Page 17 of Knot Gonna Lie (Syzygy Omegaverse #1)

CHAPTER ELEVEN

LUCA

Watching Elara bid farewell to her caretaker felt like witnessing something sacred and heartbreaking in equal measure. I couldn’t fathom caring for someone for years, nurturing and protecting them, only to have them torn away the moment they reached their next life stage.

My omega was clearly ready to move forward—she hadn’t resisted any of my lingering touches or comforting gestures, melting into my embrace like she belonged there.

Yet her sudden demand to work had caught me off guard.

Omegas weren’t supposed to work.

In traditional times, they’d been hidden away behind fortress walls and armed guards, allowing their alphas to rule their clans without distraction. After the great war settled into uneasy peace, demands for fair treatment and basic rights had emerged from the ashes.

Part of me wanted nothing more than to keep her safely behind protective barriers, away from anyone unworthy of witnessing her beauty. But I knew caging her would be its own cruelty.

Elara deserved worship—absolutely—but she also craved the independence becoming common among our generation. I needed to ensure she felt valued as both crew member and cherished person within my clan. Adjusting to her presence would take time, especially during her first heat cycle.

Afterward, I’d need to evaluate my feelings about her venturing into public without escorts. Typically, an omega surrounded herself with home’s comforts alongside at least her pack members for constant support. Wealthier clans often employed servants to manage daily demands.

I’d reassess her request once we’d settled. But if she still wanted meaningful responsibility within the clan, I’d create a position for her—even if it meant partnering her with existing crew members.

Perhaps one of the women would enjoy her company.

“And this is the mess hall,” I explained, pressing my palm against her lower back as I guided her through the doors. The rest of my crew waited anxiously around the table, paired with their significant others like matched sets. “And this is the rest of the crew.”

“Hello!”

“Oh, Stars.” Tobias swung his feet off the table, shock flashing across his face. “I didn’t believe it would actually happen.”

“That’ll be a thousand credits.” Stella smacked Tobias’s shoulder and jerked her head toward Elara. “Name’s Stella, and this loser is Tobias, our medic Seth’s older brother.”

“That’s his name?” Elara glanced my way, biting her lower lip with endearing uncertainty. “The name suits his shy demeanor perfectly.”

“Yeah, he’s always been that way,” Tobias agreed with brotherly fondness. “Spent more time buried in tablets than doing social things—”

“There’s nothing wrong with that,” Maia hissed, elbowing Tobias in the ribs with protective force. “You better watch your words, or you can sleep alone in your own bed with nothing but your hand for company.”

“Maia! Baby!” Tobias pleaded, his cockiness instantly evaporating. “You can’t say that. You know I was only joking.”

“It’s not funny.”

“Have you forgotten she was the same way?” Sylas chuckled, pulling Stella closer against his side. “Maia only leaves her engineering bay because we force her to.”

“Whose side are you on, Sylas?” Tobias shouted, throwing his hands skyward in theatrical betrayal. “I thought we were brothers!”

“Nah, that’s what you have Seth for.”

“The betrayal…” He dramatically covered his chest as if mortally wounded. “How can you do this to me?”

“Maybe you should pick your battles more carefully,” Elara chuckled, leaning into my side with natural ease. “Instead of seeking help from others, you should’ve tried making amends with her directly.”

“They’re always like this,” I whispered against her ear, making her shiver deliciously. “It’s better to let them fight it out rather than intervening.”

“Bossman can’t handle the heat, so he stays out of the engine room,” Stella mocked, soft chuckles punctuating her blade sharpening. “Don’t worry, we’re always respectful toward each other. Our banter usually doesn’t escalate beyond harmless teasing.”

“Usually,” I repeated, drawing in Elara’s intoxicating scent. She smelled like fresh lavender and vanilla—sweet but not desperately needy. We had time to continue socializing with the crew.

“I’m not looking to start conflicts,” Elara announced, scanning the table and meeting each person’s gaze with steady confidence. “I want a safe and caring alpha, a loving pack, and a supportive clan. My goal isn’t causing problems within your established relationships.”

“You aren’t here to steal our mates?” Stella asked, pausing her psyblade against the plasma focusing rig.

“Why would I want to interfere with already established pairs?”

“Because it’s within your rights as the clan’s omega.”

Elara stepped away, emerald eyes blazing with sudden resolve.

I held still, knowing I shouldn’t interfere—not unless it became absolutely necessary. She needed to speak for herself. After all, once my mark claimed her, she would officially be this clan’s omega.

She leaned forward, placing both palms on the table and fixing the four betas with an unwavering stare. Her entire presence demanded their complete attention.

Unfortunately, it was something that rarely happened, especially when the whole clan gathered.

“Listen carefully to what I’m about to say,” Elara announced, her voice calm and controlled as steel. “I see you. I may not bear your alpha’s mark yet, but that doesn’t mean I’m blind to the hesitation and worry in your eyes.

“Soon, I will be your new omega, but that doesn’t mean I’ll claim every person aboard this vessel just because they smell appealing.”

