The Omega’s Second-Chance Mates

Rapid Change

Chapter 7

"I assure you, Alpha, I am always diligent in taking my fertility control," I said politely with a bow before him.

Alpha Orlando had paid me a visit after he learned that Alfonso, a member of the royal lycan family, was my mate. He had already gained an understanding that my mate and I had already performed coitus. I implied an assurance that I did not miss taking fertility control ever since the day we committed that act.

"That is good to hear, Czerie," Alpha Orlando said earnestly before eyeing my desk, where there was a compartment filled with trinkets, intricately woven into the artifacts I was studying. "I cannot afford to know if one of the female pack members I entrusted to study here in the royal academy gets pregnant. You must understand that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and you cannot afford to waste it. Is that clear to you?"

I made a deep bow, saying I had understood the wisdom he shared. "Yes, Alpha. I deeply appreciate your consideration in allowing me, an Omega, to study in this prestigious academy. I shall heed your words and must do anything not to fail you the name of our pack." My tone was smothered with firmness and understanding of the situation I was in.

A nod of approval was waved at Alpha Orlando. Then he sighed as the weight on his chest had lifted. "Also, I still want you to be careful around Prince Alfonso, Czerie." He touched my shoulder after a deep-seated discussion about pregnancy prevention. "Do not do something that may displease the royal lycan family. It will affect your scholarship if that happens." He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned on the windowsill. "And I want to meet him to see if he is really a worthy mate for you."

"He is genuinely kind, Alpha. He shows immense respect for me and supports the decisions I make." I highly regarded Alfonso. This way, I must show Alpha Orlando that my mate was serious with me.

But it seemed that was not the case for my Alpha. The contorting in his face was evident that he did not trust the royal lycan family, or perhaps, it must be Alfonso.

"Do you... dislike him, Alpha?" I asked, hesitant.

Alpha Orlando only smiled in answer. "Remember to do well in your studies, Czerie. I am expecting a high remark. Alright?" That was all he said, and he did not heed the question I asked him.

His reaction replayed in my mind. It kind of bestowed me a distraction for the past few days while thinking about Alfonso and our lovemaking.

"Lady Tamara," I called while holding the vial of fertility control which I shouldn't miss taking it.

"Yes?"

"What are your thoughts about Alfonso?"

If from before, I was not bothered by the people's opinions, however, when I saw Alpha Orlando's reaction, there was this nagging feeling knocking at the door of my heart. It was eating me, and I couldn't just shun this away.

"What do you mean?" she asked while she was combing her silky, smooth pitch dark hair. "Do you want to know if he is a jerk or a good man?" I nodded. "Well, to be honest, I do not like him."

My eyes widened. "H-How so?"

"Um... Perhaps, because he is from a royal lycan family?" she asked, shrugging. "And Prince Adonis is being disliked by our Alpha, so we just get along with that fact." She was talking about Alfonso's father.

"I see..." I was still dissatisfied, but I let it off the hook.

Another few weeks had come to dash like a lightning bolt when I learned that the Twin Garnets had returned from their expedition. My heart filled with warmth when I waited for Alfonso to arrive in front of the Emerald Dorm since he promised me that we would meet there.

My face brightened upon seeing Alfonso along with Prince Alistair and Prince Alejandro. They were laughing and enjoying each other's company. But when their eyes settled on me, who was waiting at the front porch, their smiles froze before Prince Alistair nudged Alfonso, whose expression couldn't be explained at this moment.

But I ignored that. The most important case was he was here now.

"Alfonso—"

"What are you doing here, Czerie?"

His tone, which was as cold as ice, rooted me in the ground. Even my wolf, who was jumping in joy upon seeing our mate, was surprised at the way he acted.

"What do you mean?" I smiled wryly, trying to ignore this arrow that struck my heart. "Didn't we talk about before your departure that once you arrive, I am going to meet you... here," I paused when I glanced at His Highnesses, who were watching this trivial ordeal.

But for some reason, I felt unsettled when their lips curved up into an interesting one.

Why were they looking at us like that?

"Ah. I forgot."

I lifted my gaze upon hearing that nonchalant tone from Alfonso. But meeting his forest green orbs seemed to be a mistake when I saw how frigid they were as he walked past me.

"Alfonso...?" He did not turn his head to look at me but left me there, wondering what was going on.

