Emmaline
Two scoops of chocolate ice cream coming right up for our future Beta Xander.
He was waiting with his head buried in his phone, and I was sure I needed to follow right after with two other scoops of Lemon-lavender for the gorgeous man behind him. He currently talking with one of our Elders, a beautiful smile gracing his equally beautiful face.
Levi McCabe. Our Future Alpha.
Levi was only 19 years old, but he was more mature than his age, more handsome...no cross that, the man was beautiful. He was beautiful in a very mouthwatering, gorgeous, and manly way. If you have ever crossed paths with the type of species that I'm referring to, then you will surely be fanning yourself like I'm mentally doing right now.
We might be Lycans, werewolves, but the man was more beautiful, smarter, stronger, taller, and more talented than you could ever imagine, even by the standards of supernatural species like us. Levi was just...more. He was born into a household as strong and as unique as the McCabe's. The McCabe's were the head Alphas of the Raven Moon Pack, which is the first and strongest pack in the world for decades now, and the last generation was even made stronger when Damion McCabe, our current Alpha, was mated to the First Hybrid Warlock- Turned Werewolf- Alpha of the Black Woods Pack, Olwyn Hecate.
Yes, you heard that right. Hecate, as in the long lineage of the Witch Goddess who ruled over Magic, Night, moon and even ghosts. Years ago, it was unconceivable that Lycans and witches could ever mix, let alone bread with each other. But apparently the two Moon Goddesses were having fun and have been playing tricks on all of us for the last decades. Two male alphas, one Lycan and the other a warlock? The best recipe for unique, talented, strong, and amazingly beautiful offspring! But that love story is for another day.
Oh, and unless you are not that bright: yes, Levi has TWO real fathers, and no, he is not adopted. He is the first BORN. Although I heard growing up that there was an uprising from the council on how to pass on the Lycan's lineage and responsibility with two male mates. When Alpha Damion and Alpha Olwyn have found each other and decided to fall in love and leave one of the greatest love stories in the Lycan/Witcher lands' history. It was unconceivable for the Lycan elders- who in turn put pressure on the Elyster Council Elders to eradicate such coupling- to have an Alpha not of pure blood rule the Lycan lands in case they have decided to adopt later on and appoint their son or daughter as Alpha for the number one pack in the world. Challenges & war declarations from other packs for the top spot was the thing all species avoided when it came to Lycans. As one of the strongest supernatural species that exists, it only brings bloodshed and unnecessary cross-wars between other species too. Let's just say that Lycan wars are not very...nice. Our history books are witness to very...bloody and gruesome wars I can't ever bring myself to think about right now.
So, the Elyster council - which usually combines the strongest and powerful elders of each species: Witches, Fae, Vampires, Valkyries...and of course Lycans, tried to come up with solutions. They started entertaining the stupid idea of eradicating the two mates from existence before the other species heard of this new type of mating and possibly starting to think about new possibilities of...let's call it "inter-species collaboration for better and stronger allies and species" campaign. This was an especially delicate approach for covens or pack leaders, who are considered very strong for the Elyster Council.
If you ask me? Stupid, stupid dick move. But you cannot mess with Goddesses and eager for power Elders who are looking to stay at the top of all Elyster Species right? I think the two packs Elders were thinking likewise! Two strong Alpha Males Lycan AND Warlock chosen by BOTH goddesses as mates? They ate that up like a very delicious lava cake and licked the plate even! They declared war on the Elyster Council: what is your precious Council without the strong and powerful Lycan and warlock Elders in it?
The two packs Elders from the Lycan and Warlock Lands stood up to them, which was a hero move worth mentioning in our history books. It is a backwards bullshit mentality that fired back, most of the council members were replaced- and by replaced, I mean probably dealt with in a very "discreet" manner. I always thought that you get as much as you give, so what happened to the previous Council members served them right. But hey, I'm not a very important member of this community to be able to voice these kinds of thoughts anyway, so this stays in my head alongside with this monologue.
Anyway, While the Council and Elders were having a feud and tearing at each other's throats, the two lovable mates were having the best sex of their lives; and soon after, they discover that in fact a Lycan of the same gender can develop a womb of special properties if mated to his or her destined True Mate and can be considered a progressive pup carrier. Go figure! The strong Alpha Hybrid Olwyn Barefoot and Pregnant!
