Omega to Alpha

Birthday Present

Athena

Although my father was the least person I expected to come to my rescue, I was glad he came. I ran into his built arms while he threw me on his shoulders like a hunter with the price of a dead antelope. The forest grounds moved briskly before my eyes as I groaned in pain over his shoulders. He flung my body unto the floor. The rug was familiar. I was back in my room and the house was quiet like it never had a visitor.

“I should have allowed you to die a long time ago.” He clasped his palm around my thin neck, ready to end me himself. I couldn’t make sense of his words.

“You should be grateful I stood up for you. This is the very last time I’ll save you. I promise you. If I ever see those legs outside the confines of this house, I'll personally hand you over to the Alpha.”

He released his grip on me, peeling off his murderous gaze and stormed out of my room. I struggled to catch my breath, crawling toward the foot of my bed.

As much as I was in safety, I knew that the memory of that night would stay with me forever. The screams, the blood, and the terror of that night, coupled with my father’s threats. I found it hard to believe that such violence and evil existed in the world. It was a harsh reality that I was not prepared to face. All I wanted was a normal childhood, like the boys. That was the birth of my hatred for the pack, and for every warrior—including my father. I felt cheated and deprived. I slept off on the floor where my father had thrown me, wallowing in pain. There was no point trying to search for mother—he must have locked the door from without. I wasn't surprised she wasn't there to comfort me. It was obvious she was getting a pretty good share of the blame. One she didn’t deserve

***

From that night onward, I lived in fear. Fear of what might become of me. Fear of my kind. But, I grew more hardened, regardless. Life was monotonous and bland until I received a present from my mother on my twelfth birthday.

It was a normal morning, but my mother tried to make it special. My father was promoted to one of the Alpha's advisor early that year since my younger brother, Carl, made a name for himself among the warriors. It made him scarcely around and I was more than glad. We didn't have to face him—my mother and I.

“Happy Birthday, Athena,” she exclaimed as every other birthday, but this time, with a cherry smile.

“Make a wish, except wishing to become your brother. I'm sure the moon goddess has a plan for you too,” she said, holding a slice of cake and a tiny old candle.

I was half awake, the burning ray penetrating my window blinds, causing me to squint at her. There was nothing to celebrate. I wasn't leaving my mini prison. It would be another baking spree, and a runny stomach after consuming all the sugary pastries alone. I wasn’t interested in any of those. I was getting too old for her routine present.

“Not interested,” I replied plainly, as I turned to my other side, ready to continue my sleep. The only thing I looked forward to was having my wolf and that was still in few years.

“I know exactly how you feel, Athena. Trust me when I say this is the best gift a girl from this pack would dream of—” I cut her off immediately facing her this time, sitting up,

“Living in seclusion my whole life and waiting to be sold out to goodness knows who? Or being hit by your own mate just because they're superior? Is that the life you speak about, mother?”

The words already slipped from my mouth before I realized the weight.

“You don't talk to your mother that way, Athena! And you must speak of your father with respect,” she yelled back then I knew I had gone too far. Her eyes turned sad but she held on a straight gaze. I looked away instantly, regretting my words. I loved my mother. She was all I had after all. It must have been the thought of staying indoor all through the day that got to me. With everything I said, I didn't see the need for an apology.

“Someday, you'll understand all of the sacrifices.” There was an awkward silence in the room as I slumped back on my sides then she added, “I've something for you.”

I didn't move a muscle.

“Have a look first and I can take it back if you don't want it.”

I turned around reluctantly only to be wowed by the glistening card in her hands. I drooled.

“It's your brother's but I want you to have it for today. I've just one condition, however. No one must see you.”

She smiled and left after dropping the square card on my bed. I gazed at the metal card. It had the imprint “Carl Styles, 056.”

It was my brother's school tag. I've always dreamed of seeing what a school looked like. I heard there were modern ammunition there but those were just rumors. There’s only one way to confirm. I ran out of my room and hugged my mother. Without many thoughts, I wore one of Carl’s baggy coats that helped me conceal my feminine features well enough to go unnoticed. It had gone dusty from disuse but I didn’t mind sneezing all the way out.

“Don't stay long. Be back before the sunset,” mother instructed as I dashed out of the house without waiting to hear the rest of her words. It was about to be my best birthday, taking the shortest route to where the school should be. It was the only one in the pack and I knew it wouldn't be so hard to find.

I sighted a grand entrance from afar, the massiveness extends into the skies. It was unmistakable. Definitely the rumored place. I drooled from afar at the massive structure after minutes of running. It looked better than my imaginations. The front gate was locked and deserted. I pressed forward in eagerness. To my surprise, the large entrance gave in to my push, as the giant door creaked open.

It seemed like no one was around as the whole surrounding was deserted—just a large expanse of green shrubs sparsely sprouting. It was a good thing for me. I continued slowly around the structure. A wide passage demarcated the structure into two. I walked along it. There were doors facing opposite sides of the walls that took the pattern of a crocodile skin.

“Why are there so many doors?” I whispered in awe as I tried entering one of it. Of course, it was looked. What was I thinking?

I arrived at what seemed to be the end of the long passage only to find an open space that looked exactly like a forest ground with the greenest of trees. “What is this place?” I thought.

“A place for the wise, child” a voice responded causing me to flinch immediately turning around—scared for my life. How did he hear me? He must have found out. I broke a rule. Mother will be angry with me.

“I've never found a student so early since my fifty years of service. Whose son are you?” the old short man asked. I took few steps back scared that he might find out and report me to the alpha.

“I smell fear,” he continued while he walked toward me—my heart threatening to disengage from the rest of my body. He had long white beards weaved at the tip that bounced on his slightly protruded belly. He walked past me and approached a large tree stump without taking a second look at me. He took a yoga position at the center of the stump. I stood there in silence as one who had lost the sense of danger. I didn't even know who it was and I still had the guts to stay glued to the spot. But, there was this aura around him that spelled safety.

“Rule number one, never allow fear. It's an illusion set to ruin your peace. Once your inner peace is gone, you become weak prey,” he whispered loud enough. He spoke with so much wisdom that made me want to stay longer. But the sound of chirping birds flying above us told me it was time to leave.

“I perceive you're the son of a great warrior but you're yet to discover yourself. Find yourself, son” he concluded. It felt awkward to be addressed as a boy, but I loved it. I could swear I saw him floating above the stump where he sat as my mouth fell open.

“Get ready for class” he concluded with a commanding tone. I heard the footsteps of one running behind me and I instantly backed away from the entrance,

“Shaman, the Alpha is here.”