Page 91 of Shattered Omega: Part One

I returned to waiting, chewing aggressively on my lip until I tasted blood.

Shit.

Shit shit shit.

I’d forgotten tissues.

Right then, the door creaked open and the first student walked in. I didn’t recognise her, but the faintest scent of cherry cheesecake wafted in. She had wavy brown hair and bright green eyes.

Would she sit next to me?

I smiled before I caught myself, then quickly covered my hand with my mouth.

Blood.

I’d look crazy.

I grabbed the collar of my cardigan, which was thankfully black, and quickly rubbed at my teeth. The tang of iron was fading.

When I looked up, the cherry cheesecake omega had already taken a seat at the front.

Okay… I didn't mind. That was a preference thing anyway.

Moreomegas filed in, most with charming scents: sweet desserts or elegant flowers. There was a faint misting of scent dampeners in the room so it didn’t get overwhelming. I could barely contain my nerves as I watched.

Before the ball, they’d been my competition, but now… Now, especially without my mates, I needed to learn from them.

I noticed when Roxy Vasilli entered with Jasmine Lynn, and the pair took a seat at the table just behind me. I caught her orange and fir tree scent, and shrank a little. It was subtle and classy, and my mates probably loved it.

I distracted myself by keeping my gaze fixed on the newcomers.

No one had sat next to me yet, but I noticed some were entering in pairs or groups. I was already behind in socialising.

I figured out what the problem was pretty quick listening to Roxy and Jasmine chat behind me, and spotting some of the jealous looks shot their way. It wasn't until I received the same jealous looks that it clicked.

The competition hadn't ended at the ball. The other omegas had either paired with normal packs or not paired at all.

There were only seven packs on the calibre of the Kingsman and Lincoln. Packs who were both well known, rich, and endorsed by one of the speciality’s governing bodies. The Lincoln and Kingsman packs, for example, were both sponsored by well known Arkologists.

Their omegas were in a different social group.Thatwas why Roxy and Jasmine had entered together and why other omegas didn’t want to sit with me.

If I was right, I was in luck.

Ali and Jayson Maddison were well-known, young, and married. The Barcley Pack had snagged both of them together. So there were six others. A nice even number, of which I was one.

One of them wouldhaveto sit next to me.

Victoria and Sienna came in together, and, of course, Ali and Jayson entered hand in hand.

That was all of them but one.

There were only four minutes until the class started, but I was feeling hopeful now. I wracked my brain for who remained, but then Oliver Ryder walked in, answering the question for me.

He had piercing blue eyes and a sweep of pale blond hair. He was tall for an omega, with a scent like ocean breeze. He had been picked by the Hargrave pack, who'd been sponsored by the medical program.

Right.

Okay.

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