3. Destined To Meet Again?
3
DESTINED TO MEET AGAIN?
~KAMARI~
" I f you think I'm walking out of this house in this short, ass-showing dress, you've lost your damn mind, Kamari Ahvi!"
I can't help but smile as I hear Astraea's outraged voice through the door.
"First off, it's Kamari Prava Ahvi," I correct automatically, my full name rolling off my tongue with ingrained pride.
Even after running away from my family, some habits are hard to break.
"Second, I'm very positive the dress I picked from your 'forbidden closet of sexiness' makes your ass look extra delicate with all the damn squats you do."
I watch as she checks her watch before heading toward the door. Even in casual movement, she has this natural grace that I've always envied.
Not like those jealous bitches who pretend they’re your friend and are venomous on the inside, but more of a haunting wish that I could execute even a bit of beauty in my movements like what she does.
The kind of effortless elegance that makes other Omegas whisper behind their hands.
"And lastly—" The words die in my throat as the door swings open.
Holy goddess...
My jaw drops as I take in her complete transformation.
The lavender-silver hair cascades in perfect waves, framing her face like a masterpiece. Her cyan-blue eyes seem to sparkle even more vibrantly against her flawlessly made-up face.
The dress – my choice, thank you very much – hugs every curve like it was sculpted onto her body.
She’s stunning, like a diamond ready to be shown to the world with how brightly she shines in elegance.
"I give up. I'm wearing a garbage bag."
"Oh no you don't!" I tackle her with the force of a charging rhino, unable to contain my excitement. "Don't you change anything!"
She pulls me inside quickly, kicking the door shut before my squealing can attract attention. I know she hates how the other Omegas gossip about her, always whispering about the "Hermit Omega" whenever she does anything outside her usual routine.
If they only knew who she really was...
I pull back to admire her properly, my photographer's eye drinking in every detail.
"PURPLE! Heck! Lavender?! O.M.G! I knew purple compliments you, but fuck Rae! You're a new badass bitch!"
I try not to disturb her perfectly styled curls as I circle her like an excited puppy. The transformation is stunning – worth every penny of that five-thousand-dollar salon visit she tried to hide from me.
"Wow. So shiny and healthy even though you just dyed it. Where the fuck did you go to get this done! Plus the makeup?! Jesus woman! You have your first official interview as Blair or what?"
"God no!" She shakes her head emphatically. "I'll take that identity to the grave if I have to."
Blair Vesper. Her secret pen name is making her millions in revenue while the world thinks she’s an Alpha creating the best lyrical masterpieces in the industry.
"No, you won't!" I give her my best 'don't-be-ridiculous' look, the one I perfected during years of high-society functions. "You have to capitalize on your businesses eventually. You can't be a secret forever!"
My fingers itch to capture this moment.
Already, my mind is composing the shot – the way the evening light would catch her hair, how the dress would create the perfect silhouette.
"Let me take a nice photo of you. This will be your debut picture."
"Looking like a raunchy Omega trying to ride Alpha pony? No thanks." She shivers dramatically, making me roll my eyes. "Plus, Blair Vesper is male in the eyes of these rich business fuckers. I think I'd lose biz if they knew I was a woman."
"I doubt it." I'm already pulling out my iPhone, mentally cursing its limited capabilities. I long for a professional camera – something that could truly capture the artistry before me.
Astraea offered to buy me one once, a six-thousand-dollar DSLR that made my heart skip, but I couldn't accept.
Not after everything she's already done for me.
Maybe someday I'll earn it myself.
"Stand over near the window so we can get some good sunset lighting on you," I direct, already seeing the shot in my mind. The golden hour light will create the perfect ambiance, especially with her new hair color. "And with this new movement trending, maybe coming out as a seven-figure Omega can be beneficial."
"Movement?" she questions, but I'm too focused on creating the perfect setup to answer. I move around the room, adjusting things here and there, even putting on some soft background music to set the mood.
While she checks her reflection one last time, I notice the nervous energy radiating from her. She's thinking about that Alpha from the gym – I can tell by the way she keeps smoothing down her dress, checking angles that would normally never concern her.
Man, must be nice…
To have an Alpha’s interest enough that you start questioning all the little things that would ruin your idea of “perfection”.
Tonight's government Meetup has her more worked up than usual.
When Velvet mentioned it – supposedly some exclusive event at Sacred Divine on Deviante Avenue – I knew Astraea would need to look her absolute best. The club sits in the heart of our city's wealthiest district, where even the rose bushes are imported and the nearby lake requires a credit check just to look at it.
