•~Chapter 5~•

ZANNICUS' POV:

I woke up right before my alarm went off. I'd set it yesterday to 4:30 because, well, since it's Ronan's birthday and I have a lot to do.

The Luna has entrusted me with everything: decorations, food, venue and the like. I rolled out of bed, stretching with a few winces here and there before dashing to my bathroom. I was right when I said that the pain will subside the next day.

I managed to catch a glimpse of my bruises and was pleased that majority have healed, just the ones on my sides were left but they are fading.

I was busy rubbing a towel on my hair when a knock reverberated through my room. With a small whiff, I knew it who it was as I crossed the room in four strides and smiled upon seeing Seth.

'Looks like he's about to go jogging.'

He greeted me with one of his sweet smiles, "Morning Zannicus!"

"Good morning to you too Beta," Seth pouted which made my lips twitch.

"Aww, come on Zannie. It's just Seth when we're alone."

I chuckled, shaking my head as he grinned, "Alright, if you say so Seth." He smiled in return, "So what brings you here?"

"Ah! Right. Well, you know it's Ronan's birthday today and-" I waited patiently for him to continue and only then did I notice the neatly folded clothes in his arms, "Since everyone is expected to attend, wear this."

I stared at the clothes, speechless, then back at him to ask why but he beat to it, "I want you to at least look nice. You deserve it. And it's also because I don't want to see you wearing any of your old sweatpants or stained shirts. You'll stand out and everyone will make fun of you," He finished as I stared at him with gratitude.

'He's always been kind to me. He checks on me to see if I'm alright, made me soup when I was sick a couple of times and I didn't want to disturb Theo or Jun in the middle of the night, makes me laugh when I'm angry or down.'

Those are some qualities I'd love to see in my mate one day. But, that won't happen. Unless I'm given a second chance which would be a rarity. I sighed, 'I'd rather have him as my mate.'

"I agree with you," Axar said as I took the clothes from Seth's outstretched hands.

"Thank you Seth, so much."

"You're welcome Zannicus."

A short comfortable silence stretched over us, "I'll return these to you after the celebration."

He shakes his head, "No. It's yours now. Keep it."

Shocked, I spluttered, "B-but I-I-"

He held his hand up, "It's fine, seriously. I got hundred more. It's not like I'll go crazy if a few of my clothes went missing. Besides, these don't fit me anymore," He pointed at the clothes.

"Okay," I sighed, "Thank you again."

He smiled then turned to jog up the stairs, "I'll see you at the party!"

"Yeah, see ya!" I glanced at the clothes in my arms then to Seth's retreating figure one last time before closing my door and carefully placed the clothes on my bed.

I threw the towel into the hamper and changed into a random shirt and sweatpants. I grabbed my phone, left my room and proceeded to wal up the stairs and straight into the kitchen to make breakfast. Before starting though, I listed everything we needed for donkey sh*t's party. I focused on the food since Theo and Jun already had the tables, chairs, banners and lights down.

"5:12", I pinned the list on the fridge then danced around the kitchen while making breakfast and listening to my playlist. I twirled around, setting the table and bringing out the plates.

I was waiting for the coffee when a familiar scent of cologne engulfed the air, replacing the aroma of the food accompanied with the annoying clicking of heels. Resigned, I slowly turned around and faced with a blank expression.

This time, she had donned on a neon yellow racerback croptop, a glittering black skirt paired with four-inch black double strap heels. Her hair and top are so bright, I feel like I'm looking at a red and yellow bell pepper with black, rotten cores inside.

Axar became a wheezing mess while I coughed to cover my giggles.

"Hey mutt," Her usual greeting immediately had me scowling, "Don't look at me like that! I greeted you properly and this is what I get?"

I cocked a brow, incredulous, that's a proper greeting? Clearly she's having difficulties discerning the difference between proper manners and proper insults.

"Show some respect cause I'm your Luna now," She smiled smugly.

I scoffed loudly and deliberately which earned me a glare, "Oh yeah 'Luna', where was the ceremony? In your head?"

"Shut up dog!" She hissed, her hands clenching into fists. I clenched my jaw, minding my temper since I could feel the beginning rush of heat forming in my hands.

'Goddess give me strength! I want to incinerate her obnoxious hair and her pufferfish mouth!!'

"Breathe in, breathe out. That's it, calm down," Axar chanted, though I'm not sure if it's for me or him since I could tell that even he was having a hard time controlling his anger. His hackles are up and deep growls were vibrating in his chest.

'It's taking a lot for me to not just drag her out of that seat and toss her across the field. And maybe I could set the grass on fire and we'll add roasted bell peppers for breakfast. Human size.' I said, growling inwardly.

"I know. Even I just want to bite down on her neck to shut her up," Axar replied, shaking off his anger as Stay resumes her yapping. I blinked, bored as I flicked my eyes to the clock. 

