Rise of the Omega

The grand hall was suffocating.

Rows of wolves in formal attire stood along the edges of the large room, their whispers moving through the air like a curse I couldn't shake.

My father, Alpha Rhen, stood tall at the head of the room, his sharp gaze scanning the gathered pack members before settling on me.

He raised a hand, and silence fell.

"Tonight, we celebrate the union that will strengthen our pack," he announced, his deep voice carrying the weight of authority. "My daughter, Valeria Rhen, will be mated to Alpha Darius Volk of the Bloodfang Pack."

A low murmur rippled through the room. Some looked at me with pity. Others, amusement.

I knew what they were thinking. Why would an alpha as ruthless as Darius Volk want a weak omega like her?

I forced my expression to remain still, even as my stomach twisted. It didn't matter that I was the Alpha's daughter-without strength, I was nothing in their eyes. A burden. A tool to be traded away for power.

The doors at the far end of the hall creaked open, and I clenched my hands under the table as he entered.

Darius Volk.

Tall. Broad-shouldered. A wolf carved from stone. His sharp features and cold eyes swept over the room before settling on me. He smirked, the kind that promised cruelty disguised as charm.

My breath hitched as he strode forward, closing the distance between us with slow, deliberate steps.

When he reached me, he leaned in, his voice a low murmur against my ear. "An omega for an alpha. A delicate little thing meant to obey. You'll learn, Valeria."

My nails dug into my palms.

He pulled back, his smirk widening as if he could taste my disgust. He wasn't wrong. My revulsion burned hot, but I couldn't let it show. Not here. Not in front of everyone.

The celebration continued around me, the sound of raised glasses and forced congratulations blending into an unbearable noise. My body remained frozen, but inside, something was clawing to get out.

That night, I made my choice.

---

I found my father in his study, a glass of aged whiskey in his hand. The room smelled of leather and smoke, the heavy scent of power woven into the very walls.

"You made a mistake," I said, stepping inside before he could dismiss me.

He always thought everything about me was useless. That's why he never listened to me. Instead choosing to do what he felt was best for.

Not this time.

Alpha Rhen barely spared me a glance. "I made the only choice available."

I stood rigid. "You had no right-"

"I had every right," he interrupted, setting his glass down with a quiet clink. "You are my daughter. An omega. A weak one. If not for me, you'd be nothing."

The words struck deep, but I refused to let him see it. I refused to show how his words hurt me.

"You sold me to a monster," I said, voice tight. "Do you even know what he does to his mates?"

"He's an alpha," my father said, as if that justified everything. "He will protect this pack. And you will do your duty."

"My duty?" I laughed, but it was empty. "To be his pet? To be controlled and used?"

His jaw tightened. "Enough, Valeria."

I took a step closer. "Tell me-if I were strong, would you have done this? If I had power, would I still be nothing to you?"

For a moment, something flickered in his eyes. Then it was gone. "You weren't born for power. You were born to be useful. Accept that, and you might survive."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "No."

His brow arched. "No?"