The Luna's Final Bow

Chapter 3

It’s been a few days and Mama got better. I thought she was going to end up having Pneumonia. But Nanna must have heard my prayer because she's feeling well now. Sometimes, I wonder how I'm not getting sick with all the work I'm doing. As much as I want to take multivitamins, we really don't have the money to buy it. We just have to soak lemon slices on a jug of water and drink plenty to boost our immune system.

Tomorrow is Saturday and there are important guests coming. Just like Ida, I’ve been working since five in the morning and when I left ten this evening, she was still there. She told me she had to stay until eleven.

Friday nights tend to be hectic. Most people are out and about right now, and many head to the local watering hole. Just gathering around a fire pit with loved ones is fun for some. While some Omegas are out to please a few males looking for noncommittal s****l encounters. I could only shake my head. Perhaps the low regard in which they hold the Omega is a reflection of how some of us present ourselves. Since Omegas have such little regard for themselves, no one will ever treat one with dignity.

As I continued to walk home, I saw Jasper with his friends outside a local pub.

“Alex!”

I waved and walked towards him. “Hi!” Two of his friends patted him on the shoulder and went over to the other guys. I was left with Jasper.

Jasper features heavy brows that frame his dark almond shaped eyes, pointed nose and thin lips. Tall and ripped, he attracts the attention of attractive women. For the life of me, I can't figure out why he's trying to be my friend when there are so many other women he could maybe develop romantic feelings for. I know, he hasn’t found his mate yet.

“Done work?” I nodded. “I’m starving. Do you want to get some food to eat?”

It wasn’t the first time he has invited me out to eat. But he’s a future Gamma and I don’t want to mess things up for him. The time has changed. Luna Jade likely outlawed Luna Aiyana's friendship with an omega like Mom after Alpha Pyro ascended to the throne, but this might have been years before. Again, a chasm opened up between omegas and the rest of the food chain. High-ranking pack members are typically associated with others on the same social tier.

“I already ate, but thanks.”

“Tomorrow night then?” Jasper is persistent. “I know it’s a busy day tomorrow for everyone with the Silvercrown Bane pack coming for a visit, but you’ll get time off. Maybe we can read a book tomorrow night and talk about it?”

I heaved a sigh. “Jas, why are you doing this? You know you’re going to get into trouble if Luna Jade finds out.”

“I like you.”

“I’m an Omega. Do you want me to spell it for you?” My frown almost became a knotted brow. We went to school together as kids, but I stopped after high school while he kept going. Because he had trouble memorizing, I used to tutor him in spelling. Our friendship began at that time. Truth be told, he's just a friend of mine, and I have no idea when he started showing such obvious adoration.

He scratched behind his head. “Please? I wish we could have more time together. The training has been really demanding, and I'm exhausted. I am still your friend, right?”

Jasper was giving me the guilt trip. I just stopped trying. “Fine. Tomorrow we will read a book. Just one hour, Jasper. And since I am reading something else at the moment, you need to borrow a good one at the library.”

He smiled. “Cool. Anything in particular you want me to borrow?”

“Adventure, that sort of stuff. And not too thick. Just a short story is what I want.”

Mama was already in bed when I arrived home. My routine before turning in each night included a look in on her. Tonight is a bit on the muggy side, for whatever reason. No one in Tobermory should expect it in September. I mean, come on, it's Canada. To what extent do you understand weather conditions? We have the world's wildest weather, for sure. Maybe I'm going too far, but you get the idea.

Rather than shower, I considered going for a swim. It's been a while and the lake really does look nice and relaxing. I grabbed my large tote bag from the wall and threw in my underwear and towel. My old bathing suit finally gave out from wear and use, so I don't have one. I just have to go skinny-dipping.

I walked down to the shore with a small lantern and immediately reverted back to my childhood self. I stripped naked and stuffed my belongings into my bag before making a dash for the beach. It was cold as f**k but I loved every second of it.

Until I heard the snap of a stick. Is there going to be trouble?

Somehow, I must have mustered the nerve to haul myself out of the water and start rummaging through my stuff. I realise now that going skinny dipping this evening was a terrible plan. Without changing into knickers, I wrapped the towel around myself and picked up a few pebbles. Even if there is a rogue nearby—which is highly improbable—all I have to do is throw a stone at him and try to hit him in the eyes so I don't end up as snack.

As soon as I caught sight of a pair of eyes, I threw a couple of pebbles.

“f**k!”

I heard a groan and I must have hit him. s**t! He doesn’t sound like a rogue at all.