An Omega's Desire

Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR

The first rays of dawn slip through my curtains, casting a warm glow on my eyelids. I stir, my mind still tethered to the remnants of a dream where shadows loomed and whispers tangled in the air like thorny vines. My dreams have been vivid and unsettling lately, but today's a day for pushing aside such concerns. Today, I turn eighteen.

I stretch, feeling the familiar ache in my limbs that comes from a night spent shifting and running in my wolf form. The scent of something sweet and rich lures me from the tangle of my sheets—a scent that promises vanilla and warmth. My heart leaps. They remembered.

"Happy Birthday, Sage!" The chorus greets me as I pad into the kitchen, the wooden floor cool beneath my bare feet. My parents and little sister are gathered around the table, a homemade cake proudly sitting in its center, adorned with lit candles that flicker like tiny stars.

"Make a wish, birthday girl," my mom says, her smile softening the lines around her eyes.

I take in the faces of my family—my safe haven within the Solar Crest Pack—and feel a swell of gratitude. As an Omega, I've always felt slightly out of place, my secret ability to see snippets of the future setting me further apart. But here, I am simply Sage, their daughter and sister.

"Thank you," I murmur, and close my eyes, inhaling the moment before blowing out the candles. Yet, even as I do, my skin prickles with the sensation of being watched.

"Is everything alright?" my dad asks, his brow creasing in concern.

"Perfect," I reply, though the word feels heavy on my tongue.

They begin serving slices of cake as I shake off the unease. My younger sister chatters about her plans to explore the budding mountain ranges this spring, her excitement infectious. But then I notice it—the hushed tones between my parents when they think I'm preoccupied with frosting and well wishes.

"…should tell her soon. It's not right to keep this from her," my mom whispers, casting furtive glances my way.

"Not yet. Let her enjoy the day," my dad responds just as quietly, his voice a low rumble that reminds me of distant thunder.

It's the same secretive tone I've heard from the elders, a guarded language that sets my nerves on edge. What could be so important that it warrants secrecy even on my birthday? A sense of déjà vu washes over me; I've seen this behavior before, in the days leading up to significant events within the pack. Events that often involve the Alpha, Torin, or his right hand, Silas.

Doubt snakes its way into my thoughts, and I can't help but wonder if my parents' whispers are linked to the unease that has haunted my dreams. But for now, I push down the questions bubbling up inside me, determined to savor the sweetness of this moment, both in spirit and taste.

The last bite of cake clings to my fork, the sweetness now a lingering afterthought as I stare at my parents. Their earlier whispers still echo in my mind, a discordant note that refuses to fade into the background noise of celebration. With each passing second, the weight of their silence grows heavier, like an anchor pulling me down into a sea of suspicion.

"Mom, Dad," I start, my voice steady despite the turmoil brewing inside me. "What were you talking about earlier? It sounded important." I watch them exchange a quick glance, a silent conversation passing between them that I'm not privy to. The air feels thick with unspoken words, and I'm suddenly desperate for a breath of truth.

My dad sets his mug down with a soft clink against the wood of the kitchen table. He offers me a smile, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "It's nothing, Sage," he assures me, though the assurance rings hollow. "Just pack matters that can wait. Today is about you."

I'm not buying it; their evasive glances tell a different story—one that involves me more than they're willing to admit. "Pack matters usually don't involve whispering at your daughter's birthday breakfast," I press on, needing to understand the connection between their secrecy and the strange dreams that have been plaguing me.

"Really, honey, it's nothing to worry about," my mom chimes in, her tone light but her fingers drumming anxiously on the tabletop. "You should be focusing on the exciting day ahead. You're officially an adult in the pack now."

"Then as an adult, I would appreciate the honesty," I retort, feeling a spark of my Omega defiance flicker to life. "If it's about me or the pack, I have a right to know. The dreams I've been having—they're not just random nightmares. They mean something, and I think you know what that is."

Their expressions shift then, a mixture of concern and resignation painting their features. Yet they hold firm, a united front of parental protection that borders on stifling. "Sage, we promise, when the time is right, you'll know everything," my dad says. His voice is gentle but carries an underlying firmness that brooks no argument.

But I'm done with deferral and dismissal. As an Omega, I may be low in rank, but my will is anything but submissive. "The time feels pretty right to me," I insist, meeting their gaze with determination. "I'm part of this pack too, and whatever is going on, I deserve to be included. No more secrets."

They share another look, one filled with love and a hint of regret. My heart twists, knowing they're only trying to protect me, but also realizing that their silence could very well be putting me in greater danger. The urge to shift, to run until the wind wipes the slate of my worries clean, is almost overwhelming. But I stay seated, grounded by my need for answers.

"Please," I add softly, hoping the vulnerability in my voice will c***k their resolve.

My mom reaches across the table, her hand covering mine. "We love you, Sage. More than anything. Trust us—it's nothing that can't wait until after today's celebrations."

A sigh escapes me, heavy and resigned. I nod, understanding the battle of wills has ended, for now. My parents care deeply, yet they guard their secrets as fiercely as any Alpha protects his pack. And I, Sage, the Omega with the hazel eyes that see too much, am left to wait for the tide of revelation that is sure to come.