The Omega Who Rose from the Ashes: The Alpha's Regret

Trixy’s POV

The morning light filtered through the thin curtains of our bedroom, casting pale stripes across the wooden floor. I stood before my closet, hands on hips, surveying the pathetic collection of clothes that had once defined me. Ripped jeans and faded band T-shirts—remnants of a life that felt like it belonged to someone else entirely. Someone who hadn’t been claimed by a werewolf Beta, someone who hadn’t crossed realms to escape certain death.

"These won’t do," I muttered, shaking my head at the worn-out fabric.

Arms wrapped around my waist from behind, pulling me back against a solid chest. Sam’s warmth seeped through my thin sleep shirt, his chin resting on my shoulder. "What’s wrong, mate?" His voice was husky with sleep, sending shivers down my spine.

I turned in his embrace, looking up at his handsome face. "I need new clothes. These—" I gestured vaguely at the closet "—belong to someone I barely recognize anymore."

Sam’s lips curved into a slow, predatory smile. "I think you look perfect in anything. Or nothing at all." His hands slid down to cup my ass through the thin cotton of my sleep shorts, squeezing possessively.

Heat pooled low in my belly as his mouth claimed mine, hungry and demanding. His tongue swept inside, claiming every corner as his own. I melted against him, my fingers tangling in his dark hair as I returned the kiss with equal fervor. The mate mark on my neck tingled, a phantom reminder of our connection.

When he pulled back, we were both breathing heavily. "Later," he promised, though his eyes said he wanted to take me right here, right now. "For now, let’s get dressed. Bradley wants to meet with us after breakfast."

The mention of the Alpha dampened my arousal instantly. "About what?"

Sam’s expression sobered. "He wants to know more about your realm. And I think he has questions about where you and Bruno came from."

Panic fluttered in my chest. "Can Bruno come too? I need him there."

Sam’s eyes clouded over for a moment as he linked with the Alpha mentally. A few seconds later, he nodded. "Bradley said that’s fine. I already sent someone to fetch him."

Relief washed over me. "Thank you."

Sam’s thumb brushed across my cheek. "You’re part of this pack now, Trixy. We protect our own." He leaned in and nipped at my mate mark, making my knees weak. "Even when they’re being stubborn about wearing ripped jeans to meet their Alpha."

I swatted at his chest playfully. "Shut up and help me find something decent to wear."

The morning room buzzed with quiet conversation as we entered. Bradley stood near the buffet table with Trishelle and an older woman I’d seen around but never formally met. The way others deferred to her told me she held significant status within the pack.

"Trixy, Sam," Bradley greeted us with a nod. "Glad you could make it."

Trishelle smiled warmly, her hand resting protectively over her swollen belly. "We’re so glad you’re here."

The older woman studied me with sharp, intelligent eyes. "So this is the one who crossed realms. Fascinating."

Before I could respond, the door opened and James strode in, making a beeline for Trishelle. His eyes softened as they landed on her, and he swept her into his arms, kissing her with a tenderness that made my heart ache.

"Missed you," he murmured against her lips.

"You saw me two hours ago," she teased, though her arms wrapped around his neck.

"Two hours too long."

Bradley watched them with an expression of contentment, not a trace of jealousy on his face. The older woman beside him, however, tensed slightly until Bradley covered her hand with his own, offering reassurance.

Dr. Lorenzo and his pregnant mate arrived next, followed by Samuel and his own expectant partner. The room filled with the scent of excited wolves and the underlying sweetness of pregnancy.

My hand drifted to my own flat stomach without conscious thought. Would that be me one day? The idea sent a pang of longing through me so sharp it almost hurt.

Bruno appeared last, looking distracted as he scanned the room. When his eyes found me, some of the tension eased from his shoulders, but not all of it.

"Everyone, grab some food and let’s sit," Bradley called out, drawing our attention. "We have much to discuss."

As we filled our plates, Bruno sidled up to me. "Do you know why I’m really here?" he asked quietly.

"Because I asked you to be," I replied just as softly. "I think it’s time they knew more about us."

Bruno’s gaze drifted toward the Alpha. "I suppose so." His hand came up to rub absently at his chest, as if soothing an invisible ache.

Something was wrong with my twin. I could feel it in the bond between us, a discordant note that hadn’t been there before. "Hey," I said, touching his arm. "It’ll be fine. I trust Sam."

At the mention of my mate, Bruno’s eyes flickered. "I believe you, sis. I really do." But his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Once we were all seated around the large table, Bradley cleared his throat. "Thank you all for coming. As you know, this meeting concerns my mate and future Luna, not only of Goldmoon, but Bloodmoon as well."

