Guarding Omega

26

Pushing open the door, Ivory rushed into the guest room, curling her body into a ball in a corner by the bed.

Old habits...

Tears run freely down her cheeks. Tears she couldn't hold back anymore since she left Wayne's grasp. Folding her knees close to her chest, she let her tears turn to sobs and unleashed the sorrow that started to suffocate her. Her chest was aching, feeling like she spent a whole day in punishment. And that didn't hurt as much as it hurts now.

Why did it have to be so painful? Was she cursed? She was an Omega. A born Omega. She was never intended to have a mate. And now she's the fated one of an Alpha? Whatever sick game the Goddess was playing at her, she hated it. And that wasn't the only thing that set her in fury mode.

She hated the sweetness of Wayne's lips, the scent of his hot breath – creating tickles on her skin and a strange heat forming between her thighs. But most of all, she hated how her body was reacting against him, tuning perfectly to his rhythm. That man was tearing apart her fragile guard, piece by piece, and she couldn't do anything about it. Even running away from him was so difficult – but she had to do it.

Ivory had chosen a path that couldn't afford the luxury of a mate. She had devoted herself to the path of the Goddess, the same Goddess that was hurting her mercilessly by making Wayne her mate. How could she escape this? Even if she wasn't an Omega and could have a future with Wayne, how could she turn away from her vows?

Most of everything, Ivory's anger was because of Wayne. He knew all this time that he and her are destined to each other, yet he chose to hide the truth and keep it to himself. But why he chose to say it now? He had made a family. That wasn't enough for him?

That would become a constant worry for many sleepless nights to come.

Thoughts were circling her mind, like sharks swimming around their prey, for the rest of the night, until the exhaustion took control of her, drifting into sleep. When she opened her eyes, Ivory met the rays of the sun, gently showering the fresh grass outside with its warmth.

Her mind instantly filled with the memory of Wayne's muscular arms around her, his calloused hands gently brushing against her skin. Her body was already missing his touch and craved more.

So wrong...

A gentle knock at the door interrupted her longing and slowly, Ivory stood up from her hiding place. Moving closer to open it, she got the scent of flowers and the painfully intoxicating mountain scent of someone familiar. Her muscles tensed and her shoulders squared at the thought of who might be standing at the other side of the door. She couldn't face Wayne now. She needed space and quiet to think as rationally as she could.

But when it comes to Wayne, her mind is far from rational.

Taking a deep breath in, Ivory braced herself and turned the handle. The door creaked as it opened, revealing a young woman with bright, long ginger hair and a set of piercing green eyes. Cradling in her chest, was a baby boy with shining amber eyes. Apart from those, there was no other resemblance to Wayne, but his face looked familiar in a way. The baby gave her a smile that made Ivory's heart tug, and another wave of pain scratching her insides.

"Good morning High Priestess," Gina said melodically giving a light bow of her head. "I came to check how you feel because the ladies were worried when they didn't see you at the morning prayer. Are you all right?"

Ivory averted her gaze from Gina, looking out of the window. The sun was too bright which could only mean that it was not early morning. "I must have been exhausted from last night's journey and prayers. I must admit, it was a cold night but the duty to the Goddess couldn't be postponed."

Gina's eyes widened in concern. "Excuse me, High Priestess, but you don't seem all right to me. Are you feeling hot?"

Ivory followed Gina's gaze, landing on her forehead. Lifting one hand up, she touched the skin above her eyes and was surprised when she realized it was sweaty. Indeed there was heat emanating from her forehead.

"Maybe I got a cold." She tries to lighten the atmosphere. "I will remain in my room and make sure I'm recuperated for the ascension ceremony."

"I'll send a healer to check you and give you proper treatment to make sure your speedy recovery." Gina gave her a reassuring smile.

Ivory lifted a hand in the air. "It isn't necessary, I'm sure it will go away by itself." But Gina's look was determined to do as proposed.

"Don't worry High Priestess, you deserve the best medical attention and there's no one better than Lola, our healer." Gina gives another bow and turns to leave with the baby in her arms.

Ivory hurriedly closed the door and let out her holding breath. Gina was right, she was unwell and now she was realizing it too. Her head felt heavy and her limbs started to lightly shake, as if they can't support her weight for long.

Getting hold of furniture and the wall, she made her way to the bed and slowly sat on it. Is it my idea, or the room starts to spin?

Laying on the soft pillow, she let her body sink into the mattress and closed her eyes to ease her developing vertigo. Suddenly, a wave of heat ignites, burning from within, spreading all over her body. Something drips from her core, running down the inside of her thighs.

Am I bleeding?!

The discomfort was getting worse with each passing second. Ivory wanted to check her bleeding but the smallest move was making the room spin around at crazy speed.

The door vibrates with a knock and Ivory answers – almost breathlessly – whoever it is to come in. The door opens and quick steps resonate into the room. The familiar soothing scent of Lola spreads around them and Ivory's quick heartbeat starts cooling down. Having a relaxing scent was a valuable asset for a healer.

"Ivory hey, what happened?" Lola's worried voice broke the silence. "Gina came running to me and asked for immediate attention. Are you sick?"

Ivory takes a long breath, letting the air slowly out. "I haven't noticed it until Gina visited and saw me. It's the first time I feel so strange."

"Don't worry girl, I'm here." Lola placed a hand over Ivory's, giving a soft squeeze.

Ivory went on listing down her symptoms and Lola was listening carefully. When she finished, Lola run a brief examination of her vitals and when she finished, Lola let out a soft laugh of realization.

"What's the matter?" Ivory asked in concern about her rather strange reaction.

Lola let another laugh, rubbing softly her hand. "Dear Ivory, it's the first time you're in heat."