The Omega's Revenge

Gardenias

(Lucas)

I got a message from one of our new hire team leads that the secretary that usually attends our meetings was out today and he was sending a replacement that he thought showed great potential.

I relayed the information to Jackson while we made small talk with the department heads before officially getting started.

A cute blonde girl appeared in the door frame looking flustered and I couldn’t help but smile as she tried to pull herself together. I got the scent of gardenias and took another whiff. It smelled like someone was wearing too much perfume, the scent was strong, but also reminded me of home.

Jackson put her at ease as she took the seat to his left, across from me. I locked eyes with her light brown ones and she froze for a split second before getting her things together and starting to aggressively take notes.

Holy c.rap did I find my mate? I couldn’t do anything about it as I knew at least two of the department heads were human and I couldn’t cause a scene, although I wanted nothing more at that moment than to take this petite blonde in my arms and smell her closely, confirming she was mine.

Dude - I tried to link Jackson, he spared me a glance but then kept on with his speech.

Jax - I plead again and this time he hands the floor off to someone else.

What Lucas?

I think I found my mate

You think?

I found my mate

I watch Jackson scan the room before quickly eyeing up the new blonde. I give him a quick nod. She was looking at me but went back to her work as soon as I made eye contact.

I smelled her again and noticed she was a werewolf, that was good, easier to explain. It wasn’t common for werewolves to find mates in other species, humans were even less likely, but it happened.

Do you think you can play it cool during this meeting?

Yes - I would try at least.

Okay - He cuts the link and I spend the next hour and a half pretending to pay attention while stealing glances at my mate. She felt it too, right? She had to, she kept looking at me. I hoped she liked me. For the first time since I could remember, I was self-conscious.

____

The meeting was finally over. I check my watch and it’s not even ten yet, but it felt like it took the entire day.

“Everyone is free to go. Remember to remind your staff that Mr. Ulrich has catered lunch from 12:00 in our conference center. everyone is welcome and encouraged to come. I would love to hear everyone’s ideas.” They say their goodbyes to Jackson and I.

“Do you mind staying for a few minutes, Brandi?” Jackson turns to her. She looks scared for a second, “I just want to explain how I like the notes formatted and who they should be sent on to.” She smiles and visibly relaxes.

As soon as everyone leaves the room, Jackson goes to close the door and then turns to us, giving me a knowing look.

“So” I rub the back of my neck, not really sure how these things go.

“You’re my mate?” She asks through thick eyelashes and her face goes beet red.

“Yes,” I laugh, smiling at her, “It seems that way.”

“Of all the places, I never thought I would have found my mate in the city.” She brushes some of her long blonde hair behind her ear and smiles at me.

“I know your name is Lucas, during training we’re taught about all the higher-up's roles and names.” She looks down not meeting my eye, “But, I’m assuming you’re ranked too? Based off your auras.” She looks between me and Jackson, who takes a few steps towards us holding out his hand to her.

“My name is Jackson Black, but you knew that.” He smiles at her warmly, “I am the Alpha of the Silver Moonstone Pack, and this is my Beta.” he motions to me and her eyes go wide.

“Y-you took over Silver Moon?” She asks,

“Recently enough,” I say, “It’s a long story, but I’m sure we have time to tell you.”

“I’ll give you a few minutes alone to discuss things, but I expect you both to finish out your workdays. I’ll see you later, Brandi. Welcome to Silver Moonstone.” Jackson flashes a cheeky grin and Brandi turns red again.

I reach out over the table to grab her hand in mine. I felt the warmth of the mate bond that I'd heard about, the calmness. This was something I could get used to.

“No pressure, of course. But I want to accept you as my mate.” I look down nervous for a second worried she wouldn’t want to move so fast.

“I would love to, I just need to figure out some things, pack my bags.” She laughs, “I guess give my notice here.”

“Don’t worry about that, I’ll take care of it all.” She brushes me off.

“I want to do this right, I’ll work through my notice, and then I can focus on helping you with pack business.” She looked a bit overwhelmed.

“We can take it slow. Our Luna has been incredible with dealing with all her new responsibilities. She’s only been with us for a few months too, and we can ease you into it, start with a few small tasks.” She loosens up again.

“So, uh, do you want to come to my pack tonight?” I rub the back of her hand with my thumb.

“I would love to.” She gives me a timid smile, “I’ll need some time to pack after that but I could officially move in next week if that’s okay? Is that too soon?”

