Chapter 2: Aftermath
1212 Words
Chapter 2: Aftermath
(Elara's POV)
The hot water enveloped me like a protective cocoon as I sank deeper into my bathtub. My skin still tingled where Lucian had touched me.
I closed my eyes, forcing my mind to work through the fog of lingering desire. The wolfsbane was still in my system, but clarity was slowly returning.
The pack gathering had been magnificent. Lucian's ancestral home transformed into a celebration of tradition and unity. Crystal chandeliers had cast warm light over marble floors. Pack members in their finest attire had moved through elegant rooms with glasses of moon-blessed wine.
I traced back every step I'd taken, every drink I'd consumed. The ceremonial wine had passed my lips only briefly - not enough to cause such a reaction. No, something more targeted was at play.
My mind landed on the young omega server who'd approached me with a steaming cup.
"For you, sister," he'd said softly, eyes downcast in that familiar omega way. "Moon-blessed tea. It helps with the discomfort of being around so many dominant wolves."
I'd been touched by his consideration. Another omega, understanding my struggle in a room full of dominant wolves.
"Thank you," I'd replied warmly, giving him an extra tip. "What's your name?"
"Nathan," he'd mumbled before disappearing into the crowd.
I pressed my palms against my eyes, groaning at my own stupidity. It had been the perfect trap. A fellow omega, a specialized drink meant just for me, a thoughtful gesture that bypassed my usual caution.
"Stupid, stupid, stupid," I muttered, sliding deeper into the water until it touched my chin.
The wolfsbane had worked quickly - heating my blood, making my wolf push against my skin. By the time I'd stumbled outside for air, I was already losing control.
And then Lucian had found me in the garden, my body burning with unnatural need.
It could have been worse, I reminded myself. If someone else had found me - someone without Lucian's restraint or power - I might have been marked against my will. Or worse.
I scrubbed my skin almost raw, trying to wash away the memory of his hands on me, his mouth against mine. It had been the wolfsbane, nothing more. I couldn't afford to think otherwise.
Even in pack territories, omegas had to be careful. Drugging an omega wasn't punished the way it should be. And who would believe me anyway? The new omega, making wild accusations against established pack members?
No, pursuing justice would be futile. At least Lucian had been the one to find me. The thought brought little comfort, tainted as it was by memories of our previous encounter.
My mind drifted to our first meeting - at a formal alliance gathering between the Midnight Howlers and the Crimson Claw packs. At that time, I was still dating Damon, and because of my Omega status, I didn't have a wolf to help me distinguish who was my true mate. Unfortunately, my relationship with Damon was just a process of unfortunate trial and error.
He'd pulled me forward roughly, his grip painful on my arm.
"Show proper respect to Alpha Blackwood," he'd hissed, shoving me toward Lucian.
I'd knelt as tradition demanded, baring my neck to the strange Alpha while wolves from both packs watched. Some with pity, most with disdain. An omega performing the submission ritual was meant to be a sign of pack unity - but in Damon's hands, it became a spectacle of dominance.
Lucian had approached slowly, his power radiating with each step. I'd braced myself, expecting rough handling like Damon's.
Instead, his fingers had been gentle as they tilted my chin.
"Don't worry," he'd whispered, his breath warm against my ear. "It's just formality. I'm not... that kind of Alpha."
His kindness had been more disarming than any show of dominance. When I'd looked into his eyes, I'd seen something unexpected - respect.
That's when Damon's jealousy had truly begun, when he'd noticed how Lucian looked at me. Not as property, but as a person.
The memory made my stomach twist. I'd ended things with Damon soon after, unable to tolerate his controlling nature. He hadn't taken the rejection well, his pride wounded in front of both packs. The threats had started then - subtle at first, then increasingly bold. It was part of why I'd sought membership with the Midnight Howlers.
The shrill ring of my phone yanked me from the memory. I reached for it with dripping hands, my mother's name flashing on the screen.
"Elara? Are you home safe?" Her voice carried that familiar worried tone.
"Yes, Mom. I'm fine." I sank back into the cooling water.
"The rain is terrible tonight. Did you bring an umbrella? You know how easily you catch cold."
I smiled despite myself. "I'm okay, really."
"Make sure you drink the healing tea I gave you. It prevents moon-sickness after these gatherings."
The mention of tea made me tense, but I softened at her concern. After tonight, her motherly worry felt like a warm blanket. She'd raised me alone since my father disappeared, working two jobs to keep us afloat.
"I will," I promised, throat tight with sudden emotion.
"Are you crying, darling? What's wrong?"
I blinked back tears. "Nothing. Just tired. How are you doing?"
"Fine, fine," she answered quickly. "The garden is coming along beautifully. Your father always said jasmine needs extra care in the spring."
My grip tightened on the phone. My father had vanished fifteen years ago, yet she spoke of him as if he might walk through the door any moment.
"Mom, about Dad..."
"Oh!" she exclaimed suddenly. "I just remembered I left laundry outside. With this rain! I should go."
The line went dead before I could respond.
I stared at the darkened screen, knuckles white around the phone.
Always the same. Fifteen years since he vanished, and still she couldn't bear to speak of him. No one in the pack ever mentioned him either - as if he'd never existed. Only my mother's slips revealed there had been a man who'd loved jasmine and taught me to read the stars.
My research position at the pack hospital gave me access to old records. Someday, I'd find out what happened to him. Why an omega's mate could disappear without anyone asking questions.
The water had gone cold. I stood up, my legs shakier than I wanted to admit. The wolfsbane was wearing off, leaving exhaustion in its wake. I grabbed my towel, wrapping it tightly around my body.
As I stepped out of the bathroom, another thought hit me. What if Lucian recognized the signs of wolfsbane? What if he knew I'd been drugged? Would he think I'd done it intentionally to seduce him?
The idea made me feel sick. An omega drugging herself to trap an Alpha - it was a disgusting stereotype, but one many wolves believed.
I pulled on my sleep clothes with trembling hands. Tomorrow would be difficult. Facing the pack, pretending nothing had happened. Facing Lucian if our paths crossed.
A notification broke my reverie - a text message from an unknown number.
My heart raced as I opened it, water dripping from my fingers onto the screen.
"Little omega, your underwear is in my car."
- Writer
