Chapter 6: The Omegatrix

Delaney

"What do you think?" Paola asks in my ear. "Pretty cool, huh?"

I have no words for the scene in front of me. When we were walking through the tunnel to get here, I had no idea what to expect. I certainly didn't know that we would be walking into a whole city built under the one I grew up in.

No wonder they call it the Underworld.

"How did we manage all this?" I ask her as we walk through a narrow passageway. Most of the streets are narrow, and it's just dirt beneath our feet. Still, I'm impressed by the gothic feel of the place and how, for some reason, I've never heard about a place like this. I didn't even know such a thing could be possible.

Some of the buildings we come across have been carved into the bedrock itself. It's not like they transported bricks down here.

I'm surprised our city hasn't collapsed yet. I just can't believe this place is real.

"It's been in the works for centuries," she informs me. "Many people helped bring this place to life, you know? It's just a place where Omegas like us can find a purpose."

Torches are hanging on the walls and that's it for lighting outside the buildings. Inside them, a few people are using candles, and some even have lightbulbs. We walk past a few small homes and keep going until we reach a cavern called The Omegatrix. It's been built under the massive roots of a tree.

I arch a brow at the name. "What does that even mean?"

"You'll know once you meet the owner," she tells me with a smile. "I work here. And I stay upstairs. But we could always use a hand, and she doesn't have any prejudice against us with a criminal record. I've talked to her about you, and she wants to meet you."

I nod, feeling very grateful that my best friend has put in some effort into helping me find the job. But again, my thoughts drift to the new documents I've been given. I'm expected to leave, so I might not even be able to take her job.

I'm not looking to make any rash decisions, though. I'm not intimidated by their order for me to leave the city. Besides, this is underground.

This is me practically leaving and starting a new life elsewhere.

We enter the bar. It looks exactly how I thought it would. The interior is dark, and the walls are made of a velvety material. The hardwood floors are dark as well, and so is the furniture. The only things bright about the place are the lights hanging from the ceiling and those lighting up the shelves behind the bar.

“There she is,” Paola says in my ear. “That’s the owner, Francesca.”

The woman she’s referring to has long dark hair streaked with purple highlights. One half of her head is shaved, and her face is covered in makeup and piercings. She looks different from anyone I’ve ever seen before, and it makes sense that she runs this bar.

Her eyes are on us as we approach her. She appears to be in her early forties, and she’s slim and tall. Paola grabs my arm, smiles at Francesca, and says, “This is the friend I’ve been telling you about!”

Francesca nods. “The one who killed the Beta-born boy?”

I tense up, but Paola only nods.

“Come to the back room,” Francesca says. “We should talk in private. There are eyes and ears everywhere in the Underworld. We have to be careful.”

Her bar is empty, so her words surprise me. Regardless, we follow her to what she calls the back room. It’s filled with empty crates and straw, and there are boxes of liquor pushed to one side of the room to create space for free movement.

Paola closes the door and we get right to business.

“I don’t know how much Paola told you, but I’ll reiterate; this place is not for the weak or the cowardly. We’re Omegas who fight for what’s right and don’t follow the rules. If you’re caught down here—if this place is discovered at all—we’re all done for.”

I ask, “Nobody knows about this place?”

“A few people do,” she claims. “Some Beta- and Gamma-borns come down here for drinks sometimes, but they all support our cause.”

“What cause?”

“We want elections,” Francesca replies wryly. “Equality. Why should Alpha-borns be the only ones command packs and make the rules? It’s tyranny. Those of us who are Omegas have always suffered. We’re constantly mistreated. That has to come to an end.”

Confused, I say, “But that’s why they’re Alphas, right? Because they’re natural-born leaders?”

When I ask this, they both laugh. Shame colors my cheeks red. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to sound stupid. I’m just trying to understand.”

“We’re all capable of being leaders,” she claims. “In fact, our hero, Tobias Renner, has claimed that any wolf has leadership qualities, and that your wolf adapts to the responsibilities. An Alpha doesn’t necessarily have to be a tyrant. He rules alongside Betas, and some Gammas have leadership roles too, but why not Omegas? Why should we be their servants?”

I nod, understanding. I feel this deep in my bones because I myself have had terrible experiences while in the pack. I saw how they treated my mother, too. It’s unfair.

The only reason why I was imprisoned was because I was an Omega and Trevor was Beta-born. Otherwise, they would’ve been lenient.

“I see a fire in your eyes,” Francesca tells me. “You want to prove your worth, don’t you? You want revenge for your unfair imprisonment. Paola told me all about you.”

My face flushes, but I nod. For years, I’ve wanted revenge. The need for it kept me alive. When I got out a few hours ago, something changed. I started thinking that maybe it would be best if I just left the country and started a new life elsewhere.

But then I’m reminded of what she said about this place not being for the weak and cowardly.

Running away would be weak and cowardly, wouldn’t it?

“So, now you’re presented with a choice. Will you join us, or will you go? You can’t stay here and not support our movement. That won’t do.”

As I’m about to answer, the door behind us opens and Paola’s brother, Pollux, walks in. He gives us all a hard look before saying, “Francesca, can I have a word with you?”

She shifts her weight from one foot to another. “What about?”

“We’re in the middle of something,” Paola argues. “Why don’t you come back at a later time?”

“It’s precisely this that I want to talk about,” he claims before his eyes land on me. They harden right away, and I find myself wondering what on earth I did to him to warrant this treatment.

Francesca spreads her arms. “Why don’t we talk about it? You know how I feel about secrets. If it’s this woman you want to talk about, join the conversation.”

He slams the door shut and strides toward us. “I don’t think it’s right for her to join us.”

Paola groans. “Here we go.”

“Why is that?” Francesca asks.

“She killed someone in cold blood,” he grits out. “And before you say something about it, Paola, know that I don’t accept the comparison between you and her. You admitted to your crime. She never did.”

“I was set up,” I say, deciding to speak up. “I wasn’t the one who killed that Beta-born. The Alpha’s son did.”

“And again, I’ll ask you why on earth he would’ve done such a thing to defend you,” Pollux declares as he moves closer to me. His stance is aggressive but I’m not intimidated even though this reminds me of being bullied in school all over again. My years in prison have toughened me up.

I’m not afraid of ugly faces. I’ll defend myself to the very end, regardless of whether he believes me.

“Why would an Alpha-born care about a nobody Omega born under the shittiest moon possible? Hm? Why?”

“I don’t owe you an explanation,” I say through clenched teeth. “I don’t understand it myself in any case. It’s not like he told me why. I spent seven years of my life locked behind a cell, watching be sun rise square, because of a crime I never committed. I’m not going to admit to it simply because you think it doesn’t make sense. What does? This shitty world? These stupid ranks that keep us apart and promote bullying and oppression?”

“Well said,” Francesca says behind me.

I suddenly realize that I’m almost nose to nose with Pollux, so I step away and try to calm my beating heart. He says nothing else, but he’s still glaring at me.

“I think you’ll be a good addition to our group,” Francesca claims. “You’re a fast learner. You can work as a barmaid here until we find you a more suitable job.”

“Thank you,” I tell her. Right then and there, I make my decision. I’m staying. I won’t be intimidated into leaving. I’ll stick to my plan even if it kills me. “I won’t let you down.”

Pollux makes a disgusted sound at the back of had throat before storming out of the back room. The sound of the door slamming travels down my spine, but I ignore it.”

“I’m Francesca,” she says to me kindly, extending her hand for the first time. “And you are?”

“Delaney,” I reply before we shake hands.

“Welcome aboard, Delaney.”

I haven’t felt this happy in a very long time.