Chapter 2: Friends? Or Foe?
1505 Words
It’s been a rough three days. Campus wasn’t the same. Groups of Alphas and Betas circulated like predators, and the Omegas tiptoed around them. I stuck to the shadows of it all. Avoiding the places they might be but unfortunately, the local diner was no more so I had no choice but to eat in the cafeteria.
Conversations hummed around the huge room along with a symphony of chewing, and clattering trays. I hunched over my lukewarm pasta, wishing I had the ability to disappear. It was always the same. Head down, eat quickly, avoid eye contact.
Before our campuses merged, being a wolf-less omega in a pack-centric university was already an exercise of avoiding situations where that secret could get out, but now that the Elites were here, it’s gotten harder. If I stayed around them for too long, they might smell that I’m different.
That’s what my pack members would always say back home. It was always mentioned. That’s why when I came here, I felt like that weight was lifted because the other omegas didn’t seem to notice, so I didn’t have to explain it or worry that I would be looked at funny.
"Hey! Is this seat taken?" A female's voice pulled me from my thoughts.
I nearly choked on a rogue noodle. She had the most beautiful shade of chocolate skin. It looked as if her skin glittered naturally. Her hair was styled in long festive locks. Each lock had its own string, bead or clip. She was gorgeous and she radiated a confidence I so desperately lacked.
She stood beside my table. Her light brown eyes sparkled, and an easy smile that could charm the birds from the trees spread across her face. She was everything I wasn't – vibrant, noticeable, and desirable. Realizing I was probably staring with my mouth open, I straightened up.
"Uh, no. It's free," I mumbled, self-consciously tucking a stray curl behind my ear.
She slid into the seat, her movements were graceful and assured.
"I'm Brianna. I'm new here, and you looked… lonely. So I figured I'd join you."
Ouch. The word lonely hung in the air. It was an unflattering truth.
"I'm Gabriella," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
"Gabriella," she repeated, testing the sound of my name.
"That's pretty. So, Gabriella, what's your major?" She asked never taking her eyes off of me.
I wasn’t used to this. Kai was the only one I would talk to. Of course I’ve had assignments where I had to pare up with others before, but the process of getting to know me wasn’t on the table.
“Um, Pack Foundation and Biomedical Engineering.” I tried to bring my vocal volume up a little more.
“I pegged you for science.”
I fidgeted with my fork, feeling exposed under her gaze. I was terrible at making new friends. With Kai, it took him a year to finally win me over.
"Don't be so shy!” She smiled brightly.
“You're probably the smartest one in the room." She winked.
"I don't—" I began but she cut me off.
"We should hang out more! I could use a study partner for my advanced pack dynamics class. Those Alphas are ruthless!" She giggled before she continued.
"But you? You're the kind of girl they'll want to befriend." Her words sent chills up my spine.
That was the last thing I wanted to happen.
"Why would they want to befriend me?" I breathed.
"Because you have something they don't. You're..." She paused, searching for the right word.
Her eyes darted around before they landed on a group of Alphas nearby.
"You're intriguing… A bit of an enigma, plus, they might think you're a project worth taking on." She shifted in her seat.
I bit my lip, unsure. The idea of interacting with the Elite was mortifying, and I hated the idea of being someone’s project, but I couldn’t ignore the flicker of loneliness that gnawed at me.
"Okay. Maybe we could study together."
"Perfect!" Brianna clapped her hands together like a small child who witnessed something entertaining.
My heart dropped at the unwanted attention her behavior caused. Her eyes gleaming with something I couldn't quite place.
"You'll see. We're going to be the best of friends!"
She looked around the cafeteria again, as if she was looking for someone. More people were beginning to come in and I was barely finished with my pasta. I was so distracted with our conversation, I stopped eating.
It was about time for me to get out of here, but I didn’t want to make Brianna feel bad if I just got up to leave, so I stayed sitting awkwardly.
"Stick with me, Gabriella. I'll help you navigate this mess." She waved her hands around referencing the chaos the cafeteria was becoming.
Navigating was the last thing I wanted to do. I would much rather be in my quiet little corner of the library. Brianna stood to her feet and smiled down at me.
“Ready to get out of here?” She stretched her hand out for me and I took it.
She guided me through the crowd of people. As she dragged me along, a towering figure emerged from the crowd. His dark hair fell across his forehead, and his grey eyes scanned the room stoically. He radiated confidence. His presence drew the eyes of every student around him.
“Ugh, that’s Amir. The most powerful Alpha on campus." She rolled her eyes.
“I’ve met him already. He’s a tool.” She whispered to me.
I watched, frozen in place. He was definitely good looking. He caught my gaze, and I blushed. A smirk pulled at his lips and my heart began to race. The disdain I expected flickered in his eyes, but there was also something else I couldn’t place.
"Take a pic, little Omega." he called out, his voice was smooth and taunting.
A ripple of laughter followed his words, and my cheeks grew hotter. My instinct was to shrink away, to disappear into the ground, but Brianna's hand gripped mine tighter.
"Don't let him get to you," she hissed, her expression fierce.
"He's just trying to assert his dominance."
I struggled to keep my composure as the people around began to murmur judgments and passive insults my way. Amir stepped closer, his gaze pinning me in place.
"What's your name, little Omega?"
The room grew deafeningly silent. His alpha aura filled the room and wrapped around me like a sinister hand.
"Gabriella," I managed.
"Interesting." His smirk deepened.
"I think I'll keep an eye on you."
Brianna squeezed my hand, her eyes wide with trepidation as Amir turned away.
"What was that about?" I asked, my heart still racing.
"Don't underestimate him," she warned, her voice low.
"He's not just some pretty face. You need to stay sharp."
"Sharp?" I echoed, the weight of my secret pressing down on me.
How on earth would I be able to keep someone like Amir from finding out that I’m wolf-less? Once we left the cafeteria, Brianna went on her way while I made my way to the library. I needed to unwind from that intense atmosphere.
Kai found me later in my usual spot. His gentle presence was always a welcoming comfort.
"Hey, Gabi." His voice broke through my spiraling thoughts.
I turned, relief flooding my chest at the sight of him.
"Hey, Kai."
He took the seat across from me, concern coated his face.
"Are you okay? I heard about what happened from Brianna."
"Brianna's...interesting." I kept my voice light, but the weight of the day was pressing down on me.
"Interesting? That's one way to put it." He rubbed the back of his neck, his gaze darting to the ground.
"Just be careful. She can be manipulative."
I looked at him with curiosity.
“How do you know that? She’s new.” I asked.
“People talk. She’s a Delta, and so far she’s already made a few enemies with the other omegas.”
I bit my lip.
"But I think she's trying to help me."
"Help you or use you?" He tilted his head to the side.
A hint of frustration laced his tone.
"Maybe both," I said, exhaling slowly.
"But it's nice to feel...included, even if it is just for a moment." Kai's eyes softened.
"You don't need to change who you are to fit in, Gabs, You're perfect just the way you are." He gave one of his charming smirks.
My heart swelled, Kai had his moments where he could look very attractive to me but the nagging fear of ruining our friendship has always stopped me from going in that direction. I nodded, forcing a smile.
"Thanks, Kai. I appreciate it."
"Just remember," he said, leaning closer to me.
"I'm here. You don't have to do this alone." His voice wrapped around me like a warm blanket, but I couldn’t shake the chill of Amir’s words.
- Writer
