Page 7 of Redeeming His Omega Mate

I chuckled, throwing the sheets aside as I climbed out of bed. “I already receive enough backlash just from being seen with you. I think I’ll pass on adding fuel to that fire.”

I began searching for my jeans and shirt, slipping them on one by one. Damian sat up in bed, watching as I dressed.

“So, what’s your day going to be like?” he asked.

I paused, glancing over my shoulder. “There’s this thing. It’s the anniversary of the Beta-Omega battle, where I lost my parents and brother, Ryker. It’s the one time of the year when everyone here,including Garrick and the likes, sets aside their bad attitudes to honor the memory of the ones we lost.”

An uncomfortable silence settled over us, but I ignored it, passing him a small smile.

“And tomorrow night?” Damian asked.

“Isn’t that the pack’s centenary celebration?”

“It is. And I want you to come with me.”

I froze, staring at him like he’d just sprouted a second head. “No way,” I said. “That sort of thing is for the rich, powerful, and classy. Omegas don’t go to events like that.”

“Then, it’s time we changed that.”

The day of the pack’s centenary celebration arrived. My nerves were on edge all day, knowing I was walking straight into the lion’s den, the judgmental, critical stares of those who ruled the pack’s social circles. I was leaving the slums I knew so well to step into a world where I didn’t belong, a place where appearances mattered more than anything else.

But alongside the nerves was a flicker of excitement I couldn’t ignore. Damian would be by my side the entire night, his presence a silent yet powerful affirmation of everything the pack had been whispering about us. It was, in a way, my quiet rebellion, a “shove it up your ass” moment for everyone who thought I didn’t deserve to stand beside him. Damian was with me, and no amount of gossip or disapproval could change that.

The day went by quickly, especially as there were not many customers. Mr. Titan decided to close early so everyone could prepare for the celebration that night. After my shift ended, I went over to Gina’s house, where she helped me get ready. I intended to look different because, for once, I felt different, like maybe I could matter. The dress Damian had given me was stunning, something far from anything I’d ever owned, and I knew it would draw attention. I wanted to make sure my entire look lived up to the dress.

Gina carefully worked through my hair, her fingers moving withpracticed ease. As a hairstylist, she worked her magic, transforming my usual loose hair or low bun into something polished and elegant.

“You know, this is the first time I’ve seen you with your hair done up like this. You look stunning.”

I glanced at her through the mirror. “I look like I’m some Beta girl from the bar, right?”

Gina laughed softly, pinning a pearl clip into my hair. “No, you look like you—beautiful and kind.”

I sighed, watching my reflection as she added the final touches. “I don’t know if I belong there.”

Her voice softened. “It’s not about belonging. It’s about being yourself, no matter where you are.”

I stood and turned to face the full-length mirror, inspecting the ivory satin dress that fell gracefully over my curves. It clung just enough to make me feel elegant.

“You look gorgeous,” Gina said again, stepping back.

“Thanks,” I muttered, tugging at the hem of the dress. “I guess.”

She caught my eye, a grin tugging at her lips. “Just breathe. You’re gonna rock it. Now go. The celebration’s already in full swing.”

I grabbed my purse, giving her a quick hug. “See you later, Gina.”

“Take care of yourself.”

With a final nod, I headed out the door, my heart pounding in my chest.

The moment I arrived at the pack headquarters with the invitation card Damian gave me, I was greeted by a sea of unfamiliar faces. The place buzzed with chatter and laughter. I scanned the crowd for Damian, but he was nowhere in sight. I could feel the weight of stares on me, some paired with whispers exchanged in hushed tones, which only heightened my self-consciousness. A few glances carried outright disdain, but then there were others, smiles offered by a different group who, to my surprise, even invited me to join them at their table.

Clearly, they didn’t know who I was.

Forcing a polite smile, I accepted their invitation and took a seat while I waited for Damian to notice me. They introduced themselves one by one, sons and daughters of a well-known Beta family whose name carried weight in the pack. My stomach tightened as theintroductions circled closer to me, and I debated lying about who I was. But just as the moment arrived, I was spared. The crowd fell silent as Alpha Thorne stepped onto the stone pedestal. His presence exuded authority, but to those of us in the slums, it invoked only fear and resentment.

Alpha Thorne was a ruthless leader infamous for the brutality that kept his pack in line. Stories of his reign circulated like bedtime horror tales meant to frighten children. He was a complete contrast to Damian, and watching him now, I wondered how the apple could fall so far from the tree.

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