An Omega to Save them All

Chapter 7

Everlyn

Now is the time to move my plan to action.

I swiftly move to my secret closet, working diligently on the painting I've been harboring for months now. It's almost done, almost ready for the reveal. The reveal that will come when they discover my disappearance.

We can't go yet, Everlyn. Everly reminds me. We still need our mate.

"Hate to break it to you, Everly, but our mate doesn't want us. We are better off on our own."

But Nic and Nico are perfect for us. They are a part of the bigger picture. Like the one you painted before.

That perks up my ears, turning inward to try and eye my wolf. "What aren't you saying?"

I can't say anything more. The Fates have long predicted this path and it will come to fruition. I can only tell you as we go along.

"It was your voice in the dream! I recognize is now." I feel myself jumping up and down, nearly giddy at the prospect of communicating with my wolf before her emergence. Something like that was only heard of in myths and legends. "What more can you tell me? You told me to 'find my four.' What did you mean?"

But Everly remains quiet, the silence between us feeling hollow after all that has already been said. Huffing, I continue working on my masterpiece, what will be left of me when I leave. The paints swirl and mix on the canvas, inviting the person into the display and shutting out the doubters. Stepping back, I nod, content with what I have accomplished on this, my last day here at this school.

The sting of Nico's rejection pangs in my heart but I didn't return the rejection. Was it cruel? Perhaps. But he would've been just as cruel as his father if we mated. His father forbade our mating, a sin against the goddess herself. Surely the pack will see this transgression and view it for the error it is. Right?

But hope doesn't bloom in my chest, far too challenged by all the hard life lessons I've learned over time. It is choked out by the thorns of reality. I finish my masterpiece, laying a sheet over it's front before marching it into Mr. Grave's office. He sees me coming, holding the door open as I walk through. "Ms. Cumming! I hadn't expected to see you complete so soon. Can I look?" His hand moves slowly towards the sheet rippling in the A/C but I catch it, wagging my finger at him.

"Not yet, Mr. Grave. This project is top secret until the time is right."

He looks at me, beffudlement plain on his face, while his eyes scan the forbidden canvas. "But, how will I know the time is right?"

I smile, the motion feeling foreign and unpracticed on my face. "You'll know. I made sure of it." Without another word, I left his office, marching down the hallway and past my classes. I had no place here now. It was time to run.

I am almost to the door when the Britneys are coming out of a classroom. Originally set on the bathroom, they quickly change course when they realize I am standing there, poised to leave the building. "Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in." One of the Britneys said, the others cackling in amusement at my expense. My spine straightens, emboldened by the presence of my wolf. Everly is whispering at me. Don't back down. Show them who you truly are.

I feel her flash forward, giving control of my sight as I watch on, her melodious voice booming from my chest. "Don't come any closer." Despite being an Omega, the power of an Alpha bark hides within the command. The gaggle of girls stop laughing immediately, jaws dropping at the sheer strength and power behind the words. "Good girls." I smirk behind the disguise Everly affords me, seated in the back of our mind, watching in glee. Without another word, we turn heel and dart out the front entrance of the school, making a beeline for the pack house.

Once we arrive at the pack house, we move stealthily through the corridors, lest we get caught by Alpha Leo. I am moving through the house with little interference when a hand suddenly lands on my shoulder. My blood runs cold in my veins as I turn to face my fate. Only to find. it's. . .

"Crystal?"

Our Alpha female emerges from the shadows of the hallway, looking regal but saddened. I remember then that she was there to witness my partial rejection. I wince, uncomfortable at that prospect. "Hello Everlyn."

"Crystal, I'm so sorry."

"Why are you apologizing? My idiotic mate got through to our son and he made the biggest mistake in his life." She takes my hands, slipping something between my palms as she holds my hands close to hers. "Take care of yourself, Everlyn. I know you'll come back to us one day."

As she walks away, she makes a commotion, distracting others from my movements and allowing me to make my way up to our apartments. Once behind the closed door, I look at what she handed me to find it a page out of a mythology book. The topic: Cure to Mating Sickness.

My jaw drops. It's real. There really is a chance to restore my mom to me. I look over at the frail woman who is rocking herself slightly on the living room chaise while remaining mute. The occasional sound is heard coming from her lips but nothing discernable. I walk over to her, concern and anticipation building up inside. "Come on, mom. Today's the day I've been telling you about for months. Today we find a new life for ourselves."

My mom remains silent, no recognition flashing in her eyes as sorrow fills me. Many pups would leave such a parent behind but, even in spite of Crystal's kindness, I can't bear to leave my mom behind and alone. I spent months putting together a wagon of sorts that I can pull myself with her weight, spending what little spare time I have to get ready to transport her. Now to only find a way to move her down there…

Just then, there's a loud banging on the door. Gingerly, I open the door a crack and find bulky Alphas standing before me. "Excuse me, miss. We understand you are moving with your mother and might need help transporting her downstairs."

I stand frozen, scared to answer in the event it's a trick. It's not a trick, Everly says. It's a gift from Crystal. We shouldn't shun it. With her blessing, I carefully, slowly, open the door wide and motion the men to come inside. "My mother is on the couch over there." Cautiously, the men wrap their collective arms around my mom, lifting her with ease and turning to walk down out the front door. Grabbing a few meager belongings, I move to follow behind them. As we walk through the halls, my mind flashes with memories of the pack: good and bad, beautiful and ugly, old and new. The moments with my family when we were whole, my dad doting on me as his beloved daughter. My mom well and rested, not suffering as she is now. The moments of darkness at the hands of pack members and Prime Alpha Leo, the beatings, abusive treatment, all of it. We are escaping it now. Forever.

In front of the pack house is my humble wagon, what looks to be a new leather harness and Crystal standing by. "I can't talk long. The men are at training." She turns to the men that helped me, her Luna voice coming out. "You will not speak of what you saw with Everlyn Cumming on this day to anyone." The men nod eagerly before disappearing into the foliage, likely to return to training. I feel sorry for them because they will have a punishment for being late on my account and can't even defend themselves.

Crystal appears to notice my thoughts and winks. "Don't worry. They can still say they were helping me…if they are smart enough to do so."

Unable to stop myself, I giggle, before stepping into the harness and marveling at it's craftmanship. "Where did this come from?"

"I had the leathersmith do something for you. You need something strong to pull your mother." Crystal comes over to me, doting on me, as Marla comes running from the building, waving.

"Marla!"

"You can't think I would let you go empty handed." She hands me a picnic basket ladened heavily with food to last us any journey.

"Thank you Marla. I will miss you." I embrace her before turning back to Crystal. "I don't know what to say."

"Don't say anything. There is darkness on the horizon in more ways than one. It's time for you to find your calling. Stay away from any packs or sleuths. Go set up an herb shop in the human realm and don't forget us." She places a gentle kiss on my forehead before stepping back.

Without another word and tears welling in my eyes, I set my sights ahead of me, and begin our journey to freedom.