"I think he is tired, Czerie."

Feeling disheartened, my gaze fell upon the hourglass earring adorning Prince Alejandro's left ear, catching my attention. "Is he?" I looked at the entrance door of the Emerald Dorm, where Alfonso disappeared from. "Shouldn't he go to the royal palace to rest instead of coming here?"

Prince Alistair blocked my view with his beaming smile. "Now, now... Let Alfie rest. I am certain that he is going to look for you soon. Our expedition in Yarrin is quite tiring. We also need to rest."

I couldn't do anything to retort again since His Highnesses had already told me to let Alfonso alone. I tried to understand him, but a few days passed, and Alfonso had never come to visit me at my dormitory like the way he used to do.

"Your Highnesses, have I done something wrong to Alfonso? Why is he deliberately avoiding me?"

The thin line of patience had already been cut off a few days ago. Today, I decided to go to the Emerald Dorm, where I saw Prince Alistair and Prince Alejandro playing a game of chess in the courtyard.

"He is?" they asked in unison, fluttering their eyelids as they exchanged glances with each other.

As I observed their clueless reaction, a slight sense of relief washed over me, alleviating the irritation I had been feeling. It made me question whether they were truly unaware of their cousin Alfonso's avoidance or if I should believe their apparent ignorance.

"He is," I said meekly, feeling my chest tightening so that it made my eyes get teary-eyed, but I learned the hard way by looking up. "Please tell me. Why hasn't he visited me?" I was being desperate here since my wolf, and I had been longing for him.

"Busy in his duties?" Prince Alejandro suggested, unsure.

"Having a vacation?" Prince Alistair mentioned having the same reaction as Prince Alejandro.

Then, they both shrugged before chuckling as if their silly suggestions amused them.

"What is funny?! Can you not tell me the real reason?! Or are you trying to hide him from me?!" Frustration welled up within me as their lack of acknowledgment made it clear that they didn't see me as someone to be taken seriously.

Their mischievous behavior abruptly transformed into a cold demeanor, causing me to instinctively take a step back, overwhelmed by a sudden sense of fear. Then both of them made the same action of resting their elbows on the patio table, twisting their body to turn at me, crossing their legs, and nestling their jaw on the back of their hands.

"How audacious of you to even raise your tone on us? Did you even know who you are talking to?" Prince Alistair's frigid tone was my first time hearing it. I was used to seeing them being in their mischievous personality.

"I..." My heart dropped to my stomach, feeling this immense terror in the pit of my stomach.

"Merely because your mate happens to be our cousin, it doesn't grant you the authority to raise your voice on us, woman," Prince Alejandro uttered with a cold edge to his voice.

That was the cue for me to kneel before them, petrified that I just committed treason. "P-Please forgive my insolence, Your Highnesses. I-I cannot justify my action..." I was on the edge of shedding tears because of frustration from knowing that Alfonso was avoiding me.

He did not even pay attention to me when I happened to see him before. My wolf and I were already hurting, and even though Alfonso knew that I was hurting, he did not do anything to suffice this longingness I felt for him.

Their piercing gazes silenced me, and I did not hear any response from them. It was suffocating me that I wished to beg for myself to be condoned for my foolishness.

"Please punish me for my impertinence, Your Highnesses. It is my—"

"That is really funny, Your Highness! I cannot believe that you have done that."

"Really? But that moment filled me with embarrassment."

The sound of a female voice reached my ears, causing an immediate shiver to race down my spine. Simultaneously, a deep baritone voice followed, filling me with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. It was a voice I had longed to hear, and its arrival heightened my senses, sending a wave of electrifying sensations through my body.

My head snapped towards the entrance of the courtyard with lightning speed when I knew that voice came from Alfonso himself. But what confused me more was hearing a female voice that was unknown to me.

That bewilderment answered me upon meeting the gaze of my mate, seeing how his eyes widened in shock.

"Alfonso...?" My heart seemed like someone squeezed it to burst out of my ribcage upon seeing a woman my age clinging to his arm, making my eyes widen in shock. "W-Who is she?" I asked in a crestfallen tone.

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

Alfonso's expression twisted into a mischievous smirk as he reveled in the discomfort that radiated from me. He didn't bother to hide his amusement, confirming my worst fears. As the woman clung to Alfonso's arm possessively, a cruel smirk formed on her lips. She reveled in the tension that filled the air, clearly enjoying the effect her presence had on me.

