Omega

Chapter 5

Days went by, then weeks, then a whole month without incident. Cain sat in the same spot. I sat in the same spot. He stood in the same place in the courtyard; I sat at the same bench with my friends. He continued to read while I continued to stare. I stopped frequently looking over my shoulder at Week Three. When Cain did get me, it was a fair assumption that I had no chance anyway. I tried to be respectful towards him in my own way. I kept my mouth shut while he sat every gym class reading. I held my arms out when he walked by, bent at the elbows perpendicular to my sides, as Daciana taught me. I even made a stupid lupine flower wreath and hung it outside his locker; instead of forgiveness, I spent an entire day with werewolves sniffing and nuzzling me. Lupine apparently doesn't wash off for a few days.

I was tempted many times to just walk up to Cain and have it out with him. But my mother's sensibilities must have rubbed off on me after all. I have a healthy dislike for arguing and believe in avoiding unnecessary confrontations. The problem with me is never knowing when those confrontations will arise. So I shouldn't have relaxed so soon, thinking I had done enough for Cain to have grown bored with me. I shouldn't have suspected there would be no retaliation if it didn't come for so long. I should have just bitten the bullet and sat in the circle of lupine ash wearing a silk robe while grilling a rabbit like Daciana first suggested. But no, I refused to cower using antiquated methods. And that is why I almost jumped out of my skin when, as I put away my books before lunch, my shoulder was tapped by Fàelàn.

"Hello, Fàelàn, did you need help with something?"

I looked up at his imposing figure looming over me. We hadn't spoken since I declined his proposal that first day. He seemed to have kept himself busy, if the increasing number of girls blushing when he winked was any indication. So, there could be only one reason he now came for me. Still, it couldn't hurt to sit in denial for a little bit, right? I put on my best smile. Do omegas like smiles? Everybody liked smiles, didn't they? After battling with my face between friendly and somber, I went with a friendly smile.

"I have decided you'll sit with me at lunch today."

Fàelàn seemed to like smiles because he sported one of his own, though his seemed more like he was eyeing prey. I don't think I would ever get used to his different colored eyes; they contrasted too much. He looked at my books waiting for me to put them away, but I was still in shock. I knew he was arrogant, but did asking never occur to him? He rarely glanced my way after he left me in that hallway. At what point in the past month was there any inkling we would ever be seated together during lunch? Could I ask him that? Were you allowed to ask omegas questions you were supposed to know the answers to?

Whatever.

"Um, Fàelàn, did I miss a crucial conversation we may have had? Most people sit with their friends during lunch, to chat and such. Did you have something to discuss you couldn't say now? Because, I still don't plan to sleep with you."

"I understand your current stance on the matter. When you did not wish to sleep with me, I assumed that meant you wished to be friends. After considering it, I accept. You will sit with me at lunch today."

His matter-of-fact tone left no room for discussion. I didn't think he would take a 'thanks, but no thanks' so I put my books away and followed him to the cafeteria. I paused at the door.

We were going into the cafeteria.

The doors opened yesterday, meaning no courtyard, no open space, nowhere to run. I was about to be locked in a rectangular box in prime proximity of Cain. Was this Fàelàn's plan? Was I about to walk of my own accord to the reckoning I tried to curtail? Fàelàn put his arm around me, taking away my chance to escape, and led me into the canteen. A hush fell over each table as we passed it. Fàelàn led me to the front of the line as it parted to accommodate him. I picked food at random as raised eyebrows and pitied expressions were at every turn. I knew everyone was thinking the same thing I was: You should have never volunteered. I wondered if they also knew they were about to witness my murder. Fàelàn led me to a table by itself at the far end of the room. It wasn't usually alone, but all the tables near it were vacant. I caught Daciana's bulging eyes at the other end of the cafeteria. She tried to say something through our link, but her hysteria hindered the words. I heard Logan's voice next.