Jia took a deep breath and continue.
"Ammy, I won't ask you to tell me what happened between you and your father or Damon. I will always be here if you wish to unburden yourself a little by speaking of it with me."
"Or me!"
Ammy smiled at Allen's bright offer. Jia reached out and laid her hand near Ammy's, not touching but close if needed.
"Forgive me for saying so but Ammy, you will not find work in town and a lone omega outside of town is much more vulnerable. The laws for omegas there are much more restrictive. Your father's reputation has become yours and you need to associate yourself with more respectable families. I know a few omega mothers who will jump at the chance to introduce you to their available alpha sons if I support you this season. The Will name can get you a few suitors and your charming, loving nature will secure you a husband."
Ammy felt numb and overwhelmed by Jia's words. She knew, intellectually, that Jia was right. She would never be able to find work to support herself as a lone omega with no family. And to leave town...it was unthinkable. Omegas were treated as slaves by the surrounding lands. This town still had many problems with omega rights, but it was certainly the better of two evils for Ammy. Allen huffed loudly and crossed her arms.
"I don't know why we can't just adopt her! Then she could live here forever and be happy doing whatever she wished."
Ammy cleared her throat, embarrassed.
"Please, Allen, I already owe your family so much. I don't wish to be a further burden."
The look of pity was back on Jia's face and Ammy wished she could excuse herself, leave and never return. Jia shook her head.
"You aren't a burden, Ammy. The time you spent here with our family are cherished memories. I've never seen the children so happy than when you lived here with us. I can't see you spending the rest of your days in isolation, you have so much to give. Don't you want a family of your own, pups?"
Ammy met Jia's eyes in surprise. How had she seen her secret heart so easily?
"Yes, I want that more than anything. A loving family."
Jia nodded briskly.
"Step one for that is an alpha husband. Certainly, that would suit you better than a beta, you are so fierce when the mood strikes and an alpha would do better to dote on you, you deserve the extra attention. Oh, don't blush so, you know it's true! It just so happens that the biggest party of the season is this week and Alpha Jason is hosting it at his lovely estate. You remember Sebestian mentioned him in town?"
Ammy's smile dimmed a bit at the mention of Sebestian. Speaking of alpha husbands and Sebestian in the same conversation was making her maudlin. Would she ever find an alpha that loved her for just being Ammy? Or would her future husband only see her as an omega and more importantly, want her for her connection to the influential Will's. Ammy nodded as Jia continued.
"Well, Alpha Jason is such a nice young man, generous, kind and charming. Society practically adores him! If they see him welcoming you with open arms, they will surely follow. I will write him directly after lunch. And don't worry about having something appropriate to wear, your room is exactly how you left it, wardrobe and all."
Ammy raised her eyebrows, moved by the thought of her room being untouched, waiting as if for her return.
She was distracted by the arrival of a grinning and running Sam. Despite his mother's admonitions to settle down, Sam clung to her and insisted on sitting in Ammy's lap as they ate lunch. Even with an uncertain future hanging before her, Ammy was determined to enjoy her reunion with the Will's, the soft, warm atmosphere and the excellent menu.
***
The Wills were reluctant to let Ammy leave after lunch, quite insistent that she stay with them for the season, sleep in her old bed. Ammy wanted nothing more than to accept, to make a nest for herself and feel safe and protected for even just a moment. Then Sebestian's cold face floated into her mind and Ammy couldn't endure the torture of being so close yet so far from the one alpha she wished would court her. To be politely ignored by her oldest friend and listen to him wax poetic about the omega that received those flowers. Jia had mentioned an Omega that was interested in Sebestian. Were they courting?
The Will's carriage stopped, and Ammy exited, giving the driver a nod in thanks and standing on the derelict street that hosted his current lodgings. The neighborhood was firmly in the less reputable part of Idris, home to the poorest and most pitiable. The affronted look on the driver's face as he pulled away assured Ammy that Jia would hear of the sad little omega boarding house that Ammy called home.
Ammy considered herself lucky to have stumbled across the kind elderly beta woman who ran the boarding house being accosted by ruffians. The horrible men had underestimated Ammy, as alphas were known to do of omegas, and Ammy had thoroughly trounced them, sending them scurrying like rats into the alley. She offered to walk the beta, Lillian Patel, to her destination and she had eagerly accepted. She had pried quite skillfully into Ammy's depressing personal history and adamantly offered Ammy a room when she reluctantly admitted she had nowhere to go.
