Page 32 of Happy Valentine's Day, Omega
Okay, sothatencounter was ripped directly from the pages of Cara's books.
"Please remember it's Valentine's Day and the first time you're meeting your Alpha. It's supposed to be a wonderful moment. Don't make it weird."
"Me? Make things weird?" I gasp, putting a hand on my chest. "Never!"
"Uh-huh." Cara rolls her eyes.
I scowl and shove another forkful of maple-soaked pancake in my mouth, refusing to reply.
16
February 14.
Valentine's Day.
I wake up feeling nervous, and it sticks with me as I prepare for the day. I take extra care with my hair because I want the Alpha to like my appearance. It's a new desire for me. I've never wanted to change my looks for anyone before.
I add a light dusting of blush, concealer under my eyes, and a swipe of mascara.
Instead of the usual tattered faux-silk scarf I wear around my neck, I select the buttery slip of red silk tucked away carefully for safekeeping. My cheeks flush as I think about the last time I wore the scarf.
A scarf is an important part of The Omega Academy uniform, keeping our delicate, alluring mating glands hidden from view. Alphas never see an unmated Omega's gland, as it's considered an erotic and taboo part of the body.
My inner Omega purrs at the thought of my Alpha seeing his scarfwrapped around my neck, pressing against my mating gland.
This is my Valentine's Day gift to him.
A subtle, yet suggestive hint of my feelings.
The academy clock tower chimes and I inhale deeply. I take a deep breath and put the finishing touches on my uniform.
The final chess match will begin in one hour. It's time to go claim my eternal glory.
My worn black leather shoes slap against the stone hallway, and I focus on the echoes to ground myself. Nerves are skittering through my veins, making my hands sweat and mouth dry.
The doors to the library are open and, surprisingly, there is a substantial crowd gathered to watch the match. Usually, chess doesn't draw much of an audience. I guess an Alpha versus Omega showdown is a major draw card.
I glance around the room. There are a few dozen people, including the students and teachers. There are members of the public as well, and they turn to stare at me with burning curiosity.
My shoes creak as I squirm under their stares. Maybe the mascara was a step too far.
"Nat!" Cara squeals and races towards me. She's dressed in a floofy red dress and her hair is adorned with little red hearts. She's in full Valentine's Day regalia. "Are you excited? Are you nervous?"
She bounces on the balls of her feet, and I can't help but smile at her enthusiasm.
"Nervous? Maybe. Determined to kick Alpha ass? Hell yes," I say.
"You're gonna do great," she says with a wide grin. "I can't wait to see the look on Headmistress' face when you beat Alpha Novikov."
Cara leads me through the crowd and we stop next to the table in the center of the room. The chessboard and clock are prepared, waiting diligently for the battle to begin.
My eyes roam over the room, taking in the faces, and I find myself searching for Alpha Novikov. He's nowhere to be found.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Omega Alvez," a deep voice says from behind me.
"Fiddlesticks!" Cara screams in alarm, her petticoat flying around her as she startles. A few chuckles emanate from the crowd.
I turn around, craning my neck to meet the steely gaze of Alpha Novikov. His expression is unreadable.
