It’sweird how much my life has changed in a year. I feel like I’m finding myself. Maybe it’s a little late, but so was my designating as an Omega.
There’s no walking around on eggshells in this house. There’s no reason not to be myself. There’s no fear of retribution or silent treatment if I say something the guys don’t like.
I thought my mom had a pack that worshiped her, that her Alphas were at her beck and call, but I realize now that it was all very superficial. Her pack is more of a business arrangement. She gets what she wants and so do the Alphas. They’re good to her, even if they aren’t good people.
But they’re nothing like my pack, not even close. Nate, Sterling, and Hayes are with me because they love me, not as some sort of transaction.
Now that we’re bonded, there’s no second guessing anything. I feel how much they care about me every single day, and it’s that reassurance that’s led to my newfound confidence, and not the kind I got from Lavender Moon. That place was a stepping stone I needed in my life to get me to where I am now. Lavender Moonmade me love my body again, come to terms with the power of my scent, and what it feels like to be a desired Omega.
But my pack?
My pack goes beyond designations. I’m finally allowed to be me.
I’m giddy, a huge smile on my face as I do one last swipe of mascara. Tonight is going to be amazing. Not only is this a great opportunity for Hayes, but I’m actually excited to go out and meet friends. It’s been too long since I’ve seen them in person and I miss it.
I can’t believe I used to be the person who made fake excuses to get out of going places. I was too afraid of being perceived, of finding something real. But Lavender Moon gave me friendships, hell, it gave me my pack. I owe that place everything.
I might not see Riley all the time, but we text every day talking about what’s going on at the club and how much I’m enjoying pack life.
The Alphas are nervous about tonight. I can sense it down the bond. I’m giving all the good happy vibes I can back, but I also can’t deny I love how it feels, having people who care about me.
“Hailey, baby, you ready to go?” Hayes shouts up the stairs and I take one last look in the mirror.
“Coming!” I shout back, grabbing the handrail with one hand and watching each step as I go down.
“Fuck. I was already stressed,” Sterling says as he spots me, a hand running over his head.
I just grin at him. They’re going to just have to deal with the strapless sweetheart dress, because I look unbelievable in it. Hayes smiles back, considering he was with me when I bought it.
He’s less on edge than the Alphas, but that’s always the case. He’s pretty much my conspiratorial partner in crime.
“You stay with one of us all night long,” Sterling says in his bossy tone.
“Yes, Alpha,” I say, blinking my eyes at him. “Don’t worry, I deodorized some, even.”
I usually loathe deodorizers, but the longer I’m an Omega the more I realize that unfortunately they’re a part of functioning in society. It’s still bullshit that I have to change something about myself to manage others around me, but it makes it easier going out in public with my pack, so it’s a compromise I’m willing to make.
Sterling takes a deep breath and nods. Nate is quiet and I can feel his unease down the bond. Sometimes I wonder if going out to functions with my mom and her pack scarred him for life.
I try not to think about the fact he was ever with her, because when I do, I get really pissed off. That she could treat such an amazing man the way she did, or that he could ever touch her at all. Absolutely fucking disgusting.
“Hey. You look beautiful. Tonight is going to be amazing,” Nate says, clearly feeling my spiraling.
I give him a warm smile and grab his hand.
“You’re right, it is,” I say as our hired car for the night comes and picks us up.
The Beacon is a new hotel and casino on the strip. It’s high-end and features massive blown-glass displays all throughout the lobby. There’s a lot of excitement about the grand opening with how many people are milling about. I hold Hayes’ hand and Nate’s is on my lower back. Sterling is next to Hayes, giving anyone who gets too close a glare.
It’s then I see Riley, Luna, and her pack, sans her Omega pack mate.
I wave, my heels clicking loudly against the white-marble flooring as I reach them.
“Look at you,Cherry. Pack life suits you,” Riley says with a smirk, giving me a hug.
My stage name isn’t lost on me, but now I’m not one or the other. I’m Hailey, but I’m also all the good things I loved about Cherry too.
“It’s so good to see you,” Luna says, giving me a hug right after him.
