Page 55 of Redeeming His Omega Mate

A single tear slipped down my cheek. I let out a quiet, bitter chuckle.

For two weeks, I had preached about protecting the alliance, about honoring its terms. And now, here I was, foolishly hoping, that Damian would do the exact opposite of everything I’d told him to do.

I dabbed at the dampness on my chin, inhaled deeply, and forced my shoulders back. Then, without another thought, I left the room.

Lanterns bathed the pack headquarters in soft golden light, their glow flickering against the dark sky. White silver petals were scattered across the ground, forming a delicate path leading to the center aisle,the place where it would all happen, where Damian would mark Serena and make her his mate.

Everyone was here. Even the patrols had been called in for the night. Kael had decided that one evening of celebration wouldn’t hurt, especially since there hadn’t been any rogue sightings in weeks. Wolves from every rank filled the space, their hushed whispers weaving into the cool evening breeze. Damian had extended invitations to the Omegas, and many had accepted, a clear sign of progress after the last outreach and festival. But I couldn’t bring myself to care about any of it. Not now. Not when this was happening.

All my attention was on Damian and the moment unfolding before me. He stood at the aisle clad in ceremonial attire, an intricately woven black tunic embroidered with silver thread, the crest of his pack displayed over his chest. A thick leather belt wrapped around his waist, securing a cloak of midnight blue lined with fur. He looked every bit the Alpha he had become. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from him. Yet, watching him felt like a knife twisting deeper into my gut.

Serena stood before him, dressed in a flowing white gown that shimmered under the lantern lights. The fabric draped effortlessly over her figure and was cinched at the waist with delicate silver embroidery. Her blonde hair cascaded in soft curls, adorned with tiny pearls and silver petals woven carefully throughout. I disliked everything about her. But I couldn’t deny it, she looked beautiful.

In front of them, the oldest elder of the pack stood solemnly, ready to begin the ceremony.

I sat beside Kael, my hands clenched in my lap, forcing myself to remain still. Forcing myself not to let the agony consume me as I watched my once-fated mate vow himself to another woman.

“We’ve gathered today, under the gaze of the moon, to witness our Alpha choose his mate,” the elder began, his voice steady as he recited the ancient rites of the pack.

As he spoke, Damian’s gaze shifted.

And then, for the briefest moment, his eyes found mine.

It lasted no more than a heartbeat, a fleeting second where everything around us faded into nothing. Then, just as quickly, he looked away.

My chest tightened with a sharp, unbearable squeeze that threatened to shatter my composure. I forced myself to remain still and keep my expression blank. Kael was perceptive, too perceptive. I couldn’t let him suspect anything.

The ceremony pressed on, each word pulling me deeper into a nightmare I had no power to wake from. Then came the moment of vows.

The elder turned expectantly to Damian. “Speak your vows,” he prompted.

What followed was silence.

The air thickened with anticipation, the crowd shifting restlessly. All eyes were on Damian, waiting. Expecting.

But he said nothing.

Serena’s smile faltered, though she quickly masked it with a laugh. “He must be nervous,” she said, her voice light but strained. “I’ll go first.”

She reached for Damian’s hands and began to say her vows. Her voice was steady and practiced, as if she’d rehearsed these words a hundred times. She promised loyalty, love, and strength. She vowed to stand beside him as his Luna, to lead with him, and to bear his heir.

I swallowed hard, my gaze drifting to Aria. She sat among the crowd, her innocent smile glowing in the candlelight, completely unaware of the storm raging inside me.

I couldn’t do this.

I couldn’t sit here and pretend I was fine. I was breaking apart, barely holding myself together.

Serena finished her vows, her voice full of conviction. The elder turned to Damian once more.

“Alpha,” he said, the weight of the moment pressing down on the silence. “You may now say your vows.”

Just like the first time, there was silence. Only this time, it stretched longer.

Damian’s gaze swept over the crowd, waiting in anticipation, until they landed on me.

I held my breath.

The flickering lanterns cast shadows across his face, highlightingthe tension in his clenched jaw and the way his throat worked as if he were swallowing down words he couldn’t say.

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