The same world I ran away from.
I watch as she takes in her reflection, and I can't help but admire how the investment in her appearance has paid off.
The lavender dye job alone cost five grand, but the way it creates an ombre effect with her natural silver is worth every penny. Her pale skin glows with the aftermath of that ridiculous 24-karat gold facial, and even with minimal makeup, she looks like she belongs on a magazine cover.
The dark red dress – another piece I helped choose – hugs her curves perfectly, and those limited edition Tainted Crimson Louboutins add a perfect touch of luxury. Her Judith Leiber Crystal bag — a cool ten grand — matches perfectly with her Swarovski jewelry set.
She looks like old money but earned every bit of it herself.
I know she's secretly hoping to see that mysterious Alpha again, even though she won't admit it.
The way she described him – this huge, muscled god who looked like he could be Knox's relative – made even my jaded heart flutter a bit.
"Let's get snapping before the sun leaves," I urge, hiding my own melancholy behind enthusiasm. Photography has become my escape since running away from my arranged marriage. Through my lens, I can create beauty instead of being sold like cattle for it.
Watching Astraea pose naturally by the window, I feel a mixture of pride and sadness.
Pride because my best friend has built herself into something remarkable – a secret musical genius who can afford five-thousand-dollar hair treatments without blinking. Sadness because I know how lonely she is, how much she yearns for real connection in a world that only sees Omegas as decorative pieces.
At least she got away from her toxic mother. I just ran from mine...
But I push those thoughts aside.
This isn’t the time to think about my regrets or the family that would trade me for business connections.
Tonight is about capturing my best friend in all her glory, about documenting this moment before she steps into that elite world of Sacred Divine, where perhaps fate has something special waiting for her.
Or someone.
Finally satisfied with the photos I've captured, I lower my phone and watch as Astraea examines herself one final time in the mirror.
The golden hour light streaming through our window makes her look almost ethereal like some ancient goddess descended to grace us mere mortals with her presence.
"So this movement?" She prompts, adjusting one of her perfectly styled curls. "You got fifteen minutes to bless me with your acquired knowledge before I get my alter-ego out and attempt to not come home with a pack of crazed Alphas."
Her comment makes me lose myself in laughter, though there's a hint of anxiety beneath my mirth. Even the idea of her encountering some of the Alpha types I've met makes my skin crawl.
"Right!" I move to the kitchen island, setting my phone down so I can give her my full attention. This is too important to multitask. "The Knot Their Omega Movement just got passed in legislation this afternoon. Like, this is breaking news, Astraea!"
"The what-what now?" She looks at me with that adorably confused expression that makes her look far younger than her nineteen years. "Knot Their Omega?"
"Yup!" I can barely contain my excitement as I explain. "It's an official movement launched by seven top Omegas. Top as in the seven richest Omegas. I believe this has been in the works for months and they were getting donations from other Omegas, similar to a whole donation organization."
My mind races as I try to remember all the details. "Omegas in the six to seven-figure range were donating to this foundation since it was a perfect write-off and to a good cause. Not knowing that this very organization's purpose was to put a stop to Omegas' mistreatment in our society. I forgot the organization name...um...something with a N?"
"Noctuary Larissa Organization for Helpless Omegas?" The name rolls off her tongue with practiced ease, leaving me gaping at her like a fish out of water. Of course she'd know – my brilliant friend never ceases to amaze me.
"Velvet had told me about it when I first started to make real good money with my songwriting," she explains, a slight smile playing on her lips. "I was freaking out when I wrote that song for Eilish and it went triple platinum. She gave me a hefty bonus and I still get royalties from it. I knew taxes were going to be a bitch since I hadn't moved my business to be an abroad corporation, so Velvet advised that I start contributing to this organization."
I listen intently as she continues, "Noctuary Larissa Organization was the only Omega Donation that wasn't being forced to shut down. You know, other organizations were popping up left and right, but when they did background checks of their organizers, they were all Alphas trying to act like Omegas."
"The fucking audacity," I exclaim, unable to hide my disgust. It reminds me too much of my own experiences – Alphas thinking they know what's best for us, trying to control every aspect of our lives while pretending it's for our own good.
"Tell me about it. As if we're not used and abused enough. Why not steal donations meant to help us to add it to the list." The bitterness in her voice mirrors my own feelings. "I wrote a rock song that night, expressing all my anger. It was picked up the next day for seven figures, and that was my first donation to N.L.O. I was fucking proud of that one."
Her face softens as she continues.
