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Chapter 10
Bella
The day had been full of activities and went longer than I expected. But I had enough energy to take part in each event and was still buzzing in anticipation of the ball. The dance lessons were fantastic - I already knew the basics, but the classes gave me additional confidence and the teachers were supportive, complimenting all of us on our grace and poise. Afternoon tea was more socializing, so I met several new omegas, one of them being a prominent social media star. It was like floating on air being here in the presence of such desired omegas and knowing I’d soon be introduced right along with them.
The hair and makeup appointments were filling quickly, so I made sure to get signed up so I’d have the help of professionals before the first night of the Darlington Ball. Mrs. Watts had checked in with me periodically throughout the day, and was currently updating me as the hairdresser made my hair into curled waves. “Tonight, each omega will be introduced, and each pack will be given a brief introduction as well. Social mingling will be permitted, and if you match with a pack, or several, then the next few days you will be encouraged to go on individual outings with them, ideally leaving here in an official courtship.” She spoke matter-of-factly, as if it was a given that I’d match with a pack. I knew there were more packs here than omegas, so the numbers were in my favor. I looked in the mirror - they had done a phenomenal job with my hair and makeup. I just needed to go to my room for Piper’s dress, and I’d be ready to make my debut.
“Thank you so much. It looks amazing!” I thanked the hairdresser and makeup artist before shimmying out of the chair.
“Don’t forget to make it to the lineup by six o'clock sharp!” Mrs.Watts said as I took off to my room.
“I won’t!” I could barely contain my smile as I ran back to the omega wing, past the guards and all the way down to my room at the back. I had barely spent any time in the room at all, and my bags weren’t even unpacked. Luckily, the dress Piper had loaned me was made of such a material that it didn’t even wrinkle, so I just had to throw it on and I’d be ready for the first night of the ball. My luggage was over by the walk-in closet and I flung it open, searching through the mass of clothes I’d already rummaged through this morning. I pulled out each item of clothing and set it aside in search of the dress, looking to see if it was tangled in between my other clothes. Where was it?
Panic set in as my stomach lurched. Piper’s dress was the nicest piece I had brought. Every other outfit I had was from my pitiful allowance. I had only a handful of dresses that I’d planned on using for the rest of the trip for the more casual outings. My breaths came in shallow as I tossed every article of clothing to one side of the room, then searched through those. No, it can’t be! In my excitement and rush to pack, I must have left it hanging in my closet at the Omega House. I remembered leaving it there after trying it on the night before I left. How could I have forgotten to pack it? It was the star piece! Slumping backward, I looked around at the mess of fabric littering the floor. If I wanted to go to the ball, I’d have to wear one of my other dresses. My mind raced as I grabbed at each option. They were so cheap looking compared to what everyone else was wearing today. Simple printed polyester dresses with poor stitching, and most of them weren’t appropriate for any type of upscale event. In a panic, I called Piper.
“Hey! How is the ball going? Bella? What’s wrong?” I was sobbing while Piper’s voice went from excited to concerned.
“Your dress. I left it behind by accident.” My voice cracked as I tried to relay my situation to her.
“Oh Bella, you didn’t bring it? It’s okay! Just wear one of your other outfits! I’m sure it will be fine!” She didn’t understand. Piper had never had to go through the normal omega process and had never been to a ball.
“They look so cheap. Everyone will know I don’t belong.” I could barely get my words out as I tried to breathe through my distress.
“Bella, stop! Remember when I tried to give up on finding my pack?” I sat, thinking back to her courting process. “I almost didn’t meet them because I couldn’t imagine being with so many men. Who encouraged me through it? You did! Now I’m telling you, if you don’t put on a dress and go down there and show them how amazing you are, I’ll fly there right now and drag you down the ball myself!” A smile broke through at the image of Piper demanding to be let in the castle and trying to get me out of my room. “Your personality and charm will outshine any dress, Bella. You have to believe in yourself! Get to the ball before you miss the pack of your dreams!” I took a deep breath. She was right. I was feeling sorry for myself, and I needed to try. I was all the way here. I couldn't stop now.
“You’re right Piper. I’m good enough as I am,” I whispered, trying hard to believe the words. “Thank you.” I looked around and spotted a dress that would just have to work.
“Now go out there and have the time of your life!” I grabbed the dress, and without thinking too much, I started putting it on. No matter what, I had to keep going. If I gave up now, I’d lay in the comfortable bed in this room and never leave it.
Chapter 11
Bella
Fortunately, my tears didn't do much damage to my makeup, so I hurriedly wiped my eyes and put on my shoes and the minimal jewelry I had brought. My heels clicked as I ran down the hallway to get to the entrance of the ballroom where we would be introduced one by one. The event would begin at six, and I had only a few minutes to spare. I saw Evangeline was already in line, her eyes only widening a little when she saw what I was wearing.
“Hey Bella! Are you excited? It’s about to start!” I stopped next to her, waiting as they made sure we were in order before being brought out to the ballroom for our introductions.
