THE OMEGA’S SECOND CHANCE

CORA POINT OF VIEW I was awakened from another restless night by the early morning light peeking through the dirty window. Tiny flaws in the ancient glass made the light that came through seem duller than it should have. Knowing what was coming, I let out a sigh. One another day filled with never ending tasks, hurtful remarks, and a loneliness that hung over me like a shadow. I am Cora, Zack's Silver moon Pack omega. To put it another way, I'm the lowest member in the group here. The omega works hard, accepts responsibility, and receives no compensation. Just commands, no consideration or sympathy. I got out of my little bed in the attic chamber and stretched. Just a thin mattress on a flimsy frame, it wasn't much, but at least it was mine. I liked the attic more than the rest of the home, where I always felt like I was treading carefully, even if it smelled like old wood and dust. I immediately showered in the ancient basin, startled awake by the chilly water, and changed into my work clothes, a loose t-shirt from a previous job and worn pants. I heard noises coming from the hallway as I descended to the kitchen. I listened while stopping on the steps, my pulse pounding with every syllable. Zack's powerful voice rumbled, "That useless omega better have breakfast ready soon," and it sent shivers down my spine. His voice was strong and authoritative, befitting an Alpha who demanded submission. A beat skipped in my heart. My knees went weak at the sound of Zack's voice, even after all this time. Strong and towering, with eyes that seemed to look straight through others, he was our Alpha. And much beyond my league. Pearl's sweet voice said, "Don't worry, baby." "If she knows what's really good for her, she'll have it done." Pearl. I bit my lip, trying not to cry. She was gorgeous, self-assured, and constantly dressed in the newest fashions everything I wasn't. She was also Zack's romantic partner. At every opportunity she gave me, she made sure I understood my status in the Silver moon pack and that I was nothing more than her servant. I inhaled deeply, rushed into the kitchen, and started working. The kitchen was spacious but had worn out counters and obsolete equipment. While I prepared coffee and toasted bread, eggs sizzled in the pan. My empty stomach growled at the scent of bacon filling the air, but I knew better than to take even a little nibble. As I was setting everything, Pearl and Zack entered. As their presence filled the room, I turned swiftly to keep my head down and walked away. "It's about time," Pearl angrily said, glaring at me intensely. "You look like you rolled out of a dumpster." As I placed their dishes on the table, I didn't look up. "I’m sorry. It won't happen again." Zack let out a moan and began eating. He didn't even give me a sidelong look. With somewhat shaking hands, I waited to see if they needed anything more while standing to the side. Zack sharply said, "This bacon is overdone," in between mouthful. "Do it again." I mutely apologized to Alpha. "I'll make more." Pearl gave me a sly smile, her eyes scary. "Maybe if you weren't so useless, you'd get it right the first time." I went to the stove and nodded, pushing back the tears. Though their remarks shouldn't have hurt, they always did. They sliced deeply, telling me that I am under the soil here. I could hear Pearl speaking to Zack as I continued to prepare bacon. "Why do we keep her around, baby? She is pure troublemaker.” My pulse was racing in my chest as I waited for Zack's response, and my hands were shaking. Was this going to be the day he finally ejected me? "She's an omega," Zack said back. "Every Alpha requires one. Who else would do all the grubby tasks around here, anyway?” Their giggling was like a dagger going through me. I blinked quickly, trying to force the tears to stop. I would keep my tears to myself. Never again. But their remarks lingered in my thoughts, a harsh reminder of my insignificance. I began on my never ending list of tasks once they had done eating and cleaned up the kitchen. The enormous, ancient mansion had worn wallpaper and creaking floorboards. Dusting, cleaning, and washing laundry seemed like never ending tasks, and I was the only one who ever completed them. The other pack members treated me like I was invisible, ignoring me unless they wanted something. There was chuckling as I was hanging sheets outdoors in the full light that was now blazing down on me. A few of Silver moon’s younger members were strolling past, giggling and gesturing at me. One of the girls scoffed, "Look at the omega. Doing her only job." I stayed focused on my work, keeping my head down. Even though what they said was nothing new, it still hurt. They did all the time. There was a little wind brushing my face as they left, still laughing. It seemed as if the wind was attempting to console me. I gave a modest grin, appreciating the little gesture of compassion, but the smile soon disappeared. In my environment, kindness was uncommon. My hands were working automatically as the remainder of the morning went by in a whirlwind of household tasks. I moved about the home like a ghost, avoiding people when I could. Lunchtime was coming, and my stomach rumbled. Since yesterday evening, I had