The Omega Queen

Chapter One

“Ava” I hear Michael shout from downstairs. “We’ve got to leave. I’ve got a pack meeting in twenty minutes so if you want a lift to school it has to be now”

Groaning, I take another look in the mirror and grimace at the dark circles under my eyes. I haven’t been sleeping well the past couple of weeks. I am plagued with nightmares of rogue wolves and a deep haunting voice screaming in pain and shouting at me to run. The nightmares only ever have two outcomes. I either listen to the voice, run away and live, feeling my faceless mate die at the hands of rogues or I run towards it to save him and end up dead myself. I always wake in a cold sweat and nothing I do afterwards helps me fall back to sleep, I sit up most of the night reading or doing homework. I have tried to change how the dream ends more times than I can count, but alas, they always end badly. I’m not sure what is causing them, Michael seems to think it’s an omen or premonition. I really hope he’s wrong as either way there’s no happy ending for me in either scenario.

Grabbing my school bag off my bed and my fingerless gloves from the chair where I ditched them last night, I leave my room and head downstairs. Michael is draining the last dregs of coffee from his cup as I enter the kitchen, his large form taking up most of the space available, he has dark brown hair and serious chocolate brown eyes that make most wolves piss themselves in fear but have always looked at me with reverence and kindness. As a royal guard, you’d expect him to be on the larger side but at 6’4” and 250lbs he exceeds expectations. Despite his size, he has been nothing but gentle and caring towards me, fiercely loyal to his future Queen. He sighs when he sees my face, knowing I didn’t get much sleep again last night.

“Same as usual?” He asks

“Yep” I say putting emphasis on the “p”

He just shakes his head and grabs his keys off the counter top. He passes me a coffee to go and I sigh in gratitude and follow him to his truck. Starting the engine, he backs out of our driveway and heads north towards school. I slide my gloves on my hands and chance a glance at him from the corner of my eye. I know he wants to ask me more about the dream, whether I ran away or stayed and fought, because he always does before analysing my choice but today he just takes a deep breath and turns on the radio. I silently thank him for leaving the subject alone. Whichever option I choose during the dream feels wrong, like there should be another way but no matter what I do only those two choices are presented to me, I always wake feeling agitated and with a profound sadness I can’t even attempt to explain.

Leaning my head back against the chair I turn my face towards the window, staring at the mountains and forests surrounding our small quiet town. Although we live on the outskirts, school is only a ten minute drive and before I know it Michael has pulled up on the corner of maple avenue opposite franklin high school.

“Are you training with Ben tonight?” Michael asks, putting the truck into park.

“Yes. I think he wanted to go through hand to hand combat again and he also wants to check my wolf speed too. I was slightly slower on the last run and he wants me to cut my time”

He rubs the dark, slightly greying stubble on his chin and nods his head, his expression turning wary.

“With your birthday coming up it might be best to increase the schedule”

Turning towards him my mouth open with incredulous shock I respond

“Please tell me you’re joking. With school, work at the alpha house and the training I already do I don’t know how we’d fit more sessions in”

“I know Ava, but time is running out and I promised your mother that I would ensure you were ready”

“I am ready. I’ve been ready for a long time. I’m highly skilled in all forms of human and wolf combat. My sprints could be faster, but let’s be honest. I won’t be running away from anything or anyone. I’ll be running towards it. I’m the one prophesied to end the war, and I will” I look away staring out of the window

“I just want to cover all the bases Ava. So that when you turn eighteen and are gifted with your magic you can focus on that” he adds gently, placing his hand lightly on my shoulder.

Sighing dramatically I open the door of the truck and turn to him, admitting defeat.

“You’re right, I’ll change my shifts at work and train the rest of the week. See you later. “ I say before jumping out of the truck, slamming the door and crossing the street to school. I hear him pull away and I hitch my bag higher on my shoulder. I know he’s right. A war is brewing and I need to be ready. According to the prophecy i will end the Rogue wars, and it’s likely to be sooner rather than later. Magic will help but I haven’t even been granted my powers yet and it’s going to take time learning how to weld it proficient enough to actually help me in the war. Time isn’t on my side.

It’s unusually warm today and I’m glad I went with the short sleeved tank instead of the knitted jumper. I love feeling the sun on my skin and I’m thankful spring is now upon us. Seeing as I might not make it to summer, I plan to enjoy it as much as possible. The gloves I wear are an inconvenience in today's heat but imperative for the next week. I’ve worn thin fingerless gloves for as long as I can remember, as they cover the small but noticeable birthmark on my right hand. The mark resembles a bird and if anyone saw it, they would know my true identity immediately.

