My mother turns her head towards me, her neck fully exposed to her assailant. Fear fills her blue eyes as we lock gazes while the wolf bites into her throat. I attempt to scream, but no sound escapes my lips as I witness the life ebb from my mother’s eyes.
…
I recoil at the recollection of my mother’s deceased form and tumble off the side of my bed with a crash. My roommates express their irritation, and I hastily rise to my feet. The clock indicates 5 am, prompting me to commence my day early, gathering my belongings for a shower.
The heated water jets strike my skin, and the room rapidly fills with vapour. I enumerate my scars while cleansing my body, a practice I adopted after years of being an Omega.
Two decades have elapsed since the assault, and my existence is markedly altered in the absence of my mother.
Upon his return from battle, my father proclaimed that both my mother and I had perished in the assault. Gamma Rocco and the maids aware of my existence were bound to secrecy while I was confined to my chamber, left to grieve the loss of my sole companion in solitude. My father never visited, and the maids were instructed to refrain from conversing with me during their attendance. My world fell into silence, and eventually, I did as well.
Shortly thereafter, Gamma Rocco notified me that my father had remarried and was anticipating the birth of a son. This boy would inherit his title in due course. I was officially demoted to Omega rank on the day my half-brother, Jaxton, was born.
After a year in my silent confinement, I finally received an opportunity. A rogue was detected near the western border and presented to the Alpha. Melina was diminutive, standing no taller than 5 feet, and possessed considerable beauty. However, her appearance was not the reason for her reprieve from imminent death; Melina had a singular flaw that would significantly advantage my father.
I vividly recall the day I saw her. It was the one occasion my father visited me before to my departure from the Pack Mansion.
…RECOLLECTION…
“This is Melina,” my father’s voice reverberates across the room. “Your new mother.”
I hesitate, uncertain whether I comprehended him well. The contempt in his gaze towards me has not diminished despite our prolonged separation. My knees tremble as I confront the man I previously referred to as father. A little lady stands behind him, likewise trembling.
“You will relocate to the Omega house with her,” he states. “She will assist you in packing your belongings.” He growls as both Melina and I stay still. “Must I reiterate?” Commence movement!“He instructs, propelling Melina into the room.”
Melina stumbles and falls to the ground before me. Tears well in her eyes as she surveys the room anxiously. I extend my hand to assist her, but she recoils, raising her arms defensively above her head.
Astounded, I glance at my father, however he has already departed.
Uncertain of my next course of action, I extend my hand once again and tap her shoulder, offering assistance to help her up. Recognising my benign intent, Melina gradually lowers her arms and accepts my hand.
She offers me a pleasant grin and positions her hands before her face, extending them forward. I scrunch my nose in perplexity, and she chuckles softly.
She gestures towards her ears and admonishes me with a finger. When I fail to comprehend, she retrieves a pen and paper from her back pocket.
“I am deaf,” she states, gesturing to her ears and smiling. “My name is Melina.” What is your designation?
“I am deaf,” she states, gesturing to her ears and smiling. “My name is Melina.” What is your name?
I turn off the shower and dress before the other Omegas enter to use it.
The Omega House, colloquially referred to as the Hive, is a substantial structure situated just south of the primary Pack house, which accommodates the Alpha and the Higher Ranks. The Hive accommodates nearly 70 Mated and Unmated Omegas and, despite its considerable size, is significantly overcrowded. I share my bedroom with three other Omegas—Sean, Tadeo, and Josiah—who are of similar age, unmated, and undergoing evaluation for Warrior status. Annually, Omegas are permitted to petition for a higher rank, with most aspiring to attain Warrior or Guard status. The overwhelming majority are unlikely to achieve a new rank, yet the prospect of advancement is sufficient to instill hope and motivate continued efforts.
I, however, will never achieve Warrior status or any other level, as my father ensured this outcome.
I hasten to the unmated female section of the Hive to locate Melina. I quietly approach her chamber and see her nestled in her bed, sound sleeping. She stirs upon sensing the vibrations of my footsteps and promptly gets up to embrace me.
