Page 70 of Pack Rivals: Part Two
My mom leans her chin on her hand. “You look different, you know, sweetheart.”
“Well, I probably have put on some weight, Mom, but I think–”
“No, there’s some color to your cheeks too.” She reaches over to squeeze my hand. “I know the whole wedding build up was stressful for you.”
“The actual wedding was more stressful.”
“I think it put a strain on both of you – on the relationship.”
I pull a face and decide to change the subject. Maybe announcing my new designation might be a good topic of conversation after all.
“Actually, Mom,” I say, lowering my sandwich, “there is something different about me.”
“You’re pregnant!” my mom gasps.
“No!” Why the hell does everyone keep asking me that? “No, I’m not pregnant.” My mom’s face drops in disappointment. Terrific. “I’m actually … I actually came out as …”
“A lesbian?” she asks, unconvinced by that.
“No, not that either. I’m …” I swallow, trying my best to spit out the words. “I’m an omega.”
My mom stares at me, then leans away from me and laughs.
I smile.
“Very funny,” she says.
“I’m not being funny. I’m an omega.”
“That’s not possible, Bea. You’re 26.”
“Mom, you must be able to smell my scent.” I’m using a ton load of blockers but I’m sure it’s still discernible.
My mom’s bottom lip wobbles. “I … I assumed it was a new perfume.”
I shake my head. “My scent.”
“This can’t be possible,” she murmurs.
“No, it shouldn’t. But these things always seem to happen to me.” I shrug.
“This is Julia’s influence, isn’t it? I heard you’ve been meeting up with her.”
“Aunt Julia doesn’t have the power to turn me into an omega, Mom.”
“No, but maybe she’s convinced you that you are one. You left here all mixed up and confused and –”
“Mom, I am an omega. I didn’t believe it myself at first, but, trust me, I’m damn certain of it now,” I say, shuddering at the memory of my heat.
“No, no, you’re confused. She’s corrupted your mind.” My mom leaps up from the table and reaches for her purse, tugging out her cellphone. “I’m calling your dad.”
“Okay,” I say, picking up my sandwich again. “If you want.”
Thirty minutes later my dad comes sprinting into the kitchen looking flushed and concerned.
“What’s happened?” he says, swinging his head from me to my mom. “What’s the emergency?”
“Julia has convinced your daughter that she’s … that she’s an omega.”