“Of course that's okay, I can help you.” She shakes her head,

“Don’t worry about it, we can save the meet the parent thing for a bit. I want to say goodbye to everyone quickly and be back with you.” She looks up and her light brown eyes distract me from everything.

“Uh, so, where are you from anyways?”

“Originally from the Red River Pack, a few hours away from here." I nod, I knew of all the packs in the US, "But my family relocated to Black Falls before I started high school, my dad had family there and he got a new job in the city.” She starts to collect her things. That was a small enough pack, close to us, an ally, but they weren't a pack that we rarely did business with as they weren't much of an asset to us.

“I hate to do this but I have to get back to work, and I guess give my notice.” She scrunches her face.

“If anyone says anything to you send them my way.” I stand up next to her helping her pile her things together, “I’ll walk you down.” I guide her to the door and reluctantly drop my hand from the small of her back reminding myself to be professional.

During the long day, I focused on tonight, introducing her to everyone at the pack, and having some time alone with her. In one short week, I wouldn’t have to be away from her at all. I couldn’t wait.

(Isla)

I just got off a call with Gianna, and Lucas’ mom who was the acting Beta female at The Northern Campus. She had some great ideas for the new park and for sprucing up some of the gardens around the packhouse. I was eternally grateful for their help and expertise and every time I talked to them I got more excited about the future of our joined packs.

I’m about to link Abigial for lunch when my phone rings, I pick it up without checking the ID.

“Isla.” Jacksons' gravelly voice came from the other side of the phone.

“Hey, is everything alright?” I ask

“Of course, actually it's better than alright I think.” He takes a deep breath, “Lucas found his mate.”

“What?” I jump up from my chair and almost scream in the phone. Jackson chuckles from the other end.

“She just started here. She's a werewolf too, which obviously makes things easier, I didn’t get the chance to talk to her much but she seems nice. I really hope you like her.”

“I’m sure we all will. The Moon Goddess would only choose the best for our Lucas.” I smile, I had to admit I was looking forward for Cameron and Lucas to find their mates. I saw the close bond that Gianna had with Lucas and Cameron’s mother when I met them all at the Northern campus. I really wanted to have that here too.

Abigail meet me in the kitchen. We had to plan a special dinner.

Be there in ten

(Lucas)

“My mate is having a special dinner prepared for you, something small though, I promise.” Jackson says over his shoulder to me and Brandi sitting in car behind him, “She sent down some clothes that should fit you and had Lucas’ room stocked with new toiletries.”

Brandi looks down at my hand shy, “Thank you, Alpha. That was too kind of her.”

“Please call me Jackson.” I put my arm around my mate and pull her close, inhaling her overpowering scent of home.

“So, what do I smell like to you?” I ask her, half-joking, half curious.

“You smell like the first cup of coffee in the morning.” She smiles,

“I can live with that, I am known to be a shot of energy.” Jackson is facing away from us but I just knew that he was rolling his eyes.

“What do I smell like?” She asks

“You smell like gardenia.” I say, “My mom's favorite flower, she has a greenhouse full of them at home”

She smiles at me, “I like it.”

“When will your parents be back?” She asks me.

“I’ll let them know I found my mate and then I’m sure they will be here the next day. Once you officially move in full-time I’ll have them come down.” She nods.

“I can send some men to help you move,” Jackson adds.

“Nonsense, Alpha er- Jackson. I don’t have too many things and I want to bring my car anyways. If that’s okay.”

“Of course, it is,” I respond before Jackson gets the chance and he nods in confirmation.

I pull her even closer to me, feeling at peace that I pulled finally found my mate. Ever since I saw what Jackson and Isla had, I wanted that for myself, and now was my opportunity to get it.

As soon as we get to the packhouse I sneak Brandi up to my floor before anyone else could get their hands on her, they would see her at dinner. She giggles behind me as I pull her out of the elevator.

“This is all yours?” She says her eyes wide,

I shrug, “This side is, Cam has the other hallway down there. There’s a lot of extra room for uh, kids, and a few offices here too.” I say giving her the tour, “This one is mine where I spend most of the day, whenever we have meetings, it's in Jacksons' office though, his and Isla's flow is above us. And this one,” I stop at a door I haven’t opened in ages, “Will be your office.”

Brandi walks in the room and does a slow circle, “This whole room, for me?” She says in awe tears about to spill down her face.

