Rejecting the Future Moon Goddess

CHAPTER 5 No Longer a Beta

　　"Do you remember much of what happened?" My father asks, the tension in the air so thick, making me feel as if the walls are closing in on me. Mika and Lace, with tear-stained faces, sit to the side on a small couch while my parents force me to stand. Today, we buried Alpha Sorus and Luna Reena. The idea of dealing with my parents after everything that's happened in the last three days is not something I want to do after their neglect the night they found us pups huddled together in fear. Instead, I keep my gaze towards the window, watching the raindrops pitter-patter against the glass.

　　"I don't remember much. We fell asleep watching the unicorns play. Geminie woke me up because she heard something, then woke Lace up," Mika answers, his voice wavering. I turn to look at the older boy to see my mother comforting him and sending a seething glare my way.

　　"Geminie, if you woke them up then why didn't you come get help!" It isn't a question, but an accusation that Mother throws my way. I can feel her hatred where I stand halfway across the room.

　　"I woke up and got Mika up right away, then Lace. There were too many wolves and if anyone of us tried running, we would have been caught and most likely killed, too." I answer plainly, meeting her gaze with a pleading look hoping my own mother will listen to reason.

　　"That's just an excuse!" She snarls at me, standing protectively in front of the Alpha pups and staring at me with contempt, a look I know all to well.

　　"It is the truth. They killed the Alpha and Luna because they were looking for the Moon Goddess' lost pup and believe that they were hiding her in this pack. If we came out, we would have been in danger, and if I left Mika and Lace there, they would have been in dan-" I stop mid-sentence, flinching as my father slams a fist onto his desk, causing me to jump in fear. Anger radiates off of him in waves and my attention turns to him.

　　"Enough of your lies, Geminie. You're the reason why our Alpha and Luna, Mika and Lace's parents, are dead!" His voice bellows, the bookshelves rattling from the power. I stand frozen in shock and fear.

　　"Since Mika won't be of age to take over for another twelve years, I will be in charge as acting Alpha and my wife as acting Luna. You, Geminie, will be nothing but an Omega, a slave to this pack for your insolence and failure to protect our leaders." He continues, his words a finality on my fate in this pack. I turn to look at my friends, knowing that their words would help me keep my status as a Beta female. But Mika glares at me with hatred before turning away and Lace stares at the floor, clearly not listening to a word. I know right then and there that in this room I am alone. Alone, disowned, and an Omega.

　　Beta Bastian dismisses us, my face now sporting a bruise from the slap he had given me just moments ago when I tried pleading my case and calling him "Father" one more time. An Omega with a car waits for me, his job to drive me to the Beta's house, a place I can no longer call home, and leave me there to pack up whatever can fit into a single duffle bag. After that, I will have to find my own way back to the pack house and to the small room that will be assigned to me. The car ride is quiet, and the Omega gives me a look of sympathy, his eyes too large for his sallow face.

　　"We know it's not your fault, Geminie. The Omegas know what happened was a freak event. We believe you," He reassures me before we return to the quiet drive. It feels nice knowing that the Omegas have my back now that I will be one of them. I have a sinking feeling that Beta Bastian will make our lives worse for it.

　　The car stops in front of the house, the Omega giving me an encouraging smile and telling me to be brave while handing me an empty duffle bag as I step out of the vehicle and head inside. The house feels cold and empty, a forbidden place to me now. Heading past the living room and up the stairs, I make my way to my bedroom and stop in the doorway. I see everything is gone except for five duffle bags sitting on the bare mattress of what used to be my bed.

　　"Thank the Goddess you're okay, Gemmie," Alex's voice sounds from behind me and I turn to see him holding a bundle in his arms and pushing past me to fill another duffle bag.

　　"I heard them talking last night, mom and dad. They already planned to make you an Omega, and when they left me here after the Funeral, I asked an Omega to bring me a few bags to fill for you. I have everything, including your blankets and toys." He states, pulling me into a hug.

　　"Do you think I could become a Beta again?" I ask in a whisper, tears threatening to fall.

　　"I don't know, Gemmie, but you have to be strong when they come back," I nod, giving my brother a reassuring smile and handing him the empty duffle bag I held. I help him pack a few more items, taking some food from the kitchen and pantry. A car pulls into the driveway and my heart skips a beat, thinking it's the Beta couple, but it's the Omega who dropped me off.

　　"Liam here said he would drive me to the pack house. They are on their way home now, but I texted them the excuse of checking up on Mika and they bought it. Liam is going to help me take your bags your new room. Just pretend to finish packing up the last one I leave for you, okay?" I only nod at my brother, letting Liam into the house as he and Alex carry six of the seven bags down and into the car. I wave to them before rushing upstairs and double-checking to see if we left anything before doing my best to carry the bag downstairs just in time for Beta Bastian and Mrs. Jasmine to burst through the door.

　　"You should have been gone by now." Beta Bastian growls out. I keep my head down, looking to the floor to hide my fear.

　　"I was just leaving, sir." I answer quietly, staying in my spot and waiting for the two wolves to walk past me. Instead, a hand grabs my hair and I cry from the pain, the Beta's face inches from mine.

　　"Well get the f**k out, you stupid pup," He screams at me, dragging me to the door and throwing me off of the front porch and into the mud-soaked lawn. Mrs. Jasmine just smirks, her arms crossed over her chest.

　　"You know the way to the pack house, you b***h, so make your way there." With that, Beta Bastian growls again, turns and slams the door, leaving me all alone. The rain stops suddenly, clouds clearing and the full moon shines down on me. I feel like the Moon Goddess takes pity on me while my small body slowly walks back towards the pack house where my life as an Omega will begin.