5. Destined To Meet Again?
Destined To Meet Again?
~ASTRAEA~
“ 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!”
“First off, it’s Kamari Prava Ahvi.” Of course, she’d correct me. “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 roll my eyes when I feel the vibration of my watch, letting me know there’s a familiar face at the door. Walking from my bathroom, I head down the hall toward the door.
“And lastly?—”
I open it before she can finish, watching her smiling face shift to a jaw-dropping surprise. The way her eyes widen like spinning saucers as she takes me in from head to toe has me groaning in defeat.
“I give up. I’m wearing a garbage bag.”
“Oh no, you don’t!” The woman has to tackle me like she’s saving my life. “Don’t you change anything!”
I have to pull her into the house and kick the door close, or else she’ll attract all the nosey Omegas wanting to know where the fuck I’m going.
That’s the problem with being the “Hermit Omega,” as they like to call me.
The gym doesn’t count as “going outside,” so when I’m dolled up, it means I may have a social life for once.
That’s what they deem gossip-worthy for someone like me.
“How did you know my ass was here, and what’s that thing at the front of the door?” Kamari questions as she pulls back to admire me.
I don’t even answer her question because she’s squealing in delight, jumping up and down like a hyper lunatic.
“PURPLE! Heck! Lavender?! O.M.G! I knew purple compliments you, but fuck Rae! You’re a new badass bitch!” She’s trying her hardest not to ruin the delicate, loose curls I put in my hair. “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!” I shake my head profusely. “I’ll take that identity to the grave if I have to.”
“No, you won’t!” Kamari just gives me a sassy look. “You have to capitalize on your businesses, eventually. You can’t be a secret forever!”
She’s still admiring me from head to toe, then she whistles.
“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.” I shiver at the mere thought. Goodness, I need a good fucking. When was the last time I had good sex? Yeah… never. My vibrators can do better. “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.” Kamari declares.
She already has her phone out and is playing with those filter app settings as she always does, trying to make her iPhone into some DSLR.
I offered to buy her a real one, especially knowing she enjoys photography and taking photos of people of all spectrums, but she didn’t want me to spend six thousand on a camera.
I’ll have to try to get her one for her birthday in October.
“Stand over near the window so we can get some good sunset lighting on you,” she encourages. “And with this new movement trending, maybe coming out as a seven-figure Omega can be beneficial.”
“Movement?” I question as I follow her orders to head to the window. I know she’s not going to answer me until she ensures the space is perfect for her mini photoshoot, so I patiently wait as she sets the mood, even putting on soft music to play in the background.
I take advantage of her focus to check the mirror one more time. A feeling of fluttering nervousness builds in my stomach as I look at my reflection while I imagine the Alpha I met yesterday.
Tonight, I was going to one of the government-arranged meetups.
It had suddenly popped out of the blue. The only reason I heard about it in time was because Velvet was talking about it with another Omega, who seemed extremely excited about its sudden fruition.
The Elite Club, Sacred Divine on 19th Street, near Deviante Avenue, which is one of the richest blocks in our city. The richest, most impressive parties, shows, and galas always happen on Deviante Avenue. The street leads to acres of land and enchanting rose bushes imported from some of the richest countries around the world. The street ends off at a segregated lake that can only be accessed by the wealthy.
The beach has security does identity checks, which include bank and credit score reviews to ensure you fit the “tax” bracket.
Wealthy Alphas enjoy paying the hefty seven-figure yacht parking fee just to have their pretty boats sitting on those waters.
To flaunt their toys and let everyone know that they can afford to lose seven figures monthly just to have their property present on those sparkling clear waters.
With how few Omegas seem to have found out about this party last minute, it looks like everyone was being hush-hush about it. Even Velvet only spoke with that other Omega because her family is one of the essential organizers for elite parties and hangouts events.
I found out because Velvet wants me to meet someone in my “unknown” tax bracket…
Maybe that’s why I actually put an effort to look good tonight.
Like a mouth-watering snack.
Starting with dying my hair to the perfect shade of lavender. Truthfully, I was cringing at the five-thousand-dollar price tag to ensure my hair would remain “healthy” despite dying it.
Now that I took a moment to appreciate the final look of light purple strands and how the hair stylist managed to give it an ombre effect that compliments bits of my silver locks was quite impressive. The ombre effect would ensure when my roots grow out, they would blend perfectly with the lavender, giving it another new effect that would complement me.
