Page 79 of Love Me Knot, Part One (Knotty Omegas #1)

“Before you go, let’s touch base on your omega. How is Daphne?”

“I’m not sure,” I admit, cringing. “Things with AJ have been a lot and I know if I go over there and she sees my phone go off a hundred times, she’ll get anxious. It’s easier to stay away than to stress her out.”

It sounds like bullshit. Maybe it is.

“Have you told her that?” Bridget asks.

“No, I just keep hoping it’ll settle down.”

“In your experience, does that happen often with this client?”

“No.”

“When did you last spend time with Daphne?” She holds a hand up when I immediately try to answer. “And I don’t mean an hour at dinner. I mean real time together.”

“The barbecue.”

Bridget doesn’t cringe, but she doesn’t need to. I already know it’s fucking awful. That was nearly two weeks ago and while it was a step forward in our relationship, there’s every chance I lost that momentum by being absent since.

That’s all I’m doing, going forward two steps and back ten. Is Daphne sitting at home, wondering if I even care because I’m never around for her? A few texts and a handful of presents isn’t enough.

“Do you want to spend time with this woman?” Bridget asks.

“I’d be with her all the time if I could, but things are complicated.”

“What’s more important to you right now, your omega or this client?”

“Daphne, obviously.” It’s a knee jerk reaction, but the second I say it, stress pummels me.

Bridget’s head cocks, locked onto something. “Care to try again?”

“Aren’t we almost done?” I don’t want to do this.

Felix shakes his head. The only interaction we’ve had this entire session. “You’re in luck. Our next appointment is running late, so you can finish.”

Oh, fuck him. He smirks like an absolute jackass.

Trying to explain the mess of feelings inside me is hard, but I try. “It’s not that AJ’s a higher priority, it’s just that I’m struggling to balance the two.”

“Seems to me like there shouldn’t be a balance,” Bridget says carefully. “You’ve said before that family comes above everything. Do you believe that Daphne’s included in that?”

“I wouldn’t be here if she didn’t matter as much as my brothers. More, even.”

“Then why haven’t you spent time with her?” She watches me flounder, then takes pity on me. “Do you want advice from an omega?”

“Please.”

“You’ve mentioned how kind Daphne is and also how her former pack was.

From what you know, they spent most of their time working and neglecting her basic needs.

If I were in your shoes, I’d care a little less about handling everything at work and a little more on the omega waiting for someone to love her the way she deserves.

Someone to put her before everything else.

Your packmates understand that, but I’m not sure you do. Do you know why?”

“Because I’m doing exactly what her exes did?”

Bridget smiles kindly. “Maybe not exactly, but certainly in the same sphere.”

It’s not the first time she’s pointed out something obvious, but it is the most painful.

All Daphne wants is to be cared for and I’ve been holed away in my office, barely seeing her because I’m too busy . What the fuck does any of this matter if it means I lose my omega in the end?

Bridget’s smile grows as she watches me.

“I think that’s enough for today. I’d like you to make some intentional time with your pack this week.

Call it homework, call it a necessary recalibration, I don’t care.

But while you’re with them, I’ll ask you to put work aside.

Turn off your phone and tune into the people you love.

I have a feeling everything will be clearer when you do. ”

I can already see the notifications pinging on my phone when I turn it on again, but I have to trust that Bridget wouldn’t ask me to do something pointless. The discomfort is necessary for growth. “Thanks, Bridge. See you Thursday.”

“Good luck, Connor,” she says before turning to her alpha. “Do we have time for a snack before they come?”

Felix looks at her like she hung the moon. “Anything for you, darling.”

My chest clenches at how easily they love each other, how obvious their affection is. I want that casual intimacy with Daphne.

So do what it takes to make it happen.

In the parking lot, I pull out my phone and ignore all the texts and calls from Moore, maneuvering to my text thread with Daphne.

It’s been relatively quiet the last few days, only some pictures of the sky outside, a cute dog passing the shop, or screenshots of flower delivery receipts so she knows when to expect them. Almost no genuine conversation at all.

Come on, Connor. You can do better than this.

My fingers fly over the screen, hoping that she’s near her phone so I don’t need to freak myself out while I wait for her to answer.

Me

Are you free this week?

Daphne

For you, absolutely.

My heart catches, staring at three simple words that heal more than I ever knew was hurting. I climb into my car as she types, the bubbles taunting me. Finally, another text comes through.

Daphne

Thursday seems best for me. I have a photoshoot in the morning, but I should be done by dinnertime. Does that work?

Me

It’s perfect. Come over to our place? It’s pack night.

Daphne

That sounds amazing.

I can almost hear her wistful tone, and it kills me. My omega should never have to wonder how long it’ll be before she sees all her alphas together. I have to do better. Be better.

Switching over to the Pack Morgan group chat she’s in, I type out another message.

We still have a thread with just the three of us, which is mostly used for coordinating dates, sending candid snapshots of our omega and planning surprises, but every time I see Daphne’s name in this one, it makes me smile.

Me

Clear your schedules for Thursday. It’s family game night.

Nate

Oh, fuck yeah! I’m gonna kick your asses.

Dez

Maybe let’s hold the crazy until the second game night. For Daph’s sake.

Daphne

Nope. I’m ready to beat everyone.

Nate

That’s my girl. Don’t worry, kitten. I won’t go easy on you.

Daphne

Have you ever?

Nate

Come over and I’ll show you exactly what I mean.

Daphne

Oh, no. That sounds horribleeeeee.

Be home soon.

I let myself imagine what it’ll be like to have our place as her home. We’ve got a long way to go before cohabitation, especially me, but I’m determined to make it work. For Daphne’s sake and for ours.

Me

See you Thursday at six, angel. Don’t be late.