Beta VS Gamma

IX

I don’t sleep that night, too afraid that she will let go when I close my eyes. The nurses are in and out of the room checking on her and trying to make sure she’s comfortable. Morning comes quickly, sunlight shining into the room. I’m still not used to the light after being plunged into darkness so long.

The door opens, but I don’t look, expecting it to be another nurse. “Hey Samiah.” I turn to his voice, and tears gather in my eyes. He holds his arms open, and I don’t hesitate to run into them. I try not to, but I can’t help letting my emotions take over. “It’s okay, babygirl. I’m here for you.”

We stay like that for some time before I finally get myself together and pull away. We go toward the bed and sit down. “How did you know I was here?”

“I ran into the future Beta yesterday and he mentioned that you were being released. It didnt take much to find out that your mom has been admitted. What are the doctors saying?” I let out a shaky breath, still not really believing the news.

“They say she doesn’t have much longer. Her wolf isn’t healing her since dad’s passing and the time in the cells didn’t help.” I sit back in the chair, keeping my eyes on my mom. “Why did Kemarion tell you about me getting released?” Ross sighs and runs a hand down his face.

“It was the weirdest conversation. He asked me how business was going, and I told him that it was better with you. Thats when he mentioned that you were being released. When I heard that, I got excited because you’d be back at the shop. Then he told me that you wouldn’t be working for me anymore.” I turn to look at Ross. His face is displaying many emotions, confusion being a major one.

“What do you mean? Why would he say that?” Ross looks at me for a bit before responding.

“I’m not sure, but he did say something about that job not being right for someone of rank. Is there something that I should know about you and the future Beta?” I turn back to my mom, letting this information sink in.

He knows we are mates.

I know, Rae, but he didn’t say anything yesterday. He’s also the reason we were locked up. I don’t understand what’s going on.

Neither do I.

“Samiah?” I turn back to Ross.

“I’m sorry.” I shake my head. “I don’t know what’s going on there. I have no problem returning to work for you, if you’ll have me.”

“Of course I want you back. I guess you should get things settled with the future Beta before you officially return.” I can tell that Ross wants to push more, but he’s leaving it alone, and I’m grateful for that. I didn’t want to continue the conversation, so I left it. “Why don’t you go get cleaned up while your mother’s asleep? I will sit here with her while you go.” I didn’t want to leave her, but I haven’t even showered since I’ve been out of the cells.

I reluctantly agree and stand up. I lean over and kiss my mom on her cheek. “I will be back, mom.” I nod at Ross and walk out of the room, with the plan of going to my house to clean up.

As I step out of the clinic, I stop in confusion. The thought just hit me that our home may not still be ours. We’ve been locked up for months, and there’s no guarantee that they kept our home intact. I let out a quiet sigh and continue to walk. There’s no use in stressing about it without seeing it for myself.

It doesn’t take long to make it to our home. It’s not much, just a two-bedroom shack, but it’s ours. I have a lot of fond memories of that place, and I have some painful memories as well.

The structure looks to be solid; nothing is breaking down. There aren’t any pack members around, so it could be that no one took it over or was given the place when we were sent away. I slowly walk to the door, trying to make sure that I keep an ear out for any sign that our home is no longer ours.

I notice that the door isn’t closed all the way, which is actually a good sign, initially. We weren’t given the opportunity to lock up our place before we were taken away properly. The door being open tells me that we haven’t been relocated. Now the issue becomes whether we still have items inside the home or not.

I push the door open slowly and practically choke on the dusty air that hits me. It’s definite that no one has been in here, so I can only hope that no one stole our stuff. If they did, I wouldn’t be able to do anything about it because I wouldn’t even know who did it.

I sweep the room quickly and see that nothing’s out of place. It isn’t as if we are a wealthy family or that we have anything to steal. It’s just the idea that someone would take your personal items simply because they can.

I make a mental note to clean the house at some point. I don’t want Mom coming home to all of this dust when she’s released from the hospital. Right now, though, I plan to take a quick shower and change so I can get back to the hospital. Ross has a business to run, so I don’t want to keep him too long.

I hurry through the house, doing what I need to do. I grab a change of clothes for myself and one for my mom. I want her to be comfortable when she comes home. My hand stills as I pull her clothes. A tear drops from my eye, and I try to wipe it away. I know I’m being stupid. The doctor was clear that she didn’t have long, and I’m here acting like she's going to get better tomorrow. I don’t know how else to be other than hopeful. I can’t just accept that my mom is going to die and I’ll be an orphan.

I wipe my face and shake my head. I refuse to lose hope. I refuse to say goodbye to her before I have to. I don’t know how it will happen, but my mom will be okay. I can’t lose both of my parents so soon in life.

I lock the house up when I leave, making sure everything is locked and the key is secure. I make my way back to the pack clinic, ready to sit vigil for my mom. “Well, well, well.” My steps falter and fear rolls through me. I keep my back to them, but that does nothing to stop their words. “How the hell did a criminal Omega get out of the calls?”

“Maybe she did the guards a little favor for them to let her out.” There’s a scoff following that.

“That sounds more likely. I mean, most Omegas are sluts, aren’t they?” I don’t have time for this. I need to get to my mom before Ross has to go. I straighten my spine and hold my head up. I continue walking, ignoring the words and snickering behind me.