“Oh my god,” I said, sitting up. “Are you Ben’s sister?”
The omega’s eyes lit up. “You know Ben?”
“I work at the bakery with him and Josie.”
“Westin! Fuck, how did I not put that together?” She smiled widely as she whipped out her phone even as she sat underneath a sign on the wall that read, “No phones for your relaxation.”
“I’m texting them now,” she said. “Okay, this is all coming back to me now. Josie even mentioned things have been busier at the bakery because you had to take some time off.”
I bit my lip, feeling guilty. Josie and Ben had been so good to me, giving me a job and paying me way more than they should, and then I left them in the lurch.
Lilah caught my expression. “No, I didn’t say that to make you feel bad! They’re totally fine. Don’t worry about it. Here,” she said, coming to stand next to my chair. “Let’s send her a selfie.”
I smiled in the picture, still not looking quite like myself. Lilah sat back down. “So you’re new to your pack, right?”
I played with the tie to the robe. “I met them all separately, and then I sort of went into heat. They all decided we should go on this road trip to Sol so I could get medical care. It’s all happened in a couple of months.”
“You’ve got to love those surprise heats,” Lilah said. “I had one when I was on a business trip. My heat came early as I was giving a presentation on stage.”
“What happened?” I asked. What she was describing sounded like a nightmare, but Lilah wore an easy smile.
“I gave the rest of the presentation at top speed and ran off the stage before anyone could ask questions. Luckily, one of my guys was with me. He had to keep me satisfied until the rest got there. He says it was more traumatizing for him than for me.”
Now I was smiling, too. Lilah had such an easy-going attitude and it put me at ease.
“How many are in your pack?” she asked.
“I have four—three alphas and then Henry, Rose’s brother.”
“Four is such a great number. I have five—three alphas and two betas.” Her eyes sparkled when she talked about them. Her robe slipped and I caught a silvery bond mark on her neck. My skin itched with the desire to carry my guys’ marks. “I’m so happy you have a beta, too,” she continued. “They’re the best. I’ve actually been doing some research on the side about omega-beta bonds. I think omegas can have beta mates. I’ve never felt a bit different about my connection with them than I have with my alphas. Once I prove it, everyone will be begging me to come speak at their conferences.” Then she snorted. “Or rather, they’ll be busy putting out articles about the silly omega scientist’s anti-alpha propaganda that she only writes because she’s so hormonal.”
“Oh god, do people really say shit like that?”
Lilah smiled, but I recognized the expression as one I’d worn many times to mask my rage at anti-omega sentiments. “Oh, of course. They’re all so threatened by omegas. It’s sad, really.”
“Is it still like that here in Sol? I thought it was better.”
“Things definitely are better here. Legally, omegas have the same standing as all other designations. But socially, things are still pretty segregated. Most packs live on the south side of town. People tend to stick to their parts of town, so betas rarely come in contact with packs. My pack and I live in midtown because it’s closer to the hospital where I do research, but it can be pretty lonely. Luckily, I have great colleagues and I’ve made some good friends like Rose.”
I wasn’t surprised by her words, especially after seeing how unfamiliar Henry’s family was with pack life, but it still made me sad. I’d been wondering if it would be better for me, for my pack, to stay here instead of returning to Luna. But would it be just as lonely?
“What other research are you working on?” I asked.
“I’ve always been focused on omega health. I led the team that was working to disable the devices the Designation Government wanted to implant in omegas.” Her smile transformed into a grimace, and I suppressed the shudder at the reminder of the devices. “That turned into creating the serum against alpha barks,” she continued.
My lips parted as awe filled me at this omega who was doing so much incredible work. “I got the serum injection last year,” I said. “Thank you. It’s made such a difference in my life.”
Lilah beamed. “It’s always amazing to meet people who are actually benefitting from my work. I’m the only omega in my lab, so sometimes it feels like I’m the only one who really gets it, you know?”
I nodded as if I had any idea what it was like to work in a research lab. Although I did know what it was like to feel isolated and misunderstood.
“Lately, I’ve been working more on Omega Wasting Disease and trying to get some papers written about omestrogen.” Her brow furrowed. “I’m not sure if you’re familiar. It’s kind of an obscure subject.”
I swallowed hard. “Yeah, I actually am.” I glanced around to see if there was any sign of Rose or Anne, but they must still be getting their massages. “I was diagnosed with the Wasting Disease thing.” I kept my eye on my robe, trying to break off a string that had gotten loose.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Lilah said. “I know you’ve had a lot of medical stuff going on. Is it getting better being around your mates?”
“They’re not my mates.” I glanced up to meet Lilah’s concerned gaze.
