Not Just an Omega

"What is... marriage?"

Chapter 17

   I didn't even get to say goodbye.

   I'm not just talking about Tree-Dweller, those glances and his smile meant something I'm sure. I'm talking about Max. The Alpha kicked her off to my mission before I could even move. She didn't look back as she left the room. No wave. No eye contact. Max just got up, shouldered her backpack, and marched out of the room. I did notice her left hand was clenched into a fist—from anger or fear, I'm not sure.

   Those two emotions, though, are the only feelings I feel right now as I glare at the Alpha. Beta Malakai left shortly after Max, attending to whatever business he has. How dare he, I fume. I wish I could've done something, now Tree-Dweller is dead, I'm covered in his blood, and Max is gone. Who knows what will happen? I should've gone. Death is a blessing compares to even looking at this bas—

   "I sense you have something to say, Omega Kaila," the Alpha muses, interrupting my thoughts. Currently, he's sitting down, picking at his fingernails in disinterest. "If you have something to say, you may speak."

   Is this a trick? I talk and he kills me too? Oh, actually, in that case... "Why did you send Max on my mission, Alpha?"

   "She is extremely capable of assassinating a wolf as well guarded as Roxa Vulpes and getting out without being detected. I made a mistake assigning you to such a task."

   Gee, thanks. "So am I still in the pack? Can't I go back home?" I growl. "Just let me leave, I promise I won't tell anyone about your pack."

   "I have told you, Omega" he sighs, sounding annoyed. "This is where you live now. Also... If you step one foot outside The Caster's done, other wolves will hunt and tear you apart."

   "What? Why?" I snap. "Because I'm a human?"

   "No. Because you are my mate."

**********

   I think I might've passed out, because the next time I open my eyes, I'm in the same tree den I was in after Beta Malakai kidnapped me. Same bed. Same dug out shelves. Even the chains that used to tie me down are still on the ground near the bed.

   "Was it all a dream?" I ask myself, hoping it was true.

   "Quite the contrary," the Alpha says, stepping out of the shadows.

   "Whoa!" I exclaim, falling back on the bed. "Stop being so creepy! What am I doing back here?"

   The Alpha sits on the chair next to the bed and sighs. "You, Kaila Ichor, are my mate. Do you recall the surges you felt when we touched hands?"

   "Yes," I say hesitantly, sitting cross-legged on the bed. "What did it mean?"

   "When mates touch," he starts, intertwining his fingers, "their shared bond awakens, causing the two wolves to grow stronger. The bond is a source of energy they can draw from."

   The Alpha continues to explain what mates are, his voice gentler than his usual gruffness. His eyes have also lost their shadows for the first time since I've met him, making him look younger and less emotionless. Going on, he explains that you can find out your mate by the bond's touch or if you sense each other's aura.

   "I first realized that you were my mate at your Ceremony. After consuming the Spirit Drink, your aura was overpowering and familiar. The theory was further confirmed after the shock we felt."

   "Wow, that's..." I run my hand through my hair. "Wow."

   "I understand if you are overwhelmed. Would you like time to gather your thoughts?" He asks cordially, getting up to leave.

   "No!" I shout, impulsively grabbing his wrist to make him stay. A shock runs through my right arm, causing me to gasp and let go. "I—I'm sorry, Alpha. I didn't mean to—I don't know why I—"

   "Stop," he interrupts, raising his hand. "One more thing I hesitantly add..." He clears his throat. "When mates find each other, they become extremely... what is the word?" I tilt my head as he mumbles to himself. "Mates enjoy staying connected as often as they can. Holding hands, embracing, any physical contact to keep the bond strong between them."

   "So what you're saying is..." I lay my palms up in understanding. "We're going to be awfully clingy to each other?"

   The Alpha furrows his brow, folding his arms. "I do not know the meaning of that word, but if you believe that is the correct adjacent, then I will go along."

   I nod once, frowning. "So then what happens next?"

   The Alpha squares his shoulders and looks at me. "We will be officially bonded and you will become the Female Alpha."

   "Wait, we're getting married?"

   "Elaborate."

   "Elaborate on marriage?"

   "What is... marriage?"

   "You don't—ugh, nevermind. You wolves don't do human stuff," I wave my hand in dismissal. "Anyways. Marriage is between two humans, husband if male, wife if female, so they can become life partners. Then they buy a house, might have kids, a dog, grow old together, and then get buried next to each other when they die. I mean, sometimes they get divorced and they're not married, but I digress."

   "Make your explanation less confusing," the Alpha deadpans.

   "Okay, two people go through a ceremony, say 'I Do', and get sealed together to be faithful to one another. What happens when you bond two wolves?"

   "The wolves go through rituals in front of me and then combine their auras to complete their bonding as mates. The ceremony is usually small and with minimal wolves. Since I am Alpha, the entire pack with celebrate our union, and Beta Malakai will oversee us."

   "Okay... I don't know if I want to do this. I want to go back to my old life and—"

   "And do what, Kaila? My Beta has killed your maternal figure, I know well enough you are an adult human. What else is there for you in the human world? You are a wolf, and you are my mate." He stands and holds out his hand. "Come with me and I will show you what you will inherit."

   I look at my hands, begrudgingly realizing that he's right. I still hate him—he killed LeAnne. He killed Tree-Dweller. He—

   No. He never did any of those. Beta Malakai did. Malakai ordered LeAnne to be killed. Malakai killed Tree-Dweller. And if I become the Female Alpha, I will be above the Beta. And, I add in the back of my mind, I can make sure Max comes back safely. I can help her.

   Still my bitter feelings for Alpha, this entire pack of craziness, the reality that I'm even in the middle of this, haven't and will not change for a while. I mean, I'm a werewolf. Or I have wolf aura—whatever. LeAnne told me the alphas could shapeshift—I can shapeshift—even for five seconds. How do I do that? This is completely insane!

   Imagine what Reily would think if she saw me now, I think with amusement layered in sadness. Imagine, as Female Alpha, I have the power. I will be in charge for the first time in months in this confusing, stressful, and tormenting place. No longer will I kneel for anyone.
 
  I look up at the Alpha, my mate, with fire in my soul and gladly take his hand.

   "Let's go."
  
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   A shorter chapter than I usually write them, but the next step to Kaila's plan will require an entire chapter to explain. I need to brainstorm how it'll happen, but it'll happen. Until next time...

"Keep On Imagining!"
—Wonderdog44 😋