Page 36 of The Omega Archives: Part Three

His eyes softened, a hint of gratitude shining through the soft smile he offered me as if afraid the sight of it would make me run away from this small form of connection we started to form.

The more I looked at him...

The more I didn't want to look away, and I think?—

I think I smiled back.

Chapter

Thirteen

ELLA

Over the next few days of class, Lucas and I talked more. His words and the easy conversation that continued, bigger and bolder every day, resonated with me, stirring something deep within my core.

We talked about silly, immeasurable things like favorite colors and foods–he was green and French Fries and I made sure to tell him that my favorite color was purple and favorite food included cereal which reminded me of the first time and Cal met.

He laughed when he found out I loved cereal too, though I didn’t admit that Marko’s French toast he made me back at Prestford house might’ve beat it out for the front-runner spot.

The connection between us continued to grow, weaving a thread of understanding and acceptance amid our complicated reality.

“Do you have family?” Lucas asked me the next day.

There were questions on the sheet about backgrounds and families, but his question felt more intimate.

I shook my head. “Not really. I’ve been…” I sought for a word. “Sponsored to be here.”

By the last person on earth, I would ever want to be affiliated to ever again.

Lucas seemed to understand. “Ah. Do you want to talk about it?”

“No.” I shook my head. “Do you have a family?”

Lucas grinned. “I do. A big one. The only reason I was sent here was because of a scholarship opportunity and my dad said that Alpha Academy was one of his favorite memories growing up so… as the only alpha of the family other than him, here I am. It’s pretty good though. All things considered. I mean, I can’t complain. Met a lot of good friends. Not all of us are bad, though for some reason this class seemed to pick the worst to introduce to you all. In my opinion.”

His freckled cheeks pinkened.

“I’m glad you have them,” I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper. “Your family. They seem supportive.”

“They are that.” He reached out and squeezed my hand gently, a silent gesture of solidarity that spoke volumes. “They’d like you, I think.”

Despite myself, I couldn’t help but smile at his words, a sense of belonging blossoming within me at the thought of being accepted by Lucas’s family. It was a fleeting moment of reprieve in chaos, a glimpse of what could be.

Me in my pack and Lucas there?—

I inhaled sharply.

That wasn’t right. Why was I imagining that?

His hand slid up my arm. It was a gentle touch that surprised me.

It surprised me more when I still didn’t pull away.

“You were right before though. I don’t belong here,” I admitted quietly, almost to myself. I never belonged anywhere before, but especially here. It felt apparent. I should’ve belonged here after all.

I thought I was going to start when Cal and everyone else started to make me feel like being an omega wasn’t all that bad.

And it didn’t feel bad anymore. Sure.

---