Please. Can the rest of the pack members come down already so Stacy can talk their ears off instead of mine, "-later at my baby's party, he'll announce me as his Luna and I will be there by his side. I don't care if I'm not his mate and his real one can f*ck off." She finished with a smirk while I visibly shuddered at the endearment with Axar gagging in my head.

'Wow. She. Is. Shameless.'

"Oh. Well, until then, you're not my Luna. You're just another ordinary member of the pack who opens her legs for anyone with a willing dick and doesn't bother with propriety, mannerisms nor morals since you don't do them, know the difference, much less know ANYTHING about them. But I'm not surprised." Her hands were shaking, eyes wide in fury.

I clapped my hands, "Now, mind your tongue darling, I'm getting a headache and if you want me to witness your imaginary ascent to the Luna position then I must be at the utmost perfect condition and fully awake but for now, kindly. Shut. Up." I smiled sardonically, "I'd slap you but that'll be animal abuse. Right?"

I smirked as she gaped and turned around, ignoring her as the rest of the members arrived. If this was a cartoon, steam would be coming out of her ears and nose accompanied with a train horn for sound effects.

I hummed, flicking my hair as I sashayed back into the kitchen to fetch the coffee.

______

STACY:

Just you wait Zannicus. When I'm announced as Luna, I'll make you regret treating me this way. I have the upper hand.

______

"4:52 pm," I should start cooking.

The day went by peacefully since everyone was too excited about Ronan's birthday. The only other encounter I had with Stacy was when I was walking down the stairs and she was climbing up.

She intended to shove me but ended up smacking the side of her own face against the wall when I simply took a step back to dodge her attack. I calmly walked away cackling loudly as she shrieked in outrage, 'It's not my fault you hurt yourself.'

I chuckled at the memory while draping a white cloth over a table. I'm currently out in the backyard with my fellow omegas decorating the entire place. I stood back and looked around to see their progress and nodded in satisfaction, "Great job megs! I need a favor, can some of you finish putting up the lanterns? I need to get started on the food."

"Sure Zannie!"

"Go ahead boo!"

"Leave it to us sweetie!"

I smiled, thanking them and ran back inside. Since I've left the meat to thaw an hour ago, it'll be easier to prepare the main dishes. Cooking was therapeutic and working unbothered was pure bliss!

As I dried my hands, the sun has set and the backyard was almost doen. I craned my head to check the time, "6:48".

"Hm," I quirked a brow as I pulled out plates from the cupboard. 

"What is it?" I asked, looking for the condiments tray.

"I haven't seen him all day," Axar murmured as I switched to the stove off.

"Who? Ronan?" He hummed and I paused, trying to remember if I had seen him throughout the day.

Huh, 'Now that you mentioned it, I too haven't seen him.' His absence at breakfast was noticed by everyone. Though a few of his friends weren't at breakfast either. Maybe he's with them somewhere. I didn't see Seth return from his morning run either.

I shook my head, pulling out the utensils along with napkins, 'Whatever. Why would I care if he's gone? Maybe he's out partying or fooling around with another brunette or blonde.'

My wolf whine lowly in disappointment.

In amidst of creating the batter for the cake, I heard approaching footsteps. I felt myself gulp anxiously and tentatively sniffed the air but relaxed at the familiar scent, "Hi Theo."

He smiled at me before looking at all the food, "Zannie, let me do that and you go check on the beef."

"Okay, thanks."

"No problem. I don't like leaving you to make all these food alone but I had to help Jun because he was busy hanging the lanterns and cursing the trees for being too high up and himself for being born small." I laughed, clearly seeing Jun doing exactly that. Theo helped me make the last of the dishes.

His presence, always, had me sighing in contentment. I leaned my head on his shoulder to rest for a bit and he let me, brushing a kiss ontop of my head.

After making the last batch of batter, we poured it into the cake molds then transferred them into the oven. I wiped my hands on my apron, "It's almost 8. We need to clean up then bring the food outside before everyone arrives."

Theo nodded, casting a glance out the window and I saw some of our fellow omegas on their way back, "I'll tell the others who are finished with their duties outside to help, you go and we'll clean up everything else."

"You sure? I could still help?"

"I'm sure," Theo chuckled, "You've done enough Zannie. Go take a shower and change cause you won't have time anymore if you stay and help." He gave me a reassuring smile to which I returned with my own.

"Thanks Theo," I placed a hand on his arm, "When the cake's done, call me so we can decorate it."

He nodded, I gave him a hug before taking my apron off and return to my room to clean up.

______

SETH'S POV:

~Before he gave the clothes to Zannicus~

I snorted, blearily reaching out for my phone vibrating in preparation to blare off some random music I set as an alarm. I turned it off before it could wake the others. I stood and stretched before doing my business in the bathroom then changed into my workout clothes.

Oh, 'Its Ronan's birthday,' I smiled but then- 'SH*T! I don't have a gift yet!'

While thinking of a gift to give to my doofus of a friend, I also remembered that he will be meeting his mate today. I hope. I grabbed my watch from my bedside table and secured it on my wrist, sighing at the mention of destined mates.

