Page 36 of Brave New Omega, Part 2

Chapter 36

LOREN

“ W e hope all of you will attend our Bride and Groom’s Toasts,” Celeste says, after Raphael, the Alpha of Pack Messina, gave a fairly eloquent speech about how Celeste would be the jewel in their proverbial crown.

He’s not wrong. My sister is everything an Omega should be and more. But I can’t help the slight downturn of my lips while Rafe speaks.

I shake myself. Who am I to stand in judgment of them? I’ve killed just as many people– probably more. Does having the Council of Peers blessing really make me a better man?

“You look like you just swallowed vinegar,” Max says beside me.

“Wait until it’s your baby sister joining a notorious pack.”

Max laughs. “My baby sister isn’t an Omega, and will probably marry the fool Beta boyfriend of hers from the neighborhood.”

“Count your blessings.” But my shoulders relax. Celeste wouldn't choose a Pack that she wasn't over the moons about. She has her pick of Alphas in Halvassa. Hell, she has her pick of Alphas in all of Savolinna. But she scent-matched with Pack Messina. I can’t fault her for wanting to be with a matched pack.

A murmur of commotion snags my attention; Katie and Callum make their way to Max and Me. Callum’s shoulders are considerably more relaxed, with an undisguised swagger in his step.

Finally .

Their mingled scents hit me a moment before they arrive, and I am salivating. Sweet maple syrup and tart lime, fresh fir bough and spicy cinnamon. Not the same as when we’re all bonded, but definitely a good sign.

“Feel better?” Max asks, not bothering to cover his grin.

“Infinitely,” Callum says, wrapping one hand around Katie’s hips and pulling her back against his chest. She relaxes into him, and blinks. Her hair is rumpled, her dress creased. But she still looks like a fucking goddess.

“How long do we have to play nice?” Callum asks.

“Twenty minutes? They just finished the speeches and when people move to the parlor for after-dinner drinks and small talk, I say we break for home.”

Callum, Max, and Katie all nod in agreement. No need to stay and mingle. We are here for Celeste and she’ll be surrounded by the matron Omegas all giving her abundant advice for the Bridal toasts and the bonding.

Another ripple of conversation moves toward us, as more heads turn our direction. No one tries to hide their looks at Katie, especially not with her and Callum reeking of each other. Not that two other couples haven’t left in the direction of the pleasure closets.

But Katie is still a novelty.

And she’s fucking gorgeous.

And she’s mine .

“What’s this?” A familiar drawl sends a shiver of anger and dread down my back. I turn toward where Celeste and Pack Messina are greeting the throng of society women. The crowd parts as my father, Alpha of Pack Bellrose, strides toward us. He’s not openly glaring, which is an improvement on the last time we were here.

“Is it true? An Omega at last?” He stands like a General surveying his troops, looking for signs of weakness. Max and I stand, huddling in a protective semi-circle around Katie.

She holds my father’s gaze, her back ramrod straight, her shoulders back. She’s not intimidated; no, her scent betrays more annoyance– a defiant spicy undertone that ratchets up my pulse.

“General Bellrose,” I say, nodding my head respectfully.

“Have you come round at last, Loren? Well, that is good news indeed. Two children bonded, and a fresh Omega for a Bellrose pack.” He offers a cold and calculating smile.

Callum tenses, all of his years of military discipline trapping the snarl my father deserves. The General is pushing us on purpose.

Before I can step forward, Katie crosses her arms over her chest.

“I believe you’re mistaken, General .” She offers a coy smile. “I am the Omega for Pack Murphy. Let me assure you that we take very good care of each other.”

Her words drip with condescension, the double meaning plain and yet not explicit enough to provoke a response. Too many eyes watch us for Father to act out.

“My son is an Alpha…”

“Oh, he’s a wonderful Alpha, Sir.” Katie leans into me, and nuzzles my neck. “Very attentive to our needs,” she motions toward Callum and Max. Father’s face grows red, his temper beginning to boil over. I need to get them out of here before he erupts.

“No son of mine allows himself to be a toy of some street-born Alpha–”

“Of course not,” Katie says soothingly, as though speaking to a small child. “That’s the most remarkable thing about Pack Murphy: none of us are toys. We’re all respected members who love and care for one another. I am sure that respect is something instilled in him by his own family Pack. Am I right?”

She leans forward, offering a dreamy smile, and my father splutters. She’s knocked him off-step. Bold like an Alpha, and yet soothing like a traditional Omega.

She’s fucking playing him like a violin.

The General frowns, then gives a short nod. “I expect you all to attend the Toasts. Don’t make a scene, your mother will be there.”

Then he turns sharply on his heel and marches out of the dining room.

“Damn, Tough Girl,” Max says, nuzzling her nose. “You just out maneuvered the General.”

She sighs, leaning into me. “Excellent, now can we make a strategic retreat?”