Ammy had been instantly charmed by both Lillian and the little attic room she showed her once they reached their destination. The room was dusty and smelled a bit stale but there was a large window that offered a perfect view of the street and in the mornings, the sun shone brightly onto the small table and two chairs. It was a perfect place to enjoy tea and toast or scones with strawberry jam that Lillian insisted on bringing her three times a day. She had tried to deny her coddling at first, but she had insisted so fiercely that Ammy was afraid of upsetting her too much and she secretly enjoyed the attention. There was a plush chair near the small fireplace where Ammy spent most of her evenings reading and wishing for a nice glass of wine. It was an indulgence that few could afford here.
The bed was small but it fit Ammy well enough, much better than the park benches she had been chased off of before. The quilt was thin, and Lillian had apologized at length for not having appropriate nesting materials. Most of the omegas she took in were unable to pay her and Lillian couldn't afford extra blankets or pillows. The thin quilt didn't keep her scent very well and her one pillow wasn't much comfort on lonely nights. It left her feeling vulnerable and anxious to not have a proper nest to unwind in every night. She often woke up crying and wishing for any comfort, wishing that her life had been different. She had not had to endure a heat here yet and she found herself hoping she never would, that she could charm her way to an alpha husband and spend her heat in comfort and affection.
Lillian's soft voice called out to her as she ascended the noisy stairs to the attic. She paused and turned to her, coming back down and pressing a kiss to her soft, wrinkled cheek.
"Oh, my dear girl! You were gone so long today; I was growing worried. Any luck at the shops?"
"I'm afraid not, Lilly. But I did run into a few old friends and joined them for lunch. The Will's."
Lillian gasped and pressed her hand over her mouth, eyes wide.
"Oh, my! The Wiil's, how lovely to be acquainted with such a family. Now, shoo! Go up to your room and I'll bring a tea tray with extra scones, and you can tell me all about it. This is so exciting!"
Ammy chuckled and made to follow her to the small kitchen.
"Let me carry that for you."
Lillian pursed her lips at her and opened her mouth as if to argue but Ammy breezed past her, not stopping to hear.
The carriage Jia had sent for her clattered to a stop in front of the Will manor and Ammy had barely a second to brace herself before the door was forcefully opened and Allen's excited face was grinning at her. She tugged insistently at her arm."Oh, Ammy, hurry, hurry! This is so exciting!"Ammy rolled her eyes but gave her a fond grin and jumped out, pulling her closer with her arm around her shoulders. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow upon the manor and Allen's black, glossy hair was loose and soaking up the fading light. Ammy tugged on a thick curl and frowned."It's just a party, Allen. You look ready for bed, are you not coming as well?"Allen made a small, disgusted sound, placing her hands on her hips and tilting her head up imperiously."Just a party? Ammy, this is the beginning of the rest of your life! I can't believe you are being so cavalier about this. Well, lucky for you, I'm here to help you look irresistible to the alpha gentry."She ran a hand through her
"Hurry up and change, Ammy. I want to line your eyes and do something with that hair.""I don't need this much primping, Allen. I'm going to look ridiculous."Allen passed her more of the ensemble."Nonsense! You're going to be the most handsome woman there, alpha, beta or omega! Every eye will turn to you as you enter, and your dance card will fill up and-"Ammy walked around the changing screen, straightening her cuffs and pinned her with a fierce gaze. She bustled over to her and started to fuss."That sounds awful, Allen. I don't want all that attention...I don't even want to go but your mother is right. I need a husband and damn my father for ruining my life even when he's not here."Allen bit her lip and looked guilty."I'm sorry, Ammy. I just think you're so wonderful and you deserve so much! If only I had been born an alpha, I would marry you myself!"Ammy laughed in surprise, throwing her head back and relaxing her shoulders."I don't think your mother would approve.""Then w
The Jones estate was truly impressive. Ammy's only experience with an estate this size had been her father's own. While the James estate had been in ancient disrepair, the Jones estate shone like a beacon in the night. The Will's and Ammy, having arrived a bit late, were forced to join a line of carriages winding its way to the beautiful manor. The slow stop and go offered ample time for Ammy to gape and gasp to herself like a child, completely charmed by the festive decor of the grounds. Sebestian seemed greatly amused by her reactions, hiding what Ammy was sure was a smile behind his gloved hand. Ammy couldn't find it within herself to be embarrassed. She had very little experience with Society, having been isolated by her father and she had been too young to enjoy parties and dinners of the like when she resided with the Will's."Is every party like this?"Sebestian scoffed and Jia shook her head, fanning herself in the humid air left by the storm."No, dear. Alpha Jason is truly a