“We can re-do it this week however you want.”

“Oh, I have some ideas. I can’t wait.” She jumps on me and I pull her into a hug.

“Now, let me show you my er-our room,” I say a bit flushed, I was nervous. Not that I haven’t taken strangers to my room before, but she was my mate. Someone destined for me but I didn’t know her yet. I wonder how long it would take for us to be comfortable together, or maybe it was just me feeling the nerves.

“This place is huge! Almost the size of my house back home.” She laughs before flopping on the bed,

“Do you like it?” I ask.

“I love it, it just needs a few girly touches and then I think it will be perfect.” She goes to the closet and pulls out the dresses that Isla had sent down, running her hands over the fabrics.

“We still have an hour until dinner.”

“Just an hour? I need to start getting ready.” I chuckle, an hour for a dinner?

“They will love you, no matter what you wear. Honestly, as far as ranked members go I think we have some of the most welcoming and accepting. You’re my mate. They’re going to love you no matter what.”

She nods but continues to frantically look through the drawers and then heads to the bathroom, “Okay, just give me some time, I’ll be quick.” She slams the bathroom door and I lay back in bed flipping through the channels, not focusing on anything.

She comes out almost an hour later wearing a long dark blue dress that almost reaches the floor, half of her waist-length blonde hair was pulled back into a bun while the rest hung around her. She looked gorgeous. Isla must have sent some makeup down because her lips were red and her eyes were shimmering.

“How do I look?” She asks starting at me.

I get up and walk towards her and take her hands in mine, “You look absolutely stunning.” I twirl her around and look her up and down.

“Now you have to get ready.” She scowls at me, “We don't have time.” She squirms away laughing.

“Give me five minutes.” I walk into my closet and take off my suit and change into jeans and a white pull-over,

“There.” I say coming out. She looks me over and nods slowly, “What?” I ask confused.

“I thought it was a formal dinner?” She asks.

“Not really. Even more formal dinners, we wouldn’t wear suits. Unless it's an event.” She bites her lip, “Did you want me to wear a suit?”

“Uh, no its fine.” I sigh and head back in my closet and put on a light gray suit with a white button-down.

“Happy?” She smiles at me widely.

“You are so handsome.” She comes up and places a hand on my chest, I take it and put it up to my cheek before kissing it.

“Let’s go, I’m starved.”

(Isla)

I’m bouncing up and down not able to contain my excitement for dinner tonight, “Is it time yet?” I ask Jackson.

“It's been one minute since you last asked.” He chuckles and pulls me into his lap on the couch, “We can head down in ten minutes.” Fine, I snuggle into his chest.

“I get it you’re excited to see her.”

“I hope she likes me.”

“Who wouldn’t like you? Everyone falls in love with you instantly.” Jackson pulls me back to look into my eyes.

“She’s going to be in all of our lives, well, forever.” I look at him, “I hope we get along as well as your parents all did.”

He shrugs, “If not we have Cam’s mate still.” He pulls me close and I try to struggle away.

“That’s mean.” I throw him a look.

“You’re going to like her, she’s going to like you. End of story.” His eyes go cloudy, “They’re heading down now actually so I think we can leave.” He places me on my feet and stretches out his arm to me and I wrap mine around it.

We finally approach the dining room doors, which are closed for once.

I wonder if this was part of Lucas’ theatrics. Jackson lets go of my arm to push them open for me and I don’t have time to hesitate before I walk through them.

Lucas and his mate are the only ones here. I quickly scan her without looking like I was staring. Cute. Long blonde hair. Nice smile. Smile, okay I should do that too.

“Luna,” She stands up next to Lucas and he takes her hand in hers.

“This is my mate, your Luna, Isla.” Jackson announces me, before I could tell her to call me Isla Lucas cuts in,

“This is my mate, your eh, future Beta female, Brandi.” She gives me another timid smile.

“Brandi, it's great to meet you. Please just call me Isla. We’re all going to be close friends soon so let's just drop the formalities now.” Her smile gets wider as we all take a seat.

“Okay, good.” She takes her hand from Lucas and wipes it on her dress. She’s taller and skinnier than I was so the dress didn’t fit her perfectly, but it would have to do until she could get her clothes here.

“Did you find your clothes alright?” I ask her, “I wasn’t sure what you needed so I had a few things brought down.”

“Oh, yeah. They’re fine, thank you!”