"I went to see the organization for themselves and they do what Velvet does. Make Havens across the city and now world, aiding Omegas who've been outcasts and run away."
I notice her hesitation before she adds.
"They've broadened their movement into even helping Omegas who are being forced into marriage."
My heart clenches at those words.
If only I'd known about them before my own near-disaster of an arranged marriage. How many other Omegas could be saved from that fate?
Ember, one of her adorable pomskies, wanders over to her looking sleepy. I watch as Astraea crouches down, her expensive dress forgotten as she shows unconditional love to her fur baby.
"It's one of the reasons why I went on that short trip last week," she reveals while petting Ember. "They've noticed the cultural politics being used against Omegas for financial and political gain and are expediting for it to be banned. They can't do it in every country, but it can start with where they have power and connections and begin to expand with persistence."
The silence that follows is heavy with understanding.
I watch as she pampers Ember, the sight making my heart ache with both love for my friend and regret for those who don't have someone like her in their corner.
I’m privileged to have such an amazing best friend, one of the few supports left in my life when I dare think about it, but what about those Omegas who are all alone in this cruel world?
How are they existing without a daily reminder of potentially ending it all?
"They noticed I'm really passionate about it and since my donations helped fund the initial movement, they want me to be an ambassador or something," she continues modestly. "It's not a big position or anything, but maybe with persistence and more donations, I can make an impact, you know?"
Oh, Astraea. You already make more of an impact than you realize.
She says it like she's expecting an answer, but I know she's really trying to convince herself that her silent efforts matter.
That maybe she can help prevent others from experiencing the pain and rejection we've both faced.
"With this whole movement, maybe things can accelerate in our favor, but you never know." Her voice grows quieter, more contemplative. "In this world where greed is more important than the well-being of vulnerable females and males, you wish to be hopeful, but only a fool would remain in that state of mind. Only makes it hurt more when reality hits."
I watch as she guides Ember back to where Blaze is sleeping. The larger pomsky barely opens his eyes as his sister cuddles up next to him, accepting Astraea's loving head scratch before drifting back to sleep.
When she rises and turns back to me, I know I must look shell-shocked. But how can I not be? My best friend, who everyone dismisses as the "Hermit Omega," is secretly fighting for all of us, using her success to pave the way for change.
"So with this approval of this law, have there been riots and outcries?" she asks, smoothly changing the subject before I can process my emotions.
I blink rapidly, forcing myself to focus.
"Not yet, but they're anticipating it for tonight, which was another reason why I was calling to say you should be careful when going home. I'm sure with the news Alphas are going to be extremely angry, if not violent."
"Nothing new," she shrugs, and I admire her casualness. "I doubt they'll riot, honestly. They're going to think it's a test or joke. Give it about three solid days before the memo sinks into their brains."
Her comment makes me laugh despite the seriousness of the situation.
"You know what? You're probably right. A shame for them, a blessing for us."
"It is now that we've talked about it a bit." There's a new confidence in her stance as she checks her reflection one final time. "I'll walk with my head up high tonight."
"You were going to do that anyway," I point out with a knowing smirk, unable to resist teasing her. My eyes drift to the new security camera by our door. "But what's with the camera? Did we suddenly become famous and need to watch out for thieves?"
"You and I both know our lives aren't that exciting," she laughs, and I join in because it's true.
While other Omegas near Deviante need extensive security for their luxury items, our most precious possessions are each other and these two furry babies.
"You and I both know our lives aren't that exciting," I laugh, though there's a hint of irony in my voice. To some, especially those I grew up with, our current situation would be considered "sad" – two Omegas living in a Haven without the extensive security systems that are practically mandatory for those living near Deviante Avenue.
Back in my old life, every Omega I knew had state-of-the-art security. Multiple cameras, motion sensors, even panic rooms – all designed to protect their physical assets.
Their closets alone held more value than our entire apartment, filled with designer pieces they wore once before discarding them as "last season."
How times have changed…
The only things truly worth protecting here are Ember and Blaze. I've watched Astraea train them since they were tiny pups, teaching them a special escape route that leads to a fire and earthquake-proof safe room.
Some might question her priorities, but I understand completely. Those furry angels are more family to us than our actual relatives.
"But to be honest, I received it last night," Astraea explains, drawing my attention back to the sleek camera by our door. "It's a ring camera from a new security company to aid in protecting Omegas. Maybe they got a heads-up on what was going to happen with this movement and sent out the prototypes early. Already got it approved with Velvet. She liked the idea."
She smirks and points to the box.