I'm excited for my best friend meanwhile I still have yet to find mine, "Don't fret Seth, we'll find her soon." My wolf told me.

I smiled, "I hope so."

I'm actually a year older than Ronan. I gave up searching for my mate 10 months ago and focused on myself for a bit after coming to a conclusion that my mate may not be here in our pack. Although, I keep getting these scents, but as soon as they come, they go. I was confused because sometimes the scent would appear whenever we would have visitors but for the rest of the time, nothing.

Eventually, it stopped after a while and I kept searching but came up with nothing.

'I need to jog now.'

Grabbing my sneakers, I sat on the edge of my bed to slip them on then grabbed my phone along with my earphones. I was just leaving but paused, 'Zannicus will be there serving- which was unnecessary -along with the other omegas. Should I give him some of my clothes?'

Why am I suddenly considering such a thing? Well, I don't want him attending in rags for clothes, I don't really blame him since Alpha Ryder never nor lets anyone give him clothes.

"Give him some clothes. I also don't like him being made of fun of," My wolf spoke to which I responded with a nod. I turned back and searched for some clothes that grew too small for me.

"Ah! Found some!" I nodded approvingly, "I hope he likes it and most importantly, I hope it fits."

"He'll like it, I bet he'll look really nice in it."

Not gonna lie, Zannicus is actually very, very, very good-looking; with his natural ash gray hair,defined facial structure, a muscular body and he even has a four-pack! How did I know? One time, Zannie and Ronan were 15, when he was tormented by Ronan and a couple of his friends, he was covered with bruises.

Just so you know, I never took part in hurting Zannicus. I don't get why Ronan hates him so much. Overwhelmed with concern, I went to check on him and when I arrived, I noticed the door was slightly ajar.

I know I shouldn't have, but I was a very curious wolf.

I peeked through the slit and there he was, standing in front of his mirror shirtless and assessing his injuries and well- WOW! Holy macaroni! Like, when did he start working out?

But the most unique feature he possesses is his shimmering orange eyes with tiny flecks of red; prominent during sunset, and gold whenever the sun shines on his face. And if you stare too long you feel like you're being hypnotized. His face is often set into a cold, hard glare or just a blank look. But when he's angry, now that's a whole different story.

Zannicus even dare to look him in the eye and despite how appalled everyone may seem to Zannicus, secretly, I know they admire his bravery. Zannicus is the bravest person I have ever met. But then there are times I'd wonder, whenever Zannicus voiced out his defiance or simply stare someone down, I'd notice myself and practically everyone in the pack would flinch. Or avoid his gaze for a moment as if looking into his eyes was too much and they need a breather.

And here's the most shocking part, even Alpha Ryder himself is affected. A few times I caught Alpha bowing ever so slightly whenever Zannicus directs his infamous glare at him. I could also see the frustration and inner turmoil through Alpha Ryder's eyes. To an untrained eye, or just anyone not that observant, it would unnoticed but I saw it.

And that is big! I mean, an Alpha submitting to an omega? Not to mention the Alpha pf the second largest and scariest pack in the world. I folded the clothes, separating the pile of tops and bottoms. Sometimes I wonder, maybe just maybe, Zannicus might be more than simple omega.

It could be possible that Zannicus might've had a few ancestors who were Alphas and though he wasn't born as one, he has the presence, even if it only a little. But the thing is, I literally FEEL power emanating from him. It's so confusing, 'And it's difficult to grasp and it's why it only remains a theory of mine due to the fact that not only Zannie is an omega, he's HUMAN.'

I sighed, leaving my room and quietly made my way towards the basement, 'Its too early for thinking about my theory again.'

I stood in front of his door and knocked softly but then I remembered that it was still too early, even for Zannicus. The sun is still an hour away from rising. Maybe he's still asleep, 'Should I leave the clothes here with a note? No. Wait. They'll get dirty.'

The sound of the doorknob wriggling pulled me out of my thoughts and I looked up as the door opened, revealing Zannicus in nothing but a towel around his waist and another hanging off his shoulders. Water droplets rolling tantalizingly down his body, 'Mm.'

"Holy Goddess," My wolf muttered.

Holy cheese sh*ts. 

'Nice,' I shook my head, 'Ugh, stop it!' I scolded myself before smiling at Zannicus who returned it. We exchanged greetings and I couldn't help but stare at his eyes which was really beautiful but also distracting.

"What brings you here?"

His head tilted and it was adorable before I reminded myself of the reason why I'm here, "Ah! Right. Well, you know it's Ronan's birthday today and-" I trailed off, distracted at the way his muscles flexed when he let go of the doorknob. I shook it off, "Since everyone is expected to attend, wear this."

When he accepted the clothes, I bid him farewell, hearing his reply just as I hit the last step. I stepped outside and took off towards the forest path with a tiny smile on my face.

'I know he's not, but I'd like him as my potential mate.'

"Me too."

My smile grew upon hearing my wolf but then I remembered my tiny problem, "Ugh, I still don't have a gift for Ronan."