“Yes, but I lost my dress! I had to wear this instead.” I motioned down to the simple floral dress that was more of a summer sundress than a ball gown. Evangeline was wearing a dark blue formal dress that made her look stunning in comparison. I felt so underdressed compared to everyone else.
“Well, it’s a little unconventional, but you look very cute regardless!” Evangeline’s compliment did little to soothe my fears as we lined up. All the other omegas were in full on gowns, some of them wearing designs and jewelry that probably cost more than a year’s salary for most people. Everyone looked fantastic, like they had just walked out of a magazine. One by one, their names started being called. Evangeline and I were toward the back, and I figured that was by design. The most impressive omegas would go first, since what could a lottery omega brag about? We moved forward as they called out each omega, giving a brief summary of her hobbies and interesting facts before moving on to the next. I could hear the murmurs and clapping from the crowd as each omega stepped forward. A large curtain still hid from the ballroom us, but I knew that on the other side were hundreds of alpha packs. The power was palpable in the air, even if the air system and descenter sprays were working overtime to keep everything as scentless as possible. I could smell the faintest bit of hundreds of scents, all too weak to get a hit of anything in particular, but together they made all of us omegas antsy.
We were getting closer to our turn. I saw Celeste as she stepped forward; the host introducing her although everyone already knew who she was. She received the loudest applause. It went on for quite some time before the host eventually asked them to shush for the next omega. Celeste glided offstage, and I felt pity for the next girl. Who would want to follow up an omega like that? I was glad it wasn’t me - I had enough to worry about being dressed the way I was.
It seemed to take no time at all before Evangeline was called up next. She walked out from behind the curtain, and I saw a spotlight shining on her as the host introduced her. She looked amazing, and I could see photographers snapping pictures as she smiled and waved. I froze. I’d forgotten that the press would cover each of us, and now there would be pictures of me looking like every bit of the small town, social service omega that I was. Would everyone make fun of me back at the Omega House?
My name was called out, and one of the attendants gave me a gentle push forward. I stepped out, feeling stiff and unnatural as I plastered on a too big smile. The spotlight hit me before I could look out to see the crowd, the bright light almost blinding me as I walked toward the host. “And here we have Bella Carter, an omega from the town of Haven in the Western Province! Bella’s hobbies include baking, cleaning, romance books and watching her favorite show, the Masked Designation! She believes in true love and romance - let’s make sure to show her how romantic a pack can be!” The host was just as positive and energetic with my introduction as he was with all the others, but I could hear a stall in the applause. It was muted, with whispers heard throughout the room. I was sure that my fashion choice and introduction made it very clear I was here as a charity case. I still smiled big and bright as the photographers’ cameras flashed. Someone took my hand to lead me offstage with the other omegas. Once the light had cleared from my eyes, I saw Evangeline wave at me and rushed over to her.
“It’s almost done! Now they will introduce the packs and we can socialize!” The pack introductions were less intense. The spotlight merely flashed over them as their pack name was announced, eliminating the need for all of them to make their way to the front of the ballroom stage. After all, they were here for an omega, the ultimate prize. I tried to watch as the light hit each pack. There were so many, and they all looked so wealthy. I recognized a few faces, but most were unknown to me. Evangeline murmured and touched my forearm when one pack was announced. “Did you hear that? Pack Lockwood was just introduced!” I could tell by her reaction that it was a big deal.
“Pack Lockwood?” I asked, unsure of where or if I’d heard the name before.
“Yes, their pack runs Manticore Tech Industries, a direct competitor of Celeste Harringday’s family business! They hate each other!” I looked over at them. They looked handsome and rich, just like all the other packs here. My eyes flitted over to where Celeste was, and I wasn’t the only one looking. Apparently, many people here were aware of their rivalry. Celeste looked unbothered and smiled at someone else, deep in conversation. I looked back over at Pack Lockwood, all of whom smiled politely, but I could tell they were irritated under their facade. They cast quick glances at Celeste as well, trying to appear innocent but clearly aiming to observe her response. Such drama already!
After the rest of the packs were announced, we were encouraged to mingle. I could see several packs make a beeline toward certain omegas, Celeste in particular. I looked around hopefully, but no one was making eye contact with me. A pack quickly walked up to Evangeline and I, but their eyes were on her. “Miss Evangeline?” One of them said and held out his hand to her. “I’d like to introduce my pack.” She gave him her hand as he leaned down to kiss the top of it. The display of interest right in front of me made me feel even more invisible, so I went over to the drink table and asked for a glass of champagne. Maybe some liquid courage would help. As I waited for my glass, I heard people talking as they approached me from behind. One of the voices was familiar, and I turned to see none other than Celeste herself coming over with an older beta male. The server handed me my glass, but I was too star-struck to do anything other than stare as she came to a stop nearby me, asking for champagne as well.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea? You know what they are saying about you.” The beta said as Celeste rolled her eyes at her chaperone.
“It’s just one glass. Anyway, I’m not going to stay here long. I made my appearance, and that’s it.” She thanked the server as she took her glass, taking a long sip from it as the beta watched her with a worried look.
