She sees me and waves enthusiastically before hurrying down the steps to greet us with her alpha in tow.
“You’re here!” she gushes, slightly out of breath. “I’m so relieved after everything that happened in class.”
“So you’re the omega whose alpha finally put the misogynistic ass in his place?” Her alpha smiles, looking around. “Is he here? I want to thank him.”
“He…”
“They haven’t bonded yet,” Amora rescues me. “This is Taj, my not-so-diplomatic alpha.” Amora nudges him sharply in the ribs then turns her attention to the girls. “I’m so glad you all came.”
“You already know Sabs.” I motion to her then introduce her to Kady and Delilah.
After some small talk, we mingle through the crowd. There’s an interesting mix of guests. Although it’s primarily alpha and omegas, there are quite a few betas too. The alphas here stay close to their bonded omegas. After bonding takes place, an alpha’s scent shifts. It’s a natural biological change that happens so that they don’t attract any more mates, their smell becoming super-charged to their omega only.
The party has a chill vibe, although someone went overboard with the party decorations. There are a ridiculous amount of balloons and banners with phrases like, “Happy Bonding Anniversary!” dotted around.
“I don’t know many people here,” Amora admits. “This was Carmen’s idea. I’m not much of a party person, but she went through a lot of effort.”
She looks across the sand at Carmen, who is busy entertaining a large group. She’s clearly in her element, making everyone laugh. She notices Amora staring and blows her a kiss.
“Are they playing limbo?” Sabs motions to Carmen grabbing a stick. “I have to get in on the action! Come on!”
“I think I’ll sit this one out.” I chuckle at her eagerness.
“There are plenty of drinks and snacks inside,” Taj says. “As well as the barbecue.”
“Leon, my other alpha, has been treating the barbecue like his baby all day,” Amora comments fondly.
There’s an ease to the way Amora talks about her alphas. Based on the shared glances and subtle touches I’ve seen, the four of them seem to revolve around each other. Their bodies even seem to move the same, like they are all in syncphysicallyand mentally.
“Shall we get drinks?” Kady asks Delilah. “I can bring you one, Faye. What would you like?”
“Surprise me,” I reply then shudder. “Anything but ‘Death on the Beach.’” Amora raises her eyebrow. “Best not to ask.”
“I’ll show you where to go,” Taj offers, leading the way to give me and Amora time alone.
“How are you feeling?” she asks thoughtfully. “Grub’s class was pretty rough. I feel awful for not saying something or doing more.”
“I told you not to,” I remind her. “I didn’t want to make even more of a fuss. Besides, it wasn’t only me he insulted.”
“At least we don’t have to worry about him anymore, thanks to Ren.” She pushes a loose strand of glossy, black hair behind her ear. “Did you see the email the dean sent to the class?”
I shake my head, so she pulls out her phone to show me.
Dear health botany students,
It has recently come to our attention that Professor Gregory Grub has broken a number of Scent Valley University rules.
All omegas should have equal rights and access to opportunities, as defined by the Omega Rights Act.
All omegas are entitled to fair treatment on campus, where we strive for a positive, safe, and healthy environment for all.
Discriminatory behavior will not be tolerated.
Professor Grub’s dismissal is effective immediately, and I would like to reassure you that a full investigation will be carried out.
I’m delighted to announce that I have secured a permanent replacement, and Professor Ezra Brackenwood will start in two weeks. Until then, all health botany classes are temporarily suspended. However, students’ access to the greenhouse will remain in place.
In the meantime, you can find the suggested reading list below, which Professor Brackenwood encourages you to explore before classes resume.
