Page 99 of Moon Craving

Since then, omegas were given a place of honor on the pack councils. They were

considered both wise and level-headed, which in most cases was exactly right. They were

also considered strong in ways brawn could not defeat, because omegas had managed

to eke out lives among their more powerful Chrechte brethren despite being the physically

weakest. Generation after generation. It was not something easily dismissed by thinking

men.

In addition, each omega now stood as a living reminder to their pack that no matter

how strong the Chrechte might be, they could not escape the weakness among

them--that of mortality. They had to respect life in order to continue thriving. They were

still influenced by their wolf natures, but not controlled by them. Those that were often

died young, and that, too, stood as a prominent reminder for those that came after.

"Talorc, don't you think you could refer to these young men in more humane

terms? Or are there more meaning to the Gaelic words you are using I do not

understand?"

"I am not being offensive," he assured his wife and then wondered at his doing so.

Did it matter that his English wife thought him rude?

He wasn't civilized, damn it, and had no desire to be.

Giving vent to his irritation, he crossed his arms and glared at the other Donegal

Chrechte. "Why did you bring an omega to a challenge?"

"He is my younger brother. I cannot leave him unprotected, but he refused to stay

in the forest while I challenged you."

"I will share my brother's fate," the omega wolf said quietly.

Talorc's respect for these young soldiers grew. He had no doubt they would lead

the Donegal clan and pack one day. He nodded his acceptance of the explanation. "You,"

he said looking at the omega, "stand with Niall and my lady during the challenge."

The omega dipped his head in acknowledgment of the order.

Niall led Abigail away from the cave and the men squaring off to challenge. The

omega followed, taking a position on the other side of Niall. Away from Abigail, as was

proper. He showed no fear in the huge warrior's presence, patently trusting Talorc's

Chrechte honor as the superior alpha. One day he would learn not all of the wolf nature