Alpha on Leash

1

I was earlier, again. It was 10 minutes before our set time. Not a new thing, the same has happened more times than I could count. My habit did not hurt anyone, so I would say it was my own win. My anxiety has always won against my procrastination and I have already held a white flag against it a long time ago. The hotel was grander than I imagined as I set my clutch down on the bar counter. I guess I never really realized how big of a deal it was to be nominated for the best environmentally efficient clothing brand of the year. My clothing line revolved around kids and newborns. The range started from new born, to infants till 6 years of child. It was my life that I have given to making it what it is today. The business that I started had taken years of hard work and dedication, lots of fights and lots of heartbreak, and the consequences of going against my mother's wishes and all of that with the fact that I was an omega female, the rarest of the kind. I went against everything that was set for me, a career path that my mother had long decided on, a set fiance that I have never even met once in my life, as well as all the responsibilities and role assigned to me just because I was the daughter of Romayssa Reid. Being an omega was something that is abnormal nowadays. With the advancement of technology and science, a lot of the second gender is now eradicated. Many opted for being a normal human rather than having to find mates and go into heat because of the natural makeup of the chromosomes. Only a few shape shifters remained, like werewolves and vampires and an even smaller population of fairies and warlocks. Even within the population of dwindling werewolves, 90% of the majority consist of a normal beta that doesn't go into heat, doesn't have a wolf and cannot mark either mate. In easy words, they were humans that once used to have a wolf in them. But for the remaining of the 10%, more than 9% consisted of Alpha and females that still have wolves but don't shape shift, can mark and mate and are usually at the top of positions, politically and economically. They were the rulers, something that even science and technology could not change. The one percent that remained were omega and even more rare was the female omega, which could be marked and mated and produce a true werewolf cub. Only Omega could fully shape shift into their wolves at will and the chances of finding such omega was almost 0 to none. And I, Isabella Reid, am the omega female that many want to hunt down and make me theirs. Although it was due to my mother’s position and the lineage of my father that I have been lucky enough not to have been discovered by anyone among the werewolves. Or else it was not pretty for female omegas out there.

I suppose if I wanted, I would have already gotten rid of my wolf. But Lune, my wolf, was the only companion I have ever gotten, the only friend I had while I was growing up in a huge house that never felt like home. I was an only child, never had peers of my age due to being the only heir to one of the wealthiest families in the world. It was not that I didn’t realize just how fortunate I was in the monetary aspects compared to so many people around me. I was fed when hungry, warm when cold and given everything I ever set eyes on. But I never got human interaction, never knew of my mother’s warm embrace and never saw my father smiling brightly when he saw me. It was cold and grim and the cob webs of loneliness engulfed my heart for years before I realized it was within my reach to decide for myself.

I walked the original path. I got multiple degrees in design, business and psychology. I did my masters in whatever my mother chose for me, gained the valedictorian title and the best student of the year awards for where I went. Hid away my omega identity for the sake that I would be protected and not attacked. As if it was my fault, I was an omega born in riches. I walked on whatever path my father deemed best, met with his business partners, worked under his acceptance and yet I was never once given a warm hug or a praise from them. It was mechanics, the life I spent till I was 26 years old. A monotonic life that was bereft of any human contact, I didn’t realize I had never even laughed out loud just for the sake of laughing. Everything was an act and I had to perform the best, which I did, as per my parents' choice. But the hole in my heart kept on getting bigger, wider and in that hole, I lost every communication with my own wolf.

I felt her presence in me, a companion that was in my shadow giving me strength that I needed, but she was silent, always silent and so was I. I never shifted into Lune, never gave up my consciousness of her even for a second. I wasn’t taught ways to befriend my own wolf and maybe that is why she has rejected all the communications I have tried to do with her even now. I felt her in me, but she did not feel me in her and it was so clear.

“Lune.”I called out her name in my mind, again upholding the promise I made to her to always be with her. She was half my soul and I have already disappointed her, but no more. I will do whatever it takes to make her accept me again.

The virgin martini in my hand was my companion for the next few minutes before the door to the hall opened with a loud thud and in came my friends with huge grins on their faces as they looked around, trying to spot me. These people saved me from becoming a robot, these people made me human again.

