Sera's POV
One month has passed since the Council meeting. Four weeks of living in a strange limbo free but watched, powerful but constrained, determined but exhausted.
I've split my time between three territories, rotating between Kade's mountain fortress, Ryker's coastal stronghold, and Asher's forest sanctuary. Each place is different, each Alpha's pack reflects their personality, but all three have welcomed me with varying degrees of wariness and curiosity.
The mate bonds have grown stronger. I can feel them constantly now Kade's steady presence like a mountain I can lean against, Ryker's fierce protectiveness like a shield between me and danger, Asher's gentle wisdom like a light guiding me through darkness.
I haven't accepted the bonds fully. Haven't marked them or allowed them to mark me. The physical intimacy that mate bonds typically lead to remains unclaimed territory.
They haven't pushed. Haven't demanded. Just... waited.
And somehow, that patience is breaking down my walls faster than any pressure could.
Today is my first monthly check in with the Council. Magnus will be there he accepted the advisor position and has been working tirelessly to draft Omega protection laws. But I'm still nervous.
What if they decide I've failed somehow? What if this is all just an elaborate setup for execution?
Stop spiraling, Kade says from across the breakfast table. We're in his territory this week, and his pack house is all efficiency and order much like the Alpha himself.
I'm not spiraling.
I can feel your anxiety through the bond, he points out. You're panicking.
I'm strategically concerned, I counter, earning a rare smile from him.
You'll be fine, Ryker says, demolishing his third plate of eggs. The man eats like he's preparing for war. Which, knowing him, he probably is. If they try anything, we'll fight our way out.
That's not the plan, Asher reminds him gently. He's been up all night preparing documents about Omega rights, research supporting our proposed changes. Dark circles shadow his green eyes. The plan is diplomacy.
Diplomacy backed by the implicit threat of violence, Ryker amends. Best kind of diplomacy.
Despite my nerves, I almost laugh.
The Council meeting happens in neutral territory this time a concession Magnus negotiated. The same inn where I first stayed with my three mates, actually. Full circle.
The meeting room is smaller than the fortress chamber, more intimate. Only three Elders attend Morgana (unfortunately), the kind Elder whose name I've learned is Celeste, and Magnus representing my interests.
Status report, Morgana says without preamble. One month into your probation. Have you used your power to compel or dominate?
Yes, I answer honestly. Lying would be pointless they probably have spies watching me.
Morgana's eyes gleam with triumph. You admit to violating
To documented cause, I interrupt, pulling out the report Asher helped me prepare. Three weeks ago, Alpha Garrett of the Bloodstone Pack attempted to forcibly claim an Omega from his pack named Sophie. She ran to Ryker's territory seeking sanctuary. When Garrett followed and tried to drag her back, I intervened. Used my power to prevent violence. Sophie is now safely under Ryker's protection.
I slide the report across the table. Witness statements, including from neutral observers. Photos of Sophie's injuries from Garrett's previous 'claims.' Evidence that my intervention prevented serious harm to an innocent wolf.
Magnus takes the report, reviews it carefully, then passes it to Celeste. Both nod.
This appears to be justified use of power, Celeste says. Protection of the vulnerable is acceptable under Council law.
Morgana's face tightens. She was clearly hoping to catch me in a violation. And your power control? Any incidents?
None, Magnus reports. I've been monitoring Sera regularly. Her shielding is excellent. She maintains control even under stress. There have been no accidental displays of dominance.
What about the mate bonds? Morgana probes. Have they been... consummated?
The personal nature of the question makes me bristle. That's none of your business.
It's relevant to power dynamics, Morgana argues. Completed mate bonds can amplify Celestial abilities. We need to know if you're becoming more powerful.
The bonds remain unclaimed, Kade states coldly from where he stands behind me. Not that it's your concern.
Everything about her is our concern, Morgana snaps back.
Enough, Celeste intervenes. The probation terms don't include monitoring Sera's private life. As long as she's not using increased power irresponsibly, the state of her bonds is irrelevant.
Magnus clears his throat. On a more positive note, I've drafted the first version of the Omega Protection Act. He distributes copies. It establishes basic rights freedom from forced claiming, right to choose packs, protection from abuse with legal recourse. It's not perfect, but it's a start.
I read through the document, my eyes stinging with unexpected tears. These words these simple, basic protections would have changed my entire life if they'd existed when I was young.
This is good, I say hoarsely. Really good.
It will never pass, Morgana says flatly. Too many Alphas profit from the current system. They'll fight this.
Then we convince them, Magnus counters. Show them that protecting the weak actually strengthens packs. That abuse creates instability.
And if they won't be convinced? Morgana challenges.
Then we make it law anyway, I say firmly. The Council has that power. Use it.
Forcing change breeds resentment, Celeste warns, though she doesn't sound entirely opposed. We must be strategic.
We spend two hours debating implementation strategies. It's tedious, frustrating, and absolutely necessary. This is how real change happens not through dramatic confrontations but through careful negotiation and compromise.
Finally, Morgana calls the meeting to a close.
Your first month passes inspection, she says grudgingly. Continue as you have. Next check-in is in four weeks. Don't disappoint us.
As we leave, Magnus pulls me aside.
You're doing well, he says quietly. Better than I hoped. But be careful Morgana is looking for any excuse to eliminate you. Don't give her one.
I'm trying not to.
Also he hesitates, there are rumors. Other Alphas are taking notice of what you represent. Some are intrigued by the idea of Omega rights. Others are threatened. Watch for challenges.
Challenges?