I hear footsteps behind us and Cameron walks in, seeming timider than when I met him for the first time.

“Brandi, this is Cam our Gamma and lead trainer, warrior, the best fighter, best everything. You get the gist.” Lucas motions to him as Cameron shoots him a look but I could see he was fighting back a smile.

“And this is my lovely mate, Brandi.” Cameron comes around the table and takes her hand in his.

“Beta, Brandi. It is an absolute pleasure.” She get a bit pink. I'm glad I wasn't the only one whose face gave away my embarrassment.

“Beta Brandi, I like it.” She says grinning, and Lucas gives her a smile.

“Cut the crap Cam, none of us thought he would find a mate.” Jackson cuts in and I jokingly elbow him in the ribs.

“Now now, we all knew that the Moon Goddess would bless him with a phenomenal mate, and she did.” Abigail comes into the room with Jim, her mate and the pack doctor in tow.

Abigail sits next to me and Jim goes to greet Brandi still in his uniform, he must have just came from the clinic.

“Is it common that the pack doctor joins for formal dinners?” Brandi asks, her eyebrows pulling together, “I’m sorry, I mean no disrespect, just it was different at our pack that's all.” She looks down.

“Normally, he wouldn’t have, but Jim and Abigail are my mates, adopted parents,” Jackson explains and she looks between us under her thin blonde hair that fell around her face.

“They adopted you?” She asks. I wasn’t exactly sure how to respond to that.

“Yes.” Abigail says, putting her hand on mine, “Recently enough though, we just got the confirmation, and I bet that was because Jackson pulled a few strings to get them approved so fast.” She gives my mate a warm smile.

“Sometimes you get lucky with the system,” Jackson says calmly.

“No one gets lucky with the system,” Jim laughs and claps his back as he goes to sit by his mate, “We’re grateful for whatever you’ve done though.”

“Anything for my future mother and father-in-law.” That makes me blush a bit, even though we were mated and marked, marriage still seemed big.

“Speaking of which.” Lucas interjects, “How are the wedding plans coming? It looks like I’m going to need that plus one after all.”

Abigail laughs, “I think we can manage an extra invite for you.”

The rest of the dinner went well. Brandi didn’t say much but when spoken to she wasn’t too shy about her opinion on things. She seemed to suit Lucas well from what I saw, and he couldn’t stop smiling at her. If he was happy, that’s all that mattered, I knew Brandi and I would be close in no time.

“So you’re moving in next week?” I ask her over dessert.

“Yes, if that’s okay.” She nods, “I want to say goodbye and get all my things packed, I wasn’t really expecting to find my mate when I went to work today.” She laughs.

“Lucas says you’re finishing out your two-week notice?” Jackson asks her and she nods, “That’s admirable,” Jackson nods at Lucas, “But I can assure you there is no need.”

“I want to, it's my first professional job and I just can’t have anyone thinking that I got somewhere because of who my mate is.” She says assuredly.

“Well, I can also assure you that no one would think that. The werewolves there understand the mate bond, and Lucas has told me that you both kept it quiet at work today. But do what you want, I admire you for being so committed to your job, it shows how great you’ll be once you’re committed to this pack.” Brandi beams at him.

“How long have you been working for us, actually?”

“Almost a month, I was in training for a while, doing smaller jobs. Today was my first official day doing something that meant anything, and I only wish I would have started sooner.” She steals a glance at Lucas.

“Well, we’re glad you came to work for us, and welcome to the Silver Moonstone Pack.” Jackson raises his glass and tilts it to her.

Lucas and Brandi went to bed early and the rest of us stayed for a movie night. Without Lucas there, we finally settled on something that Jackson thought we would all like Oceans 11. Funny, some romance, and nothing too dark. Cameron seemed pleased enough too.

“She seems lovely,” Abigail says settling into Jim’s arm.

“I think she would be a good asset to the pack,” he looks at me, “And to you, so you won't have to do the duties of three people.”

“That would be nice, I’m still learning them anyways.” I laugh.

“It will be nice to have her around, I hope she likes puzzles,” Jim says,

“Who doesn’t like puzzles?” I ask and Cameron rolls his eyes before taking the couch in front of us where he and Lucas usually sit. It was dark but I thought I saw Cameron look to where Lucas usually sat,, I wonder how he was feeling about Lucas finding his mate.

I’m sure once Brandi got more comfortable and settled, then they would both join us and make our group even fuller.