Page 96 of Knot Their Safe Haven
The word comes out small, inadequate for the grief suddenly clogging my throat. Born an omega, and I'd never had what she describes. Never been offered it. Never thought to demand it when no one seemed to stress it was a big deal like she’s making.
"I brought it up once," I admit, focusing on my lemonade to avoid her eyes. "With Knox, years ago. Said something about wanting a space that was just mine."
"And?"
"He said the whole apartment was mine. Didn't understand why I'd need a designated area when I already had rooms. We were also hiding Icarus right…so that required a different space so the nanny’s could come in and out without suspicion…hmmm." The memory stings fresh despite its age. "Malcolm offered to help me organize a medical supply closet once. Thought that's what I meant by wanting my own space. And Adyani..."
"Let me guess. Sent expensive pillows from Dubai but never actually helped you build anything."
"Close. Sent a meditation mat and suggested I try yoga."
"Fucking hell." Alexis looks genuinely offended on my behalf, throwing her hands in the sky. "No wonder you're anxious all the time. You've never had anywhere to let emotions out safely. Never had a proper space to just exist without performance."
She stands abruptly, energy shifting from languid to purposeful.
"We're fixing this. Today. Now."
"Fixing what?"
"Your complete lack of omega care education. But first—" She grins, and there's mischief in it that makes me nervous and intrigued in equal measure. "We're doing an activity that'll get all those bottled emotions out."
"What kind of activity?"
She presses a finger to her lips, winking.
"Surprise. But you'll need different clothes." She gestures at my plum dress. "Gorgeous, but not practical for what I have planned."
"I don't have?—"
"Check your closet. We had things delivered last night. I put them away this morning while you were drooling on Alessandro's shoulder."
The casual thoughtfulness of the gesture hits unexpectedly. "You bought me clothes?"
"We bought you clothes. Pack decision. Alessandro picked colors, I chose styles, the twins will probably buy you entirely new wardrobes when they arrive because they think shopping is a competitive sport." She moves closer, leaning down to press lips to my forehead in a gesture that's somehow both maternal and romantic. "The duty of Alphas is to care for their omega. It physically pains me that you haven't experienced that, but we're changing it. Starting now."
She pulls back, those ice-blue eyes holding mine with intensity that makes promises without words.
"Wear whatever feels right," she says, heading for the door. "But I'd love to see you in leather. Something about badass omegas in leather really does it for me."
"Alexis—"
She pauses at the doorway, looking back.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For making me feel like I'm worth the effort."
Her expression softens into something genuine, dropping the teasing mask for a moment.
"You're worth everything, Velvet. We just need to convince you of that truth." She winks. "One hour. Don't be late. I have very specific plans for making you feel alive."
She disappears down the hallway, leaving me alone with anticipation fizzing in my chest like champagne bubbles.
I finish my lemonade in three gulps and head to my room—my room, in this impossible glass house with people who buy me clothes and make me breakfast and want to teach me about nests.
The closet door opens to reveal organized abundance.
