His Omega

Protected By Him

Livia POV

After Meadow left, the apartment felt too quiet. She’d hugged me tightly before going, the empty ice cream tub on the table and the unopened wine bottle still untouched. “You have to come to the full moon festival tonight, Livia,” she’d said, with that upbeat tone only she could muster even in my darkest moments. “It’ll do you good. No sitting here wallowing in depression over that jerk.” She winked at me from the doorway, tossing her brown hair over her shoulder. “I’ll be waiting for you there, okay?”

I managed a weak smile, mumbling a “Maybe” that didn’t convince even myself. The truth was, I had no desire to go to the festival. The full moon festival was a monthly tradition in our pack, a ritual held in the forest far from the city, where all the werewolves gathered to celebrate under the moonlight. It was a night of chants, dances, and connections, but I wasn’t in the mood for any of it. Not after Ezrah. Not after everything.

Cassian, still lounging on my couch, idly fiddling with the bouquet of roses he’d brought, looked up at me. “You know, I came here today for a specific reason,” he said, his voice soft but carrying a hint of purpose that made me pay attention. He stood, tall and commanding, yet with that warm smile that seemed to melt any tension. “Tonight’s the full moon festival, and I’d like you to come with me. As my guest.”

I froze, the vase of roses still in my hands. My mouth opened, but no words came out at first. Was he really inviting me? The Alpha King, Cassian Vaughn, wanted me as his companion at the festival? That was… huge. At the festival, alphas always showed up with the most coveted women in the pack—the most beautiful, powerful she-wolves, or their mates if they were already bonded. Me, a rejected omega, never imagined being in that position. “I… Cassian, that’s really kind, but…” I started shaking my head, the weight of the past day dragging me down. “I’m not in the mood for parties. After what happened with Ezrah, I just… I can’t.”

He tilted his head, his brown eyes studying me with a mix of curiosity and concern. “I get it, Livia. I really do. But sometimes, getting out, being with the pack, feeling the moon’s energy… it can heal. Just for one night.” He took a step closer, his voice dropping, almost intimate. “And, look, I don’t invite just anyone. You’re special.”

My heart skipped a beat, but before I could respond, the doorbell rang. I frowned, confused. Who could it be now? I set the vase on the table and walked to the door, my stomach tightening with unease. When I opened it, my heart sank. It was Ezrah. He stood there, his arm still bandaged from the accident, his brown eyes fixed on me. The pain I’d been trying to bury came rushing back, like a wave pulling me under.

“Livia,” he said, his voice low, almost pleading. “Can we talk?”

I stayed in the doorway, blocking his entry. I didn’t want him in my space, not after everything. “What do you want, Ezrah?” I asked, my voice trembling with anger and hurt. “You already said everything you needed to at the hospital.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Remi’s fine, she’s safe. I came here because… I was an i***t. I’m sorry for what I said at the hospital. I was panicking, but that’s no excuse. I still love you, Livia.” He stepped forward, trying to come inside, but I raised my hand, keeping him outside.

“Love me?” I repeated, my voice thick with disbelief. My throat tightened, and I felt tears burning in my eyes. “What kind of love is that, Ezrah? You hid a fiancée from me for three years. A pregnant fiancée. And now you come here saying you love me?”

He frowned, like I was being unreasonable. “Come on, Liv. It’s not like you’re at your best, right? You’re just an omega who needs protection. No one wants you, no one ever has. I can protect you. Making you mine would be a favor to you.” He reached out, touching my face, and the gesture, which once made me feel loved, now made my skin crawl.

His words cut like a knife, slicing deep. So that’s what he’d always thought of me? A worthless omega, a burden he took on out of pity? “Get your hand off me,” I hissed, stepping back, but he pressed forward, leaning in to try to kiss me by force. My heart raced, a mix of fear and anger consuming me.

“If I were you and feared for my life, I’d leave this woman alone right now.” Cassian’s deep, authoritative voice sliced through the air like thunder. He appeared in the hallway, his presence filling the space with a force that made the air feel thicker. His eyes glinted with barely restrained fury, though his face held a dangerous calm.

Ezrah froze, his eyes widening. “A-Alpha Cassian?” He looked confused, almost panicked, clearly recognizing the man before him. “What… what are you doing here?”

Cassian took a step forward, crossing his arms. “The question is: what are you doing here, Ezrah? Harassing and blackmailing an omega of my pack?” His voice was icy, each word laced with authority. He glanced at me, and for a moment, his eyes softened. “You okay, Livia?”

I swallowed hard, unable to answer. Ezrah, however, didn’t stay quiet. “Sorry for the misunderstanding, my alpha,” he said, his voice shaky but with a hint of arrogance that made me clench my fists. “But the omega is my… mistress. She’s just a rejected omega, worthless. I use her for my pleasure in exchange for protection.”

His words hit like a slap. Hot tears streamed down my face, and I hated myself for ever loving this man. How could I have been so blind? How could I have believed he saw me as anything more than… a disposable thing?

Cassian stepped forward, positioning himself between me and Ezrah, his body a shield. “If you don’t want this bond, come to me, Livia,” he said, extending his hand toward me. His voice was firm but carried a tenderness that made me want to break down. Shaking, I stepped toward him, and Cassian gently pulled me behind him, standing protectively in front of me.

He looked at Ezrah, his eyes narrowed. “No bond should be forced. Livia doesn’t want this, and you know it. So, I suggest you leave and let her be. Now. Before I take drastic measures.” The threat in his voice was unmistakable, and the power radiating from him made the air hum.

Ezrah swallowed hard, his face pale. He was just a beta, and Cassian was the Alpha King. There was no contest. “I… fine, my alpha. I’m sorry,” he muttered, stepping back. With one last glance at me—a look that mixed anger and humiliation—he turned and left, disappearing down the hallway.

When the door closed, my legs gave out. I collapsed to the floor, tears pouring out, a sob ripping through my throat. Cassian knelt beside me, his arms wrapping around me gently. “Hey, hey, it’s okay,” he murmured, his voice soft now, like he was speaking to someone fragile. “He’s not going to hurt you. Not while I’m here.”

I cried against his chest, the warmth of his body grounding me. “He… he said I’m worthless,” I sobbed, Ezrah’s words still burning. “What if he’s right? What if I’m just a rejected omega no one will ever want?”

Cassian cupped my face in his hands, making me look at him. His eyes were intense but filled with something like… care. “Livia, listen. You’re more than he’ll ever understand. You’re strong, you’re smart, you’re… incredible. And I don’t say that to just anyone.” He gave a half-smile, trying to lighten the mood. “You’re worth more than anyone who’s ever made you feel otherwise.”

The tears kept falling, but the weight in my chest felt a little lighter. “Thank you,” I whispered, my voice hoarse. “For everything.”

He helped me stand, keeping a hand on my shoulder. “How about reconsidering that festival invite?” he asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I promise it’ll be more fun than staying here crying over a jerk who doesn’t deserve you.”

I let out a shaky laugh, wiping my face. Maybe he was right. Maybe a night under the full moon, with the pack—and with him—could remind me that I was more than Ezrah’s words. “Okay,” I said finally. “I’ll go.”