An Omega to Save them All

Chapter 5

Everlyn

So my life continues for the next few months. I begin to feel feverish, my wolf coming closer and closer to the surface. Dutifully, I work in the kitchens under Marla's watchful eye, I absorb Prime Alpha Leo's anger, I deliver baked goods to Nico, I play the dutiful daughter. Every night, I hand feed my mom and put her to bed, singing lullabies she sang to me when I was younger. Every day, I work in silence and under the protection of Mr. Graves' secret office, working diligently on my project. Every morning and afternoon, Pen walks with me through the pack, making small talk and always asking about my painting. But even she doesn't know what I'm up to.

Finally, the day of reckoning arrives, my 18th birthday. The morning seems to begin the same as any other, the faint dawn light easing in through the narrow strips of my window. My room is largely bare, designed to maximize studying time and effort without the frills and extras you'd expect for most teenagers. But it is designed with utility in mind. A quick escape today or tomorrow. I have meager belongings packed along with belongings of my mom's as well, ready to go whenever we deem it necessary.

Good morning gorgeous.

The voice is beautiful, coming from inside me. "Good morning?"

It's me. Your wolf. Go to the mirror, I'll show you a trick.

I stand, slowly making my way over to the mirror. At first, I see only the shell of myself staring back at me, nothing extraordinary about today. Except my eyes begin to glow and before I know it, there's an image of a white wolf reflecting back at me. Hello gorgeous.

"Hello yourself. Oh you look just like the painting!"

You nailed me, sweetheart. And the name is Everly. But more is planned for us than what you can imagine. Go about your day like normal but listen to me when I need you to, okay?

I make my way out to my mom, dutifully making her a small breakfast. "It's a big day today, mom. I got my wolf. Aren't you proud of me?" But she sits silently, no response to my words as she stares into space. I push my way out of the apartment, rushing downstairs to take care of my chores.

Marla is waiting for me but a smile is gracing her lips. "Happy birthday, sweetie!"

"Oh Marla, you are too kind but it's just another day."

"Tish tosh! I refuse to let it be just another day. Here." Marla sets a plate of food down, all my favorite breakfast foods. The heavenly smells waft up to my nose, greeting me and embracing me in a rare, warm meal.

Eat up. My wolf purrs in my mind and encourages me. We will need our strength today.

"But the breakfast. Leo will…"

"You leave Leo to me." Crystal comes sweeping into the room, I hurry to my feet to bow my head towards her. "Sit down and eat. And happy birthday!"

I dig into the feast, which is more than I normally get, piled high with pancakes, bacon, eggs, omlette, and fresh fruit. Everything my little heart could desire. But the food tastes like ash on my tongue, the thoughts going back to that of my mother sitting in the darkened room without any help or assistance, any company or light.

"What's darkening your thoughts, Everlyn?" Crystal picks up, ever the pack mother.

My eyes meet hears, tears threatening to spill from them. "I am thinking of my mother and her current scenario."

Her eyes soften towards me, a gentle smile wrapping around her lips. "Sweetheart, I have already taken care of that."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I sent an Omega up to your rooms to support your mom and you."

Her words cause me to stiffen. Life has taught me everything has a cost. "But…why?" I ask, waiting to learn what her cost of kindness would be.

Crystal kisses my temple. "I have a feeling you're very important to our family for some reason. And you have been ignored and left to your own devices for far too long."

She's right about that. Since dad was put to death when I was around 10, I've been fending for myself, taking care of my mother and myself. Tears wells up in my eyes and escape, despite fighting them back. "Thank you, Alpha Crystal."

A gentle kiss is placed on my forehead once again as I go back to my meal, the food significantly better with the latest revelation. I finish my meal swiftly, self-conscious of my presence in front of the other Omegas who have yet to eat. Yet, everyone comes in and bids me a good morning, a happy birthday, or other well wishes. I rise from my seat and make my way over to Marla, carefully orchestrating the Omegas in the room. Wrapping my arms around her, I pull her in for a hug unexpectently. She squeals initially but scent marks me as is customary for parents. "Thank you for everything, Marla."

She pulls me away from her, holding me at arm's length, before wiping tears from her eyes. "You are mine, Everlyn. Don't forget that."

What an amazing start to the day, I think.

Just hold on to your hat. It's far from over. My wolf cautions me before sinking into silences in the recesses of my mind.