The Omega's Gift

Lyra – 17 years and 364 days old I wish I could have been a hunter. I feel a deep connection to the forest. I think I could've had some kind of power. Maybe I could’ve even climbed a bit in the ranks! At least, that’s what I like to believe. Of course, the Moon wasn’t kind to me, and I’m stuck doing cleaning and other chores no one else wants. Because obviously, I’m an Omega. A nobody. Someone barely worth looking at. Just like right now, actually! In the Council Room, the Alpha is holding the usual weekly meeting. He’s talking about the upcoming full moon and wants his entire scout team to check out the rival pack on the other side of the clearing. “They’re restless—something’s brewing!” Tension is rising between the two clans and, as always, he’s trying to get the upper hand. For the past few years, our pack - The Shadow Clan - has been constantly monitoring the Night Clan following the battle that took the life of Kael's father, Alpha Mingan. Every one of their movements is observed, analyzed, and dissected. In fact, it has been almost the sole topic if our weekly meetings ever since Mingan's death and Kael's rise to power. Are they seeking revenge, or simply keeping an eye on them? Maybe both. The room is large and imposing, with statues of Wolves on either side of the main table. All the Warriors and Scouts are seated around it on wooden chairs. The Deltas. At the end of the table, Beta Lexi sits close to the speaker. Alpha Kael, with his icy stare, is leading the meeting like a master. Despite his young age (barely 19!), he’s composed, direct, and incredibly imposing. Since the presence of all wolves is required at each meeting, the families sit on benches near the east wall. The high ceiling of the room easily carries Alpha Kael’s voice, allowing everyone to hear his intentions toward the opposing camp. Armchairs are set up along the south wall for the Senior wolves. As for the north wall, there are no benches, no chairs, no armchairs. Just the cold, hard floor. That’s where my fellow Omegas and I kneel. I’m still surprised we’re even allowed to attend the meetings. It was Kael who enforced that rule barely a year ago when he became Alpha. His father—an unforgiving Alpha—died in a battle against the rival pack, and Kael inherited the throne. No one challenged him for the position, so he became the rightful Alpha. And to be fair, he’s lived up to his father’s reputation. He’s undeniably an excellent pack leader. But he shocked many wolves by requiring Omegas to attend the meetings. “We can’t expect much from them,” he’d said, “but we must include them in our gatherings so they’re aware of our movements.” Of course, my fellow Omegas were thrilled. They finally felt included in the pack. Personally, I think he just wants to keep an eye on us while he works. He enjoys looking down on us. It’s the only time he ever looks at us at all. Despite my hatred for the guy, I still kind of enjoyed attending the meetings. It gave me a chance to sneak a look at him. As annoying as he is, Alpha is still a fine-looking male. Lately, I’ve been feeling a strange and overwhelming pull toward him. Something that twists in my gut. A heady scent surrounds him every time he gets close. It’s either attraction… or revulsion. Though easy on the eyes, he remains absolutely detestable. His voice alone is enough to make even the bravest warriors tremble! As for me, it chills me to the bone. ** Once the meeting was over, everyone stood and began to leave the room. Waiting for my turn to exit, I felt eyes pass through me like I was nothing more than an insect, a burden dragging the pack’s reputation down with me. That’s what being an Omega feels like every day. As usual, I lowered my head and stared at my feet. It was easier to look at the floor than to face the disgust on people’s faces. I just wanted to get back to my room as fast as possible. Not that it mattered—I’d be back here soon anyway, since we’re the ones who have to clean the room after every meeting. Because that what Omegas do, remember? We clean, we do chores no one want, then we pretend not to exist in the meantime. I hurried to line up to leave when I walked straight into someone. Headfirst. And then, a scent I would recognize among a thousand hit me. Oh no. Please tell me I'm mistaken. “Alpha! I’m sorry, I—” I stammered, looking up. “You insolent pup!” Alpha Kael barked. “Watch where you—” And then our eyes met. The strong scent that had been lingering around him for weeks suddenly gripped my throat. A warm, woody, almost sweet aroma filled my nose. The room fell into a heavy silence. Everyone was watching us—but I didn’t care. Because the moment our eyes locked, I knew. It was him. My soul. My bond. My destined mate. A shiver ran down my spine. My heart pounded in my chest. Everything in me screamed his name. My knees nearly gave out—not from fear, but from the bond. It had just formed. I could feel it. And so could he. A heavy silence fell over the room. Every wolf present could sense the shift. It wasn’t just in my head. Kael stepped slowly toward me. I didn’t dare breathe. Then… he stopped a meter away. His gaze darkened even more. His face unreadable. “This is a mistake,” he growled. “A sick joke from the Moon.” My insides twisted. You could hear a pin drop in the room. “I don’t want her.” My breath caught. The world tilted. “I reject this bond. I reject you.”