The Omega's Reckoning

Chapter 3

Alex followed Ryan’s gaze until his eyes also fell on Melissa but his expression was dismissive. “Melissa looks… hurt.”

Ryan’s voice became detached. “She’s always getting into trouble.”

Alex snorted. “Omegas are weak. They always need protection.”

Ryan’s eyes flashed with anger, but he suppressed it. He knew Alex wouldn’t understand.

As they spoke, Melissa approached them, her steps faltering. Ryan’s heart twisted, but he remained still, trapped between loyalty to his pack and love for his sister. Melissa’s eyes pooled with tears, pain was etched on her face.

“Melissa, what happened to you? Who hurt you?” Alexander had an expression of fake compassion written all over his face.

Melissa completely ignored him, her focus solely on her brother. She stumbled forward, her voice laced with pain. “Ryan, why?” she whispered, her eyes pleading for some sort of explanation.

Ryan’s expression hardened, his eyes blazing with contempt. “You’re an omega, Melissa. You’re weak. You need to be controlled.”

“You’re my brother. You’re supposed to protect me.” She fought the urge to break down in tears. “I am your younger sister!”

“Don’t you dare repeat that!” Ryan’s response was brutal. His fist connected with Melissa’s face, sending her crashing to the ground. Melissa’s world shattered.

As she lay on the ground, her vision blurred, Melissa realized that the bond she had her brother once shared was completely broken. Irreparable.

Alex’s eyes widened, shocked by Ryan’s reaction but a small smirk appeared on his face. “Ryan, maybe—”

Ryan’s glare silenced him. “This doesn’t concern you, Alex. This is between me and her.”

Melissa struggled to her feet, her eyes burning with tears. With a newfound determination, Melissa turned and walked away, leaving Ryan and Alex behind.

Alex’s voice was low as he questioned Ryan. “Ryan, are you sure—”

Ryan’s mask slipped back into place. “I’m positive, Alex. She’s just an omega. She doesn’t deserve our sympathy, nor our pity.” Alex’s eyes lingered on Ryan’s face, trying to see beyond his friend’s calm exterior.

***

The next morning was Melissa’s birthday but it seemed like any other day – boring and dull. She stayed in her room all day to nurse the bruise on her face. No one came to wish her happy birthday or offered a gift not that she cared. She stayed in her room all day until evening came.

Seeking peace, Melissa snuck out of the house and returned to a small stream she had discovered. As she stood before the stream, something shifted within her. A primal energy stirred, coursing through her veins like flames.

Melissa immediately realized the familiar feeling.

Her shift!

She suddenly stripped as her body began to tremble, her senses heightening as the transformation took hold. Her muscles convulsed, her bones cracking and reforming beneath her skin.

Pain seared through her, a burning fire that threatened to consume her. Her vision blurred, colors blending together. Her skin itched, stretching taut as her body began to contort. Her limbs lengthened, her hands and feet morphing into paws. Her fingers shortened, nails sharpening into claws.

Her face elongated, her nose flattening into a snout. Teeth burst forth, sharp and pointed. Melissa’s jaw ached as her mouth rearranged itself. Her senses exploded, overwhelmed by the onslaught of new sensations. Scents assaulted her nostrils – earthy, rich, and primal.

Sounds intensified, each rustle of leaves or chirp of birds piercing her eardrums. Her vision sharpened, colors brightening to vivid hues. Melissa’s wolf emerged, wild and free. She howled, releasing a primal cry that echoed through the forest

The pain subsided, replaced by an exhilarating rush of power. Melissa’s wolf stretched, arching her back and extending her claws. She stood tall, a small, white majestic creature born of pain and transformation. Melissa’s human mind reeled, struggling to comprehend her new form.

“Hi! I’m your wolf Lexi!” Melissa heard an excited voice in her head. She instantly realized that it was her wolf.

“It’s nice to meet you Lexi” Melissa felt exhausted. The shift had taken a toll on her. “Can we shift back?”

Lexi gazed up at the waterfall, her eyes shining with a newfound sense of admiration before allowing Melissa to take control. “Sure!”

As Melissa shifted back to her human form, with a mix of nervousness and hope, she slowly made her way to the pack house. She knew that it was easier to find her mate as soon as she turned eighteen and she had a strong feeling that he was in her pack.

As she entered the empty living room, her eyes scanned the area, her nose twitching until…. She caught a scent – a rich, earthy aroma that sent shivers down her spine. Melissa’s heart quickened, her pulse racing. She searched for a glimpse of familiarity, her gaze sweeping the room.

That’s when she saw him –

Alexander, future alpha of the pack. His eyes locked onto hers, and Melissa felt the world stand still. Alexander’s expression was inscrutable, and his gaze roamed over her face, as if searching for something.

Melissa’s wolf stirred, responding to the alpha’s presence. She felt an inexplicable pull, a sense of belonging she couldn’t ignore. For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the air thick with tension. Then, Alexander’s face smoothed into a mask of indifference. “Melissa,” he acknowledged, his voice neutral.

Melissa’s heart sank, but she refused to back down. She took a step forward, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Alexander.”

Their eyes met again, and Melissa sensed a spark of recognition. It was as if they shared a secret, a hidden understanding that only they could see.

Melissa’s heart whispered a single word:

Mate.

Alexander approached her, his movements fluid and deliberate. “Melissa,” he said, his voice low and soothing. “Let’s take a walk.”

Trusting him, Melissa followed Alexander out of the pack house and into the woods. The night air enveloped them, filled with the forest scent.. As they strolled, Alexander smiled, putting Melissa at ease. “What do you like to do, Melissa?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Melissa was hesitant at first, but Alexander’s warm smile encouraged her. “I love exploring the woods,” she replied. “And reading. I enjoy books on history and mythology.”

Alexander chuckled. “I wouldn’t have tagged you as a bookworm.”

Melissa’s cheeks flushed, but she smiled. “There’s more to me than meets the eye.”

Alexander’s gaze lingered on hers, his expression softening. As they walked, the trees grew denser, casting shadows on the forest floor. In the center of a clearing stood a cozy cottage, Alexander led Melissa toward the cottage, his hand brushing against hers. “Welcome to my sanctuary,” he said, his voice filled with warmth.

Melissa’s heart skipped a beat as Alexander opened the door, gesturing for her to enter. Inside, the cottage was warm and inviting, a fire crackled in the hearth, casting a golden glow across the room.

Melissa felt at home, surrounded by Alexander’s scent and warmth. Alexander’s eyes met hers, his eyes were dark meaning that his wolf had taken over and his gaze burned with intensity and lust. “Melissa,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

“Yes?” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.