The Annual Ceremony is held in the Community Center. A gigantic building that contains more pillars than any building I have been to. The tiled floors are sparkling clean. The white-coated walls remind me of a hospital. An endless amount of chairs are lined up in rows. For an Omega, being here is a privilege.
"Don't slack." Lara swipes her cane on a young omega who had forgotten to fix her tie. She stumbles which earned her another stroke on the shoulder.
I stand still, holding my breath. At the sight of Lara strolling through the room, cross-checking and making amendments--I nearly peed. Maya is with the decor team, I wish more than anything I was with her.
"How is it going, Zara?" Lara folds her arms on her chest. She tucks the cane on the waistband of her jeans and I stifle a laugh. She looks like she is ready for war.
Someone should inform her that it's too early in the morning to be so serious.
I balance the tray of cups on my lap. The chair creaks as I stand. I will just maneuver around her and pretend she isn't talking to me.
The plan failed obviously. Lara is too fat one doesn't get away with ease. She spreads her arms all over the place, making you conscious of your height and weight. She is a bear and you're the rat.
"Shoulders up dear." She dabs a dirty hanky on her chubby cheeks. If I hadn't known, I could've said she was being emotional, but I could see a glistening sweat. "We will dearly miss you."
I snort. Lara doesn't like anyone. It's a standard thing; making an Omega feel so valuable on their last day. If she wanted me to feel special, then she would've relieved me of my duty.
Lara goes away probably to scold someone else. My wolf has been nagging at me, emotions all over the place. She is eager to meet her mate. She growled all day, skipping around. I can sense her excitement, and it irritates me.
I have never been one to be wrought up regarding meeting a mate. I despise the ideology of it. I untie the little bandana that is holding my waist in place. The uniform that was distributed was too short, and my stomach was exposed. An old-looking faded photograph of my mom is placed neatly against it. The only treasure I own. I kiss the top and place it back.
"Excuse me," an Omega with long silver hair says. I move away so she can pass. I sit down on the threshold. When I look up, Lara is shaking her head at me from where she stands, using her cane on a male Omega that fails to move the furniture.
I stroll out after entrusting the girls in the kitchen with the last rounds of cups I can find. Outside, the wind blows frantically; the sky is so blue I can't take my eyes away from it. Guards are scattered around the Community Centre. To avoid any questions I decide to follow the route that leads into the forest.
I make sure not to scratch my legs on the twigs; not all werewolves possess the Healing Ability, and I'm not one of them. I have no strength whatsoever except for cooking. I sit by the trunk of an Apple tree.
My wolf yearns for a run but I don't surrender to that. It has been ages since we spent time together. I have been so busy with the duties of being an Omega that I have no time for extracurricular activities---most Omegas don't.
It hasn't hit me how life-changing it will be to find a mate. I crack my brain, trying to remember the experiences of others who have climbed that ladder. I swear someone said it's 'nostalgic and a magical moment--straight out of a fairytale' but I don't believe that. How can finding someone be great? You will be bound to them forever, till death do you part.
I picture my mate coming in through the woods; he will be an Omega dressedin a faded shirt.
No, no. I snap out of my reverie. I shouldn't be daydreaming of something like that. Maya had called it a fairytale. I wonder how she is doing, probably squealing at some design she finds appealing. Maya enjoys being an Omega, I envy her for that. She says it isn't a curse but a blessing.
How so?
I stretch my sore limbs. The barks of the tree were uncomfortable. When I looked up, I noticed the apples were ripe.
Juicy red sweet apples.
My wolf isn't t too happy when I jump, aiming at one that is so near yet far. I hate being short on days like these.
So close. I cheer on. I miss the apple by a few inches. My stomach gnaws in pain, I'm suddenly hungry. I jump some more feeling more determined than ever.
But I miss all the numerous attempts in vain.
"If you wanted to eat so badly, you could ask for some help, Princess," a deep rasp voice utters. I have no time to process who it is or what they are doing in a secluded area. My guess is Lara sent some guard to take me back.
I move away from the tree, already planning my escape. I am ready to face Lara; as far as I am concerned, I have done my part of the job.
"Listen, I know that I skipped but I promise you, they aren't that much work back at the kitchen. Can you please not report me to Lara?" I mumble. The giant-looking man is amused. His lips press so tight, suppressing a laugh.
He isn't wearing the security uniform. His suit looks so expensive it's sinful. They're green---forest green--and the color of his eyes. At a closer look, his muscles strain against him. I want a feel of them.
What's wrong with you? I question my sanity. He is beautiful, extremely beautiful.
His lashes brush against his cheeks each time he blinks. His brunette hair is swept against his forehead. So slick. I have an urge to ask what products he uses.
"Take this." He plugs an apple from the tree. I hesitate. He looks so well dressed to be an Omega. In this part of the state, only Omegas live. He might be a guest of the Annual Ceremony, maybe?
I extend my hands and hold the plumpy fruit. Before I could thank him, a bulky-looking man appeared from the clearings, dressed in black. "Alpha, there are some guests that would like to schedule a meeting."
Oh shit, I've just met Alpha Josh and I've already made a fool of myself.