“Is that what perfuming is?”
“No, it’s more than that. But it’s also that.”
So I can’t hide arousal, which, until today, wasn’t a problem. My breasts are heavy and tingling, and I know it has nothing to do with lactation right now. No.
That’s all me and the church I’m trying to set on fire. The news that I’m leaving a trail of scent around the township is enough to get me practically jogging to the cabin. I hold my midsection and refuse to make eye contact with anyone.
We can hear the raised voices coming from the kitchen the minute we step on the porch. Derrick curses behind me, but I’m not even a little surprised that everyone is just here waiting for my arrival. With courage I had no idea lived in me, I open the door.
Ten sets of eyes look at me.
Major and Jesse are here, alongside their pack of parents. The big, spacious living room looks small, especially because everyone seems to be arguing and trying to talk over each other.
“Hi.” I raise my hand pathetically.
“Veda.” Jesse starts, but I shake my head.
“It’s fine. I’m okay.”
“Please sit, sweetie,” Anne says, pointing at a comfortable armchair, and I want to say I’m okay again, but I’m bone tired at this point. Eyes follow me across the living room, but I do what I’m told. There’s nothing for me to say but to beg to go for a ten-hour-long nap.
“I guess Anne explained what you are,” Jacinta starts.
No hello, no pleasantries, just straight to the Omega thing.
“Yeah, since we arrived, everybody's looking at me like something is going on. I pressured her. It wasn't right. It's not her fault, but—”
I trail off, letting the tiredness in my voice speak louder.
“It’s a lot to take in,” Anne allows with gentleness before turning a narrowed gaze to everyone else. “And that’s why we should give Veda a moment before we throw packs on her.”
Fear trickles down my spine, and I stiffen. “What do you mean?”
“You’re the first Omega this township has seen in many years.” Jacinta’s voice is soft but leaves no room for argument. “We have to alert the packs.”
“What does that even—”
“She doesn’t need to deal with that, Mom!” Jesse starts.
“It’s too early,” Anne agrees.
“It doesn’t change what is right!” Jacinta insists. “We can’t hold back an Omega. It’s simply not right. She has the right to know who is her scent-match.”
“Wow, wow! What does that even mean? You guys are trying to marry me off?”
“No one is marrying you off. That’s not it,” Major says, and his stern voice is an anchor.
Someone tugs my hand, and I look down to find Anne. “It’s okay. Nothing will be done without your permission.”
“Explain to me what you mean about bringing packs in, then.”
“You’re an Omega,” Jacinta says. “It’s only biological that you want to scent-match with a pack.”
I shake my head. “But I don’t.”
“Your body will call for it. What if your heat starts before scent-matching?” She shakes her head. “Believe me, you don’t want that.”
My feelings don’t translate into words. I look down at my lap and keep every single bottle up, secure in a place in my brain where I can access them later when everything doesn’t feel this difficult.