Adding the shiny texture and how nourished it looked without a spec of dryness, I’d humbly admit that having money to invest in yourself could bring out even better results than you can dream of.
My pale skin looked flawless after this afternoon’s facial that included a 24-karat gold face mask. There was a nice glow to my skin, even with the minimal layer of makeup done on my face which I admired.
I yearned to project a message that I can take care of myself and my image, which is important when entering these types of environments.
No way did I want to be “fake” and try to convince these set of Alphas that I was a doll who would always look flawless, but on special occasions like these, I feel as though Alphas are looking for Omegas who can dress and fit any occasion when randomly requested to do so.
This could explain why the last-minute invitation was so crucial.
Wearing a dark red dress that hugged my curves and pulling out my very limited-edition Tainted Crimson red bottoms—Christian Louboutin, of course—I knew whoever would be in attendance wouldn’t simply stare and believe I was an easy catch.
Sure, my ass was being hugged like a choked blown-up glove, but when playing with a group of horny fuckers, you have to enjoy a game of seductive taunting.
If this look gets a few Alpha packs racing my way, I’ll have to dive into another hobby in the realm of making Omega Guides.
How To Win Any Alphas Cock for Dummies… err… Beginners.
My purse was a Judith Leiber Crystal bag that cost a lovely ten thousand dollars to match the set of jewelry clocking my neck, fingers, and wrist that were all from Swarovski.
Finally, my red lips and rosy cheeks made my bright cyan-blue eyes sparkle as though they were their own set of diamonds. I was tempted to opt for Dior, but every Omega had Dior.
Usually black because they used the same bag for every expensive occasion, which was now deemed tacky and predictable.
Overall, I looked fucking good. Like a true dessert that wishes to be present, noticed, admired, and respected for the quality of time taken to create such a divine delight. Those who have weak egos will squander away, assuming this is all Daddy’s money and not my own.
Good. Trying to avoid judgmental assuming fuckers.
Deep down, I was secretly hoping that Alpha from the gym would be present. I didn’t have the guts to try to ask Knox if he saw a big-ass dude that looked similar to him.
Knox never had kids, so the mere idea of him being related to Knox in any way went down the drain, but to meet an Alpha who worked out for their wellbeing and not to flaunt was unique in itself.
As if I know this man. He could be like any other Alpha taking steroids to be all big and mighty while their rut blockers kick their asses.
I was hoping he just wasn’t one of them.
C’mon, Astraea. You’re not meeting him again. That was just a one-hit opportunity that Mr. Sexy Beast of a Fucker walked away from.
Okay.
I was still mad about that.
Bite me.
“Let’s get snapping before the sun leaves,” Kamari urges as if we’re on the clock and time is of the essence. It only makes me giddy because I enjoy watching my best friend get lost in taking photos and doing what she passionate ly loves.
Better than worrying about how her life was flipped upside down and fucked over by her own family and the pack that should have plagued her with happiness instead of constant regret.
“So this movement?” I remind her when she’s approved of her final snapshot of me. “You have fifteen minutes to bless me with your acquired knowledge before I get my alter-ego out and attempt not to come home with a pack of crazed Alphas.”
The way Kamari is losing in laughter only makes me smile further.
“Right!” She walks over to the kitchen island and sets her phone down so she can give me her full attention. “The Knot Their Omega movement just got passed in legislation this afternoon. Like, this is breaking news, Astraea!”
“The what-what now?” I’m looking at her with a confused expression while I try to decipher this movement’s name. “Knot Their Omega?”
“Yup! 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. 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 my tongue automatically. That leaves Kamari staring at me like an agape fool. Guess I should explain. “Velvet told me about it when I first started to make real good money with my songwriting. 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 I started contributing to this organization.” I break down the essential information, so I don’t need to go into every detail of how this came to be.
“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 on their organizers, they were all Alphas trying to act like Omegas.”
“The fucking audacity,” Kamari exclaims with an eye roll.
“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.” It was insulting when I researched it. 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. “I went to see the organization for themselves, and they do what Velvet does. Make Havens across the city and now the world, aiding Omegas who’ve been outcasts and run away.”
I debate on whether to say the next part but decide there’s no need to hide it from Kamari.
