Page 34 of Redeeming His Omega Mate

I knew this wouldn’t be easy, undoing years of damage rooted so deep it had grown into hatred. Omegas weren’t known for forgetting betrayals, much less forgiving them. Nearly all of them had lost someone or something to neglect and mistreatment. I understood how seeing an Alpha suddenly show up to care could feel like a slap in the face. His efforts wouldn’t bring back their loved ones, but I could only hope they’d see he was different and was trying to make a change.

The day was packed with activities. It wasn’t going to be a simple in-and-out visit. We were spending the entire day in the slums, showing the people that we were here to care and be present. Different groups had already gone ahead to set up stations for food distribution, medical care, and job placement consultants where Omegas could meet one-on-one to discuss their skills and find roles within the pack. A children’s corner had been set up with games and storytellingsessions to keep the little ones engaged. Workshops were planned throughout the day, everything from basic literacy classes to skill-building sessions focused on crafting, trade work, and entrepreneurship. The goal was to equip them with knowledge and tools that could empower them long after the outreach ended. Security had been carefully arranged as well. Patrol guards discreetly stationed themselves around the area to ensure things stayed peaceful. It was essential to create an atmosphere where people felt safe and not policed.

Before noon, the outreach was already in full swing. Omegas lined up at the stations, waiting for consultations or basic medical checkups. Damian hadn’t arrived yet because an impromptu meeting had come up with the patrol unit at the security border, something about a disturbance, but he was still expected to show up before the community meal. He’d declared it a work-free day across the entire pack so everyone could come out to socialize. Betas were encouraged to participate, though I’d only spotted a handful since I arrived, aside from the volunteers.

As I stood in the corner watching the event unfold, the nervousness that had gnawed at me all morning began to ease. A lot was riding on this plan working. Not only was it crucial to solving our rogue problems, but I also didn’t want it to come off as a colossal failure to the council members who had frowned at the idea from the start. More importantly, I believed the Omegas deserved better—far better than what they had endured. Change wouldn’t happen overnight, but today was about showing that we were willing to put in the work.

My gaze drifted to Gina, who was fussing over Aiden’s loose collar, her lips pressed tight as she issued what was probably a stern warning. The boy, clearly too excited to care, darted off the second she let go, skidding toward a group of kids near the Ferris wheel. Gina stood there, shaking her head before turning. When our eyes met, she smiled and began making her way over to me.

When Gina reached me, she turned to take in the view I’d been watching. “You did this, Tala,” she said proudly, shaking her head as her eyes swept across the buzzing activities. “I could only ever dream this up.”

I shrugged. “So, what are people saying about all of this? You know you’re my eyes and ears.”

She chuckled. “Well, most people are happy with the attention. Some are a bit wary, trying to figure out the Alpha’s angle and why there is the sudden care and interest. Others are just going with the flow. But honestly, what everyone’s really looking forward to are the supplies. Those are going to make a big difference.”

I nodded, knowing exactly what she meant. I’d lived their struggles for most of my life, which was why I’d personally curated the inventory for the supplies. Herbal medicines and rare healing ingredients that were often too expensive to afford. Warm, appropriate clothing for the children, especially since the slums were exposed to harsh weather. Nutrient-packed food supplies for both children and adults. Household essentials, including water purification stones, sturdy utensils, and so much more. The list was extensive because it had to be. They deserved better, and I was determined to give them that.

“The supplies will be distributed by the end of the day,” I told Gina. “Damian should be here any minute now.”

She nodded, a sly smile tugging at her lips. “You and Damian seem to be working well together.”

I narrowed my eyes. “That’s what my job requires.”

“Does your job also require you to wanting to kiss him?”

“Gina!” I hissed, glancing around to see if anyone had heard. “Keep your voice down.”

“Oh, please,” she waved dismissively. “It’s not exactly a state secret that you and the Alpha have history.”

“Yeah, seven long years ago,” I clarified, heat rising to my face. “And I never said I wanted to kiss Damian. I said we just had a…little moment.”

“A little moment,” she repeated with a knowing smirk. “Funny how you’ve been having a lot of those lately.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but she pressed on.

“You practically ran to me after that council meeting like a woman in heat, lamenting about how you would have nearly made a mistake if that man hadn’t interrupted.” She grinned. “Honestly, if he hadn’t, wewouldn’t be talking about you wanting to kiss Damian. It’d be a whole different conversation.”

“It would not!” I shot back defensively.

“Yeah, keep telling yourself that.”

Gina was right. Damian and I had been having one too many little moments lately. It shouldn’t be happening. He was set to be mated in less than a week, and I had no business entertaining lingering feelings for the man who had shattered my heart. Yet, whenever we were near each other, the air seemed charged with a tension I couldn’t shake.

“Talk of the wolf, and he appears,” Gina said, jutting her chin forward.

I followed her gaze and felt my breath hitch. Damian was striding toward us, clad in a dark coat that flared slightly with each step, black pants that fit him just right, and boots that added an edge to his commanding presence. His slicked-back hair only emphasized the hard lines of his face. He looked every inch the Alpha he’d become: serious, confident, and utterly captivating.

For some reason, my cheeks grew hot, and I quickly averted my gaze, only to find Gina watching me with a knowing smile. “I guess this is my cue to exit,” she said. “I’ll come find you later.”

With a mischievous grin, she disappeared back into the crowd just as Damian closed the distance between us.

“Hey,” he said softly, standing beside me. “How’s it going?”

“Um…” I cleared my throat, trying to keep my voice steady. “Good. It’s, um, going great. Did you prepare a speech?”

He shook his head. “Not really, but I’ll know what to say when the time comes.”

I nodded. “You’re just in time for the community lunch. Come on, I’ll show you to the hall.”

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