Page 41 of The Other Omega

Oh. Right! “More than two people mated to each other.”

“Yes, you understand the general principle, although a Pack need not consist only of mates.”

I frowned at my messy notes, then added another line in capitals and underlined it twice.

PACK = LOVERS +/OR NON-LOVERS.

“Most Packs are formed primarily of Alphas, male or female⁠—”

“And Betas,” I added quickly, giving Ivy and Nora a pleased look that they both returned. Well done.

“Yes,” Eleanor said. “Although many Betas prefer a single mate. They don’t experience the same biological drive towards Pack bonds that Alphas and Omegas do.”

She leaned forward, shifting her hands in her lap. “Alpha Packs can and do form happy, lasting bonds with Betas. They may marry, raise children and spend their lives together, but there are certain…” She made a delicate gesture with one hand, searching for the words. “Alpha instincts a Beta simply cannot satisfy.”

She’d lost me. “What kind of instincts?”

“You already know about the need to protect, provide for and cherish those they consider theirs.”

I nodded. “Not a bad thing, if you ask me.”

Ivy snorted, and Eleanor gave me a hesitant look. “There are physical needs as well.” She uncrossed and recrossed her legs. “Ruts, for example.”

Ivy sat up. “I’ve just remembered a pressing matter that requires my attention, Mother.”

“Ivy Renee Hart, you will remain here and support your older sister.”

“Mother, please,” Nora pleaded. “I’m sure Elowen would rather discuss this in private.”

I looked between them. “Are you talking about sex? I mean… mating?”

“Yes,” Eleanor said.

“No!” Ivy and Nora cried together.

I couldn’t help laughing. “I don’t think I need the talk, Mum. I understand the basics of biology.”

“You see, Mother?” Nora said quickly. “She understands.”

Eleanor’s expression changed. “Do you remember, Elowen? Are your memories returning?”

Her voice held so much hope that my smile faded. Oh. “No. I don’t remember learning it. I just… think I know.”

Some of the hope left her face, but she smiled anyway. “I see.” She hesitated. “Are you familiar with heats, ruts and knotting?”

“Erm…” I tilted my head. Ruts, heats, knots? “I know Point A goes into Point B,” I said slowly, “but I don’t understand what ruts, heats or knotting actually involve.”

Then something clicked.

“Do you mean knots, as in… ropes? Will they tie me up?” I looked between them. “Do I have to tie them up?”

Nora’s mouth fell open, and Ivy looked from me to Eleanor in disbelief.

“What?” I asked. “What is it?”

Ivy sat up so quickly that several stacks of books toppled across my notes and open pages. “Let me explain it to her.”

Eleanor’s eyebrows rose. “Ivy⁠—”