The Omega's Incarnation

4. Awakened blood

A week has gone by after the party. Claret spends her time cooperating with Leona, seeking help from the Bloodline Palace without her father's knowledge. Everything has become so hard lately, but they are persistent in finding the Omega, where the soul of True Alpha was living.

Currently, Claret and Artemis were conversing regarding the outcome of the party last time. Claret apprised him of her ethical decision, but Artemis kept saying she had to choose her mate for the sake of her wolf.

"I don't think choosing my mate now is good."

"It's fine if you can't choose. I already talked with Alpha Haleio, and he told me he was your mate. You just have to acknowledge it," Artemis said, leaving a profound mark on her chest. If only she could voice out the truth, she will. But she doesn't have the privilege to lead Leona and breaks her promises.

"Besides, you won't have to feel alone this way."

Claret sighs heavily. "But dad, I don't need this right now."

"We cannot do something about it, Claret. Alpha Haleio is now offering you a proposal. You have to accept it, or else your wolf blood will remain unawakened. He can take care of you, and his presence will strengthen your wolf."

That's what hurts. Her wolf blood will remain untamed until she chooses someone to take over. The thought is killing her, but her mind can't help but wonder who her mate is that would make her choose him. And then she realizes that it isn't going to happen unless she finds the soul of True Alpha, living in Omega's body. As of now, she can't choose anyone.

"Why does it have to be so hard?" a voice stated in her mind.

Artemis sighed loudly. "Claret, you must understand I want what's best for you."

"Yeah, I understand, dad," she said. "But can you give me some time to think? Just two days."

Her father nods. "I'll give you the space you need, but please remember what I've told you."

Claret nods back and lets out another loud sigh as her father leaves the room. She thought of meeting Leona to find at least help, so she went outside their house, heading directly to the forest and endeavoring to see her right away.

Staying in the forest is a risk for her because her wolf blood was still unawakened. There might be danger awaits for her. Greedy wolves or packs might attack her, and she could have no way of fighting it off. But for goodness sake, she has to be fearless for now.

While walking, she found a large log on the ground and sat under it. Her gaze drifted from right to left until she heard a noise that forced her to stand up and look around. The crackling of dried leaves could be heard, but it was faint. It could not be the sound of the wind that blows past.

A sudden growl came from the direction of the source. It's coming from there.

Claret started walking, looking behind her every single minute. When she realized she was in the middle of the forest, all she heard was the rustling of leaves and howls. That's all she hears.

"What is that?" Claret muttered while stopping her tracks when a massive figure stepped out from the bush. It was a male wolf. An old one, but not very big. His eyes were black, and his fur a pure black color.

The black wolf raised his upper lip showing fangs; his body language was aggressive. He looks like he wants to rip her into pieces.

The black wolf strode towards Claret, but he stopped abruptly before he could attack her. Using his nose, he raised her chin to make her look at his eyes; his nostrils flared up, and he let out a gratified expression as if he was going to rip her neck.

Claret took a few quick steps backward, and her heartbeat was rising. When something suspiciously came into her mind, she tried to observe, attempting to run. Unluckily, she looked behind her and saw other dark black wolves. They're so fast, and she almost didn't notice them come out. They're hiding behind the tall bushes.

She was nervous, absolutely terrified. Black werewolves are about to attack her, but a sudden force pulls them away. Claret looked back and saw a white wolf. It was bigger than the black wolves. Its muscles were bulging out, and its teeth were sharp and deadly. It growls loudly and pounces on the black werewolves, who immediately turn tail and run away.

After that, Claret somehow felt relief. Soon as the white wolf faced her, she discovered something familiar, his hazel eyes. The white wolf slowly shifted into a human form, but before Claret could witness who it was, she sensed unusual pain inside her body, a burning sensation as it would explode.

Claret falls to the ground, screaming her lungs out. Every single part of her felt burned. She doesn't know why. And when she couldn't restrain the pain, her eyes became heavy until she lost her balance.

*****

Ezekiel thought it would be so easy to just stay here in the cabin surrounded by a giant hollow mushroom in the center of the forest. To let Claret sleep in his bed. To allow the pain alleviate slowly, to let the pounding of his pulse in his temples calm down, and to just... rest in the presence of his mate, his Luna. He knew from the beginning it was Claret.

After calming himself gradually, he sat beside his headboard, staring down at Claret, who's curled into a tight ball and sleeping peacefully.

Ezekiel closed his eyes and let out a long sigh. "I wish I could change the past."

Suddenly, the door opened, unfurling the woman with a plum dress and conical crown named Aivee, one of the good witches who took care of Ezekiel after his incarnation. She has a tray of food and a jar of water in her hands and then puts them down on the table.

"How is she?" Aivee inquired.

"Still sleeping," he replied. "But I can't find any wounds."

The witch frowned, trying to think what she should respond to next. After a while, she answers, "What does it mean?"

"Maybe her blood is awakened somehow," Ezekiel answered unsurely.

Aivee looked thoughtful. "Could be." she then shook her head. "So we cannot go near her now; it would endanger us. Why don't we just send her home? I'm sure her father is worried about her now."

"No." Ezekiel stared at Claret again. "She's safe here."

"You know the risk!" the witch exclaimed, perturbed.

"What if her blood is awakening because of us? Zack will surely hunt you again. Why don't you just let her live without you?"

Ezekiel stood and turned to look down at Claret, still lying unconscious. His determination to make his Luna safe is genuine, and the next thing he stated really impressed the witch.

"I don't care if I die right here right now," he said. "As long as I know her safe."

Aivee soughed laboriously; she knew how tenacious Ezekiel's wolf blood was. But she can't refuse the Alpha's decree. Especially now that he finds out Claret was his mate. "Alright, I know you're serious, but what will the other witches say?"

"Lie for me once."

"Don't worry. I will."

And with that, Aivee left the room, closing the door silently.