Major’s voice makes me shiver, but they carry enough strength to push me forward again. I’m not happy that I’m going to be the center of everyone’s attention. I’d much prefer to be at the sidelines giving everyone a cheerful wave when they mention “the new Omega.” Thankfully, Anne and Jacinta flank me the minute we step on stage, as the men make a formation a step behind.
“Thank you, everyone, for clearing your schedule and coming here today,” Jacinta starts. She seems like the most efficient of all of us, so I’m relieved when she takes the spot right and center behind the lectern.
“We built this township together, more than just the labor of the parents of our parents. We make the community better every day. I know Veda’s arrival stirred gossip yesterday, and I know some of you felt that you deserved more than what we gave you. But this is a verysensitive situation that we have never dealt with before. We needed time, and I hope you give us grace.”
She takes a fortifying breath. I notice her knuckles go white over the wood of the lectern, but her voice is steady as she says, “As you all must have suspected, the boys met Veda at the ranch. And Veda is an Omega.”
Cheers erupt from every corner of the town hall. Boots thumping over the wooden floors shake the structure. I didn’t expect that. Everyone gets out of their seats, clapping, cheering, and hugging each other. My lips part in awe, and it finally hits me what they mean when they call me a miracle.
To them, I truly am.
It takes a few minutes for the celebration to die down, and even when it does, the energy in the room is different. There’s so much love and hope, my heart hammers in excitement, which makes no sense. I wasn’t excited before I got here, but maybe Anne is right. Maybe I can feel a room more than most.
“We don't have all the information now,” Jacinta continues once the cheers die down. “Veda never met her mother, but her mother is originally from Brazil. As many know, there have been some rumors that South America still has a good population of Omegas.”
The crowd nods, accepting her words though they don’t mean much now. As far as I know, Grandpa could be lying, and my mother is not even from South America.
“Our priority is to make contact with townships across the country and the world and obtain as much information as we can. Veda here might be just the start. There might be more lost Omegas everywhere.”
More cheers erupt.
I’m not sure if I like to be called lost exactly. I was born in Dallas, literally two hours from here. That doesn’t seem so lost to me. ButI don’t say anything because their hopes resting on my shoulders is uncomfortable, but I might be able to endure if I’m just a symbol of their cause. It’s not really about me, right?
It’s about all the lost Omegas. I just happened to be the first one here.
“Besides that, I believe we all agree that the packs from this township have the right to come and meet Veda.” The words are barely out of her mouth, and everyone is losing their damn minds. On their feet, they hug yet again, and I even spot a woman crying.
Okay, so maybe this is a little about me.
“Okay, okay.” Jacinta quiets the crowd with a raise of her hands. “Veda needs time to adjust, and the packs need time coming back home. The mating celebration will take place in a month from now. No Alpha without a pack will compete.”
Compete?I turn around and look straight at Major.
I wasn’t told anyone was competing for me. That sounds insane. My mouth opens to start a protest, but Major shakes his head quickly, mouthing that it will be explained later.
I accept, but my frown is now in place. Grandpa’s voice blares inside my brain, reminding me that I’m really no prize. I flinch and look back at the front, letting Jacinta lay the rules.
Apparently, by the time she was ready to scent-match, there were not many Omegas, and it became tradition to hold a mating celebration much like this one and invite packs from the neighborhood townships.
As they lay out the details, I stand there, dissociating and pretending it isn’t me who is about to be married off to a pack of strangers.
The minute Jacinta stops talking, Major, Derrick, and Jesse come to my side, creating a protective bubble of tall, muscled cowboys. I relaxfor the first time since we arrived. I’m ready to return to the ranch and unwind until it’s time for this whole thing.
Major’s hand is hot in the small of my back as he guides me out of the building. It grounds me, and my anxiety flies away as we leave the small stage area.
“Where is Veda staying until the mating?” someone asks. I don’t see who, but we all stop in our tracks.
“Veda will be returning to Wilde Ranch,” Anne replies to a man at the side. He’s tall like every other Alpha, a black cowboy hat so far onto his head that I can barely see his eyes.
“How’s that fair?” He scoffs. “By the time she comes back, she might be mated.”
“Veda is not going to scent-match with us,” Major answers firmly. “I can guarantee you that.”
He drags me out of the town hall, and thankfully, no one sees the disappointment written all over my face.
twenty-five
Jesse
