THE OMEGA’S SECOND CHANCE

CHAPTER 3 - DISCOVERY OF THE MATE BOND

CORA POINT OF VIEW

My body was vibrating with anxious energy when I woke up early. Alpha Ethan had arrived today, and I was going to show everyone how good I was.

I saw myself in the mirror while I was putting on my clothes. As usual, my auburn hair was a tangle, but there was a difference in the look in my amber eyes. A never before seen spark of resolve.

I said to my mirror, in a whisper, "You can do this, just don't mess it up."

I knew the pack would be famished and agitated, so I went downstairs to get breakfast started. I had a strong sense that something significant was about to happen today when I was cooking.

Zack entered the kitchen as the door suddenly opened. The sight of him caused my heart to flip as always, but today there was an added twist. A tug, as if there were an unseen thread drawing me in his direction.

"Alpha," I murmured quietly, lowering my gaze. "Breakfast will be ready soon."

With a grunt in return, he took a closer look at the meal. Our arms touched as he stretched past me to take a slice of bread.

I gasped as a shock of energy raced through me. Simultaneously, a brilliant, warm sensation filled my chest. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced.

Zack flinched, his wide green eyes radiating horror. We merely gazed at one another for a while, our energy crackling in the air.

"What..." I opened my mouth to say something, but then the revelation struck me like ton of bricks.

Mate. My mate was Zack.

The whole globe seemed to be tilted. This cannot be taking place. Not with my loathed Zack. Not when I wasn't even able to move.

Zack's eyes became icy, and his expression grew stern. "Office. Now," he hissed, pirouetting around the kitchen with his heel.

I followed him, my head racing and legs trembling. What was the meaning of this? Would our relationship today be different?

Zack closed the door behind us as soon as we entered his office. He walked back and forth, stroking his black hair with his fingers.

"Alpha?" With hesitation, I spoke. "What's going on?"

With furious flashes in his eyes, he turned to confront me. He growled, "This can't be happening. You're not my mate. You are only a helpless, feeble omega that is incapable of even shifting."

Although his remarks were harsh, the mate connection lessened the damage. Under his wrath, I could sense his uncertainty and anxiety.

"But... but we felt it," I murmured, scarcely raising my voice above a whisper. “The relationship between mates. It is true."

I jumped when Zack's fist crashed into the wall. He shouted, "I don't care! I refuse to accept this. You are not the kind of person I can mate with."

Tears started to burn in my eyes, but I blinked them out. "What... what do we do now?" I inquired.

He turned to face me with a mask of steely resolve on his face. "We take no action," he said firmly. "This is kept confidential between us. You realize that you won't tell anyone? We are not mates, as far as anybody knows."

His comments caused my heart to shatter. "But... but the pack"

"The group won't be aware," Zack interrupted. “Pearl and I are together. That isn't going to change. You remain the omega, nothing more. You get it?"

I numbly nodded, feeling as if everything in my world was collapsing. "Yes, Alpha," I said in a whisper.

"Good," he murmured as he made his way to the door. "Go back to your job now. And keep in mind: tell no one about this at all."

I fell on the ground and at last allowed the tears to come as he was leaving. How could destiny be so unkind? To offer me a partner who despised me, who didn't want me?

I have no idea how long I sat there, sobbing in private. But I managed to get back up eventually. Alpha Ethan would be here in a little, and I had a job to do.

I saw Pearl heading down the stairs as I made my way back to the kitchen. When she noticed me, her eyes gleamed with spite, and she grinned.

"Well, well," she said in a horribly sweet voice. "If the birthday failing isn't the cause. What is it like to be the sole non shifting wolf in the pack?"

I tried to go by her while keeping my head down. However, she obstructed my path, forcing me to gaze at her.

"Answer me, Omega."

"It doesn't feel great," I said, stuttering a little bit. Pearl chuckled, her tone harsh and icy. “Obviously, it doesn't. You realize how pitiful you are? I was just telling Zack how awkward pack membership is."

Because Zack was my partner, her remarks were even more hurtful. Was that how he really felt about me?

I said, attempting to avoid her, "I'm sorry."

Pearl wasn't done, however. She seized my arm, her claws into my flesh. "Listen closely, runt," with a growl. "Alpha Ethan is here, so you better not make a mistake. If you make this Alpha seem foolish, you will regret it. Understand?"

I gave a brief nod, feeling a wave of relief as she eventually released her grip. Her eyes were searing into my back.

I spent the remainder of the morning getting ready for Alpha Ethan to arrive, and it went rather quickly. My mind was racing with feelings, happiness that I had finally found my soul mate, sadness that he had rejected me, and worry for the future.

As noon approached, the Silver moon pack gathered outside to greet our visitor. I stayed in the background so as not to bring attention to myself.

A tall, commanding guy got out of a sleek black automobile that had just come up. In person, Alpha Ethan exceeded the impression left by the tales. His gray eyes were curiously sweeping the audience as he exuded strength and assurance.

Pearl stayed by Zack's side as he moved forward to welcome him. My heart hurting to see my partner with another lady. I watched as they made small talk.

Alpha Ethan's eyes shot straight to me. Our gaze met for a brief instant, and I had an odd tingling feeling down my spine. Then he turned back to Zack and averted his gaze.

I sneaked inside to complete my tasks as the pack moved in for the welcoming feast. However, I couldn't get rid of the sensation that, for a split second, something had happened between me and Alpha Ethan.

Once again, later that evening after supper, I heard conversations coming from Zack's office. My curiosity overcame me, and I dove in to pay attention.

Alpha Ethan was referring to "the omega girl." "There's something different about her."

His words made my heart race. Does he have a feeling?

"Cora?" Zack's tone sounded contemptuous. “She is not exceptional. Merely a feeble omega incapable of even shifting.”

After a brief silence, Alpha Ethan continued. "Maybe. However, I see a lot of promise in her. You should keep a tight eye on her."

I retreated from the doorway, my thoughts spinning. Did Alpha Ethan think I was capable? However, how? And why?

That weird sensation from previously came over me again as I ascended the stairs to my attic chamber. For a while, I thought I saw a silver light dancing over my skin as the air around me appeared to sparkle.

Shaking my head, I questioned if I was losing my mind. Nothing made sense anymore, even withstanding the mate link with Zack and this.

I floated onto my bed and gazed at the moon. Tonight it was full, casting a gentle radiance over everything.

As I watched, a warm breeze came through my window, bearing the aroma of wildflowers that I had grown used to by now. I felt some of my anxiety lift as it surrounded me like a warm embrace.

Perhaps everything wasn't as awful as it seemed. Even if Zack couldn't see it in me, Alpha Ethan did. And this weird new strength I was experiencing what if it meant I wasn't as feeble as everyone believed?

It was good to be optimistic for the first time in a long time. I was going to welcome the new day that it was going to be.

I had no idea that destiny had far grander intentions for me. It all began with an enigmatic Alpha, a secret ability, and an unbreakable mate connection.

As I fell asleep, the silver light flashed over my skin once more. And I was stronger and more powerful than I could have ever dreamed as I raced free under the moon in my fantasies. The journey was just getting started.