Once An Omega Now Alpha

Chapter 3

The previous week leading up to my birthday was the smoothest it has been since the passing of my parents. People around me appeared to be genuinely happy, inquiring about my well-being, and being generally friendly. I was thankful for the small break in the bullying and people just treating me differently in general.

As I strolled along the riverbank, the sun's rays gently kissed my face, enveloping me in warmth. The temperature was exceptionally high, almost scorching. I glanced at the thermometer, and it displayed a pleasant reading in the mid 80s. However, it was predicted to climb even higher, surpassing the 90s by tomorrow. Perhaps I should take advantage of the soaring temperatures and go for a refreshing swim before meeting up with everyone at the café The prospect of spending time with them made me nervous, as I had never been invited out by anyone before.

I removed my shoes and immersed my feet in the damp shore of the riverbank, relishing in the delightful sensation of the cool and rejuvenating water. As the gentle current washed over my toes, I couldn't help but marvel at how nature's touch had the power to soothe my weary soul after a long day. Closing my eyes, I let the tranquil sounds of the flowing river and the rustling leaves envelop me, creating a moment of pure serenity that seemed to wash away all the stress and worries of the outside world.

As my phone alarm abruptly chimed, I exhaled deeply, swiftly silencing it. The moment had come for me to return to the pack house, where I would embark on the tasks of preparing dinner and completing my remaining cleaning duties. I enjoyed the soothing melodies of nature as I strolled back to the pack house.

The moment I stepped back indoors, the tantalizing aroma of pizza filled my nostrils. As I entered the kitchen, I was greeted by the same scene I had left behind earlier after the lunch I prepared for them all. The sound of laughter and playful banter emanated from the dining hall, revealing the presence of a lively group. To my surprise, a medium-sized pizza box caught my eye, accompanied by a note carefully affixed to it. My curiosity piqued, I approached the counter and discovered that the letter was specifically addressed to me.

Olivia,

We have specially ordered the pizza that we believe is your absolute favorite, just for you to enjoy all by yourself. And that's not all! Your favorite ice cream, cookies and cream, is waiting for you in the freezer. We will take care of picking up the pizza boxes and everything else, so don't worry about a thing. Tonight and tomorrow, take the time to relax and indulge yourself - you truly deserve it! Your dedication and unwavering hard work over the past few years have not gone unnoticed. We deeply appreciate your commitment to the pack.

Happy 18th Birthday!

Alpha and Luna.

As I opened the pizza box, a smile crept across my face as I laid eyes on my favorite: a pan pizza topped with pepperoni, onions, and green peppers. My mouth instantly began to water at the sight. It had been an eternity since I last indulged in an entire pizza all to myself. Unable to contain my excitement, I grabbed a slice and took a big, satisfying bite, savoring the combination of flavors that danced on my taste buds. The cheesy goodness, the crispy crust, and the savory toppings delivered the perfect pizza experience I had been craving for so long.

I placed the slice back into the box, grabbed the ice cream and a spoon, and made my way to my room. It's movie night! I switched on the small television in my room and settled on my bed. I selected my favorite movie and indulged in my dinner. Perhaps it was really happening, perhaps things were finally taking a turn for the better. I savored every bite until I was satisfied and paused my movie.

As I headed downstairs, my intention was to store the ice cream and clean my spoon. However, my curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn't help wondering about the state of the dining hall. With a slight push, I opened the swinging door and was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. The space was immaculate, spotless, and sparsely occupied. Except for Elijah. Seated alone at a table, he leisurely indulged in another slice of pizza. Mesmerized, I couldn't tear my eyes away from him.

My eyes were fixed on him while he ate, longing to make my presence felt. I felt an inexplicable attraction towards him. I yearned to converse with him, to unravel the mysteries that lay within him. I wanted to know his favorite color, books, movies, sports teams, and culinary delights. I craved knowledge of his dislikes. As I moistened my lips, the door across the room creaked open, and when he turned to see who it was, I closed the door noiselessly. I could hear Jane from the other side engaging in conversation with him. I couldn't discern the exact words, but the moment she used her baby voice on him, it made me want to vomit.

I felt a surge of jealousy and unease as I strained to make out their conversation through the door. I knew then that I had to find a way to remove Jane from the picture and have him all to myself. I furrowed my brow in confusion. Am I losing my mind? What on earth was I thinking? I simply couldn't go through with it. It felt as if I was about to overheat, and I had to get out of the stifling pack house immediately. Leaving the pack house, I rushed outside, grateful for the cool breeze on my face. As I took deep breaths to calm my racing thoughts, I realized that my obsession with having him to myself was clouding my judgment and leading me down a dangerous path. I had no clue what had gotten into me.

As I gazed up at the evening sky, I was captivated by the sight of the luminous full moon. An irresistible thought occurred to me: perhaps it was the perfect moment to embark on a leisurely stroll. Without hesitation, I made the decision to seize this opportunity, and that's precisely what I did. I walked along one of the more popular paths the wolves of the pack would take.

As I wandered through the night, I stumbled upon a small clearing. I experienced an unusual sensation and decided to take a seat. Using the flashlight on my phone, I located a log to rest on. As I reclined on the fallen tree, I gazed up at the sky. I began to feel uncomfortably warm, as if I were on the verge of overheating, and then I was hit with a sudden headache. I reached for my water bottle and took a few sips, hoping to alleviate the discomfort. However, the warmth and the headache only seemed to intensify. Panicking, I realized that something was not right.

I made a grave mistake venturing out alone tonight. It was well past midnight, marking the official beginning of my 18th birthday. Instead of celebrating, however, I found myself stranded in a desolate clearing that wolves bypassed on their runs. I couldn't escape the overwhelming feeling that my existence was about to be tragically cut short and soon forgotten. In an attempt to regain composure, I took a deep breath, desperately trying to calm my racing heart. I closed my eyes and focused on the rhythmic sound of my breathing, trying to block out the fear and panic threatening to overwhelm me. The chill in the air served as a sharp reminder that time was slipping away, and I needed to find a way out before it was too late.

As I attempted to move forward, I experienced a piercing wave of pain throughout my entire body. It felt as if a thousand daggers were stabbing into every inch of my being, rendering me immobile and helpless. With each breath, the agony intensified, threatening to consume me completely. I crashed onto the forest floor, my screams echoing as a new surge of pain jolted through me.

“Goddess help me!” I writhed in unbearable pain.