Page 4 of Knotty Nights

Hi Jazmine, I’m Arya from AlphaNet. The algorithm gods have decided that we’re a good match I wanted to check in and make sure the time and location still work for you? If there’s anything you want me to know before we meet, you can tell me here.

That sounded professional, despite the suggestive emoji. I tapped on the screen as I waited for her response.

A few seconds passed before the typing indicator appeared.

Hi Arya, it’s nice to hear from you! I thought the app might have missed my application since I didn’t hear back for a while. Am I supposed to introduce myself or just… wait until you get here?

I bit my lip, scrolling through the HR manual for guidance.

The omega sent another message.

I’m glad you reached out. It makes things less awkward.

The tight fist around my heart loosened a little.

Arya: I thought it might help to get in touch beforehand. For the record, I’m a little awkward in real life. I figured I should be honest about that before you meet me.

Jaz: I’m relieved! Your profile picture makes you look perfect. It’s good to know that you’re actually human like the rest of us.

Perfect? She thought I was perfect? I huffed a laugh.

Arya: Oh, I’m human all right.

I borrowed a line from the HR manual:

Arya: I want to be intentional with this.

Jaz: Intentional how?

Arya: I know we’re a good match in theory—the algorithm thinks so—but I want to see what we have in common.

Jaz: You want a real connection

Arya: Exactly

The typing bubble appeared, vanished, then reappeared.

Jaz: I get that. I don’t want an empty encounter either.

Her response made me smile.

Arya: Then we’re off to a good start.

For the first time since the conversation began, I relaxed against the back of my chair, letting the trapped tension drain away from my body.

Jaz: You’re good at making people feel comfortable.

I was?That was news to me.

Arya: Thank you. I want this to be a fun experience for you, even though Heats can be... intense. Do you usually get rough symptoms? Or is it more manageable? I like to know what to expect so I can help.

Jazmine typed for a long while.

Jaz: It depends. This is an induced Heat, so I can’t predict what would happen. I’m usually quite irritable if I don’t get my way. I’ll probably say many embarrassing things.

Arya: Don’t worry about that—saying embarrassing things is my way of life. I’m used to it. What about fever? Aches?

Jaz: No fever. The aches are horrible, though. I usually get overheated too quickly but asking for help is… hard.