“Melissa, Brooklyn, Izac!”I called out to them, not caring for the judgmental glance thrown my way. I had too little shits to give to people who were so uptight in a designer event. They were dressed to perfection.

Melissa, with her hair straightened and cascading down like a glossy waterfall, resembled a goddess as she made her entrance. The soft, light brown silky dress clung gracefully to her figure, accentuating her every curve in the most elegant manner. It swayed gracefully with every step she took, creating an air of effortless beauty that left everyone around her in awe. Melissa's confidence was evident in the way she carried herself, striding gracefully in her heels as if she owned the room. Her poise and charm were magnetic, drawing the attention of those fortunate enough to witness her presence. Isabella couldn't help but feel a tinge of envy mixed with admiration, as she watched her friend embody such grace and allure. The cute dangling diamond earrings shimmered delicately with every slight movement, adding a touch of glamour to her already stunning appearance. They caught the light, reflecting a mesmerizing sparkle that complemented her radiant smile. Melissa's eyes sparkled like stars, drawing you in with their warm and friendly gaze. She had a way of making everyone around her feel special and appreciated, and Isabella could see the effect she had on those nearby, as smiles and glances turned her way. As Melissa approached, Isabella noticed how effortlessly she mingled with the crowd, effortlessly engaging in conversation and brightening up the room with her presence. It was as if she had a magical aura that brought joy and laughter to those around her. Isabella couldn't help but feel lucky to call Melissa her friend, as she knew that having her by her side always meant a night filled with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Melissa was a beta but with her younger sister being an omega and being assaulted by an Alpha, she had all but become the mother hen of the group. She would always make sure we were safe wherever we went, would take care of our unattended drinks and look out for us if any of us were lost. She was the mother figure for me, the first friend I made that ignited the feelings of being a human in me. I would smile at her presence and she would make it better for us by just being there.

As Melissa's magnetic presence slowly faded from the room, all eyes now turned to the entrance once more as Izac made his way in. Immediately, Isabella couldn't help but be taken aback by his sleek and polished appearance. With his dark brown hair combed back neatly, he exuded an air of confidence that drew attention effortlessly. The subtle charm of his casual yet refined style made it impossible not to admire him. His chiseled jawline and perfectly sculpted cheekbones framed his face, enhancing his natural allure. A warm, approachable smile played on his lips, inviting everyone around him to feel at ease in his presence. Dressed in a grey dress shirt, with the top two buttons casually undone, he epitomized a perfect balance between elegance and laid-back sophistication. The shirt hugged his physique in a flattering manner, accentuating his fit frame. Paired with pristine white pants, his outfit exuded a timeless and classic charm, making him stand out effortlessly. As Izac moved with grace, Isabella noticed the subtle confidence in his stride. He seemed at ease in any situation, carrying himself with a certain magnetism that intrigued those around him. The simplicity of his attire spoke volumes about his self-assurance, as he didn't need elaborate embellishments to make an impression; his natural charisma was more than enough. Completing his appearance, a pair of polished loafers adorned his feet, adding an extra touch of sophistication to his ensemble. The attention to detail in his appearance was obvious, and it only served to enhance his overall charm. Izac's presence seemed to fill the room, and like a magnet, he drew the gaze of everyone in his vicinity. But beyond his captivating looks, Isabella could also sense a genuine kindness in his eyes, which made him all the more irresistible. She knew that, with his charm and charisma, he must have been someone who effortlessly captured the hearts of those around him. But it was only a secret among us that he batted for the other team. Izac was often judged as being an Alpha and he hated it. He was an Omega male, proud of his characteristics and, because of his presence, I was able to accept being an Omega fully. He made being an Omega beautiful and enriching and there was absolutely nothing that could make an Omega fall. Because of his constant display of confidence and that nurturing nature of his, I started loving my sensitivity as an Omega and it was his presence that made me want to fully embrace my identity.

