CHAPTER 1

My back ached terribly and I tried to walk upright but it was proving to be an impossible task. I needed to rest, my muscles screamed for me to rest but how could I truly rest if I didn't see Darren today? we had gone a whole week without seeing each other and this wasn't because we were not trying.

'Speak for yourself' the voice in my head whispered.

I tried everything possible to get free and tried all I could to spend time with him and I'm sure he tried too even though my subconscious was trying to make me think otherwise. He was busy as well and he would have come to see me if he could. I on the other hand had not even a single chance or an option to see him.

As an omega, I was the least in my pack. The lowest of the low and every day, I had so much work lined up for me to do. I barely had time to rest and it caused my muscles to ache non-stop. But the burning desire to see my lover pushed me.

I would rest after I've seen him.

I crossed the large training field, keeping my head down and trying to remain invisible. I prayed to the moon goddess that none of them would notice me and call me over. it would only be torture for me. I took fast steps and soon, the field was out of view. I was soon inside the building.

Lots of wolves moved around the corridor and I entered the first open door.

Luckily, It was a storage closet for cleaning supplies. I found it as I waited patiently. What was happening and why were there so many walls in the hallway? I couldn't afford to be amid the high-ranking wolves. I would only get into trouble, I poked my head through the slightly open door and looked outside. The wolves that were present earlier have all disappeared and it was the only servant in the hallway

I came out of the closets and hurried towards the back stairs. The main stairs were only used by the high-ranking wolves. If I use the stairs and was caught I would be severely punished. Darren's office was on the last floor, as a beta, It was only proper that he stayed in the office close to the alpha.

I wasn't supposed to be on the floor but dating the beta gave me some privileges. My best friend Tiana and some of my Omega friends are extremely happy for me, especially Tiana, She never failed in reminding me of how lucky I was to be dating a Beta. After our mating, I would rise in rank. Be treated with respect and a break from all the suffering I've lived through as an omega.

I walked cautiously on the stairs until I arrived at the last floor. The hallways were empty so I walked slowly to Darren’s office. I leaned against the door to check if he was there or with someone. I would hate to enter his office if he was with someone or another wolf like him or the alpha. I didn't hear anything, my hearing wasn't even that good. I open the door cautiously and put my head into his office.

There was only one person in the office, the last person I expected to find there.

"Tiana?" I walked further into the room with a frown.

"Did something happen?"

"Why are you here?" she asked with a frown.

"I ......wanted to see Darren" her face relaxed.

"Oh he stepped out a while ago"

"And you, why are you here?" I asked

"Uhmmm......he.......I......it's a surprise" she concluded and I eyed her not believing it.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, you're not supposed to find out," she said almost immediately.

She tried to end the conversation but I couldn't Shake off that nagging feeling that something was wrong somewhere. I had known Tiana for most of my life and I could tell when she was lying and hiding something from me.

"Come on, let's go." She pulled my arm dragging me out of the office and out of the building. We walked through the familiar path to our favorite spot. A cliff edge with a waterfall.

We spent most of our childhood here. We sat down side-by-side and stayed in comfortable silence.

"Are you okay ?"She asked suddenly, I turned to look at her.

"Yes, why do you ask?"

"You seem tense" she replied and threw a small rock down, we waited to hear it land but the sound never came.

"Will you tell me about the surprise you spoke about earlier?" Her countenance changed and I spotted annoyance briefly in her eyes.

"It won't be a surprise anymore if I tell you" she replied. I sighed and rolled my eyes.

I know that but I hate surprises, they make me uneasy and restless

"I hate surprises," I said softly and she looked deep in thought for a second, and then she spoke.

"There is a mating ceremony tomorrow" I gasped almost immediately. A mating ceremony? That was huge news. All the current lovers including myself have been waiting for one for the last three years. it was the day when all those who were ready to mate would choose their mate and present them in front of the pack.

I was excited. "When was it announced?" I asked her.

"About a month ago" she replied

"A month?" That was a long time since the announcement was made. As an omega, nobody bothered to inform me but at least I expect Darren to say something.

"He didn't say anything because it is supposed to be a surprise. He plans on choosing tomorrow," she said as if she had read my mind. A smile came to my face and I immediately blushed hard. I would finally be introduced as Darren's mate.

"And you? Do you know if anyone will be choosing you?". She shrugged.

"I have no idea. maybe someone will or maybe no one will I don't care".

Tiana likes to act like she hated love, but the way she looks at Couples, I'm sure she wants to be loved. if only she would open her heart.

"And your crush? Have you spoken to him yet?"

She mentioned having a crush about five months ago but she wouldn't tell me who it was. Even though I've constantly asked her out of concern. She would simply just brush it off.

"I don't know" she shrugged again.

"Maybe if he doesn't feel the same way about you, you should go for someone else so you don't get hurt" I said and she snorted.

“You always forget, Frost, I get what I want, always. He will be mine. There's just a pesky brat keeping us apart”

"He has a girlfriend?" I asked in shock

"She's unimportant. He's only trying to be nice but very soon he'll get her away" she said with an evil grin.

I didn't like that she was going after a man already in a relationship. That would hurt the feeling of the poor girl. I wanted to say more but I remained silent. In as much as Tiana Was my best friend, she was still a high-rank wolf than I was and has always had a snarky temper.

I will let it go for now but I'll bring it up later and we could have a proper discussion, meanwhile, I was excited that the mating ceremony was going to be tomorrow. It changes a lot for me.

"You know I love you right?" She said suddenly and I looked at her. she was smiling but I could feel something odd.

"Yes, I replied and I love you too” I replied and she pulled me in for a tight hug.

"And best friends must sacrifice for each other".

I pulled away and looked at her.

"Where is that coming from?" I asked her with confusion written all over my face.

She shrugged.

"Nowhere. I will sacrifice my happiness for you and you must do the same for me when the time comes" she said in an odd voice.

"I'll sacrifice for your happiness," I said. She smiled brightly, probably the most genuine smile since we met each other today. She went back to throwing stones down at the edge of the cliff and I was consumed by thoughts. Something was wrong and no matter how much I tried to ignore it, I just couldn't.