Knot So Perfect Omega (Omega Match #1)(41)

Kara mirrored me, her hands going under her cheek. “Is that what you want? You were so adamant that a pack wasn’t for you.”

“I know, but I just feel... at peace around them. It’s hard to explain.” It felt natural, like this pack was always meant to be mine. It was a ridiculous feeling considering Kara was supposed to be the one in my place. A fact I didn’t plan on telling her because it would do nothing except hurt her.

“I’m happy for you.” She blinked back tears. “I think we’ve swapped opinions on packs.”

“You don’t mean that, Kara. It just wasn’t the right time. I mean, think about how the whole system works. We hardly get time with any of the packs and then have to rank each other for some algorithm to match us. They might as well just auction us off instead.”

“That’s barbaric. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about Omega Match and have decided they can’t be trusted. Who’s to say money doesn’t trade hands? Where there’s power, there’s money pulling the strings.” Kara almost never spoke badly about anything having to do with how omegas are treated or matched in our society. It was concerning the sharp turn she’d made.

There was still the question of how I ended up even matching when I opted out. I was sure everyone thought I was lying, and part of me still wondered if Kara really believed me.

“Are you going to start doing meetings and socials for the fall match? They told us the fall one is a lot less overwhelming.”

“What if I meet a fantastic pack outside of Omega Match? Am I supposed to just ignore my feelings and make them go through the whole process?”

“How do you plan on meeting a pack outside of it? I hope you aren’t thinking of sneaking-”

“No. I just... never mind.” Kara sat up, and I could see her room. It was a disaster of boxes and piles of things. “I should finish packing this mess. They’re moving me to the omega compound tomorrow.”

“Call me whenever you need to. I love you, sis.”

“Love you too.” She hung up, and I was left with an uneasy feeling in my belly.

There was a soft knock on my door, and it cracked open an inch. I’d told the guys I was going to take a nap, but really had been scrolling on my phone and then talking to Kara.

“Kayla? You awake?” Kane whispered.

“Yeah. You can come in.” I sat up and scooted back against the headboard. “What’s up?”

Kane was dressed in jeans and had a leather jacket on over his T-shirt. Odd attire for inside the house.

“I’m going to go for a ride and then stop at a food truck event. You want to go?” He shoved his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “I thought it would be nice to get out for a bit before we leave tomorrow morning.”

“A ride? Like on a motorcycle?” My heart sped up, and I scooted off the large bed when he nodded. “Hell yes, I want to go.”

I looked down at my pajama shorts and tank top I’d put on to take a nap. “Let me change.”

“You don’t have to wear a leather jacket or anything, but something to cover your skin would be good just in case.” He sat on the bench at the end of the bed as I opened one of the boxes I still hadn’t unpacked.

“I have a leather jacket I never have reason to wear.” I dug to the bottom and yanked it out. “Is everyone going?”

“No, just us.” He leaned back onto the end of the bed with his forearms as I started changing right in front of him. “Have you ridden on a motorcycle?”

“Yeah, my dads have them. Drives my mom nuts. I’ve never driven one myself though. I think they were scared I’d ride off into the sunset if they taught me how.” I pulled on the jeans I had on earlier and swapped out my sleep tank for an N’Pact shirt.

“I could teach you how. I mean, not today, but once the season is over. Rio has a bike too. We could get you one.” He sat up and grabbed my hips as I came to stand in front of him. “Do you have your driver’s license?”

I cringed. “No. There’s been no reason for me to learn to drive and it’s not like omegas have freedoms where we can just go wherever we want when we want.” It really sucked, and I didn’t even know how I thought it was going to be possible to open my own shop with all the restrictions.

I’d have to hire at least two beta security guards to be in the shop and to accompany me to and from the shop. Might as well be a celebrity.

“What’s that scrunched up expression for? There’s no shame in not knowing how, but I think it would be good for you to learn in case you ever need to drive.” He stood and pulled me against him in a hug.

“I’ve driven bumper cars and on video games. How hard can it be?” The thought of driving in Los Angeles traffic gave me anxiety.

“It can be difficult. Let’s go so we have enough time to enjoy the food trucks and get back before it gets dark.” He entwined our fingers and led me out of the room. “Are you a fan of N’Pact?”

I looked down at my well-worn shirt. “Who isn’t?”

He laughed as we walked through the house. “They live down the street. We’ve been over there a few times for parties and stuff. I’d introduce you but they don’t have an omega, and I don’t want them to get any ideas.”