The rain pounded against the glass windows of the train carriage in heavy, persistent droplets. I found myself gazing out of the window on a bitterly cold morning. The foggy hills and cattle enclosed by the fences passed me. As soon as we slid in the train, I took my position and curled up in the corner seat of the carriage. I sipped the steaming cup of tea clutched in my hand and watched the tendrils of steam rise, fogging my glasses.
A sigh slipped out of my lips. This is a daily occurrence for me. Maybe I should talk to my father about the lasik operation Zain told me about. He wanted me to get rid of my glasses. Not that I had any problems with them, but he liked me without them.
Our luggage - with all of the one-day belongings packed tightly inside - rattled as the train slowed down to allow more passengers aboard. My eyes immediately zoned towards the door to see a female Alpha with a strong herbal tea scent rushing inside. Two males followed her, and they smelled just like her. It must be related.
I smiled at her, noticing that herbal smell wafting towards me. The Alpha turned up her nose, shaking her head and sat on the far end of her seat. She hurriedly extracted a thick novel from her bag and hid her face.
My lips turned down at that. Alphas—predominantly female Alphas despise my kind because male Alphas are easily attracted to us. If given a choice, they would pick omegas over them which is why Alpha females don't like omegas.
From the corner of my eyes, I noticed my mother, who kept smiling anxiously, as though trying to reassure herself.
Cara, my sister, on the other hand, was furiously texting on her phone. She had no interest in accompanying us even though we were going for her. The Pack Alpha Aiden was interested to see my sister and possibly ask her hand in marriage if everything went well.
My father rubbed his hands together. "I can't believe they agreed to see us."
"Why not?" My mother snorted. "After all, Cara is the prettiest beta. Of course, the Alpha would want her for himself."
Cara rolled her eyes, still not paying attention to our parents. She's not usually rude, but in this matter, she didn't agree with our parents. My sister wanted to study for a while. At least that's what she said to me the night before as I packed our bags.
"True", My father hummed.
Silence stretched in our compartment as we all focused out of the window. We had one more hour to pass before reaching the Moonlight Pack. They lived away from the main areas, which was why we had to take a train.
Unlike others, Moonlight Pack weren't progressive and adaptive to human technology. My mother was still not settled with that fact, but they were the wealthiest pack of all. The Pack Leaders father used to be a council head.
"Rose", A sharp voice interrupted me.
I turned around. "Yes, mom?"
"I hope you have packed enough suppressants. We don't want any scandal."
My cheeks flushed as everyone around us stared at me. Why couldn't she have asked that when we were alone? The two males snickered in my direction before looking away. Releasing a breath, I nodded my head.
"Use your words for moon's sake!"
My father was quick to interrupt. "Mary, will you stop? She already gave her answer."
"And I didn't hear it, Frank. She can very well respond to me, but no!"
My mother added. "She loves to be a brat."
Drowning out their voices, I looked out of the window. Cara threw me a sympathetic smile which I ignored. If I meet her eyes, I may break down in tears. Why did my mother hate me so much? She has been doing that for as long as I can remember—taunting and chastising my every move. Cara doesn't get that kind of treatment from her. My sister's treated like a glass doll while she treats me like a rag doll. All because I'm an omega?
***
"Hey...Rose, wake up. Come on, we gotta get going," A familiar voice urged, shaking and patting at my shoulder.
Then it dawned on me. I woke with a start, sitting up in alarming tension. Meeting my father's eyes, I was regarded with a heavy dose of apprehension.
"Sorry! I'm up—"
"It's okay. Let's go. Your mother and sister already got out of the train."
Of course, they did. I thought to myself.
We were greeted by a pack of two tall Alphas in uniform who narrowed their eyes. My father immediately stepped further and greeted them, introducing us.
"I am John, pack soldier" The one with brunette hair bowed down to us before nudging his companion. "And this is Leo; he's my brother and pack soldier."
"Hello. Nice to meet you."
"We are here to take you to our pack."
"Oh", My mother gushed. "That's fantastic! We cant wait to see our future son in law."
They both shared a weird look but led us to the packhouse. My composure faltered at my mothers pointed stare, but I took a few breaths and followed regardless.
The further we ventured into the village, the more pairs of watchful eyes followed us. I decided to ignore the pack members, but it didn't work for long. Curiosity got the best of me, and I glanced up, cringing as the wolves dropped whatever they'd been occupied with and heatedly whispered to each other.
It made me incredibly self-conscious, but instead of meeting wary and unwelcoming gazes, I made a point to stare at the breathtaking village. Several tents lined up to the packhouse, selling everything you would ever want to survive. My mother couldn't stop fawning over the colour of freshly picked fruits and vegetables.
"Our Cara is so lucky" Mary, my mother added.
"Save something for when we meet the Alpha, dear."
We hid our smiles at that.
Leo talked with the guards outside the pack-house, and we were allowed in. The moment I stepped in, my heart started beating faster, hands clammy and breathing elevated. Heat pooled in my stomach. What was happening?
"Alpha Aiden is waiting inside."
***