The Omega Queen

Chapter Three

The doorbell rings and I jog down the stairs excited for the night ahead. After a decent night's sleep free from any nightmares, no training and a day spent pottering around my house I am feeling much better. The bruises that covered my body have all but disappeared and I feel a lot less suffocated since Ben left twenty minutes ago. He has stuck by my side for the past twenty four hours and he was starting to piss me off. Luckily, Fin needed both Ben and Michael at the packhouse this evening and although they wanted me to accompany them, I refused. Knowing that Alpha Winters is still in residence sold me on another evening in front of the TV. I have absolutely no interest in being mocked and ridiculed again so soon. Ben insisted that I wasn't to be alone so I suggested having my friends over for a sleepover and he begrudgingly agreed, it took some time but Michael made the point that four other wolves in the house would conceal my scent well enough that should we be attacked again, it would be more difficult to find me, if the rogues knew that I was person they were looking for. It didn't stop him from showing me how to use the panic room for the umpteenth time in case of an emergency. Our panic room is located in the basement and was hand built by Michael over a decade ago. The first time he showed it to me I was only seven years old and in all honesty, it scared the s**t out of me. I was far too young to properly understand its necessity. All I could see was a large metal box four inches thick and they expected me to lock myself in it. Now that I'm older I still hate the thought of having to use it, but for totally different reasons. Locking myself away whilst everyone I care about is out there fighting to keep me alive, it doesn't seem right. I shake myself from my morbid thoughts and open the front door. Standing outside with big beaming smiles are Evan, Kate and Drew. Evan is holding up large bags of popcorn and sweets, Kate has four bottles of soda and poor Drew is laden down with everyone's bags.

"Hey, come in guys"

"Arghhh, we are going to have so much fun tonight" Evan states as he crosses the threshold. Kate follows giving me a thumbs up and they carry on through to my living room.

"Did you get the short straw?" I ask Drew, taking some of the bags from her arms.

"Seems like it" she says laughing "he was so excited, he just got out of the car and ran to the door".

We haven't ever done anything like this before and I'm not sure why. We're all pretty close, sticking together in our own little clique. They were surprised when I asked but agreed immediately. We dump the bags and pillows at the bottom of the stairs and join the other two in the living room. Evan has already made himself at home, curled up on the armchair in the corner, channel surfing and Kate is flicking through a magazine chatting animatedly about some pop stars new haircut. The snacks they brought sit on the coffee table so I gather them up as best I can and motion for Drew to follow me into the kitchen. We chat about Drews day, working at the packhouse, my own uneventful day bringing little entertainment.

"He's still there," she says, pouring the soda into four glass tumblers.

"Who is?" I question confused

"Alpha Winters" she states "he's been here for two days, all the other alpha's returned to their territories but he stayed behind. Who's protecting his pack against the rogues?"

I shrug, seemingly nonchalant but inside, I'm worried. She has a point, why would he leave his pack unprotected? What is so important that he has to stay? I'll have to ask Ben in the morning.

"So, what film does Evan have planned for us" I ask, effectively changing the subject. The last person I want to think about tonight is my arch nemesis.

"Oh god, some Zac Efron monstrosity. Looks awful"

"That's our Evan" I say, shaking my head. That boy is an incurable romantic.

"Guys get in here, it's starting" we hear Evan shout from the other room.

Drew & I look at one another and smile. I grab the popcorn and some bowls and we head in, I prepare myself to waste two hours that I will never get back.

Two hours later the movie has ended and we are lying around gossiping and eating pizza. We pushed the table out of the way and placed our cushions and blankets on the floor, effectively turning the living room into a giant bed.

"So she pretended to fall so he would catch her but he wasn't paying attention so she just dramatically fell to the floor" we all snort out our laughter as Kate finishes the story of Lisa Cunningham, the most popular girl in our year literally throwing herself at Ben. All the pack females turning eighteen secretly hope to be Ben's mate. He’s very good looking and the packs new beta as of next week. He would be a great catch. Ben is adamant that his mate isn't in Franklin. He believes Luna wouldn't provide him with a mate whilst his primary purpose is to protect me. That once the war is won, she will appear and they will be together then.

"So what happened next?" I ask, unable to control my giggles.

"She just got up as if nothing had happened and left".

"I think my mate is here" Evan says quietly, our laughter ceasing almost immediately.

We all turn to look at him. He's wringing his hands looking at the fire raging on the hearth.

Moving over to him I kneel in front of him and take hold of his hands.

"How do you know, why didn't you tell us?"

"I can smell him, it's strong in some places, the packhouse especially." The packhouse doesn't just house the Alpha families, it is also home for unmated wolves who wanted to leave their parents for some independence and newly mated couples who are waiting for a housing placement.