"Once the other Omegas in this place notice, they're all going to be asking for one. I guess the security company has to be well-known enough for Velvet to approve of them supplying prototypes. It looks expensive. Has some extra protective sensory shit that when forcibly removed from the door without the fingerprint or code will sound an alarm and call the police to the location in two minutes."
My eyes widen at the technological advancement.
In my family's world, such security measures were common, but they came with hefty price tags and even heftier waiting lists.
"I-Is that legal?"
"I don't know." She shrugs with that casual grace I've come to admire. "Honestly, this is probably the high-tech shit the luxurious Omegas enjoy daily. I mean, we're all shocked and amazed, but what if this is a normal occurrence for them? Like the difference between an ancient iPhone 6 and an iPhone 24 X Supreme."
"When you put it that way, you're 100% right," I whine, memories of my past life flooding back. "This is probably nothing to the well-off Omegas. Just surprising to me cause I've never seen such a high-tech capture ability. For my family to get security installed by one of the top security companies, it cost a shit ton and was a fifteen-month waitlist."
The look of shock on her face makes me laugh.
"Say what now? Fifteen what?"
"Fifteen months," I groan, remembering the endless family discussions about it. "It was absolutely ridiculous. They wanted a very specific company. Said they're top of the line in security and protection of assets. The crazy thing is the owner is in his early twenties! Everyone thought the Father harvested the organization but nope. It was his son and it's worth billions now."
"Billions, huh."
She contemplates this, and I can see her mind working through the implications. Having grown up differently from me, she has a unique perspective on wealth and its true value.
"When you know one's worth, money is nothing. In life, money comes and goes. What we invest our money in is what determines its value. Vesper's songs have made artists go from nobodies to billionaires with one hit that makes them money years later. He also doesn't release many songs. It makes a demand no one knew was needed in the industry, and no one can replicate just how good his songs are."
I try not to smile at how she talks about Blair Vesper in third person, maintaining her secret identity even with me.
Though I suppose old habits die hard when you're protecting a multi-million dollar persona.
"Morrigan StarCaptors Corp?" I say though I'm not entirely sure of the name. My fingers tap against my lips as I think. "I swear it's Morrigan because it reminds me of the name of the Talent Manager who manages that trending Alpha Rockstar or whatever."
"Talent Manager?" She frowns, clearly not familiar with the name. "And Morrigan...that's the company that sent the security box."
I watch as she walks to the coffee table and picks up the box, examining its sleek design. The star motif catches the light, the holographic blue and gold lettering making it look more like a luxury item than a security device.
"No fucking way!" I rush over to stand beside her, needing to see it for myself. "WOW! I wonder if they're collaborating with the seven-figure Omegas to roll this security system out?! They're top in the industry when it comes to security. Like, they make 10-20 billion a year!"
"10-20...billion?" She looks as stunned as I feel. "And you said the owner is a twenty-year-old?"
"In his twenties, yeah," I clarify, remembering the gossip that circulated in my old social circles. "Hard to find pictures of him online. I think he goes by a different name, but they are the top in the world right now. When you're making that type of money, you don't even need to do anything. You breathe and people are bowing to make sure everything is going perfectly every day or else they're fucked."
I can't help but sigh dreamily.
"Man, I wish to have an Alpha of that wealth."
"Nah." Astraea shakes her head firmly. "The richer, the cockier."
Okay. She’s right about that.
"Yeah, you're right," I concede with a laugh. "That was my pussy talking. She needs some TLC."
Her laughter fills the room, bright and genuine.
"Girl, same. Mine is tired of being a desert. You just reminded me, that I gotta charge up them toys. The heat suppressants can only do so much."
"God, those make me sick to my stomach. I'd honestly rather have a period," I complain, remembering the horrible side effects.
"No. I'd rather be horny and needing to cum for hours than bleed for seven days and nights, thanks," she dismisses the idea completely before checking the time. "Oh snap. I should go! May have to get an Uber there."
"When are you going to buy a car?" I suggest hopefully. "Or a bike?!"
"Remember, we can't have those luxuries as Omegas," she says with a wink, making me groan and slump my shoulders in defeat.
Right. All the “we can’t do shit because we’re Omegas and don’t deserve the common necessities to help make our lives easier’ like the rest of those in this society that benefits from fucking us.
I have to stop myself from rolling my eyes in dismay.
"B-B-But you're rich! You should be able to have a vehicle! You know how to drive, too. Unlike me with my controlling Father who thinks a woman should rely on a man for everything, including driving."
The bitterness in my voice is impossible to hide. Another freedom denied to us simply because of our second-gender status.
