Dilemma of a Wolfless Omega

Loretta’s POV “Loretta! Why aren’t you ready yet?” The call jolted me from my thoughts and I looked up from the floor I was scrubbing, water dripping down my wrist, my back aching from bending too long. I turned to the doorway where two older , Martha and Edna, were standing with their gray hair pinned up neatly despite the rush. “I still have some work to do.” I said quickly, trying not to sound defensive as my fingers tightened around the rag and I continued wiping the wooden floor. Martha tsked, shaking her head. “Still? Child, the mating ceremony is already underway and your brother left an hour ago.” “I know” I muttered, wringing the rag. “But Father told me to get this done and you know how he would get if I don’t.” “We’ll handle it.” Edna crossed the room, plucked the rag out of my hand, and tossed it into the bucket. “Go, before he finds another reason to lash that tongue of his at you.” I was hesitant because old habits die hard, especially the habit of obedience. “Go!” Edna urged again, her voice softer now. “This might be your chance.” At her words, I ran to my tiny room, scrubbed fast, then I slipped into the only dress I owned that wasn’t torn or stained: an old faded gown that once belonged to my mother. I’d kept it hidden for years, afraid Father would throw it out just for spite. As I laced the back of the dress, the door burst open and Martha and Edna rushed in again, carrying brushes and a small box. “Sit.” Martha ordered, pushing me down on the stool. Her hands worked swiftly through my tangled hair while Edna dabbed some powder on my face, muttering about how pale I looked. “There. You look beautiful, child.” Martha said finally, stepping back to admire her work. “Now go!” I grabbed my worn shoes, slipping them on as I dashed out the door. Tonight was the mating ceremony of the Blackfang Pack, my father’s Pack. And you’d think being an Alpha’s daughter meant luxury, honor, and respect. But no, that wasn't for me because I was born an Omega, the lowest of the low. And that made me a shameful stain on my father’s name. So, he never let me forget that I was his greatest disappointment, the living reminder of his humiliation. And, worse still, the curse that took my mother’s life the night I was born. Besides, my brother, Nero, was no better than my father. If anything, he was worse. Every chance he got, he'd sneer when I passed him in the halls, call me a “failed Alpha,” and sometimes, when no one was looking, shove me hard enough that I’d stumble. Due to this, I began staying out of their way, tucked in the corners of the Packhouse. But lately, that hasn’t been enough because whenever Father grows displeased with me, and he always finds a reason, he makes me work. By scrubbing floors, washing laundry, and cleaning the stables… things a pack maid should do, not an Alpha’s daughter. At first, I thought it was punishment. But now I think he does it just to erase the idea that I was ever his child at all. To him, I’m not Loretta White, daughter of Alpha Gideon. I’m just another pair of hands to command. And the worst part? I obey. Because if I don’t, there will be consequences far harsher than dirty floors. Still, I had one hope left: A mate. Someone who might see beyond what my bloodline branded me as, someone who could free me from this suffocating house. I turned eighteen last year and attended the ceremony then, heart pounding with hope. But no one had been mine. I’d gone home empty-handed. But tonight. ‘Maybe, I will find my mate.’ As I reached the front gate, the guards nodded at me. “Evening, Lady Loretta.” One said kindly. “Evening.” I replied breathlessly, clutching my skirts. They always treated me better than most, Perhaps out of pity. Either way, it was more than I got from my own blood. The night air was cold as I ran down the path when a carriage rolled past, its lanterns glowing warm against the dark. I waved it down, then froze, remembering that my pockets were empty because I had forgotten to take some coins. “Never mind. Thank you anyway.” I said to the coachman, forcing out a smile before running towards the Pack Square. By the time I reached the Square, my breath came in ragged gasps as I glanced around the entire place that pulsed with life. With bonfires roaring in the center, a large group singing the Pack anthem as wolves danced, couples kissed, and pairs glowed with the unmistakable bond of the Moon Goddess’s mark. Hissing under my breath, I walked through the crowd, hoping to bump into someone worthy and hear my wolf, howl the one word I so wanted to hear. After a while of walking, my throat burned from thirst so I stopped at a small stand to buy a cup of water, and then remembered once again that I had no coins. I turned to leave, embarrassed, when I suddenly smelt something sweet. Turning around, I was stunned to see a tall, brown-haired man walking toward the stand. I stretched my hands out then stopped midway when I heard my wolf howl. “MATE!” While clawing at my insides to get to him. Before I could process what I had just discovered, he whipped his head around and his eyes met mine. He smiled. “I, Alpha Sebastian Ashton, son of Julian Ashton, accept this bond.” Alpha? I took a deep breath and realized that he truly was an Alpha, but that meant that just as I could perceive the magnificent Alpha scent emanating from him, then he could also sense that I was a lowly Omega. Yet, he accepted the bond. My lips parted ready to ask him why a man like himself would want to be with a woman like me when he stepped closer, causing the words to die on my lips. “You’re my mate.” He said, leaning in. My lips parted again, words lost somewhere between disbelief and joy. But then, his smile faltered and the warmth in his eyes was replaced with sorrow. “What’s wrong?” I whispered, taking a step towards him. He hesitated, then sighed. “I want to be your mate more than anything. But…” He looked away, jaw tightening. “You deserve to know the truth before you decide.” My heart clenched. “What truth?” “I’m dying.” He said quietly. “I am suffering from a mysterious illness no healer can fix. So I may die anytime soon.” At his words, I wanted to laugh at my fate but I forced the laugh back in as I wondered why my only chance at freedom was at the verge of death.