Kate and Drew move closer too, touching Evan in comfort.

"Do you think he knows about you?" Drew questions

"I don't know, I've been eighteen for four months, I've smelt him a couple of times but never come face to face with him. Maybe he's seen me and is keeping his distance. What if he doesn't want me?" Evan looks down as a lone tear rolls down his cheek.

Putting my finger under his chin, I tilt his head up so his eyes meet my own.

"You, Evan Solomon, are the best person on this planet. You are kind, funny, smart, hardworking and bloody gorgeous, there is no way he has seen you and turned away. Your mate is lucky, lucky because he gets to spend his life with you. When you meet him, and I mean when, he will be happy because he was fortunate enough to be paired with you.

He smiles at me and wipes his eyes.

"You think so Ave? Really?"

"I have never believed anything so much in my life" I say. He leans forward wrapping his arms around me and the girls join us in a group hug.

"Anyone for more Zac Efron?" Evan says dryly over my shoulder.

Pulling away to look at each other we all burst into laughter, happiness restored to this misfit band of omega's.

**************************************

"Block!" Ben shouts for the twentieth time as he clips my hip with his foot.

"I am blocking, you pain in the ass" I grunt back, taking a swing at his pretty face and missing by a mile.

"Not good enough Ava" he argues "let's take a break"

"No, I don't want a break" I reply stubbornly.

"Your head's not in the game. You're not protecting yourself. Your punches are off target and your laps are slow. We are taking a break". He walks over to the garden bench and picks up his towel, ignoring me.

A growl works its way up through my body and releases loudly. Ben whips round surprised.

"What was that?" He asks, slight apprehension in the tone of his voice.

"My wolf" I state "obviously".

"Why?"

"She doesn't appreciate your dismissive attitude" I reply, lowering to the ground and flopping onto my back in the dewy grass.

Ben and I have been training in our large back yard for the last couple of days. Mainly combat strategy and cardio but I have been unable to shift. It's only two days until my birthday and the closer it gets l, the stronger the urge. My wolf claws and prickles inside me, demanding release. Something I am unable to provide.

"Im sorry Ava, you know that was not my intention. But you do need a break. We've been at it for hours"

"What do you think is happening, a few days ago I felt great, now, I'm angsty and volatile. My head's pounding and I feel like s**t" I ask, throwing an arm over my face.

"Hey" Ben says softly, crouching down to remove the arm from the view of my face. "I don't know but my guess is that it has something to do with your birthday. Maybe your mate is near and your body is gearing up ready to accept your powers"

"Maybe" I say, noting inwardly that his theory has merit.

"I think we should leave training until after your birthday. I think you're ready anyway"

"You do?" I question rising onto my elbows.

"Yes, I do" he says, ruffling my hair, a habit he's had for years that he does to annoy me.

"f**k off" I say throwing his hand away. "You're such a d**k Ben"

"Hey if I'm playing the role of big brother, then I'm gonna play the role of big brother"

"Urgh" I say falling backwards again, as he enters the house.

****************************************

The sun flickering through the trees onto my listless, relaxed body, caused shadows and flashes of light to dance in tandem behind my closed eyelids.

Lying on my back in my front yard, my hair splayed around my shoulders, I could feel the warmth seeping into my bones and a general feeling of weightlessness taking over my being.

Spring break was in full swing and that day, I was taking a well earned break from homework assignments and working at the packhouse. Since I turned sixteen three weeks earlier, I hadn't had much time to myself. Ben had upped my training schedule to four sessions a week saying I was ready to take things to the next level. We had started combat in wolf form and so far, I was a quick study. Despite my size in human form, my wolf was slightly larger than Bens and I had managed to pin him twice in our last session.

Humming to myself, I let the grass either side of my faded white blanket drift through my fingers as I idly stroked the ground. My mind blank, I allowed myself to fully be in the moment. Aware of only my surroundings and the birds twittering above my head. My life to date had been structured, organised and guarded. That day, I felt free.

I bolted upright at the sound of someone clearing their throat, my hair swinging around my face. It took a few moments for my eyes to adjust to the brightness but once I could see clearly, I found Fin standing at the white picket fence surrounding my yard with another man beside him. The man was tall, a few inches above six feet and very well built. Strong sinewy muscles bulging from his arms and straining against his blue short sleeved t-shirt. His dark blonde hair was longer than was considered tidy but it suited him. He resembled a typical surfer boy in looks but the way he held himself showed power and a hint of arrogance. He was beautiful.

Realising I was staring, a blush spread over my cheeks so I got to my feet and headed in their direction.