"It's not like I can't get one. I mean, Velvet has a parking spot reserved for me if I ever want one. Knox also said if I do get a car, he can secure a VIP spot at the gym for Omegas."
"Is there even parking for Omegas?" I ask, crossing my arms and tilting my head skeptically.
Her shy grin tells me everything I need to know.
"One."
"Which is your future VIP spot," I conclude, unable to keep the amusement from my voice.
"It could change!" She offers, though even I can hear the uncertainty in her voice. Reality is never as simple as we'd like it to be, especially when money is involved.
Parking at Knox Gym costs between five and six grand annually – a price that would have seemed insignificant in my past life but now represents yet another barrier for Omegas trying to claim independence.
I've witnessed the madness firsthand, seeing supposedly dignified Alphas nearly come to blows over a parking spot.
"You wouldn't believe how crazy it gets during their parking auctions. I once saw two CEOs almost kill each other over spot A113 because it had 'better feng shui' or some nonsense."
The memory makes me shake my head.
"But everything is going to change with this movement settling in,” she concludes.
"We can only hope because if we're going to be empowered more, I'd pray that includes us being privileged to do more things in life," I continue, my voice growing passionate. "Drive. Independence. Careers that aren't treating us like Maids." My eyes light up as I imagine the possibilities. "Heck, I can go hardcore and become the first famous Omega Influencer in the realm of Bookstagram! Heck, Booktok would love me!"
Astraea gives me that soft smile that tells me she loves seeing me excited about something.
"We can dream that this is the beginning," she encourages, and I'm grateful for her support.
If we don't hold onto these dreams, no matter how far-fetched they might seem, we risk drowning in the heavy sadness that comes with being an Omega in this world.
"The Uber wait is only a minute so let me make my way downstairs," she announces, checking her phone. "I'll be back late so don't wait up."
"I'm going to be starting a new K-Drama tonight," I reveal, already anticipating her reaction.
As expected, she groans, knowing full well what this means. No sleep for me tonight – or tomorrow for that matter . I'll be glued to my screen until I've devoured all twenty-five episodes, then spend the next day complaining about finishing it too quickly.
"Don't do that. You're horrendous to deal with when you haven't slept for 48 hours," she whines, then suddenly brightens. "I thought that new book came out today."
"New...book..." The words take a moment to register before realization hits me like a lightning bolt. "O.M.G! It's today!!!"
I practically dive for my Kindle, all thoughts of K-dramas forgotten. This is why she's my best friend – she always knows exactly how to redirect my obsessive tendencies into slightly healthier channels.
As I settle onto the couch, Kindle in hand, I'm already lost in the first page. It's a talent — or curse — I've had since childhood – the ability to completely immerse myself in written worlds.
Sometimes I think I should write my own story, chronicle the journey from pampered heiress to runaway bride to...whatever I am now.
But who would want to read about another poor little rich Omega?
Through my peripheral vision, I see Astraea pause at the door, looking back at me. I know that expression – she's worried about me, about leaving me alone with my thoughts and my fictional escapes. But I also see the pride in her eyes, the love and hope she has for both of us.
She thinks I don't notice how she watches over me, how she tries to protect me from falling too deep into melancholy. Just like I pretend not to notice when she sends anonymous donations to organizations helping Omegas escape arranged marriages.
We're both broken in our own ways, but somehow we make it work. Two runaways who found family in each other.
The sound of the door closing barely registers as I dive deeper into my book, but I catch her quiet words to the new security camera.
"You're some top-notch security, huh? Should give you a name like Starry. Your owner is some rich Motherfucker billionaire."
I bite back a smile, pretending not to hear her continue.
"Let me go before all the Omegas think my hermit ass has finally lost her marbles. Protect my bestie and pups for me. I'm off to see a bunch of cocky Alphas and hope that sexy giant from the gym is there."
As her footsteps fade down the hallway, I lower my Kindle and glance at Blaze and Ember, still peacefully sleeping in their corner.
They're our real security system – loyal, loving, and far more reliable than any technological marvel.
"Your mama's going to find her happiness," I whisper to them, though they don't stir. "She deserves it more than anyone."
Settling back onto the couch, I try to focus on my book, but my mind wanders to the future.
Maybe this movement really will change things. That someday, Omegas won't have to run away to find freedom.
Maybe we'll be able to choose our own paths, our own packs, our own destinies…
And both Astraea and I will find packs who see us for who we are, not what we're worth.
But for now…
I have my books, my best friend, and our little family of four.