Not Just an Omega

A Spark

Chapter 15

   After last night's conversation—or lack thereof—with Max, I climbed up a tree and nestled between its curved branches. Having read and watched all four books and movies of The Hunger Games, I'm pretty sure I could last at least one night without Max helping me. Not to say I could for very long, but at least until I see her again and ask what's wrong.

   As I walk down the trail, I put the token in my jeans pocket and try to organize my thoughts. I can't understand why she was so closed off all of a sudden, and I couldn't interpret what her drawing in the dirt was. Was she warning me of an incoming danger? Did she want to wear a cape? No that's stupid. Why would Max just draw that?

   I shake the notion from my head as I arrive in proximity of the guard's post. Immediately, I notice Ghost and Barber aren't the ones stationed there. In their stead are two monochrome guards, looking like foot soldiers without any metal armor or weapons. Just leather straps and gloves, which is strange. Why would they be guarding their Alpha's den so defenseless?

   Just as I'm about to walk up, an arm wraps around my elbow and yanks me into the bushes. Blinking in annoyance, I see Tree-Dweller curled up in a ball to the right of me. His shoes are gone, showing his scratched up feet. Looking closer, I notice that his left foot only has his big toe and second, the rest stumps. He glares at me after I let out an involuntary shudder.

   "Were you just going to walk up to those guards?" Tree-Dweller hisses at me. Before I can respond he cuts me off. "Nevermind. But you can't just do that! There are consequences for doing such impulsive actions. There are conducts and procedures. Why are you so close to the pack?"

   "The Alpha has a mission for me," I shoot back. "And why are you spying on me?"

   "I wasn't spying on you," he says, rolling his eyes. "I've been watching the guards switch places. A new pair always relieves the night watch a little before dawn. Then again later in the day, and again for the night."

   I blink at him as he stares at the guards. "Have you ever been caught?"

   "Pah, no," Tree-Dweller snorts. "These guys never see me. This is one of the few times I'm not in a lookout tree." He turns to me and adds, "to stop you from getting yourself killed."

   "I wasn't going to get killed," I say in exasperation. Looking up at the sky, I see it's getting lighter. "Great, and now I'm late for my meeting."

   "Why does the Alpha have a mission for you?" Tree-Dweller asks quizzically, stepping back. A twig snaps under his foot and he widens his eyes. "Oh... That's not good."

   I turn around and see one of the guards talking to his partner, sniffing the air, and pointing to where we're crouched behind the bushes. In response, Tree-Dweller scrambles away and hurdles away through the bushes. I get up and walk towards the entrance, picking dirt off my flannel to look like I didn't just sit in a bush. Stay calm, Kaila. Just say what you told Tree-Dweller. You're here for a meeting with the Alpha. Remember to breathe.

   "State your name and rank," the guard orders when I get up to him. "What's your business?"

   Wait, Tree-Dweller said they can smell my scent. Barber and Ghost acted pretty negatively towards Max, so why are they not insulting me? Do they not know I'm an Omega? Max said that everyone usually picks up on stuff like that, seeing one on the outskirts of the boundary. Yet these guys probably haven't been that far out recently, so... They don't know who I am exactly.

   "I'm here to see the Alpha," I reply back, pulling out the token. "We have a plan to discuss and he told me to meet him at dawn. I am already late because of your hold up, and I will not hesitate to mention that to the Alpha when he asks what kept me."