"Fin" I said looking at the floor "how may I assist you"

"Well we're here to meet Ben but I thought I'd introduce you to my friend, the new alpha of the New York and Connecticut packs, Ava Cross, this is Alpha Grayson Winters."

"Alpha, welcome to Maine" I said, raising my eyes slowly to meet his.

"Ava" he replied, extending his hand towards me. I looked at it for a moment before slowly mirroring his gesture, our eyes met, his an intense cerulean blue to my emerald green. The touch was brief but I felt his touch all the way to my toes. Blushing again, I took back my hand abruptly and folded my arms behind my back.

"Yo yo yo" Ben's voice boomed across the yard had me turning around. He reached us in a few steps and greeted his friends.

"I see you met Ava, Gray" Ben said, throwing his arm around my shoulder and pulling me under the crook of his arm. "My little sister" he continued ruffling my hair. I sent him a quick dirty look out of the corner of my eye.

"Ava is one of our omega's " Fin said proudly. "She recently started working for my father and he states she was sent by the Goddess herself"

Ben and I chuckled ironically, Fin oblivious to how accurate his statement was.

"You're an Omega?" Grayson asked me directly.

Looking into his eyes again, I gave a rueful smile

"Yes alpha" Grayson looked confused but before he could respond, I looked to Ben

"I have homework, I'll leave you to it. Fin, I wanted to say congratulations on finding your mate. She will make a wonderful alpha female to our pack. Alpha Winters, it was a pleasure to meet you"

"Thank you Ava, I wholeheartedly agree with you" Fin stated happily, clearly thinking of his mate. Ben left the yard via the rickety gate and Fin walked away with a wave. Grayson, however, still stood in the same place, a contemplative look alighting his striking features. I fidgeted uneasily and turned to leave.

"I'm sure i'll see you again little bird" his voice said, seductively flowing over the light breeze. I stopped and turned back to him unable to hide my annoyance. He did not just call me a little bird! I may be small but i'm not weak like a bird, omega or not. The urge to defend myself raging I met his gaze defiantly.

"Goodbye, Alpha Winters" I replied my voice wobbling in unabashed outrage.

He smiled and turned to join the others already climbing into Fin's Yute.

***********************************

I awaken with a start, the dream still fresh in my mind. The sun has begun to set and I'm a bit annoyed Ben left me here after training finished. Sitting up and rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I wonder why my unconscious mind chose to drag up that forgettable memory. My first encounter with Grayson Winters did not go well despite my initial attraction to him. Groaning in frustration I push the dream from my mind and make my way inside. Micheal is home and cooking dinner in the kitchen.

"Hey sleepyhead" he greets stirring the sauce into his pasta. "Dinner will be ready in ten. Why don't you go and get a shower.

"Good idea, why did Ben leave me out there?"

"That was me, he had to go and when I came outside to find you, you were flat out. I couldn't bring myself to wake you."

"Ok" I yawn "i'll go have that shower"

Ten minutes later, showered and dressed in my comfiest pyjamas I sit down at the dining table with Michael. Ben babysat this afternoon, ferrying me to and from school, I guess it was Michael's turn tonight.

"What did you do today?" I ask him, initiating conversation.

"More patrol timetables, a full oil change, a flat tyre and seeing Alpha Winters over the border" he says ticking each item off on his fingers.

"He's gone?" I question and Michael nods. "Finally" I say, my mood instantly better.

"Not a fan?" He asks amused

"You could say that yeah. Why was he here so long, all the other alpha's left days ago."

"He said he had some business to take care of, that he'd be here until Fin's inauguration. He sent his beta and warriors home straight away to protect the packs. As they didn't get attacked earlier this week he wasn't worried. Then his beta called this afternoon, said he needed to return immediately. It was funny, he seemed reluctant to leave". Shaking his head he shovels more pasta into his mouth.

How strange, what would be so important to keep him away when his pack needed him.

"How was school today?" Michael asks me, breaking me from my reverie.

"Same s**t, different day. I've lost interest and motivation. All I can think about is turning eighteen. Will I meet my mate straight away and have a war on my hands almost immediately or will it be months, years that I have to wait. I'm not sure what I'd prefer but I know I can't continue living like this. Like there's a weight pushing down on my chest."

He places his hand over mine. "It'll happen when it's time. Luna will make sure of it. When she knows you're ready, she'll set it in motion."

My appetite gone, I rise from my seat and clear our dishes. "Ava, I'll do all that, you get yourself to bed"

I nod gratefully "Goodnight Michael"

"Goodnight, your majesty" I smile at his formality and leave the room, heading upstairs to my bed.