“They’ve broadened their movement into even helping Omegas who are being forced into marriage.” I tread carefully with my words as I notice Ember walking over to me, looking half asleep. Crouching down to acknowledge her, I carry on. “It’s one of the reasons why I went on that short trip last week. 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.”
There’s a moment of silence while my softened gaze admires Ember as she lies on her stomach, stretching all four legs and enjoying my soft rubs on her fluffy fur.
“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. It’s not a big position or anything, but maybe with persistence and more donations, I can make an impact, you know?”
I say that as if I’m expecting an answer in return, but I’m not. I’m just convincing myself that the actions I’ve done in silence can hopefully aid someone who once felt as helpless and lost as Kamari and me.
“With this whole movement, maybe things can accelerate in our favor, but you never know. In this world where greed is more important than the wellbeing of vulnerable females and males, you wish to be hopeful, but only a fool would remain in that state of mind,” I mutter. “Only makes it hurt more when reality hits.”
With that, I slowly encourage Ember to go back to her corner, where Blaze is sleeping away. He only opens his eyes when I’m a few steps from his bed. He waits for Ember to cozy up next to him and my quick headstroke before he’s back to sleep.
Rising, I turn back to see Kamari’s blank expression. I was expecting it and that’s why I carry on the conversation as if we didn’t talk about something as deeply important as building a foundation that can save Omegas who were ever in Kamari’s predicament.
“So, with this approval of this law, have there been riots and outcries?”
Kamari blinks a few times before she jumps into the conversation.
“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,” I admit with a shrug. Alphas being violent because they didn’t get what they wanted? Expected behavior for a bunch of overpowering douches. ”I doubt they’ll riot, honestly. They’re going to think it’s a test or a joke. Give it about three solid days before the memo sinks into their brains.”
That has Kamari laughing.
“You know what? You’re probably right.” She giggles and shakes her head. “A shame for them, a blessing for us.”
“It is now that we’ve talked about it a bit.” There’s a level of reassurance and hope at the idea of this movement giving Omegas a fighting chance in this society that has done everything in its power to make us feel minuscule in nature. “I’ll walk with my head high tonight.”
“You were going to do that anyway,” Kamari points out the obvious with a smirk. “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.” I laugh. To some, it would be considered “sad” because security systems for Omegas would be a must for those living near Deviante. Those are the Omegas who are lavished in luxury and have to protect their physical assets.
We, on the other hand, at the Haven are lucky to have a roof over our heads. Nothing of value is here otherwise.
The only thing I’d ensure to protect is Ember and Blaze. I’ve trained them since they were tiny pups a special escape route that goes all the way to a safe protective closet that’s fire and earthquake-proof. Some would question my priorities, but my dogs are a part of my life.
My real family.
I don’t care if my mother thinks otherwise. I was willing to take them in as pups and raise them ever since. It’s my responsibility to ensure they’re healthy, happy, and protected by all means in my control.
“But to be honest, I received it last night. It’s a ring camera from a new security company to aid in protecting Omegas,” I reveal, remembering looking over the letter and installation instructions last night. “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.”I smirk and point 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.”
Kamari is gawking at the idea.
“I-Is that legal?”
“I don’t know.” I shrug again. “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,” Karami whines in defeat. “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.”
It’s my turn to gawk at her.
“Say what now? Fifteen what?”
“Fifteen months,” she groans in horror. “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?” I can’t imagine having that much money, but what an amazing creation. People understate what anyone will spend when it comes to protection and being safe. It’s no different from when people say, ‘health is wealth.’ Safety and protection ensure you can live another day, week, or month in our world, especially for Omegas.
I’m grateful we’re in the safer parts and have the added protection of the haven to ensure we’re not taken advantage of in many departments, but other Omegas who live in unsafe areas aren’t lucky at all.
Every day is a fight for survival.
“What’s the name of the company?”
“Morrigan StarCaptors Corp?” She doesn’t sound sure as she taps her lips with her fingers, looking deep in thought. “I swear it’s Morrigan because it reminds me of the talent manager name who manages that trending Alpha Rockstar or whatever.”
“Talent manager?” I frown because I haven’t heard of anyone that goes by Morrigan. “And Morrigan… that’s the company that sent the security box.”
