THE FALTERED BOND

Chapter I | The Outcast

I let loose a tense sigh and straightened my posture. Words quiver through my lips. ''Jace Weston. I am Omega Ava Rose. As custom, I am here to request your family's pardon and blessing with this gift.'' Head low, I hand him the carefully wrapped package, ensuring to not meet his gaze. ''May the Moon goddess bless your path.''

My voice begins to shake, and I place an unsteady hand to my chest in an attempt to ease my growing anxiety. A hand places itself on my shoulder. My gaze pulls to the reflection of the woman behind me.

''That was good.'' My mother comfortingly replies. ''A little shaken, but it'll do.'' A hint of dismay colors her tone, furthering my worries. My fist clenches, turning my notes into a tight ball. Fearful thoughts begin to bubble to the surface and churns my stomach into knots.

Months of preparation had led to this crucial day, and yet I can't seem to bring myself to remain calm. I feel so- vulnerable and unprepared. Despite its simplicity, the Mating ceremony is of utmost importance to the werewolf kind, especially for those of higher ranks; any mistake will be regarded as disgraceful, traitorous even.

To an Omega like me, perfection is a must if I wish to leave unharmed.

I push the dark thoughts aside while my mother continues to brush my hair, her strokes delicate and comforting. Taking in my appearance, I start at how different I look. Gone is the pale, petite Omega, replaced by a beautiful, mature looking female; flowy auburn hair, hazel eyes highlighted with a hint of green eyeshadow, gentle pink lips, freckles and a beautiful saffron dress.

The bags under her eyes, skin pale as a ghost, I see how upkept she is now gazing upon my mother. She hasn't been eating or sleeping well, just last night, I even woke up to the sound of her retching in the bathroom. Although she insists that she is okay...

As my eyes wander, I gaze upon the wedding ring on her finger. Resentment cuts through me, as I've yet to meet my father; he vanished before I was born, leaving my mother and I to fend for ourselves. She rarely spoke of him, the handful of times that she did she tends to be vague, hesitant or quickly change subjects. I came to understand why many years later; he was a traitor and a coward.

Now my mother and I were left to pay for his mistake.

"Are you alright, sweetie?" My mother's voice grounds me back into reality. As I blink, the anger vanishes as my eyes lower to the crumpled paper ball in my hand, with the word " pardon " peeking through the crevice as if it is mocking me.

"I... I don't want to do this" I spoke with disdain, " This won't change anything. They won't accept us, they never will". Anger fills my chest, but I quickly suppress it

Silence fills the room, with both of us lost in thought. She turns my chair for us to face one another.

"I know this is difficult, Ava, sweetie." Her hands holds mine tightly, with her tone shifting into determination "But we have to do this, for the sake of your father-"

Those words make me flinch, she continues regardless. "Just focus on what you've been taught, and it'll be over before you know it." She lifts up my chin, "I promise you."

With that she adds the finishing touches to my make up, making sure there were no wild stray hairs to be seen.

Her eyes start to tear up, "Oh my baby girl... you're so beautiful..."

My cheeks are flushed as I turn to the mirror once more. I am shocked with my own transformation, I started to lift the silky ends of my dress to give it a twirl. and agree; I do look beautiful.

My mother sniffles, and I turn, lip quivering. ''Mom! Don't cry, you'll make me cry too.'' I chuckle, although it is more to prevent my emotions from spilling.