The prophecy states a girl with a bird mark on her paw will end the war and everyone has heard the prophecy, the alphas actively search for “the one” but for my safety I have to stay hidden for now. Keeping my head down, hair concealing my face I weave through cars In the parking lot and head to the main entrance where my locker is located. Franklin High School is a large grey brick building. It is laid out in a U shape and looks about as interesting as it sounds. Completely nondescript and boring. I think it is approximately fifty years old and from the looks of the decay in the bricks and peeling paint, I don’t think it has been updated since then.

The majority of people in Franklin are pack, apart from a couple of human families who, for one reason or another are aware of our existence, some witnessed changes and some are humans mated to shifters, which is rare but not unheard of. They keep our secrets and in return they get to live in a small town where crime is virtually non existent and everyone looks out for one another. For us shifters, as well as pack duties, we all have regular jobs and businesses. Michael for instance is a mechanic and has a shop in town. All our teachers are shifters except for Mrs Grant who is the history teacher and very much human. She is in her early sixties and is mated to our pack doctor Lester. They met by chance over forty years ago and fell in love immediately due to their bond, even though she was just passing through on her way to Portland, once she saw Lester she never left Franklin. I remember the first time she told us her story in the ninth grade. To a thirteen year old loner the story was wildly romantic and I’ll never forget the hope her story gave to me. Knowing that once I turned eighteen I would get to experience it myself. I would no longer be alone. I know I have Ben and Michael and to everyone around us they are my family but I know that’s not true. They are here as bodyguards. Ben was my best friend when we were younger but our friendship has changed over time and my safety is now his priority, Michael on the other hand is more of a stern father figure unable or unwilling to show much love or affection. One of them is always close in case of a threat but they’re very rarely physically in front of me if we aren’t training. As with the rest of the pack they have jobs and responsibilities of their own and very little time to spare, so I spend a large part of my life talking to myself and eating alone.

Thoughts about my mate are bittersweet. On one hand, I can’t wait to find him. To feel the love and joy bonding with the other half of your soul can bring. On the other, I accept I will suffer his loss before the end of the war as claimed by the prophecy. Knowing your mate will die saving your life is a hard pill to swallow and there are some days I hope to never find him at all so he remains safe. When I do meet him, I will explain everything and ensure he understands the risks before accepting the bond. It’s only fair. Only seven more days and then he will be able to find me assuming he’s already turned eighteen as both wolves need to be of age to recognise each other as mates. If he’s younger than me, I’ll have to wait.

I’m so distracted daydreaming of my mate and what he will look and sound like that I don’t realise I’ve reached the steps leading up to the front entrance. Before I even know what has happened I trip and start to fall forwards. Throwing my arms out to break my fall I shut my eyes and wait for the jolt of pain in my wrists. I know Luna is watching over me when I realise I’m suspended in the air with an iron grip around my waist preventing me from injuring myself, someone has reached out and caught me before I face planted the steps. I straighten up and turn to my rescuer to thank them.

“Thank you so m....” the rest of the sentence is forgotten as I stare into the stunningly deep brown eyes of our future alpha and leader, Ben's best friend Fin.

I stop myself from staring and avert my gaze at the ground.

“Thank you Alpha, please forgive my clumsiness” I say in my quiet omega voice, the sound muffled by my hair.

“You’re welcome Ava. Glad I got to you in time. You were in your own world there I believe” I hear him lightly chuckle “and please continue to call me Fin. I’m not alpha yet”

“Sorry Fin. And thank you again” I reply, still staring at the floor. I chance another look at him before nodding a goodbye, turning my mouth up in a grateful smile and turn to continue on into school. I feel a few pairs of eyes on me. People interested in why our soon to be alpha was lowering himself by having a conversation with a lowly omega. As Ben's best friend, Fin has always been friendly to me. When we occupy the same space, he doesn’t ignore me or overlook me. He includes me in conversations and listens to my answers, he will make a great alpha to my pack. When I was younger I went through a phase of hoping he would be my fated mate. He’s incredibly good looking with thick dark hair and those gorgeous eyes. He’s also an accomplished fighter and I know he’ll be a great asset during my battle against the rogues. I was sixteen when my hopes were crushed and he mated with Heather Marsh. She’s a Year younger than him, two years older than me and to give credit where credit is due, she’ll make an excellent Alpha female. Tall, beautiful and friendly to everyone, just like Fin. They are the perfect match.

Finally reaching my locker i take out the books I’ll need for my first few classes of the day. There are only a couple of months left of my senior year and even though I probably won’t get a chance to graduate, thanks to the prophecy I know I have to fulfil by saving the world, I still attend every day to keep up appearances. The pack would talk if the little omega didn’t go to class.