Soon after, a True Blooded alpha was born into the Raven Moon/Black Woods Pack. To top it all, the future alpha was born with special abilities, and the best of both Werewolves and warlocks combined. Problem solved! I can only imagine the asshole ex-very dead-Elders turning in their graves now!
Which brings us to the present, and me secretly peeking at the beautiful Next in line True Alpha. One of the 5 famous siblings of the McCabes/Hecate household.
Well, after all the history rundown I just gave you, you must have guessed that the two Alphas didn't stop at one pup.
Levi is the next in line Alpha, and right after him they adopted Lucien, a smart & adorable to booth 18 years old warlock that was most famous for his special mental abilities. Followed by Phoenix & Nicholas, or simply "The Twins" as everyone calls them. They are only 15 years old and the last time I heard, they beat 10 Warrior Lycans in defense practice at school with no sweat- I'm sure it's curtesy of Alpha Damion's DNA. And finally, the youngest, the 13-year-old adorable Marianne- who was more Olwyn and more Hecate than Alpha Olwyn himself. She was foreseen to be a great witch someday by the Elders, especially the Mage ones.
I know the History briefing I just gave you is quiet long coming from the "Ice cream Lady", but what can I do people? I'm equally proud and equally jealous of our Alphas and their little family. I think you have understood by now that I'm working in a coffee/ice cream shop, and that I'm a werewolf that belongs to the Raven Moon pack. As I said, I'm proud to belong to such a great and powerful pack. Unfortunately, I'm sure the feeling is not mutual...
The Raven Moon pack is the number one pack in the world currently and has been for quite some time even before I was born. After our current Alphas have taken in charge the pack affairs with their combined strength and righteous values, we thrived with time and evolved even in terms of laws and as a Lycan society in general.
All fractions are equally treated with fairness and respect, many of the pack members have the liberty to choose where to live as long as it is a neighboring pack that is under the Raven Moon pack Lands jurisdiction; and even the lowest rank fraction since eternity, the Omegas, have now pack houses and laws that protect them from other fractions, or any kind of injustice that they may face according to the Lycan Packs Laws. "If you cross one of us, no matter their fraction, gender or species, you cross all of us". Alpha Damion said when they passed the bill at the council many years ago, or so I heard!
That, until you have your Awakening to discover that you are the lowest of the lot. An Omega who needs laws to be protected and respected; and to put a cherry on top, even your natural Omega self can't bring you any advantages when faced with other fractions. It's in our DNA to follow orders, obey, work as a member of the community in small supportive positions because the other fractions are stronger, smarter, quicker, and more talented than you. Like scooping ice cream in a coffee shop downtown in the Raven Moon Pack.
But Goddess was graceful enough in creating Omegas; we carry pups easier and quicker than other fractions, and most of us are blessed with somewhat attractive to, in some cases not all, very beautiful appearances. Maybe so others can go easy on us and value our usefulness at least? I don't know about that, but the bitch move for me was cursing us with what we call The Heat. But that's another subject to explore in depth another day.
I Hate it! It kills me to see you suffering alone for the both of us kiddo. I'm Sorry! - Zafira whispers in my mind
Not your Fault. We are just built like that. and i'm not alone! I respond with a small smile to reassure her it's no one's fault. well, the Goddess is at fault! just a little? I don't want her to be mad!
Hmm...- Zafi responds as she was in deep thoughts.
That Just now, was my inner wolf, and my life companion, Zafi. Short for Zafira. As when it comes to me, Well...
My Name is Emma, short for Emmaline. I'm a 21 years old Omega that belongs to the Raven Moon pack. The "Ice cream lady" as the little pups like to call me. Believe me, I know my place. Not only because of my fraction, but also because of my origins, which brings us to the "jealous" part that I mentioned before. I'm Jealous of the McCabe siblings because they have what I envy the most. Family & Respect. Two great parents, unrivaled amazing siblings who would kill for each other, and respect and fear from all species around the world. Me? None of the above.
I, on the other hand, was born to an omega of the same pack, who simply made the terrible mistake of not rejecting her Rogue Werewolf mate, but instead was naïve enough to believe that he would accept the bond, and that idea of mate-love will be conquering all. To give you a quick summary of my parents "Love Story", here you go: My mother secretly met a rogue wolf in Lycan land borders, hidden this from elders and her alpha, and cherry on top of all these misconducts of our laws? went into heat, got impregnated by her rogue mate, and poof: I was the result.