"Czerie, this is Lady Ingrid Mendaza," Alfonso admitted callously, his voice dripping with indifference. "She's my betrothed," he paused as they looked at each other.

Betrothed? The word echoed in my mind, causing my heart to plummet further. The shock and pain that coursed through me were indescribable. How could this be? Alfonso and I were mates, destined to be together. The bond we shared was supposed to be unbreakable.

I struggled to find my voice, my throat feeling constricted. "Betrothed?" I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper. The tears threatened to spill over, but I refused to let them fall. I needed to maintain my composure, even in the face of this heartbreak.

The woman clinging to Alfonso's arm, her voice laced with superiority, chimed in mockingly. "Yes, Lady Czerie," Lady Ingrid chimed in, her voice dripping with arrogance. "Alfonso and I are to be married. It was arranged by our families for the good relationship between the royals and nobles."

I couldn't tear my eyes away from Alfonso, searching for any hint that this was all a cruel joke. But his smug expression and the way he casually draped his arm around Lady Ingrid's shoulders confirmed the truth. It was as if the past few weeks, the moments we shared, the connection we had built, meant nothing to him.

A wave of anger surged within me, temporarily overpowering the heartbreak. "How could you, Alfonso? You knew how I felt about you. You knew we were mates!" I couldn't hide the pain and betrayal in my voice.

Alfonso's smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Oh, Czerie, my dear, sweet Omega. Did you really believe we had a future together? Did you honestly think I would choose you over my duty as a member of the royal lycan family?" His words cut through me like a knife, each syllable laced with disdain.

I took a step back, my body trembling with a mix of hurt and anger. "But... our bond... our connection..." My voice cracked, and I struggled to form coherent words.

Alfonso scoffed, his grip on Lady Ingrid tightening possessively. "The bond, as you call it, was a mere accident. I have no interest in being tied down to an Omega. I am a lycan prince, and I have responsibilities."

The words cut through me like a knife, each one leaving a deep wound in my already shattered heart. The realization that Alfonso had been playing with my feelings all along sent shockwaves through my entire being.

Prince Alistair and Prince Alejandro watched the scene unfold with amusement, their laughter barely concealed as they observed the devastation written all over my face. It was clear that they found entertainment in the turmoil that had become my life.

Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. The pain was unbearable, but I refused to let it consume me. I straightened my posture, summoning every ounce of strength within me. "I see. So, this is what you truly are, Alfonso? A heartless betrayer who takes pleasure in toying with others?"

"No matter what you say at this moment shall be deemed useless." He yawned, inflicting insolence on my raging body. "Shall we get this over with? I am dying to reject you as my mate."

The words stung, like a thousand needles piercing my heart. The pain was unbearable, and I couldn't help but feel like a fool for believing in Alfonso's love.

"If that is your choice, Alfonso, then so be it." I gulped the lump in my throat and the tears that were threatening to fall. "But know this, I will not be a pawn in your game. I will not let you or anyone else define my worth. I am stronger than your betrayal."

Alfonso's smirk faltered for a moment, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his eyes. But he quickly regained his composure. "Very well, Czerie. Do as you wish. But remember, you are nothing without me."

My hands balled into a tight recoil, not believing that he could easily say those words. He never loved me after all. Just because I was an Omega...

"I, Alfonso de Carteret, am rejecting you, Czerie Grieco, as my mate."

The words echoed in my mind, each syllable resonating with a painful sting. Alfonso's rejection of our mate bond reverberated through my soul, tearing at the fragile remnants of my heart. It was a rejection I never anticipated, one that left me feeling hollow and lost.

I had always believed in the strength of our connection, the unbreakable bond that fate had woven between us. But Alfonso's callous words shattered that illusion, leaving me questioning everything I had once held dear.

Taking a deep breath, I mustered the strength to respond, my voice steady despite the turmoil within. "If that is your decision, Alfonso de Carteret, then I, Czerie Grieco, accept it. I will release our mate bond." My eye twitched when there was a surging pain started to rip apart from me as my wolf was howling in devastation. I gripped my skirt, not wanting to show that accepting this rejecting was unbearable.

His forest green eyes met mine, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. It seemed he hadn't expected me to accept his rejection so easily. But what he failed to understand was that I had no choice but to let go.

