Page 13 of Knot Your Karma (Not Yours #1)

My breath catches. Scent match. The words hit me like a physical blow, and I have to grip the edge of the counter to steady myself.

Because that’s what this is, isn’t it? Not just attraction or chemistry or whatever I’ve been telling myself.

A scent match. The thing I thought I’d never have after Blake destroyed everything.

“Don’t.” My voice comes out sharper than I intended. “Don’t call it that.”

“Karma—”

“A scent match is supposed to be rare. Special. Something that happens once in a lifetime if you’re lucky.” I press my hand to my chest, but I can’t ease the tight knot that’s been there since meeting Declan.

Destiny just hums at me, not buying my bullshit.

“Which brings me to my next question,” Destiny says, her voice taking on that protective edge that means she’s shifting into problem-solving mode.

“What’s the update on the compass situation?

Because last time we talked, you were about to be exposed by a black-market dealer who sounded like she’d sell her own grandmother for the right price. ”

Right. The compass. The actual crisis that started all of this.

That’s a better focus than anything scent match related.

“Actually, that went better than expected. Sage didn’t expose me. She played the helpful dealer and told Declan exactly where the compass is.”

“She what?”

“It’s with some collector in Newport. Sterling Ashworth. Sage is going to arrange a meeting.”

“Wait, so you might actually be able to get it back?”

“Maybe. If this Ashworth guy will sell. If we can afford whatever he wants for it. If I can keep pretending I’m just a helpful antique expert instead of the person who put it on the black market in the first place.

” I drain more of my coffee, letting the warmth spread through my chest. “You know, small details.”

“And meanwhile you’re falling for the entire pack of men who are trying to recover it.”

“Yeah. That about sums up my life right now.”

Destiny is quiet for a moment, swirling her coffee thoughtfully. “Okay, but can we talk about the fact that your omega instincts are responding to all three of them? Well two. Because that’s actually kind of significant.”

“How so?”

“Well, when was your last heat? ”

I nearly spit out the last drops of my coffee. Fire climbs up my neck again. “Destiny!”

“What? It’s a legitimate question. Being close to heat affects who you’re attracted to.”

When Destiny mentions heat cycles, my hand automatically goes to my neck, fingers pressing against the scent glands I’ve been ignoring for months. They feel... different. Warmer. “I’m not close to a cycle. My cycles are still irregular because of stress.”

“Exactly. Stress messes with heat cycles, but it can also make them unpredictable. What if your omega instincts are trying to tell you something about what you need?”

“Like what?”

“Like maybe one alpha isn’t enough for you. Maybe you need the stability of a pack.”

I consider this, the empty coffee mug warm between my palms. “You think my broken biology is making me want multiple partners?”

“I think your biology is working exactly like it’s supposed to. You just haven’t had good options before now.”

“Blake made me feel like I was auditioning for the role of girlfriend every single day. Like I had to earn the right to be wanted. These guys...” I touch my neck where Reed’s scent still clings. “They make me feel like wanting me is the easy part.”

“Which is often the first step to something deeper.” Destiny leans forward, her dark eyes serious. “Karma, when’s the last time you felt excited about someone? When’s the last time you felt wanted?”

“It’s been a while.”

“Blake made you feel like you had to earn affection. Like you were lucky anyone wanted you at all. These men are making you feel like you’re worth pursuing. That’s a good thing. ”

“Even though I’m lying to them about stealing their family heirloom?”

“That’s... more complicated. But the attraction part? The omega part? That’s healthy.” She reaches across the table again. “Besides, you’ve got bigger problems to worry about.”

“Like what?”

“Like the fact that you’re about to help them track down a compass you’re the reason they lost. And if they find out the truth...”

“If they find out the truth, I’m screwed. Completely and utterly screwed.” My stomach clenches at the thought, and I have to breathe carefully to keep from panicking.

“Then you better hope this Ashworth guy is willing to sell.”

“I should get home. Tomorrow’s going to be complicated enough without staying up all night worrying about spontaneous combustion from too much attractive male energy and unresolved sexual tension.”

“Good plan. But Karma?”

“Yeah?”

“Try to enjoy this. Three gorgeous men who all seem interested in you? That’s not a problem, that’s a fantasy come true.”

“It’s a fantasy that could end with me in jail.”

“Or it could end with you getting everything you never knew you wanted.”

I hug her goodbye, breathing in her steady cinnamon scent one more time for courage.

I’m going to need it.