Alphas who want to test you. Prove you're not as powerful as legends claim. Or worse Alphas who want to claim you for themselves, mate bonds be damned.
My stomach drops. Can they do that?
They can try. Your mates won't let them succeed, but... be vigilant.
We return to Kade's territory that night. I'm exhausted mentally more than physically. Negotiating with the Council is like walking through a minefield blindfolded.
You need to eat, Asher says, appearing in my doorway with a plate of food. You barely touched breakfast.
Not hungry.
Don't care. Eat anyway. He sets the plate on my nightstand and sits on the edge of my bed uninvited. Talk to me. What's wrong?
Besides being under constant threat of execution? I try to joke, but it falls flat.
Besides that, he agrees gently.
I sigh. Magnus warned me that other Alphas might challenge me. Try to claim me. I thought the mate bonds would protect me from that.
They do, legally, Asher explains. But some Alphas don't care about laws. They see a powerful female and assume she's prize to be won.
I'm not a prize.
We know that. They'll learn. His green eyes are serious. Any Alpha stupid enough to try claiming you against your will face three very angry mates. We've already made that clear to every pack in the region.
I don't want you fighting my battles.
Too bad. That's what mates do. He picks up the plate and hands it to me. Now eat. You're grumpy when you're hungry.
Despite everything, I smile. I am not grumpy.
You're adorably grumpy. Like a kitten hissing at a wolf.
Did you just compare me to a kitten?
A very fierce, very powerful kitten who could kill me with a thought, he amends quickly.
I throw a pillow at him. He catches it, laughing.
The tension breaks. I eat while Asher tells me ridiculous stories about pack politics apparently one Alpha in the Eastern territories once challenged another to a duel over a sheep that belonged to neither of them. They fought for three hours before realizing the sheep was actually a particularly fluffy dog.
You're making that up, I accuse.
I swear on my life. Magnus documented it. 'The Great Sheep Incident of 1987.'
I'm still laughing when Kade appears in the doorway, drawn by the sound.
What's so funny? he asks.
Asher was telling me about the sheep that was actually a dog, I explain.
Kade's lips twitch. Ah. That one's true. I was there.
You were? Asher perks up. I've never heard your version.
Because it's embarrassing. I was seventeen. My father dragged me along as a lesson in diplomatic relations. I've never seen Alphas look so stupid.
The three of us end up talking for hours. Stories flow easily funny pack incidents, embarrassing moments, close calls. Through the bonds, I feel their affection growing, their walls coming down just as mine are.
When I finally fall asleep, it's with a smile on my face.
The second month brings new challenges. Alpha Garrett, angry about losing Sophie, spreads rumors that I'm using mind control to steal pack members. It's baseless but damaging.
We should challenge him, Ryker growls during a strategy meeting. Publicly. Prove he's a liar.
That's exactly what he wants, Kade counters. A public confrontation where Sera looks like the aggressor.
So we do nothing? Ryker's frustration is palpable.
We gather evidence of his abuse, Asher suggests. Make him the villain. Let the truth speak for itself.
It's the right strategy but painfully slow. While we collect witness statements and document Garrett's crimes, his rhetoric spreads.
Other Alphas start watching me with suspicion. Some refuse to meet my eyes. Others challenge my presence at pack gatherings.
The third month is when everything almost falls apart.
An Alpha named Drake from the Western territories shows up at Ryker's pack, demanding to see me. When Ryker refuses, Drake challenges him to a duel.
For the right to court the Celestial, Drake announces publicly. Mate bonds can be broken if they're not consummated. I claim the right to compete.
The crowd that's gathered murmurs with interest. This is pack law technically legal if barbaric.
Ryker looks ready to tear Drake apart with his bare hands.
No, I say, stepping forward before violence erupts. You're not fighting over me like I'm property.
Drake's eyes rake over me with open hunger. Then choose. Me or the berserker who can barely control his wolf.
Through the bonds, I feel Ryker's rage. His wolf is surfacing, the berserker rage that makes him legendary and feared.
But I also feel his fear that I might believe Drake's words. That I might see him as a monster.
I walk straight up to Drake, close enough that he thinks I'm considering his offer.
Then I let my power loose. Just a fraction. Just enough.
Drake drops to his knees, gasping, unable to do anything but submit.
I am not property, I say clearly, loudly enough for every witness to hear. I am not a prize. And I will never, ever choose someone who sees me as either. The mate bonds I have are mine by choice I choose to explore them, to accept them, to let them grow. Not because some cosmic force decided it, but because I decide it.
I look at Ryker. I choose you. Not because you're the strongest or the most controlled. Because you see me as a person. Because you respect my choices. Because when I look at you, I see someone who fights every day to be better than his instincts tell him to be. That's strength. Real strength.
Ryker's eyes glow golden with emotion.
I turn back to Drake. Get out of this territory. And spread the word any Alpha who tries this again will face worse than submission. They'll face a Celestial who's done playing nice.
Drake flees. The crowd disperses.
And that night, for the first time, I let Ryker hold me without the walls between us. Let the mate bond deepen. Don't claim him fully not yet but take a step closer.
Progress.
The fourth month arrives. My check-in with the Council goes smoothly no incidents, continued good behavior, steady progress on Omega rights legislation.
Morgana looks increasingly frustrated. I'm not giving her ammunition to justify execution.
Keep this up, Celeste tells me privately, and you might actually survive the full six months.
Might. Not will. Might.
Because we all know Morgana is planning something.
The question is: what?
And can we stop it before it destroys everything we've built?