The breaking point that will dictate my life and destiny, even still unborn, was the said rogue father disappearing right after knocking my mother into the woods, but before going into a killing spree where he murdered two members of the border guards and destroyed their families with grief.
So, the outcome? The Alpha hunting the rogue and killing him on the spot. This brought on the period of "Rogue Hunting" by the Raven Moon pack, and the previous Alpha, Levi's grandparent, found it a great opportunity to hunt and kill along the way several other packs of rogues who threatened our safety. My mother was labeled overnight as "the Unmated Omega" who up and went against all our rules, slept with a rogue wolf killer, and carrying an unwanted unborn half-rogue child that no one knew how to handle.
The previous Alpha- Alpha Damion's father- was merciful enough to forgive my mother since the mate bond is very hard and complicated to ignore for all werewolves, even if your destined mate was a rogue. But to appease the Elders and the Council in case they get a whiff of what happened, he decided that the best choice for her was to leave the pack once the pup was born and live in a neighboring pack under Raven Moon. Away from the scrutiny of people who know her in the Original Lycan Land. Knowing how Lycan leaders could be vicious with their decisions sometimes, the previous Alpha was merciful enough if you ask me! At least he didn't kill us with the rogues!
But who are we kidding? There was no one in all the Raven Moon packs who committed this kind of treason in the last few decades. Lycan packs live by the law of loyalty first and abiding by Elyster and Lycan laws second. By killing her rogue mate, the alpha sent a clear message to all Werewolves under his jurisdiction to follow the laws, and that the pack comes before the lone wolf, even for a mate who was a crazy rogue. ALWAYS!
They have decided then to grant her time until the pup was born, and she would be placed in a neighboring pack in the borders of the society. Probably working a third-rate job like cleaning pack houses, but most of all, she would always be shunned, avoided, known as the unmated omega who allowed a murdering rogue to impregnant her and roam free in our lands.
I never met my mother. My mother died years ago while giving birth to me because of health complications. I'm quite sure it was not the reason. My poor mother couldn't stay in this world probably because her heart and wolf couldn't bear the cruelty of her destiny. A dead rogue mate, a pup she didn't want anymore, and her pack turning their backs on her. Do I hate her? Would you believe me if I said No? I just want to believe that mother had her reasons, and after all the books I've read about destined mates, she probably couldn't ignore the pull of the bond. She just thought with her heart more than her head. A lesson she thought me when I've never met the woman.
I heard the story of my origins exactly when I was seven. A very young age for anyone to know that they are an outcast and a very lowly member of their society. I understood that day why everyone treated me either below the average Omega, or like I was entirely invisible.
One of the kind elders in the pack house even took the time from her surely busy schedule and sat me down when I was seven to explain the whole story behind my origins. It was like a movie trailer of how my life is going to be in the future as "the avoidable omega" in the pack. Before that, I was the orphan whose mother died while giving birth to this pup; the pup who lived in the last room of the pack house. Later as the kid who cleaned and was often on kitchen duty as demanded by the pack house masters. In my teenage years, I was mostly ignored by adults and avoided, many times bullied, by my peer werewolves at school. And after I turned 15 and my wolf Zafira Joined me forever as an Omega, I was blacklisted as "The avoidable Omega" by all 20 and above unmated werewolves. They strongly and actively avoided looking my way altogether in fear of me being their destined mate and maybe shaming them. I was a labeled "Warning! Keep away" case from birth.
After that meeting that probably last 30 minutes at best with the kind Elder, I suddenly became...no, I understood that my destiny and life was already dictated beforehand by my parents, and I that I have no other choice but to accept it, no other way to change it.
So, all of this makes me "the avoidable Omega", or when I'm working "the ice cream lady". At 21 years old, I work as an ice-cream maker/scooper at a coffee shop downtown, and I still live at the last room at the pack house.
I have no family. Well technically, I do have some, but the next kin family of my mother immigrated a long time ago to another faraway pack, mostly because they wanted to avoid the shame and being in contact with the disgraceful offspring of their traitor Omega daughter. No home but the last room in the pack house. My wolf Zafira is the only constant friend and existence that provides me company, advice, and the strength to make me go on, always hoping for maybe a better tomorrow.