Turning my gaze to Prince Alistair and Prince Alejandro, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anger towards them as well. Their amusement at our expense only added insult to injury. But I refused to let them see how deeply they had wounded me.

"I will not hold onto a bond that you do not value, Alfonso," I continued, my voice laced with a quiet determination. "I deserve someone who cherishes and respects me, someone who is willing to fight for our connection. You have shown me your true colors, and I will not allow myself to be dragged down by your indifference."

With those final words, I turned on my heel, holding my head high, and walked away from the courtyard. Their laughter and mocking voices followed me, but I drowned them out, focusing on the path ahead.

I would rebuild myself, stronger and wiser. Alfonso's betrayal would not define me. I would show the world that an Omega could rise above the constraints society imposed upon us.

As the days turned into weeks, I threw myself into my studies, immersing myself in the intricate world of ancient artifacts and forgotten knowledge. The pain lingered, but it no longer consumed me. I focused on honing my skills, proving my worth, and proving to myself that I was more than just an Omega.

Word of my dedication and talent spread through the academy, earning me respect and recognition from both students and professors. I formed meaningful connections and friendships, finding comfort in the support of those who believed in me.

However, I couldn't make it by staying in the royal academy as the humiliation characterized me. I was drowned in despair and found it hard to rise again. My heart kept aching for the rejection I received from Alfonso, which kept reverberating all over, and I chose to drop from the academy when Alfonso's rejection spread all over as I became a laughing stock because I was an Omega who dreamt about becoming a mate to a lycan prince.

I locked myself in my own room, in the pack house where I was residing in the Silver Growl pack. I couldn't find myself facing Alpha Orlando for the disappointment upon learning of throwing out the opportunity he bestowed on me.

I thought that I could handle their support, but having to see myself being ridiculed every day was something my heart couldn't handle, especially since Prince Alistair and Prince Alejandro wouldn't stop teasing me about what happened.

One time, as I was engrossed to the depths of misery in the Luna's Garden, a familiar voice called out my name. I looked up, my heart skipping a beat as I saw Alpha Orlando standing before me.

"Czerie, may I have a word with you?" he asked, his tone gentle yet serious.

I closed my book where I chose to distract myself, giving him my full attention. "Of course, Alpha. How may I assist you?" My tone remained composed, not wanting to let him that I was suffering inside.

Alpha Orlando studied me for a moment, his eyes filled with a mix of compassion and admiration. He already learned what happened to me and offered words of solace which helped me a lot. "Czerie, I know that it is difficult for you that this has happened. I have been observing your progress back then, and I must say, I am impressed. Your dedication and resilience are commendable."

A sense of pride swelled within me, but there was a pang of guilt swept me off my feet. "Please forgive me, Alpha. I have disappointed you..." I clutched the book, feeling the corners of my eyes with a stinging sensation. "I let you down and put your name to shame."

He shook his head, a small smile gracing his lips. "You are not, Czerie. I assure you. But I want you to start anew. Your skills... They cannot be put to waste. And that is why I wanted to offer you an opportunity."

Curiosity sparked within me. "An opportunity, Alpha?" Me? I would be bestowed an opportunity?

Alpha Orlando's smile widened. "Yes, Czerie. I would like to appoint you to study abroad, specifically in the Estasia Eglaria Kingdom. Your knowledge and skills are invaluable, and I believe you would be a great asset as a future archaeologist to our country, Sowinski Kingdom."

Shock washed over me, momentarily rendering me speechless. To be personally chosen by the Alpha was an honor beyond my wildest dreams. It was a chance to prove myself on a grand scale, to make a difference not just for myself but for our entire pack.

"A-Alpha Orlando, I am deeply honored. I accept your offer wholeheartedly," I said, my voice filled with gratitude.

Who wouldn't want this kind of chance that only happened once in a blue moon? Who was I to even refuse this?

He extended his hand, and I shook it firmly, sealing our agreement. "Your Luna Desiree's relative shall come here in the next few days. I shall tell her I have picked you to represent my pack. So, you need to pack your things."

"Yes, Alpha!"

As I stood on the precipice of a new chapter in my life, I made a vow to myself. I would never allow anyone to diminish my worth again. I would forge my own path, guided by my own ambitions and fueled by the fire of resilience burning within me.