Page 8 of The Omega Archives: Part One

“I’m just a library assistant,” I admitted. “Actually.”

“Oh, I just assumed from the projects you’ve worked on before. Not an issue.” Mr. Wolfern gave another small smile that surely was meant to put me at ease.

He perched on the edge of his messy desk, tabled with books and a large calendar I couldn’t remember if the previous librarian left behind. “I appreciate you stopping back before you start your work for the day.”

I was still unsure if I could trust my voice not to immediately start to beg for my job if that was why I was here.

Turns out, I wasn’t above that.

“I’m pretty sure that you’re wondering why I’d call you back here.”

That was for sure.

“I need someone particular to help with a project,” he said.

“A project?” I quickly cleared my throat when my voice came out high-pitched.

Dang it, Ella. You need to calm down.

“Yes, a rather expedited project, I will admit,” he said. “And it’s a little less exciting than some of the other projects I’ve looked into that you’ve completed for us. You seem to have a talent for history and the old documents on campus.”

I quickly nodded, already agreeing in all forms. I had two other expedited projects going, but what was one more? I could manage it.

I wasn’t being fired!

I gasped for relief before I remembered not to breathe.

God,I never smelled an alpha like this before. I hadn’t really smelled an alpha ever, but this…

I forced myself to clear my throat.

“It is more of a database that I need you to work on and produce for us if possible. All the information should already be within our online system or the archives from previous projects, but if not, there may be a bit of research involved.”

“How quickly do you need it compiled by?” I asked.

I wasn’t at all intimated by the project. I could manage this. I had done similar things when helping the other librarians when they had a special collection.

When I first arrived to work at Prestford University Library, I had never even heard of the word “research.” Now, I reveled in the possibilities it provided, the information, and the new views it uncovered. That, at the very least, was what kept my life interesting for the past so many years.

The research was like a puzzle only I could put together.

“Next week.”

“Next week?” I blinked.

“It’s an alumni project. It was meant to be done some time ago, but was likely overlooked,” Mr. Wolfern explained with a lingering sigh. “Homecoming is coming up rather quickly on campus. We’d like to have everything together by then. It would hopefully include the history of different graduating classes and other accomplishments and accolades. Everyone likes to try to one-up each other, and what better than to already have it presented to them.”

“Like a business card database,” I cleared up.

The alpha nodded. “Partly, yes. There will also be a bit of a presentation done to show how our alumni have contributed back to our community.”

“I understand.”

“I left a clearer description of what’s required down in your workspace. We’d like it to be digitized as a sort of favor to give everyone at the end of the weekend. Like an alumni business card collection without the fuss, as you referred to it as.” Mr. Wolfern chuckled, deep and easy. “However, I wanted to make sure first that you were up to the task. You can say no. It was just my understanding that our other archivists take a more active role in teaching or providing insight on other parts of the campus as well as within the library, correct?

Some of the other archival librarians, far senior to me, didn’t like to spend all day in the basement like I did.

“I wanted to be sure not to overwhelm everyone with this past oversight.”

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