Maybe someday I can also have a mate who would not reject me! Wishful thinking, but only if the Goddess is kinder to me than she was to my mother. On the other hand, Zafira feeds on my sheer willpower to never give up, always encouraging me in return to be a better pack member, pushing me to be a better person and wolf: reading any book that I can put my hand on, learning new skills if someone is kind enough to teach me, or if someone needs a helping hand. I was always the first to volunteer, even if I was always the last chosen to help. Anything that allowed me to learn something new could benefit me someday, right?
My only solace in this job is the innocence of the kids who don't understand yet who and what I am. And sometimes the occasional smiles I receive from some kind pack members either because they pity me, or because maybe they forgot where I came from. But the greatest smile of all comes from our very own future Alpha Levi, who is standing right now in front of me as I pass on that double scoop chocolate con to his Beta, while waiting for him to look at me. His smile was always genuine, free of judgment or pity. My favorite kind of smile.
"What can I get you?" I try in the loudest voice I can manage, and as my Omega self can allow in front of a true Alpha. I wait for those amazing baby blue eyes to look up.
Alpha Levi was a very tall man. A very tall, strong werewolf with very prominent muscles that his current black t-shirt was complimenting nicely and fighting to contain his biceps. And he was just 19 years old1 Did I mention before he was beautiful? His hair and body and strength were the exact replica of Alpha Damion, but he had the beautiful face and special witchcraft talent from his father Alpha Olwyn. He had amazing flowy black mane of a hair that I think even females envied, baby blue eyes adorned by black brows and eyelashes that captivates you the moment he looks at you. Electricity! That's the word. You feel electricity when he looks at you, some says that it's because his body is vibrant with magic. I just think that some people are born so special you can feel it the moment you lock eyes with them, magic involved or not.
A strong high nose, and very beautiful full lips. His skin was pale compared to your average werewolves since we are outdoorsy creatures, so much as Alpha Olwyn, but he was sun kissed in the most alluring way. In short, a sexy weapon to all female species who dream of being his MATE once he turns 20 years old, and a deadly opponent to all other males who would even entertain the idea of crossing his path. Not that I belonged to either category, believe me, I'm just the ice cream lady and I am content with a small smile at best.
He finally looks away from the ice cream display and I avert my eyes immediately. I'm not stupid enough to look directly at a pure blood Alpha. I can feel Zafi backing up mentally inside.
"Lavender-lemon, two scoops in a cup please" I can hear the smile in his voice when he talks to me, I swear. I secretly look at his shin, then his lips and nose. I avert my eyes immediately while I open the ice cream refrigerator door. I'm content now, Alpha Levi's smile was always a genuine one since I started working here 3 years ago. He usually comes with his Beta for coffee, or his siblings for cakes & ice-cream most of the time during weekends. And on my lucky days, he ordered a Lemon-Lavender ice-cream from my stand.
I nod briefly, and scoop two large scoops of Lemon-Lavender into a small cup. I make sure after to put the napkins extra tight on the cup, so it won't drip on his hand, and put a small lavender colored spoon and a small biscuit on top. He was always vanilla at first, but when Joe discovered that I have a talent of mixing weird unique flavors in ice-cream, and they surprisingly come out good; we developed quiet a new selection of ice-creams for our coffee shop. Lavender-Lemon was my first invention, I loved mixing flowers in food.
Every time Alpha Levi ordered the same flavor, I felt a sense of achievement and a warm feeling fill my chest for some reason. He would always order with a smile, well-mannered as always with the pleases and thank you, and his smile would grow even more when he starts enjoying my ice-cream. I was very surprised to see him enjoy it wholeheartedly the first time he tried it; he was with the twins who teased him for his weird taste non-stop, and I was zoned out staring at him openly until someone disapproving adult in front of my stand cleared his throat, more to warn me than to get my attention. I guess he knew who I was!
But in that moment for some reason, I wanted to fist bump the air like I have just saved someone's day. No one knows how precious someone's appreciation of my work feels to me, even as small and insignificant as enjoying a small ice cream cup of weirdly combined flavors.
So here I am, looking at his retreating back with his Beta Xander as he bumps his shoulder playfully to knock his con. Beta Xander curses him for eating an ice cream that smells like flowery shit instead of respecting the sanctity of enjoying chocolate ice cream cons.
A full smile threatens my mouth for the first time today. Small joys, Emm! Small joys!