Chereads / Gibbous Peak's Unseen Mate / Chapter 12 - An Omega's Place - 4

Chapter 12 - An Omega's Place - 4

The East wing was the largest section of the packhouse housing dorms for the pack members who lived on the grounds. Most of the pack members had their own homes within the village, which was more like a small town, or scattered throughout the territory. Those who were weaker or without families were given the option to live under their Alpha's roof and protection. There was also housing for warriors, most rooms were permanent for the unmated while a few were temporary for those who traveled back and forth from their own home for duty.

The ground floor was a larger, more used version of the West wing's rec-room. Different areas of the open space were allotted for various activities and uses. There was a theater-like space with several smaller TVs with video game consoles and a projector for large-screen entertainment. On the other end, a space was sectioned off with a short plastic gate for children. It was a chaotically colorful place full of toys, books and activities. In between there were other sources of entertainment, like a foosball and air hockey table and a shelf full of board games. Throughout the rec-room, there were many comfortable couches and an abundance of floor cushions. It was the ideal space for people to gather, relax and spend time together.

The other floors of the East wing were divided by class. The second floor was for the warriors, the third housed orphans and their caretakers, the fourth floor was strictly for Omegas. These floors had shared rooms and a communal bathroom with showers. At the top, the floor was divided into three apartments housing the management staff and their families. Everyone in the East wing earned their keep through assigned chores and responsibilities. They were given room and boarding along with a modest paycheck.

When the prisoners, or rather refugees, first arrived at the packhouse, they were divided by class. Dana obviously returned to her place and responsibilities as the Gamma's mate. Ruben was easily placed in the warrior training ranks and Frank wished to be a rankless pack member. Garrett was able to contact his uncle and reunite with his family outside of Gibbous Peak pack. Since his uncle was medically trained, he picked up his nephew before he was completely healed. After discovering his brother's death months ago, he believed he had no family left. When he was contacted about his nephew, he left for Gibbous Peak without delay. Emotions were high as they were reunited, able to mourn their loss together and take comfort in each other. Garrett promised to keep in touch and Alpha Cedric was benevolent enough to allow him passage, even branded as a rogue. His uncle was suspicious of their treatment, but soon realized the Alpha simply did not see them as a threat, and therefore allowed them to do as they pleased. It was logical, yet an unconventional approach to ruling.

Lyra honestly did not know her class. She was told, as a young child, that she was likely to be an Omega since she used to be small for her age. She originally wanted to be a rankless member like Frank, living away from the packhouse and the danger within. But the Delta, who was the pack doctor, insisted that her weak constitution, extensive injuries and PTSD required closer protection and care. Coupled with her constant trembling and weak presence, she was branded as an Omega without any investigation.

The head maid, Ms. Greta, disliked Lyra from the start without any clear reason why. Eventually, she found reasons to back up her discrimination and voiced her opinion freely. As one of the most authoritative members of the house, the others followed suit. Lyra wasn't the only one under harsh treatment, but as the newest member, those who were bullied took the opportunity to become bullies. For the most part, there was very little physical violence. It was more like causing inconveniences by passing off tedious chores along with verbal degradation.

Lyra's place at the bottom of the Omegas was solidified when Ms. Greta assigned a storage closet as her bedroom. In fact, she didn't mind the cramped quarters and solitude. The other Omegas had roommates and she didn't want to endure their pestering without respite. There was a chance of making friends by familiarizing herself with a roommate, but since she would enter a room at three to one, it wasn't likely to happen. Lyra was never skilled at making friends anyway. She was more comfortable with animals and children.

Her little corner of the room was simple and clean. There were storage boxes and metal shelves in neat rows filling the rest of the space. People were entering and exiting her not-so-private space without warning throughout the day. But she wasn't going to complain. A soft bed, clean sheets, warm blankets and even two pillows. Lyra appreciated the bountiful comforts she was given.

The Omegas' duties started just after dawn. One morning she was awakened early to the squeals of several flatmates running through the storage room and flinging the curtain from the large window at the far end. The sun had not risen yet, but the budding light began to dye the clouds lilac and pink. Lyra's window had the best unobstructed view of the warrior training grounds and the Omega girls often used it for gawking. They would openly do the same on the outskirts of the training grounds, but this view had the advantage of vantage point and a supposed secrecy. Lyra knew that every warrior on that field could sense the girls pressing their nose to the glass, but the latter was none the wiser.

"Alpha Cedric is training today!" One of the girls shrieked.

The others gathered quickly, they even subconsciously made room for Lyra to join them. She didn't even realize how she got out of bed and walked across the room. It was like her body moved on its own. Since this wasn't her hobby, she didn't know the rarity of witnessing their Alpha's combat practice. But with so many gathered today, her curiosity got the better of her. Even if the warriors knew of their presence, they ignored them. So there should be no risk, right?

Alpha Cedric entered the center of the field and began sparring with three warriors at once. His fluid movements were hypnotizing, he truly was superior in skill and strength. Even to the untrained eye, his attacks were completely unpredictable, misleading his opponents. He would move as if he was going for one guy then suddenly throw the other over his shoulder. He rotated opponents faster than the others. That way, all that desired to spar with him would be given a chance.