She stepped forward and gently took each crew member’s hand, lifting their wrists to her nose. One by one, she inhaled—slow, deliberate, reading them like a story in scent.

When she finished, she stood taller, her expression calm and certain.

“Now I understand why this vessel is called Paradise —together, you smell like a tropical vacation waiting to be savored. And while your aromas are warm, inviting…they aren’t mine .

” Her gaze swept the two couples. “Each of you carries a unique signature, but what stands out most is the way your partners’ scents are woven into your own.

You’re already marked. Bonded. And I would never interfere with that.

” She smiled gently. “So relax. I’m not here to disrupt what you’ve built—I’m here to find what’s meant for me. ”

“How can you make such declarations so easily?” Maia asked, tilting her head as she exchanged glances with Stella. “You’re an omega. You could claim the entire ship if desired, and we’d be at your mercy.”

“Just because she could doesn’t mean she would,” I interjected, crossing my arms and studying my crew with mild irritation at their continued questioning. “I could have demanded each of you in my bed constantly to ease my needs, and you’d have no recourse.”

“If you were like that, we never would have sworn loyalty to you.”

I gestured toward Elara, indicating the same principle applied.

“She just made identical declarations. Therefore, my omega will only show interest in those who aren’t already claimed by another. This means everyone at this table is safe.”

“Is what he’s saying true?” Stella stood, placing her blade and sharpener on the table’s surface. “You aren’t interested in us?”

“Why would I be?” Her tone was light, almost amused. “Your scents are already blended with one another’s—saturated with trust, affection, time. That kind of bond deserves respect.”

She gave a small, sheepish smile and wrinkled her nose—not in disgust, but with quiet honesty.

“I’m not looking to come between what’s already been built.

Whoever joins my pack…I want that connection to grow naturally.

Unmated. Uncomplicated.” Her gaze softened as it swept across them.

“It’s hard enough stepping into an existing clan.

I need packmates who choose me , just as I’ll choose them—and who’ll stay loyal to that choice. ”

“But where are the others?” Tobias asked, shifting in his seat to peer behind me. “I don’t see my brother or anyone else with you.”

“They’ve been sent to pack Elara’s belongings while I give her a proper tour and introduce her to you four.”

“You mean she’s already moving in?” Sylas asked, mouth dropping open in shock. “What happened to the courting stage?”

“There is no courting stage,” I replied firmly. “Elara wanted only me—”

“Your alpha is the only one worthy of marking me,” Elara interjected with regal certainty. “I’d rather skip formalities and stop delaying the inevitable. He came. I chose him, and soon he’ll mark me, forever binding me to both him and this clan.”

“Have you shown her the nest room?” Maia asked, cheeks darkening with a blush. “I made sure to freshen it in preparation, hoping you’d return with an omega.”

“Thank you.” Elara nodded toward the female engineer with genuine warmth. “How thoughtful of you to do such a thing.”

I hadn’t missed how she squeezed her thighs together, as if trying to hide mounting arousal from everyone present. Drawing a deep breath, I could taste her growing need saturating the air, thickening with each passing moment.

A purr rumbled through my chest as instinct demanded I comfort her rising desire. Wrapping an arm around her waist, I pulled her close and guided her head to rest against my chest while nodding to my crew.

“Now, if you’ll excuse us, I believe we have urgent matters to attend.

” I turned her toward the hallway leading to both my private cabin and her nest room.

With introductions complete, it was time to take my omega away and claim her properly.

“Stella, you’re in charge. When the others arrive, have them place her belongings in my quarters temporarily.

We’ll gather whatever’s left tomorrow before we leave. ”

“Why Stella?” Tobias demanded with wounded pride.

“Because she isn’t afraid to stab someone if they try interrupting us.” Elara flinched in my arms. Leading her away, I leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Don’t worry. No one would be foolish enough to attempt it.”

“You heard the boss. I’m in charge now.”

We walked in comfortable silence down the hallway as I watched Elara absorb the decorations adorning our walls.

“Do you have any questions?”

“What are those?”

She glanced over her shoulder, jerking her head toward the vid-frames displaying short recordings of exotic plants from locations throughout the galaxy.

“Those are the plants we use at Coco Pharma,” I replied with genuine pride. “To maintain our competitive edge, we ensure quality products delivered punctually. We take pride in treating our botanical sources properly and avoiding contamination of local ecosystems.”

“That sounds…incredible.”

“It’s quite remarkable when I pause to consider it,” I said, then hesitated—just for a breath. “But I can’t claim all the credit. I wouldn’t be here without my brother’s contributions.”

A flicker of guilt twisted low in my gut. I’d used his ID to enter the Den, and now I stood here reaping the rewards of a risk he didn’t even know I’d taken. I masked it with a smile.

“And he wouldn’t be here without yours,” she corrected, firm with conviction. “I’ve heard about the Coco Pharma brothers and the exceptional quality of your products.”

“Really?”

“Of course.” She covered her mouth, muffling delighted laughter. “How else are station residents supposed to maintain their appearance when they can’t leave? They demand your products specifically.”

“Well, once we’re behind these doors, you’ll become part of the Coco Pharma legacy yourself.”