THE WEIGHT OF BELONGING

ELENA'S POV

"Elena! Where are my silk sheets?" Sarah's voice sliced through the pack house like a whip. "If you ruined them in the wash again—"

I gritted my teeth, folding another stack of linens. "They're drying outside, Mrs. Walker. The dry cleaner said—"

"Outside? Are you trying to ruin them? Honestly, Elena, do you have any common sense?"

Breathe. Don’t react. At twenty-three, I should be free to make my own choices. Instead, I was stuck playing servant for my stepmother, the Luna of the Southern Pack.

"I’ll bring them in now," I muttered, already moving.

"No need. I'll have Rosa do it. At least she knows how to handle quality items."

I clenched my jaw. "Of course. Anything else?"

"Yes." A slow, satisfied smile spread across her face. "Your father wants to see you in his office. Something about another complaint from the Council."

My stomach twisted. Council meetings meant one thing—more reminders of how I was an embarrassment to the pack. I barely nodded before turning to leave.

"Oh, and Elena?" Sarah’s voice dripped with false concern. "Try to look presentable. We wouldn’t want you shaming the family. Again."

I kept walking, ignoring the burn in my chest. She wasn’t worth a reaction.

The walk to my father’s office felt like heading to an execution, my mind a storm of thoughts. My condition. The Council. Another reminder that I was different and unwanted.

My phone vibrated in my pocket. I ignored it at first, too lost in my head. But after a few steps, I sighed and pulled it out.

Mia.

I hesitated, then answered.

"Hi, El."

"Hey."

"Are you free?"

I scoffed. "Not really. My father called me to his office again."

Mia went quiet for a second. "Council meeting?"

"Yeah. Another one about my condition."

"Damn."

I exhaled, glancing at the heavy oak door ahead.

"I’ll call you back when I’m done."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

I ended the call and shoved my phone back into my pocket. Then, squaring my shoulders, I knocked on the door.

"Enter."

Family portraits lined the hallway, rows of proud Alphas staring down. Generations of dominance, strength, and power. Then there was me—the Omega mistake they never wanted.

My father sat behind his desk, the afternoon sun casting sharp shadows across his face. His graying hair made him look older, harsher. He didn’t glance up from his papers.

"Sit."

I sat, hands knotted into fists in my lap. He finally looked at me, eyes cold.

"The Council is concerned." His voice was clipped, controlled. "Your status as an unmated Omega is becoming... problematic."

I stiffened. "Problematic for who?"

"Don’t take that tone with me." His fingers drummed the desk.

"The Thompson Pack has expressed interest in an alliance. Their Beta, Richard, has offered to take you as his mate."

A sharp chill ran through me. "Richard? Again? The last three proposals failed—"

"Because you failed," he interrupted. "You refuse to behave as an Omega should."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "They rejected me, not the other way around. They didn’t want an Omega without influence."

"Richard is different." His gaze sharpened. "He wants you."

My pulse spiked. "Why?"

"Because he knows your place." His voice left no room for argument. "You will meet him at the Pack Gala tomorrow night. You will be polite, accommodating, and obedient. Am I clear?"

I barely kept my voice steady. "Yes, Alpha."

"Good." He returned to his papers. "Rosa will help you dress appropriately."

I stood, numb. But as I reached the door, his voice stopped me.

"Elena."

I turned, my breath shallow.

His gaze was empty, unreadable. "Don’t embarrass me."

The dismissal was absolute.

—

I stepped out of the office, my chest tight, my hands cold. The hallway stretched ahead, but I barely saw it. The weight of his words pressed down on me, heavier than before. No matter what I did, I would never be enough. Never the daughter he wanted. Never the Omega they expected.

I swallowed hard, forcing my feet to move. One step. Then another. The walls felt smaller, the air thinner.

Breathe, Elena.

Then my phone vibrated.

It was a message from Mia

*Mia: How bad?*

*Me: Another arranged marriage. Richard Thompson this time.*

*Mia: That snake? No way. You’re coming out with me tonight. No arguments.*

*Me: I can’t. You know how they get.*

*Mia: One night won’t kill you. My brother’s band is playing. Come on, El. Just once.*

I hesitated. I *never* disobeyed my father. Never pushed back.

But maybe I should.

*Me: Fine. But if I get caught, I’m blaming you.*

*Mia: Yes! Wear something hot. Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet your *real* mate.*

I snorted. *Yeah, right.* What Alpha would want an Omega like me?

Still, the idea sparked something dangerous inside me—hope.

—

Back in my room, I closed the door and leaned against it. The reality of my situation sank in.

Richard.

The Beta with too many secrets and a hunger for power. If my father sealed the deal, my fate was locked. I'd be bound to someone I didn't trust, didn’t want.

A sharp knock broke my thoughts.

"Elena?" Rosa’s voice was soft, concerned.

I wiped my face with my sleeve, realizing too late I’d been crying. "Just a second." I said taking a deep breath before opening the door.

"I overheard Sarah say your father wanted to see you. How did it go?"

Rosa stepped inside, her warm brown eyes full of concern. "Tell me, mijita, what did he say?"

I swallowed hard. "He’s making me meet Richard Thompson tomorrow."

Rosa’s lips pressed into a thin line. "I’ve heard things about that man. Things you don’t want to know."

A shiver ran down my spine. "That bad?"

"Worse." She took my hands gently. "You’re stronger than you know. Don’t let them break you."

I nodded, but I didn’t feel strong. I felt trapped.

Rosa squeezed my hands before letting go. "I wanted to check on you. I know how they treat you. Just remember, you are worth more than they make you feel."

"Thank you," I whispered.

She gave me a small, sad smile before leaving.

I sat on my bed, staring at nothing. My mind wasn’t here anymore—it was on tonight. On sneaking out tonight with Mia.

I should have said no. I should have obeyed.

Instead, I made a choice.

I had no idea that decision would change my life forever.