After home room I’m walking down the south corridor to my first lesson, Chemistry when I hear my name being called. Turning around I see my friend Evan jogging towards me. He’s short for a shifter male at 5’8” and has a slimmer build but his deep hazel eyes and black hair make up for lower than average stature. He is in a word, gorgeous, and always happy, despite the way most people treat him. He has a true and open heart and I’m blessed to call him my friend.

“Ava. There you are. I tried to catch you after homeroom but I obviously missed you”

“Hey Evan. What’s up?”

“I wanted to see if you’ll go through my history essay with me?” He says before looking at the ground

Evan like me is an omega. There are only a couple of us and we have all drifted towards each other for companionship. Although I fake my omega status, I actually like hanging with him and our other friends, Kate and Drew. With us all being on the same ‘level’ we don’t feel the need to constantly look at the floor when we talk to each other. We hold eye contact for longer than a few seconds at a time. Evan is currently the only openly gay shifter in our pack. When he came out, his family and the rest of the community were shocked but accepting. He turned eighteen a few months ago and is yet to meet his mate. Being the only gay shifter in our pack means he probably won’t meet them for a while. He needs to mix with a few other packs and meet new people but he’s shy so he isn’t confident enough to try. I’ve made it my personal mission to help him. If I survive the war, I vow to Luna that I’ll find him his mate.

“Umm sure. I have a free study period this afternoon after lunch if you are free then?"

“That’s great. Thanks. I’ll see you later” he grabs my hand and gently squeezes my fingers for a second before turning and heading back the way he came. I call out bye and head to class.

The whole day dragged and I breathe a sigh of relief when the final bell rings and I can leave. Rounding the west corner of the building, I head to the parking lot. Ben is picking me up today. When I see him idling by his car talking to some of the wolves from my year group I slow my pace not wanting to interrupt. As future Beta, a lot of the younger warriors have already started asking him for advice and council and he’s loving the attention especially from the unmated females in our pack. Seeing me idling near his bumper he tells the warriors he’ll speak to them later and wanders over to me

“Hey Ave, how was your day”

“Fine” I reply in a quiet voice aware of the pack members around us. He gives me a mocking smirk and shakes his head, getting into his jeep. I round the car and open my own door. Depositing my bag on the floor before climbing in.

He starts the engine and we leave school. Once on the main road heading home he turns to me and asks me again

“How was school?”

“Fine.” I say I’m my normal self confident voice. “I wasn’t lying Ben. It’s always fine. People ignore me and leave me alone. My big brother is the future beta. They won’t do anything to me”

“Ok. But if anyone says anything. Let me know and I’ll sort it” he replies taking his eyes off the road to show me his sincerity. Nodding, I turn to stare out of the window. I know he’s worried about me, like Michael. He can see the bags under my eyes and I’m a lot grumpier than usual. Staring out of the window has become my favourite pastime. I rarely initiate conversation lately. Too lost in my thoughts and the memories of my nightmares.

The rest of the drive home is quiet and we pull into the driveway. I’m already halfway out of the car when Ben reminds me about training.

“7pm ok tonight. I’ve got pack training now until 6pm”

“Yeah. I’ll be ready. See you in the Woods”

he says a swift goodbye before leaving to head back past school, as the pack house is the other side of town. I’ve repeatedly asked for my own car but Michael is vehemently against it, stating it isn’t safe. if it were up to him I wouldn’t have even had lessons but Ben sided with me in that argument and taught me himself.

I enter my house, throwing my keys on the sideboard near the front door. I decide to grab a snack before heading upstairs to my room to get started on homework. What I really need is a nap but algebra and the English civil war assignments are due tomorrow and I will be training with Ben until at least 11pm. Taking a bite of my sandwich, I reach for my books. I hate math. I am proficient but uninterested. It just bores me. History on the other hand is a different matter. I am fascinated by humans and their impact through the ages. I have a thirst to learn whatever I can about their time upon the earth. Not all our history curriculum is based on humans, we study shifter history as well and although I enjoy learning about our culture, the last hundred years have been dominated by the Rogue war. A war that has decimated my whole family and left me an orphan. A war which I am destined to end despite the personal price I will pay. Taking a deep breathe I log onto my laptop and get started.

I finish at exactly 6.48pm. I have ten minutes to get ready for training. I rush into my closet and grab my training clothes and then take a quick shower. Drying and dressing as fast as I can, I throw my hair into a messy bun on top of my head and rush outside to the forest to meet Ben. Despite my fatigue, I’m looking forward to training. My frustration and anger are reaching an unbearable level and this is my only outlet. Kicking Ben's ass is one of the best parts of my day.