"My goodness, Ammy, take a breath, omega! That's it, another deep breath. What a lamb you are. How have you wandered into the wolf's den?"Ammy followed her directions, taking a breath and calming down. She was making a horrible first impression on the man meant to welcome her into society and pave the road for her future. Ammy felt foolish and lost, truly she was the lamb Jason had called her. She closed her eyes, enjoying the cool wind generated by Jason's fan and forced herself to calm, breathing deep of the alpha's intoxicating scent. She met Jason's gaze again and smiled crookedly, widening her eyes to look more innocent. She could do this; she could be the lamb and dance with the wolf. Jason's amused smile softened at Ammy's wide eyed, humiliated look and Ammy cheered internally. She could salvage this."Forgive me, Alpha Jason. I am new to Society and was so charmed by your... aesthetics, you called them, that I lost all sense. It is truly beautiful, my lord."Jason pulled his
They started slow, not moving much as Adom instructed Ammy on the steps to the dance. It was a slow, graceful number and the longer they practiced, the more confident and relaxed Ammy became. They weren't perfect. Ammy stumbled more than once and stepped on Adom's foot three times, but Ammy laughed every time Ammy made a mistake. Ammy found herself laughing along, brushing off her embarrassment and enjoying the moment.They drew attention, of course, some people frowning and pursing their lips and others shaking their heads and smiling indulgently. Adom was impervious to the attention, secure in his and his alpha's good reputation and that confidence gave Ammy courage. She urged Adom to spin her and laughed as the room whirled around her. They came apart, arms spread in a graceful arch, one hand still connected, smiling at each other. As Adom pulled on his arm to come back together, Ammy caught sight Sebestian and Jason on the edge of the dance floor, watching them.Sebestian was watc
The hedge maze was vast and beautiful. It didn't take long for Ammy to be completely lost, ambling at a slow pace, enjoying the numerous fountains, alcoves concealed by ivy and exotic flower beds she stumbled across. The maze was impressive but daunting in the dark, not enough torches and gas lamps to dispel all the shadows. The air was humid, and the heavy smell of damp vegetation clouded her sensitive nose, thunder rumbling like a pleased alpha purr. The hedges loomed over Ammy as she wandered, towering high and blocking the din of the ballroom. The only sounds were her soft footsteps in the damp earth and various night birds and insects. No guests had dared to venture so far, and Ammy reveled in the solitude, the sense of adventure she felt.Ammy's dearest wish since she was a child had been to travel the world and journal her experiences. She imagined herself as an old woman, reading to her children and grandchildren of the adventures she had in her youth. Always, in her most secr
Ammy's fingers moved from her shirt collar to cup her throat, caressing her swollen scent glands as Jason did the same to Sebestian. What would that beautiful hand feel like on her own skin? What would Sebestian's mouth on her things feel like? Ammy dropped her hand lower, over her hard nipples, biting her other palm to muffle her heavy breathing. Her head felt fuzzy, heavy, her arousal making her tremble and she gasped softly. She should leave before they smell her, before they see her wet, watching them.Jason moaned again, long and loud, stiffening and holding Sebestian's head tightly to him. Sebestian echoed his moan and grasped Jason thighs, squeezing, nails digging in. Ammy bit her palm harder, watching Jason face. She was torn, wishing she could see better, wishing she could leave and in her dark, selfish heart, wishing she were with them, between them. Sebestian moved back, his head still tilted up and Ammy could see Jason softening cock hanging over the top of his pants, shin
"What? No, I didn't follow you. Something happened and I had to leave the party, get some fresh air. I swear I didn't know there was anyone else out here."Sebestian leaned forward, straining towards Ammy. Jason placed a hand on his chest, keeping him from Ammy's personal space. She still felt trapped here, the space too small, the memory of their passion playing on a loop in Ammy's mind. Why were they so reluctant to see her leave? It was Ammy's fault for spying, and she had no intention of letting them know how long she had watched them. She would scratch, punch and bite them to flee before she admitted to her accidental invasion. Sebestian's voice was still hoarse, and Ammy shivered, realizing it was from having Jason in his mouth."What happened? Are you well?""I'm...fine, now. It was..."Ammy shook her head, feeling foolish. She had fled from the ballroom in a complete panic. What was Society going to say about her now? Jason took mercy on her and sighed, waving his hand dismiss