Page 44 of Knot So Social

A what now? “Er, what does that entail?”

“It means we work with you to get all your licenses in . . .” He checks his watch. “Three days. Which will mean some very long hours to get it all signed off.”

I gulp, the noise audible in the silent room. “You mean . . . you want to hire me? Now?”

“Yes.” He flashes me a lopsided smile. “If you’re willing, we’ll do the medical and psychological checks now, and if all goes well, start you on your first aid. We work with a college that offers the theory online, and then a practical. They’re holding the next one in two days.”

Logan leans both hands on the table, studying me. “The truth is, we’re short staffed right now, and we’ve got more requests for home visits than we have service officers for. I don’t like rushing the process, but since you have experience with omegas, it’s not a terrible idea to get you up and running at double speed. What do you think?”

I blink hard. I got the job? Pending checks, of course.

“I . . . well, I don’t have anything else on my plate right now.” I spread my hands helplessly. Of course I don’t. I’m unemployed, single, and barely have hobbies. I chuckle and clap my hands together. “Why not?”

Logan grins and his shoulders relax. “Wonderful! Let’s get you over to the med team right away.” He straightens. “Oh, do you happen to be a dog lover?”

“Yeah, I like dogs. Don’t currently have one, but I did as a kid.”

“Phew. It was a special request from an omega.”

Sounds like this was an emergency and I was here at just the right moment. That’s the funny part. For all my varied jobs, I’ve never been without work for long. Luck? Charm? Who knows, but I’m grateful.

I shove my chair back. “Lead the way.”

Thank God Joel insisted I clean up and heal my scrapes as much as possible. He’s pretty clever when it comes to social stuff.

As I follow Logan through the building, a staff member walks past, gently shepherding an omega. The thick, nutty scent streaming off her says she’s started her heat and I unconsciously draw in a deep breath. My loins tingle with the invitation in her scent.

She disappears into the elevator, and the scent diminishes to a faint tinge.

It hits me that by the end of the week, I’ll be the one entering those rooms to help some omega plagued by her monthly cycle. My dick and alpha knot will become part of the therapy used to soothe her fever and wash out her pheromones.

And when she’s done with me, she’ll walk away without ever looking back.

A tremor runs through my hands, and I jab them deep in my pockets. What the hell was I thinking, signing up for this?

Yeah, I was thinking I needed a job. But at what cost?

And who is this dog-loving omega I’ll be meeting at the end of the week?

Chapter fourteen

Willow

My heart sinks as I step into the bare room that’s supposed to be my nest. The emptiness and lack of personality smacks into my soul as if to say: You don’t deserve a nest, stupid Willow.

Not only is the space shadowed, but it’s devoid of furniture, life, and all pretty things. Mr Shares trots into the room, sniffing at the new territory. A spider’s moved into one corner, weaving himself a webby artwork. Dust bunnies collect along the skirting boards, and the whole room is dark and empty of anything inspiring romance.

Not that I’m expecting romance. No, just a man to come and do the deed, feed me his knot a few times until the fever breaks, and then leave. No feelings, strings, or obligations. I know it’s a common thing. Alphas have ruts, omegas have heats.

But this will be the first time I pay for sex.

Well, assuming the clinic can fit me in. If not, I’m up the creek without a paddle. I don’t want to even think about what happens if they can’t help with my heat. Is this the thing you put on local ad pages? Help required: thirty-two-year-old omega needing a trustworthy alpha for heat relief?

The idea makes me nauseous.

And the whole situation reminds me all too clearly of another empty nest—one that cuts my omega heart to even think about.

“I’m not the same girl,” I tell myself, setting my hands on my hips.