Enough
I rubbed my scalp with my palm to assuage the dull pain starting up at my temple. “It took a lot to get you this opportunity. I pulled some strings with an old schoolmate on the council.”
It had to have been a connection that got me in, because only influential families could get their betas a pack. “You have to leave to meet the pack Alphas waiting for you at The Registry. They have a beta already, but . . .” his voice droned on.
A new pack that already had a beta? They hadn’t even scented me. It was unheard of for a match to be made without ascenting. All of this was no good.
Pressure started at the base of my nose. I studied my parents and sister, struggling to wrap my head around what this meant.
All I’d ever dreamed of was having a family. One that wanted me. And I wouldn’t get that by forcing my way into a pack that didn’t want me. Emotion caused my throat to constrict. There was no use in arguing or crying about anything because they didn’t care. They made it strikingly clear on many occasions. The only one that mattered to them was Valerie.
The perfect Omega. The perfect daughter.
I was useless compared to her.
In a society that revered omegas, it really fucking sucked to be a Beta.
“When do I have to meet them?” My lips were numb.
“9 a.m. today.”
“That’s in an hour,” I croaked, eyes wide.
Dad turned his wrist to look at the watch. Alarm flared across his face.
“You’d best hurry. Don’t embarrass me by being late.”
My teeth clicked together, caging my scream. They were kicking me out, and I was supposed to worry about his reputation? “Now,” he bellowed, spurring me into action. I sprinted upstairs, almost falling because of my slippers.
Tams was back in the room, my clothes all piled on the bed. She was already packing everything.
I wanted to crumble into pieces. I felt like shit, and I looked like shit. Meeting my new pack while looking like trash would only bite me in the ass.
Frustrated tears spurred my jerky movements as I shoved a hairbrush and my mascara into my tote. Once I kicked off my slippers, I slid into Crocs and bolted out of my room.
I reached for Valerie’s thin sweater on the hook next to the door. The fit was a bit more snug, but I didn’t have time to go hunt through my things. Once I hurried down to the first floor, I was outside and down the drive to my Toyota parked at the curb. I smoothed my hand on the steering wheel. I’d purchased her from my Dad with my hard-earned money. It had seemed to take forever, but I’d done it, and I didn’t regret the sweat. Owning something purely mine was an unmatched feeling—even if sometimes I didn’twantto have to work or drive. I swear—everything in my life felt wrong.
I revved the engine to life.
Most Omegas found out their designation at the age of sixteen, like Valerie, but there were late bloomers. After Valerie’s designation came out, I prayed and begged for me to be an Omega also, but the deadline of my eighteenth birthday showing up came and went.
I detached from the sidewalk and sped onto the asphalt. Fortunately, the Registry wasn’t far from here.
With one hand on the wheel while the other searched inside my tote for the hair brush, I pulled out of the street. Quick swipes only caused my hair to frizz, but it was better than the tangles. Mascara was next. I jerked the wheel to the left, almost missing the main road. My tire bumped over the uneven spot.
“Fuck,” I hissed as a black slash smeared at the corner of my eye.
Damn pothole. I paused putting the mascara on and focused on navigating the slowly crowding streets.
Minutes later, I accelerated into the sparse parking lot, sliding into a spot near the trees lining the furthest right of the building. I shut off the car and left the key in the ignition. I had fifteen minutes to go.
After shoving my mascara tube, I searched for the little makeup towelettes to swipe any imperfections, and slid my purse into the space under the passenger seat. I slid out of the car, and with my hip, I bumped the car door shut and swiped the wipe around my eyes to get any marks I smeared. If I’d been born to other parents—no, if I’d been born Omega?—
A rough grip wrapped around my hair, and my legs caved under me.
TWO
One second, I was filled with dread, glaring at The Registry, and the next, massive arms caged me. A black snake rippled on a muscular forearm, and then there was darkness. My legs dangled and… nothing. I couldn’t scent him, and I never would. It’s been years since I was able to smell anything. A brick wall pressed against the back of my head. This guy was a tank, and my pussy agreed. I should’ve been ashamed, but I was more impressed that he could lift me.
Yeah, Lena, because that’s what I should focus on right now.
