Helen POV
I swept sweat off my forehead and moved the bulky mop around the floor. I was the only one left to clean the enormous kitchen. Even though my back hurt, I had no time to stop. The warriors of the Blueblood Pack were outdoors preparing for an occasion while joking and laughing. I didn't participate in any of that. I never was.
"Omega, move faster!" I winced at the sound of a pointed voice.
When I looked up, I noticed Serena gazing at me from the doorway with her arms crossed. Tall, strong, and in charge at all times, she was one of the warriors. In contrast, I was. While I kept my head down and kept mopping, my heart was racing.
"Helen, you move so slowly. Perhaps you might get more attention if you put in more effort," Serena mocked. The other pack members behind her chuckled at the heavy layer of derision in her voice.
I remained silent. I never did. It was best to keep silent and stay out of trouble.
Being an omega, particularly an orphan omega, meant that you were looked down upon or, worse, regarded as though you didn't belong.
"Are you also deaf now?" With her boots clicking against the ground, Serena took a step closer. Or are you simply too pitiful to say anything?
I bit the inside of my cheek as I clamped down harder on the mop handle. Though it wasn't the first time I had experienced bullying of this kind, it still hurt. Everyone understood that I wouldn't defend myself.
"Serena, leave her alone. Another call came from the hallway, "Alpha is calling for the meeting." Serena rolled her eyes, obviously irritated that her good time was being interrupted.
"Omega, you're lucky that I have somewhere to be. But I'll be keeping an eye on you," she snarled, pirouetting around violently. "Make sure everything is immaculate here."
Once more, the door slammed behind her, leaving me by myself. With a ragged breath, I released the frustration and despair that was heavy in my chest. Though this was my existence, I wanted things to be different. It had been like that forever.
I raced outside in the hopes of catching sight of the pack's gathering after completing the cleaning. Despite not being invited to the major events, I preferred to observe from the periphery where no one would see me.
As always, Alpha Scott Draven commanded attention from the front of the group. His broad shoulders and keen features gave him the impression that he could defeat an army on his own alone. He was tall. His striking green eyes and dark hair were enough to draw attention from anyone.
I crouched behind a tree and only occasionally looked up to see him. Because of his strength, Alpha Scott was revered by all. However, he seemed so far away from me like a light in the night sky. I could never get close to him, but I could admire him from a distance.
Speaking authoritatively, he informed the pack about the impending hunt. His authoritative voice conveyed his sense of control. The others hung on his every word, nodding along.
I couldn't quite place it, but as I watched, a weird sensation that was a mix of amazement and something else took hold of me. I felt so little and unimportant in comparison to him. How could he possibly know what someone like me is capable of? Most likely nothing.
"Helen!" sounded and startled me out of my reverie.
I spun around just in time to see Lila, another omega, frowning at me. "Why are you in this place? We're not authorized to attend these meetings, as you are aware.
"I—I wasn't—" I retreated, stammering. My cheeks turned red with shame.
"Return to the kitchens quickly before someone notices you," Lila growled, squinting. "And avoid being detected. You will be in danger if they discover that you are monitoring the Alpha.
With my heart racing in my chest, I nodded. I was aware of her correctness. Feeling silly even for imagining I could be a part of something greater, I turned and hurried away.
The gang assembled for an outing for hunting later that day. Omegas like me were supposed to assist with preparations even though we weren't technically allowed to join.
While transporting a basket of provisions to the forest's edge, I felt a strong nudge from behind. I staggered ahead, almost losing everything.
With a smug smirk on her face, Serena hissed, "Watch where you're going, Omega." Her amusement lit up her eyes as though witnessing my struggle brightened her day.
With shaky hands, I picked up the basket and got to my feet. I murmured, "I'm sorry," not looking her in the eye.
"You ought to be. Serena shoved me once more, saying, "You're so awkward, it's embarrassing." I barely managed to stay balanced this time. I stood feeling helpless as the other wolves around us chuckled and some even whispered insults.
"She's worthless," someone remarked.
Understandably, she is an orphan. Nobody desires her," another voice added.
My eyes pricked with tears, but I forced them back. I refused to give them the gratification of witnessing my tears. Rather, I bit my lip and said nothing.
With her voice low enough for me to hear alone, Serena drew in closer. Helen, you don't belong here. You've never done so. You are and always will be weak.
With each word, the lump in my throat became larger as I forced myself to swallow. I wanted to speak up, to fight back, but I refrained out of fear of more embarrassment.
Finally, Serena waved her hand dismissively and murmured, "Move along, Omega," moving away. "You're squandering time on everyone."
I compelled myself to continue going while feeling incredibly ashamed. I did everything to get away from the way they treated me, but it was impossible.
I headed back home as the sun was lowering. The woodland all around me was serene, and the air was cool. Being by myself and away from the pack and all of their nastiness was the only time I experienced any sort of tranquility.
However, something felt off tonight.
I felt something strange come over me as I went. The air seemed to have changed, growing denser and nearly electrifying. My heart raced, but not because I was afraid. It was not what you thought. Something that eluded me.
I paused my stroll and inhaled deeply, attempting to relax. But the sensation just got stronger, tugging at my chest and drawing me toward something. Or a person.
"What's going on with me?" I clutched my chest and whispered to myself as the feeling grew stronger.
Leaning against a tree, my thoughts were racing. It seemed like I was burning from the inside out because of how warm my body felt. I tried to concentrate by closing my eyes, but all I saw was Alpha Scott—his powerful presence and his piercing eyes. His face flashed, bright and clear in my memory.
No. It is not possible.
I shook my head, feeling scared and perplexed by my emotions. However, the more I tried to ignore it, the more vivid the vision became.
"Alpha Scott" I uttered a barely heard murmur.
Why was this how I was thinking about him? Why this time? My heart was beating so hard I felt like it would burst. I was unable to understand it.
Suddenly, the surroundings appeared to get blurry, and my image of Scott became clearer and more vivid. It was as though I could sense his presence, even though I knew he was far away.
However, how could that have happened?
Gasping for breath, my body shook with terror and confusion as I opened my eyes. Though I was unsure of what was going on with me, I was certain that a significant change was occurring. And I was afraid of it.
Was I feeling my partner?
It is not possible. Not me. Not in his presence.
I stumbled back, attempting to make sense of everything while my mind spun. But I felt, deep down, that something had changed about me.
Furthermore, nothing would ever be the same.
The image of Scott lingered in my mind, clear and undeniable. My heart raced as the overwhelming feeling continued to consume me. I didn't know what it meant, but I couldn't ignore it.
Could Alpha Scott… possibly be… my mate?