I lose myself in my thoughts as the discussion continues. I don’t really care why Setias is getting omegas. No, the only thing I hope for is that it continues. Also, that my pack gets an omega soon.
It’s been nearly seven revolutions since we did the omega testing. Seven, long, revolutions. We had gone to the Concord Center in Citradoth as soon as Ziam had joined the pack.
I know Atiox aches for an omega. He rarely speaks of it, though; I think because he worries that it would hurt mine, or Ziam’s, feelings. But I understand. No matter how wonderful I consider my pack mates, it’s not the same as having an omega in our pack. In our home.
And the two omegas that have been matched here in Setias are both these soft little aliens known as humans. I ache for one.Seeing their packs completed, it has only increased my desire for an omega. These humans—tiny, defenseless, tailless and hornless, somehow kick up every alpha instinct inside me. All I can think about lately is a sweet, calm omega; happy to fill our home with love and light.
Chapter Five
Octavia
It’s gonna be fine. It’s gonna be fine. Most folks wait years for a match.
Maybe I’ll be out of prison and can disappear before that happens.
I clench my inhaler in my hand tightly, a safety reflex. The prison transport stops outside the squat, gray stone building.
The Omega Concord testing facility.
I weighed the odds of being an omega, but Jesus, I guess I fucked up my risk calculations. The numbers had run through my head repeatedly.I probably won’t get matched. It’s fine, I had told myself. Wrong. I was so wrong.My chest feels tight, like I’m trying to breathe through a wet paper bag.
The guard opens the door, and when I don’t move, he simply reaches in and grabs my arm, tugging me out.
“WHAT DID THEY ASK?”Sue pokes at me as I stare listlessly at my dinner tray.
I force myself to pick up my fork to eat my canned pears. I don’t look up. “Lots. Personal shit.”
“I heard you might get women alphas!” she blathers on. “Do you swing both ways, O?”
My chest tightens, and I slide my hand to feel my inhaler in my pocket. The nurse had warned me not to overdo it.That it was anxiety and not asthma. I frown.
“Doesn’t everybody?” I mutter through a bite. “I don’t really wanna talk about this,” I say flatly.
“Aw, come on, we’re all so jealous!” Jill adds. “I’m gonna do the bloodwork. I hope I get the fuck outta here. Beam me up, big-dicked aliens!” She laughs.
I slam my fork down and stand.
I cannot deal with this.
Chapter Six
Ziam
The air is cool and wet. My long toes dig deep into the low foliage that grows in the forest behind our home. I’m looking for crimple roots. Dried, they make a wonderful tea for slow winter mornings.Though that coffee that Pack Traex barters is delightful too.
I spot the light blue, feathery leaves of a crimple root and I squat to dig it up. As I tuck it into a pocket of my foraging apron, I catch sight of some ferczen berries. It’s a bit late in the season for them, and I have a stash drying in the larder, but another bush’s worth would be good for trading. I start to pluck the large, swollen fruits from the plant.
Just as I’m finishing up, my handheld buzzes. I frown. I forgot to leave it at the house. I don’t like being disturbed. I ignore it and continue on my search for crimple roots.
But then it vibrates again.
And again.
Sighing, I dig it out of my sweater pocket. My eyes quickly run down the messages, and my mouth drops open.
“Zatura,” I whisper, rereading.
I turn and run towards the house.
