THE OMEGA’S SECOND CHANCE

CHAPTER 2 - EIGHTEENTH BIRTHDAY

CORA POINT OF VIEW

I was awakened by overwhelming joy. On this day, my eighteenth birthday, I would ultimately transform into a wolf. I couldn't help but have a little glimmer of enthusiasm deep down, despite everything.

I saw my image in the broken mirror while I was getting ready. My amber eyes were covered by heavy circles, and my auburn hair was a tangled mess. However, there was a glimmer of optimism hidden behind the fatigue and self-doubt.

I said to myself in a murmur, "Today's the day." "Everything will undergo change."

I rushed through my morning tasks, ideas buzzing in my head. How would my wolf look and feel? Which shade of fur would I have? I gave myself permission to wish for a better future for once. Despite being obscured by clouds, the moon's brightness appeared to hold out hope for strength and transformation.

Pearl came sauntering into the kitchen, her gaze narrowing as she saw me. Her mouth twisted with contempt.

"All right, all right”. She said with a sneer, "If it's not the birthday girl. Remain calm and collected. You won't even be able to shift, in my opinion.”

I attempted to ignore her insults by biting my lip. I answered quietly, "We'll see," even though I was finding it difficult to maintain my optimism.

Pearl chuckled, her tone icy and savage. "Oh honey, you're not really exceptional; we both know that. Merely a feeble little Omega who is unable to do her job properly.”

Zack entered before I could respond. I felt my heart skip a beat as I saw him. Despite his striking green eyes and black hair, he had an aura of coldness that never went away.

"What's happening here?" he said, shifting his gaze between Pearl and myself.

Pearl flashed a quick, charming grin. Nothing, sweetheart. I'm only wishing Omega a happy birthday.

Zack turned to look at me. I thought for a split second that I saw a flash of something in his eyes either interest or worry. But it vanished fast, to be replaced by his normal gaze.

"Exactly," he muttered. "The changing ceremony occurs at noon. Don’t be late.”

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving Pearl chasing after him like a puppy in love. I released a breath that I had been unable to recognize. The ceremony was almost too much to look forward to.

The morning took forever. It felt like everyone I passed stared and whispered. While some were enthusiastic, others were doubtful. I tried to ignore the noise, focus on my work, and prepare for what was coming.

I headed to the area where the ceremony would be held as noon drew near. My hands shook, and drops of perspiration formed on my brow. The whole Silverclaw pack had congregated and formed a circle around the clearing. Zack took center stage, projecting an air of might and intimidation. Pearl stood by his side, grinning directly at me.

Zack's voice roared across the clearing, "Cora, move forward."

My legs felt like jelly as I obeyed. I was the target of the pack's curiosity and mockery. I felt the weight of their expectations, and the readymade harsh conclusions.

Zack went on, "You turn eighteen today, turn into your wolf form and take your rightful place in this pack."

I tried to seem confident as I nodded. My heart thumped like a drum within. The moon's brightness seemed to be a far-off promise that I yearned to fulfill.

Zack gave the command, "Close your eyes. Think about your inner wolf. Even in the daytime, experience the moon's might. Permit your wolf to go free.”

I reached deep within myself and closed my eyes. I saw myself sprinting across the forest, unfettered, under the moon. I pictured my body shifting form and fur growing from my skin.

However, nothing took place.

My face tensed up as I narrowed my focus further. Nothing yet.

A few whispers began to circulate throughout the assembly. Snickers and muted laughter filled my ears.

Zack's icy voice broke the awkwardness "Open your eyes."

I did, looking down at my very human physique and fighting back tears. No paws, no tail, and no hair. It was just me, looking shabby and feeling like a failure.

Pearl's derisive voice boomed, "Well. Seems like the omega is incapable of even performing the one task that all wolves are meant to be proficient at."

Laughter broke out among the group. I stood there, a heat of embarrassment coursing through me. The moon, which had previously represented optimism, seemed like a far-off fantasy.

Zack stepped forward, his gaze merciless and fierce. "I was hoping for more" he snarled. "You bring shame to this pack."

His remarks struck a deep chord with me, and I finally lost control of my emotions. I stood there, vulnerable and exposed, as they ran down my cheeks.

"Alpha," I said. "Please, let me."

But Zack had already brushed me off completely and turned away. With continued laughter and whispers about my failure, the crowd started to spread apart.

Pearl lingered, a cruel joy shining in her eyes. "Happy birthday, omega," with a sly smile. "Relish your humiliation as a gift."

As she sauntered off, I went down to my knees in the grass. How on earth could this have occurred? How come I couldn't shift like everyone else?

I have no idea how long I sat there sobbing in private. By the time I got myself together and trekked back to the pack house, the sun had begun to set.

I heard noises coming from Zack's office as I got closer. I came closer, miserable as I was to listen.

“It's not possible to keep her here” Pearl was saying. "Zack. She's useless. An unchanging wolf? It is awkward.”

Her comments caused my heart to tighten. Was this the last one? Would I ultimately be ejected by them?

With a rough voice, Zack said, "We need an omega, who else would take care of everything around here?"

"But Pearl is weak," Pearl emphasized. "What if packs nearby discover? We'll be made fun of.”

There was a lengthy silence during which I held my breath to hear Zack's reply.

Finally, he responded, "Fine. For now, we'll hold onto her. However, she will leave if she makes any issues while Alpha Ethan is here. Okay?”

"Obviously, darling," Pearl mewed. "You are always the expert."

I retreated from the doorway, my thoughts whirling. I was to remain with them, but only as their servant. One mistake would result in banishment.

I had a weird sensation as I ascended the stairs to my attic chamber. It was not nearly despair or rage. Something was... off. A rebellious flame ignited in my chest.

I had a brief pang of animosity against Zack and the entire Silver moon pack for the first time in my life. They had never been nice to me or given me a chance. What people thought of me shouldn't matter to me.

I collapsed into my bed and gazed at the rising moon through the window. Gleaming gloriously in the fading light of the sky, it was almost full.

Watching through the open window was a gentle breeze that carried the scent of wildflowers. Similar to the night before, it seemed as if it encircled me in a comforting hug.

Then an odd thing started to happen. I thought for a single second that I saw a silvery light dance over my flesh. It was gone as quickly as it had been, making me wonder if I had imagined it.

However, the flame within my chest intensified. I sensed that something was shifting. Even if I wasn't able to shift like the others, I wasn't useless.

I silently promised myself that I would keep this commitment as I fell asleep. I would disprove everything. I was going to prove to them that I was not simply a helpless little omega.

I had no idea that destiny had far greater plans for me. All of it began with a whisper in the wind and an enigmatic silver light.

I woke up the next morning feeling strange. I felt as if I had discovered a secret source of strength. I had the unshakeable sensation that something significant was about to occur as I prepared for the day.

I was unaware of my own self. Because today, the arrival of Alpha Ethan, was the day that would turn everything around. And he brought with him a tempest that would completely upend my universe.