Six

D'Angelo 

The morning after my coronation was terrible. I woke up with a headache threatening to burst my skull open. But when memories of last night flooded back, the headache paled in comparison to the painful heartache that struck me like a blow.

My mate.

The one person destined to be my perfect match, was an omega, belonging to the lowest rung of society, poor, uneducated, and undesirable for my status. 

The thought of being bonded to an omega felt like a curse. I rubbed my forehead in an attempt to shake off the lingering fogginess, but my mind kept recoiling at the thought of this impossible union. 

How could the goddess be so cruel? 

I thought myself fortunate, born into old money had alpha blood, and was destined for power and privilege. I enjoyed the finest life had to offer and was crowned alpha of one of the most powerful packs on the south coast, a position many envied. But now, luck seemed to have abandoned me. 

It was as if the moon goddess had declared, "You've had your share of blessings, boy, time to change your fate."

And change it she did. 

An alpha-Omega bond was unthinkable, a union that would be seen as a weakness by other alphas, an opportunity to be exploited. But I couldn't stop thinking about the girl. 

A sharp knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. "D'Angelo, are you awake?" Leo's cheerful voice carried through the wood.

Without waiting for my response, he swung the door open."The packmates are here to celebrate again! You know how they love a good party."

I let out a groan as Leo's cheerful knock echoed through my room. The last thing I wanted was another loud, boisterous gathering. My luck was that my mansion was huge and soundproof and I could indulge in some much-needed peace. 

"Tell them I'm sick," I muttered, hoping Leo would understand. But he wore a mischievous glint in his eye, and I knew I was in for another long day of festivities.

“The Alpha never gets sick. Come on, D'Lo. You can't stay cooped in here all day. I'm trying to handle everything, but I'm running short of excuses.”

Running a hand over my hair, I heaved myself from bed, knowing there was no way around it. Then I steered the conversation elsewhere.

"How's the omega doing? Did she tell the truth about her mom's illness?"

Leo paused for a moment to consider my question before heading to my walk-in closet to get my outfit for the day ready.

“As far as we know,” he said, still sorting through my clothes, “she has a mother who is alive. Her skin didn't have a healthy pallor, which is very common among omegas, but they're at the lake house now. I made sure they were comfortable, though I wouldn't normally give a fuck about them.”

Relief washed over me. At least the omega wasn't a liar. "Thanks, Leo. I owe you one."

He waved off my gratitude. "You shouldn't go to the lake house today.”

I faced him with a frown. “And why is that?”

“The more distance between you and them, the better." His voice softened. "Treat the omega girl like a sickness, an ache. If you don't find a cure, it'll rot you from the inside out."

I didn't respond. What response could I even give to his suggestion when my mind was already racing with thoughts of her—her scent, her touch, her eyes? It was all too much.

"I need a bath," I finally said, standing up abruptly. "Excuse me."

Leo left and the door closed behind him, I let out a ragged breath and strode to the bathroom. The tub was massive, carved from marble. I turned on the faucet and watched as steam rose like a veil.

Stripping off my clothes, I sank into the tub and let the heat seep into my bones. My mind wandered back to her and my wandering thoughts made me clench my fists. Why did she have to be a damn omega? 

Why couldn't she be an alpha, strong and fierce like me? Or even a delta wolf?

I submerged myself completely, holding my breath and trying to drown out my thoughts. When I resurfaced, gasping for air, I knew I needed to stop this madness.

After getting dressed, I headed downstairs. My feet were heavy with reluctance. When I reached the bottom step, I saw that my pack mates were already deep into another round of celebration. They were at it again, partying like animals. 

I pushed open the door to the general living room, and a wave of noise washed over me. The room was already packed, with people spilling out into the hallway. I spotted a few familiar faces from last night's revelry, now clutching coffee cups and looking decidedly worse for wear. There was our pack's resident party animal, slumped on the couch with a beer in hand, despite the early hour. And our pack's lead singer was belting out a loud tune on the makeshift stage. 

It was only seven am, and yet, the party showed no signs of slowing down.

Forcing a smile, I made my way through the crowd, nodding politely at the well-wishers who approached me. Virgins adorned with colorful beads that clattered on their hips swayed their bodies to the rhythm and jiggled their waists as they danced around me. Children gathered around, excited and holding woven baskets filled with an assortment of gifts for me.

I forced a smile onto my face, pretending to be happy, but my heart wasn't in it. Zina, my gamma's wife and my ex approached me, a warm smile on her face. 

She pulled me in a tight hug, her perfume filling my senses. “Where have you been? You went AWOL yesterday. I prepared your favorite breakfast, just the way you like it." 

Forcing a smile, I linked my hand with hers. We locked eyes, hers displaying concern.

“You've been acting strange since coronation night.”

"I'm alright," I forced a smile.

She nudged me.”No, you’re not. I can tell when something is bothering you because I know you too well—like the back of my hand. Talk to me.”

I nodded, affirming I was fine "It's complicated," I admitted. “I'll tell you later.”

On my way to the dining room, Alexis, my unwanted and unexpected baby mama with a penchant for drama, was making her way towards me with a wide smile. 

Alexis was stunningly attractive. Ironically, she shared the same ash-blond hair color and blue eyes as my omega mate. The main difference lay in their facial structure and physique - the omega had an oval face and a smaller, curvier build. Alexis, on the other hand, stood at around five foot ten, the typical height for a beta wolf, and could pass for a high-fashion model.

She was running towards me with a wide grin spreading across her face. She launched herself at me, arms outstretched, and landed on my body with a thud. 

My irritation spiked when she tilted her head up and puckered her lips in an attempt to kiss me, but I pulled away and a frown appeared on her face. 

Isabel, Leo's wife, rang a bell and her voice echoed across the hall, "Everyone, gather 'round!" 

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to her. "We have a big announcement to make! Alpha D'Angelo and his lovely girlfriend Alexis are expecting a child!" 

The room erupted into loud cheers and applause, with multiple celebrations breaking out simultaneously.

Fuck!

Men stepped forward, congratulating me with hearty handshakes and pats on the back. Everyone except Zina looked utterly shocked, and her husband, Grey, forced a smile onto his face. I excused myself and headed upstairs, shutting the door to the bedroom behind me with a resounding thud.