Page 45 of Redeeming His Omega Mate

As I played around with the kids, eating more than I thought possible, my eyes would occasionally drift to Tala. Whether she was playing with the children or speaking with Omegas who seemed distant from the celebration, she had a way of drawing them in. She made them come alive, coaxing them to join in on the joy of theevening. What struck me the most was how Tala managed to balance having fun with reaching out to others. She wasn’t just enjoying herself. She was making sure others did too. Even the most hardened Omegas, the ones with tight scowls etched on their faces, softened when she spoke to them. Her energy was magnetic, and everywhere she went, people seemed to bubble to life, their frowns turning into smiles.

I watched in admiration as she moved gracefully throughout the festival. But more than that, I admired her heart. Tala wasn’t just doing this for the alliance. I could see it in her eyes. She truly cared about this unity more than anyone else.

Later that night, the celebrations paused, and everyone gathered around as I prepared to make an announcement.

I stood in front of the crowd, a genuine smile on my face as I spoke. “I can’t express how happy I am today. This is probably the happiest I’ve been in a long time, and it’s all because of you. First, I want to say thank you. Thank you for making this happen, thank you for allowing me to try to make things right, and thank you for giving me one of the most unforgettable days of my life.”

I paused and looked around. Everyone was listening closely, their expressions warm and kind. The coldness I used to see seemed like a distant memory now.

“Now, in the spirit of change, I have an announcement. Starting today, there will be a change in the rules.” A murmur spread through the crowd, and their curiosity piqued. “There will be no more Omega Tax.”

Gasps filled the air, followed by surprised looks.

“You won’t be forced to pay taxes to the Betas or to me as your Alpha. No one will owe anything to anyone. If anyone tries to collect unlawful taxes, report them to me, and they will be dealt with.”

Relief washed over their faces. The tension that had been there started to melt away. The whispers grew louder, but I wasn’t finished.

“And finally,” I continued, “this town belongs to all of us. Every inch of it. No one should be confined to one area. From now on, you are free to move throughout the pack’s lands as you please. You can shop at the markets, join in the Full Moon ceremonies, and take part in other celebrations. This is not your designated zone anymore.”

The crowd’s reaction spoke volumes. Relief, happiness, and the beginning of something new.

And that’s how the night ended—on a high note. Tala had left early with Aria while I remained to thank the elders and extend an invitation to Brad to sit in on the next official council meeting, where he would represent the Omegas and their interests.

But even as the night came to a close, a lingering weight settled in my chest. The festival was a success. The Omegas were receptive. They no longer looked at me with resentment—at least a good number of them. It was progress. But was it truly enough to erase generations of discrimination?

That question stayed with me as I finally made my way back to the pack house, exhaustion pressing down on me. The celebration had ended. But we had really made a difference? Because the rogues were still out there, a lingering threat. I didn’t hope for an attack, but I couldn’t afford to be unprepared. If war came to our doorstep, we would need every fighter we had. And that meant the Omegas.

But were they ready to stand with us?

I made my way to my room, but I paused in front of Tala’s door. I considered knocking, wanting to check if she was still awake, but decided against it, thinking she was probably just as tired as I was.

The smile that had lingered on my face quickly vanished when I opened the door to my room. Serena was sprawled out on my bed, dressed in a sheer, clingy dress that left little to the imagination.

“What the hell are you doing in my room?”

She stretched leisurely, her voice dripping with faux sweetness. “I was wondering when you’d return. You’ve been so busy lately.”

I didn’t have the patience for this. I was too tired for a conversation of any sort, especially one that involved her dressed like this. “Get out.”

Her smile faltered, slipping into a frown before smoothing out into something unreadable. Then, she started climbing out of my bed.

“You must be exhausted,” she said as she stepped toward me, her voice light, almost teasing. “It’s affecting your mood.”

She stopped in front of me, smirking. “Let me help you relax.”

She reached for my face, but I caught her wrist mid-air.

“Damian,” she murmured, her voice laced with desperation. “We don’t have to wait for the mating ceremony. I can help you take the edge off right here, right now.”

She reached for me again, but I tightened my grip, my eyes locked on hers, cold and unyielding. Disgust curled in my chest as I wondered what gave her the audacity to walk into my room and do this.

“I won’t say it again.” My voice was low and dangerous. “Get out.” I shoved her back hard. She stumbled, lost her footing, and hit the floor.

Anger twisted her face. “Is it because of her?” she snapped, her voice sharp now. “We’ll be mated in a few days, and you—” She scoffed. “Don’t tell me you have feelings for her, Damian.”

I stepped forward, looking down at her. My voice was calm. Empty. Except for one thing laced in every word I spoke. Disgust.

“Let’s get something straight, Serena. This marriage is nothing more than an arrangement. I have no interest in knowing you or anything beyond securing this alliance.” I let my gaze drag over her once before meeting her eyes again. “And I sure as hell am not attracted to you. Now get out.”

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