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He gasped dramatically. “Of course I’ll be an alpha, but I could never be yours. You couldn’t handle all this.” He crossed his ankles and spun in a circle like a boy band heartthrob. We both laughed, and he led me away from the melted pile of love struck girls at the table. He had that effect.
“You’re really so sure you’re going to reveal as an alpha?” I questioned once we caught our breath.
“I am. Just as I’m sure you’ll be an omega this time next month.”
I took a deep breath. Things were about to change, and I couldn’t be more excited.
Chapter Two
IhadkickedAnnaout of our campus apartment so that I could get ready for the reveal ceremony in peace. Today was a big day for me, and I knew she was excited for me, but she was also a lot, and I needed to try to stay calm.
I took a few deep breaths and reminded myself that everyone participated in the reveal ceremony at the start of the Season, and it was simply my turn. After the ceremony today, alphas and omegas would spend the next few weeks in a whirlwind of activities and dates with the goal of finding their ideal mate. It had worked for countless alphas and omegas, and it was going to work for me. Now that I was this close to the ceremony, I refused to entertain the idea of revealing as a beta. I had to reveal as an omega today. Power of positive thinking.
I touched up my lipstick, placed the tube back in its designated spot in my vanity, and took one last glance at my outfit in the mirror, making sure I looked perfect. I had chosen a rich tan, lace cocktail dress that was elegant but modest. My heels were a matching tan and a low, sensible height. I had pulled my hair back off my face with a small clip, and I smoothed it down one last time. This would be my first impression as an omega, hopefully, and I needed to make a good one. I took a deep breath, grabbed my coat, and headed out the door.
The walk across the school’s grounds to the Great Hall was brisk but beautiful. It hadn’t snowed yet this winter, but there was some predicted in the forecast, and I could feel it in the air. I loved walking through the campus with its large brick buildings and massive lawns crossed with cobbled sidewalks. Years of prominence surrounded you with every step.
Our school, Briar Lake Preparatory School, was very old and very prestigious. Nestled in the hills of upstate New York, the school sat right on the shore of Briar Lake. Briar Lake Prep was a higher education prep school for society’s elite. We were sent here for further refining before heading off to a university, or maybe just to find a mate. I would turn twenty-two in the spring and was ready for whichever future I’d step into. Or at least that’s what I told myself. But I truly wanted both. I wanted it all.
Of course I dreamed of the prestige of being an omega and the love and loyalty of an alpha mate, but I also wanted the distinction of success in my career. I begrudgingly admitted that I could still find love and be successful as a beta. If I had to.
The Great Hall was still practically empty when I walked through the large wooden doors, but I was early, as usual. The large hall always took my breath away, and arriving early gave me a chance to look around before it filled up with the day’s attendees.
Today the ancient stone walls were covered in flickering candles, and the ends of the long, wooden benches held large clusters of greenery. The effect was magical, and I was enchanted.
The stage was set simply today. There was just a tall pedestal with a clear glass vase on it. That was all. Our future resided in that vase.
“There you are!” My sister grabbed my arm, spun me around, and gave me a big hug. I relished it for a moment before stepping back and straightening my dress. Anna caught my move and rolled her eyes.
“You know, once you have an alpha, your clothes will never be straight. He won’t be able to keep his hands off you.” She pretended to run her hands all over my body, and I couldn’t help but laugh. How were we related? But I knew there was a touch of truth to her words, and it both thrilled me and terrified me. I had shared a few chaste kisses here and there but was otherwise still very innocent. What would finding my alpha do to my modesty? Would I care?
I tried to shake off my concerns and focus on today. “We don’t know that I’ll have an alpha. Quit getting ahead of yourself.”
“Okayyyyy,” Anna moaned. “We’re still playing that game? You will reveal in like an hour.”
“Then let’s discuss this in an hour. I’m not jinxing anything.” I started to drag us toward the benches at the front when I heard Tanner holler at us.
“Torreses!” We both turned and smiled at him, mine friendly, Anna’s smitten. “Let me sit with you.” I gestured toward the front.
“You would want to sit up front,” he teased but headed that way. We filed into a row as the room filled up with staff and fellow students. It was showtime.
Beta Golding was our etiquette teacher, but once a year, he got to officiate the Season’s ceremonies, and it was clear this was the biggest perk of his job. Having been raised in the political spotlight, Golding’s etiquette classes at this age were an unnecessary requirement, but a requirement nonetheless. He strutted out onto the stage in a crisp suit, his white hair catching the candlelight and glowing. He stood primly near the pedestal, waiting for the room’s attention.
“Good afternoon, students and staff, and welcome to this year’s reveal ceremony. The reveal of your designation today will determine the rest of your life.” He paused for dramatic effect, and I sat up straighter, falling under his spell. “Most of you will reveal as betas, the backbone of our society. Stable and levelheaded. Focused and reliable. Some will reveal as alphas. Our leaders and protectors. Strong and honorable. And some of you will be omegas. Our cherished few. Treasured and adored. All it takes is a drop of blood to tell us.
“I’ll call you up to the stage in alphabetical order for your reveal. I’ll prick one of your fingers and let the blood drop into the vase. If the water remains clear, you’re a beta. If the water turns black, you’re an alpha, and if it turns white, you’re an omega.” Anna reached over and squeezed my hand. Designations had a tendency to run in families, so if I revealed as an omega today, she’d be more likely to when it was her turn in a few years. “Please stay seated until all designations are revealed. Alphas and omegas will need to meet with their advisors, but betas will be free to leave.”
Golding pulled a decorative knife out of his breast pocket and grinned. “Let’s get started!”
Chapter Three
Iknewmanyofthe students in the ceremony today, either personally or by reputation, but some were new to me, like the first girl called down.
“Kara Byrne, please come to the stage!” She had riotous brown curls, rich dark skin, and was absolutely stunning. I heard Tanner let out a low whistle of approval as she walked by, and I couldn’t stop my chuckle.
“Let’s wait until after the ceremony before you start claiming victims, yeah? See how everything shakes out?”
He smirked at me. “I may not have revealed yet, but I’m not blind.”
