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She raises a brow, “And...?”
“They smelled phenomenal. And it wasn’t just their scents that smelled so good. They had another one they were carrying on them that made me nearly lose my mind.” Burying my face in my hands, I groan.
“Well, that’s fantastic news, Ripley. What’s the problem?”
I peek at her through my fingers. “They already have an omega,” I mumble.
Brow furrowing, she asks, “Come again?”
Sighing, I place my hands back in my lap and look her in the eyes.
“I said they already have an omega, Mama. And that scent that I nearly lost my head over? That was their omega’s scent!”
So much for having a good day. Fuck, I don’t want to think about Syn and Kian. I don’t want to think about their omega. River. What he looks like, his hobbies and interests. None of it.
“Their scents didn’t hit me before his did. His hit me first and fuck. He smells like coconuts and honeysuckle, and I heard them say his name is River. I’ve never had a scent make me feel the way his did. Hell, the way any of them did, because it wasn’t just his. The alpha kind of rescued me from a handsy alpha before her and the beta walked me back to the dorms. They were so nice, Mama. It made it that much more difficult to walk away from them. I wanted to go with them. To meet their omega, even knowing that he’d probably want to strangle me for being with his bonded.”
I get up from my chair and start pacing. “I’ve never had a reaction to another omega’s scent. It’s not even heard of, an omega being with another omega. Omegas don’t want omegas. They want alphas and knots. Betas, occasionally. Security. Love. What is wrong with me?” I whine the last part out, stopping my pacing and looking at her with pleading eyes.
She walks to my side and pulls me into her arms, hugging me tight.
“Sweetie, there is nothing wrong with you. Every person in this world is different. Who cares if your biology has you wanting the scent of an omega? Stranger things have happened. Maybe this omega would like you and your scent like you did his.”
I bark out a laugh. “Yeah right. I’m the one who’s broken. That omega probably smelled me on his alpha and beta and wanted to claw my eyes out.”
“Hmm. I think you’re wrong. Fate is a fickle thing, but I believe in it. I firmly believe Fate is what brought me to your dads. Remember, I didn’t find them at the Center. I found Pops in a dive bar while I was on one of my breaks. They weren’t even looking for an omega when I stumbled into their lives. Papa and Dad weren’t expecting Pops to come home with an omega in tow, ya know?” Looking me in my eyes, she continues. “I don’t think the Gods would be so cruel as to make you find a scent match and feel that strongly only to have the other not feel the same about you. That’d be spiteful. I think this River would have the same reaction to you. Besides, look at you. How could anyone not love you? You are beautiful, inside and out. Any pack would be lucky to add you to the mix.”
I roll my eyes at her as she pushes a straggling piece of hair behind my ear.
“You’re my mom. You have to say shit like that.”
Swatting me, she leads me to the stairs. “No, I don’t. That’s just stupid. Parents have to humble their kids every now and again, otherwise they turn into assholes who think their shit doesn’t stink when it smells just as bad as everyone else’s. Now, go get dressed. No more moping or worrying about your future. We’re going out and having a girl’s day.”
“A, that’s disgusting and B, you’re bossy.”
I take off up the stairs, cackling as she goes to swat me on the butt and misses. In my room, I quickly change, putting on a pair of cut-off shorts and a black t-shirt with the words ‘I do what the voices in my head tell me to’. I think it’s funny. Mom gives me a bland look and shakes her head.
Shrugging, I say, “What?”
“You’re too much like Pops.” She leads the way to her car, chuckling at me.
Once we’re buckled, I ask, “So, where are we going?”
“It’s up to you, but the Lunar Festival is going on today. Maybe we could check out the booths. See if we find any new treasures. I know you used to love going and finding all the cool and creepy art and whatever else you were always bringing home.”
My eyes light up. I love the Lunar Festival. The little town outside of the city where my parents live throws the Lunar Festival every year. There’s food and games, rides, a parade, and so many booths. They sell anything from handmade clothing to art to homemade candies and desserts. It’s such a fun place.
The entire town comes out for the event, and even people from all the neighboring towns and cities. It’s quite the spectacle, but a total blast. The food is phenomenal, the games are always fun, and the rides, though few, are always fun to ride.
“Yes! I hope that one lady is still there. She had some of the coolest little sculptures a few years ago. I want more to put on my bookshelf.”
We take off, heading into town, singing along to the radio together. Already, my mind is letting go of thoughts of Syn, Kian, and the delectable smelling River. I will have a good day no matter what. No sense in wasting my time with thoughts of them, anyway. It’s unlikely I will ever see them again and if I do, it’s highly likely that River will throw a fit at seeing me. It’s for the best.
******
The festival is in full swing when we get there. The smell of fresh popcorn and yummy funnel cake swirls in the air. Children’s laughter and screams filter through the live band playing. Booths line the walkway on either side, each packed full of their wares. Food trucks are interspersed between the booths, making it to where there’s a place to get food after nearly every booth. In the distance, rides can be seen through the crowd of people.
The fresh air and all the food help to keep all the unfamiliar scents in the crowd from becoming cloying and overwhelming. Mom and I walk around, chatting idly as we look inside each booth, marveling at everything we touch. There’s so much to see. Handmade wooden signs and birdhouses, quilts, clothing, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and so much more.