only had the leftovers from supper after everyone else had done. In an attempt to sneak a nibble before anybody noticed, I crept into the kitchen. A hand gripped my wrist as I reached for an apple, knocking me down cold. "And what do you think you're doing?" Pearl's tough tone caused me to shiver. I slowly turned to face her cold look. "I... I was just..." "Stealing food?" She arched an eyebrow and spoke in a tone full of contempt. “Omega, you're aware of the regulations. Once everyone else has finished, you consume what's left." "Please," I said in a tremulous murmur. "I haven't eaten since" I was unprepared for her smack, which reverberated throughout the still kitchen. I staggered backward while clutching my burning cheek, the agony abrupt and intense. Pearl growled, her enraged eyes blazing. "Know your place. Or next time, it'll be worse." She rushed away, her heels clicking on the floor, and I nodded, holding back the tears. My face was throbbing, but my heart was hurting more. Why were they so hostile toward me? What action had I taken to earn this? I worked into the day, my body hurting from the never ending duties. Outside, I could hear happy conversations as I scrubbed the bathroom floor, the fragrance of cleaning products burning in my nostrils. I glanced out the window because I was so curious. Around Zack was a cluster of the Silver moon pack mates. His smile conveyed a sense of happiness I hadn't seen in him for a while. Something almost like eagerness transformed his normally austere countenance. "It's official," he said, projecting his voice across the yard. "Alpha Ethan will be visiting our pack next week!" The audience burst into cheers. I was aware of Alpha Ethan, who was among the most influential and well liked leaders in the werewolf community. His pack, ‘the Marble’ had a reputation for being strong and just, which contrasted sharply with the current situation. A faint spark of hope flared in my breast as I watched Zack and the others cheer. Perhaps Alpha Ethan's arrival might bring about some changes here. If he saw how I was treated, maybe he would take action. Just maybe, he would give a damn. However, I dismissed the idea with a shake of my head. That dream was ridiculous. I'd never been loved by anybody before, so why would an odd Alpha be any different? But the hope persisted, refusing to die off altogether. I completed my tasks as evening approached and went to the kitchen to make supper. I ignored the hunger in my stomach. By now, the gnawing ache and pain had become a regular part of my day to day and I had become used to it. There were footsteps behind me as the pasta was boiling. I turned to see Zack eyeing me from the doorway. Fear and something more, something I didn't want to admit, mixed together to make my pulse beat. It was uncommon that we were alone ourselves. "Can I help you with something, Alpha?" I asked in a quiet, steady voice. With penetrating green eyes, he took a step closer. "You heard about Alpha Ethan's visit?" I nodded, unsure of the direction this was going. Was this related to the planning? Or maybe something different? Zack said, "Good," in a tone that was both smooth and sharp. "Because I have a job for you." I held my breath, hardly daring to wait. Was this my opportunity to redeem myself? To prove I might be anything other than an omega? Zack went on, "You'll be in charge of preparing his room and taking care of his needs while he's here," in a tone that left no possibility of disagreement. "There will be repercussions if you make a mistake with this. Understand?" "Yes, Alpha," I blurted out in a fast reply. Slightly louder than a whisper. "I won't let you down." With a sly smile, he reached out to remove a hair strand from my face. I hated how my body responded to him, shivering at the touch of him. I was unable to stop it, even though it was completely wrong. His breath was warm on my skin as he said, "See that you don't," Subsequently, he vanished, leaving me bewildered and panting, with my pulse racing. My thoughts was racing as I completed supper. It was a huge risk as well as a huge duty. Maybe things might improve for me if I performed well. Perhaps at last Zack would regard me as more than just an omega. But if I made a mistake... I ignored the idea, fighting the need to give in to terror. I wouldn't be unsuccessful. I was unable to. Later that evening, I slept in my little bed and looked out the window at the moon while the attic was still and motionless. It shone brilliantly in the pure sky, almost full. The light felt reassuring and calming, like a constant companion keeping watch over me. I broke into a whisper and said, "Please," to the moon. "Help me, if you're listening. I'm not sure how long I can continue like this." A soft breeze with the aroma of wildflowers floated through my open window, as if in answer. It comforted me and eased the pain in my chest as it encircled me like a soft embrace. I briefly felt... different. In some way, stronger. It seemed as if something significant was going to happen. As if I wasn't by myself. I had no clue how correct I was as I slept asleep with the breeze's warmth lingering about me. My life was about to completely collapse due to Alpha Ethan's visit in ways I could never have predicted.