Izac and Melissa both stopped mid step and suddenly moved back to surprise me with the third person in my life that completed me whole, Brooklyn, a woman who exuded an air of timeless elegance and an intriguing aura of stoicism. The combination of her sophistication and inner strength made her an enigmatic presence that demanded attention. Brooklyn's beauty was a blend of grace and confidence. Her eyes held a deep, mysterious allure that seemed to hold untold stories, and her perfectly sculpted features were complemented by a natural and radiant glow. Her attire spoke volumes about her impeccable taste. Dressed in black slacks and a black coat, she emanated a sense of authority and style. But it was the unexpected touch of femininity that caught Isabella's eye—the lace corset adorned with gems underneath her coat, adding a hint of sensuality to her otherwise composed demeanor. The corset added a subtle sparkle, as if to reflect the inner strength and resilience that lay beneath her composed exterior. Black heels adorned her feet, adding a touch of height and grace to her already striking presence. With each step, she moved with purpose and poise, captivating everyone with her confident stride. Brooklyn's curly hair flowed freely, cascading like a dark and enchanting waterfall down her shoulders. The untamed curls framed her face with a touch of wild elegance, making her even more alluring. The only accessory she wore was a diamond lip ring, drawing attention to her lips and enhancing the captivating aura she exuded. It was a subtle yet striking touch that added an element of boldness to her overall look. There was something about her that felt magnetic, and it was clear that beneath her poised and stoic exterior, lay a depth of emotions and experiences waiting to be discovered. She was the only Alpha among us and the youngest. But her life has been way worse than ours, with things that have made her die each time we see her remembering it. Brooklyn was the silent type, that didn’t speak much, didn’t maintain relationships and would rather be left alone to herself. She never complained, never asked us for anything more than what was given. Her past made her so and it had only been two years since she had taken a step away from all the abuse she had to go through in foster care. I met her when she almost kill herself, the demons in her were louder than her identity as a human and a wolf. She hated the omega in her life and it had taken me years for her to open up to me. She was a strength that I didn’t know I needed and seeing her, I pushed harder than ever.

All three of them made their way towards me, with grins that made the world a better, brighter place. Melissa gave me the nurturing I needed, Izac became the confidence I lacked in myself and Brooklyn made me realize how the perception of these secondary roles make our lives. I could not have lived without them. They were my people that I chose and with them have I thrived to where I was today.

“God, I already see a tear on its way.” Izac exclaimed as he hugged me tight in his embrace.

“It’s all you guys' fault.” I laughed through my tears and hugged him back.

“My sweet friend, Stop crying or else the makeup will be ruined and I will not fix it for you.” Melissa growled lightly in a teasing manner before embracing me in her warmth. She made me relax and it was a feeling that I have yearned for in my life.

“Will have to see you get the award first.” Brooklyn grumbled, making us all laugh at her glare. She did not enjoy crowds and company.

“Thank you for coming.” I said to her as I held out my hand for her to take. She hated human touch as well. A small smile lit up her face as she held my hand in hers, an acceptance that had taken me 2 years to get. Her little nod of acknowledgement was all I needed to know that she was happy to be here, sharing my joy and ours alike. We have worked our asses off to be where we are today. I was the management of the group, coordinating and organizing our brand. Melissa played the role of the Director, meeting clients and making connections. Izac was the photographer and analyzer of each and every part regarding the advertisement group and Brooklyn was the one managing the products, everything from the fabric of the clothes to the designs. She managed it. The designs of the brand came from us all. We would give them time to create what we all wanted or sometimes would launch a line based on one person’s ideas. It had taken us 3 years to launch and when we did, the acceptance was less and backlash was more, especially from mine and Brook’s family because we were the heiresses to wealthy families. But steadily and gradually, we made it and now we are going to accept the award for our hard work. It was a fruit that had taken years to grow and now that it was finally here, my heart felt like it would burst out of it’s ribcage.

For the first time in such a long time, I felt full and happy and complete and with my people with me, I felt as if I was enough for once. It was a feeling that I gave up everything to chase but never got. Not from the mother that was always busy at her work, nor the father that was absent most of my life. And the maids did what they were told to. Because of the people I chose, I was me, Isabella Reid again. The original me that I lost in trying to please others and now there was no way in hell anyone could take me away from my goals and dreams and the very me that I have just found.

“Lune, thank you.” I whispered into the darkness to my wolf. The sudden rush of warmth, for a second, made my heart tingle. She accepted my thanks. Nothing would be better than today, I thought as the ceremony began.