Page 115 of The Omega's Alpha

He sat down on the bed beside me and put his arm around my shoulders. “I have a surprise for you. Two, actually.”

“Oh?” That was when I realized he’d been keeping one hand hidden behind his back the entire time. “What is it?” I hoped it was some more baby tomatoes—something about the pregnancy had changes my tastes and they were better than candy in my current opinion.

“This one first.” He held out a box, beautifully wrapped in satiny blue paper and tied up in silver and blue ribbons.

“Who is this from?” I asked as I pulled the little card out from underneath the ribbon and opened it. “Oh. That’s very unexpected. And kind.” It was from the President and his wife, wishing us luck with the baby and extending the hope that they would see us in Washington. “Seriously? They’re inviting us to stay at the White House?”

“Did they really?” He sounded both surprised and amused as he held his hand out for the card.

I let him take it while I slowly picked apart the knots in the ribbons with one hand.

“Here,” he said, putting the card aside. “Let me do that.” His hand moved behind his back as if hiding something—the second surprise, obviously—and then he reached out and made short work of the tangle of silk holding the paper on the box.

I slowly unfolded the paper while Quin tucked the ribbon away in one of my dresser drawers, correctly guessing that I’d want to keep something that beautiful. I was already picturing Agatha’s hair tied back with the blue ones.

As the paper peeled away from the gift it was hiding, my breath caught in my throat. A bowl and a plate with high curled sides rested inside, cushioned on layers of cloth. Nestled against the side of the box were a tiny little fork and matching spoon. The edges of the bowl and the plate had been painted with tiny wolves running and howling and sniffing at things. And in the center, the Mercy Hills pack symbol stood out in stark contrast to the clean white of the background. The fork and spoon each had a tiny wolf’s paw print at the end of the handle.

A note nestled underneath the brim of the bowl. It read:A little bit of history to carry forward, and perhaps something he’ll someday use with his own children. The dishes are made of a special glass that is extremely hard to break, so you don’t have to keep them just for special occasions.It was signed Evelyn and Robert.

“There’s another out in the kitchen,” Quin said quietly. “A set each for the other pups.”

“Oh.” I put the dishes carefully back into the box. “Put them someplace safe for now?” I was awed and overwhelmed. What could I do to repay such kindness?

“Sure.” Quin set them on the dresser, careful not to turn his back to me. “Do you want your other present now?”

“Yes!” What a silly question.

He pulled his hand out from behind his back and showed me a small, battered book with a leather cover, tied together with rawhide. It smelled of mold and old paper. “It came in the mail today.”

Zane let go, but his fussing and his general crankiness made it clear he wasn’t done yet. I shifted him to the other side and, once I had him settled, I reached for the book. Quin undid the knots holding it closed and opened it to the first page for me.

I began to read, translating from the old language for Quin.

I have never written in a journal before, but it is far and beyond time. I am omega for this ragtag, battered collection of shifters, forced from our homes, our families divided, our hearts sundered in pain and fear and violence. I will be their peace, I must be. There is little enough here, as we struggle simply for survival. We cannot afford to fight amongst ourselves when there are so many other ways to die without the death of tooth and claw.

My name is Cosimo, and I am Alpha’s Mate of this new pack Mercy Hills.