I walk over to the coffee table and grab the box to confirm the company’s name with its star design. It’s one shining star in the middle, while behind it is a camera lens. There are a few stars around it and rings that kind of remind me of a sketched Jupiter, but the MORRIGAN STARCAPTORS CORP is in capital letters in holographic blue and shimmering gold.
“No fucking way!” Kamari is rushing to stand next to me to look for herself. “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 ten-to-twenty billion a year!”
“Ten-to-twenty …billion?” How do you even manage such money? “And you said the owner is a twenty-year-old?”
“In his twenties, yeah,” Kamari reveals. “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.” Kamari feigns a shiver. “Man, I wish to have an Alpha of that wealth.”
“Nah.” I shake my head. “The richer, the cockier.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” she can’t help but agree. “That was my pussy talking. She needs some TLC.”
I laugh far too hard at that.
“Girl, same. Mine is tired of being a dessert. You just reminded me that I gotta charge up them toys. Them Heat suppressants can only do so much.”
“God, those make me sick to my stomach. I’d honestly rather have a period,” she whines.
“No. I’d rather be horny and need to cum for hours than bleed for seven days and nights, thanks.” I brush away the idea like a plague. “Oh, snap. I should go!” I cringe when I look at the time. “May have to get an Uber there.”
“When are you going to buy a car?” She offers. “Or a bike?!”
“Remember, we can’t have those luxuries as Omegas,” I say with a wink, leaving her to groan in defeat as her shoulders slouch.
“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.”
“It’s not like I can’t get one. I mean, Velvet has a parking 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?” Kamari inquires as she crosses her arms and tilts her head to one side.
I have to give her a shy grin because her judgment is completely valid.
“One.”
“Which is your future VIP spot,” Karami concludes.
“It could change!” I offer, but realistically, that’s another money-talk issue because parking at Knox Gym is worth five-to-six grand a year. I’ve seen auctions turn bloody over a parking spot. It’s fascinating to see how the Alpha society encourages madness. “Everything is going to change with this movement settling in.”
“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. Drive. Independence. Careers that aren’t treating us like maids. Heck, I can go hardcore and become the first famous Omega influencer in the realm of Bookstagram! Heck, Booktok would love me!”
“We can dream that this is the beginning,” I can only encourage her because why not? If we don’t dream, we’ll spiral into the heavy sadness being an Omega brings. “The Uber wait is only a minute, so let me make my way downstairs. I’ll be back late, so don’t wait up.”
“I’m going to be starting a new K-Drama tonight,” she reveals, and I have to groan because that means one thing. She isn’t sleeping tonight. Or tomorrow even. No. She is just going to watch episodes one to twenty-five and proceed to complain about how she finished it far too fast.
“Don’t do that. You’re horrendous to deal with when you haven’t slept for forty-eight hours,” I whine. “I thought that new book comes out today.”
“New… book…” She takes ten seconds to think about it before she’s gasping. “O.M.G! It’s today!!!”
She abandons me and grabs her Kindle as if it would run from her clutches.
I don’t say goodbye because she won’t hear me.
The moment my bestie is reading the first sentence of any book, she’s lost in those written worlds that unravel into her mind like real-life events. I sometimes think she should become an author and write about her life and how she’s somehow survived the chaos that ensued from cultural traditions, parental expectations, and her dreams of freedom.
Opening the door, I look back at Kamari as she’s lying on the couch, Kindle in grasp, kicking her legs up and down absentmindedly. Just seeing the joy and peace in her expression makes me wish nothing but blessings and opportunities for her.
She deserves to be loved, just like any of us Omegas.
We’re not perfect, but we’re more than deserving of being loved and adored by a pack that wants to understand us.
That yearn to protect and allow us to flourish into the individuals we’re destined to become.
Closing the door as quietly as I can, I look at the cameras as the light turns on—a golden star blinking to life, confirming it notices a person standing before the door.
“You’re some top-notch security, huh,” I talk to it as if it can listen. “Should give you a name like Starry. Your owner is some rich motherfucker billionaire.”
I’ve gone mad.
“Let me go before all the Omega think my hermit ass has finally lost her marbles,” I quietly speak but smile. “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.”
Giving it a wink, I giggle at my stupidity and lock the door.
Turning around, my smile of confidence grows as I tap into the persona I only flaunt for events like these.
Time to share a glimpse of Blair Vesper with these judgmental cocky fuckers.