He gestured to Trishelle, who sat between him and James, both men looking at her with adoration.

"Whatever is shared in this room stays here," Bradley continued, his tone serious. "Understood?"

Nods and murmurs of agreement rippled around the table.

"Good. Now, I think it’s time we learned more about where Trishelle’s new pack members came from." His eyes settled on me and Bruno. "Trishelle has told me what she knows, but I think we need to hear it from you."

I took a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts. How could I possibly explain the complexity of my realm to these wolves? How could I make them understand the danger we’d fled?

Before I could begin, Trishelle spoke up. "Actually, that’s not the only reason I called this meeting." Her hands trembled slightly as she placed them on her belly. "Something happened a few days ago. As I was getting ready, I swore I could hear our pup call out to me."

The room fell silent, all eyes turning to her.

"My wolf couldn’t say if that was normal, and I haven’t heard anything since," she continued, looking between her two mates with worry. "But with everything that’s changed since I gained my wolf, I wanted to know more about pregnancies in your realm. Whether I was just losing my mind or..."

Bruno and I exchanged a look. This wasn’t something I’d researched extensively, but I knew where we might find answers.

"I haven’t done much research on pregnancy specifically," I admitted, my gaze drifting to the other expectant mothers around the table. "But I know where we might find some answers."

I stood and stepped back from the table, needing space for what came next. Sam watched me with curiosity, his brow furrowed slightly.

Closing my eyes, I began to chant under my breath, the ancient words of my realm flowing from my lips. Purple light emanated from my clasped hands, growing brighter with each passing second. When I opened my eyes, they glowed with the same violet hue.

With a dramatic gesture, I spread my arms wide. The light shot outward, surrounding me completely as a large portal shimmered into existence behind me—a doorway leading directly to my special library.

Gasps echoed around the room as the wolves stared at the swirling vortex.

"So how about we all find out together?" I asked, reaching for Sam’s hand.

He hesitated for only a moment before taking it, his eyes wide with awe. Bruno followed close behind as I led them through the portal.

The others stood frozen for a moment before finding the courage to follow, their expressions a mixture of fear and fascination.

The library materialized around us—towering shelves that stretched endlessly toward a domed ceiling painted with constellations from my home realm. The air smelled of old parchment and magic, of knowledge waiting to be discovered.

"Wow," James breathed, looking around in amazement. "This is... incredible."

Trishelle sank into one of the plush reading chairs that appeared at her thought. "It feels like sitting on a cloud. Forget the books, I want this couch."

A footstool obligingly materialized beneath her feet, earning a satisfied sigh.

Bruno chuckled. "I’ve spent many nights here after training sessions while my sister lost herself in her studies."

I waved my hand, and a light pink mist settled over the group. "Don’t panic," I said at their puzzled looks. "I’ve lightly coated you with some of my power. Now, instead of searching for books, the books will find you. Just think of what you want to know, and any book containing that information will come to you."

As if to demonstrate, Dr. Lorenzo’s eyes widened as a thick tome floated down from an upper shelf and settled into his outstretched hands. Elder Cynthia fared no better, her delight evident as books began accumulating around her like eager pets.

James, Bradley, and Trishelle focused intently on their respective volumes, occasionally sharing discoveries or shaking their heads when a book proved unhelpful.

Elder Cynthia looked up from her reading.

"My dear," Elder Cynthia began, her voice soft yet clear in the vast space, "might we take any of these books out of your marvelous library? There are so many ancient texts here that I could be entertained for days on end."

I paused, tapping a finger thoughtfully against my cheek. The library was the last true link to my home realm, a sanctuary built with my own magic and memories. To remove even a single volume felt like tearing a page from my own soul. "I’m not sure," I admitted honestly. "I’ve never had a reason to try before."

The older woman hummed softly in understanding, her wise eyes crinkling at the corners. "I would worry about disturbing the magic that keeps this place stable. If you’re not certain, I won’t pressure you into anything. I know this library is the last true link you have to your home, and I would never want to risk taking that away from you."

Her consideration brought a tightness to my throat, and unexpected tears pricked at my eyes. I walked over to her and took her wrinkled hand in mine. "Thank you," I whispered, the words thick with emotion. We shared a look of profound understanding, something unspoken passing between us in that moment.

Suddenly, Trishelle squeaked, the sound sharp and startling in the quiet library. "Guys, I think I’ve found something!"

Everyone’s head snapped in her direction, concern etched on their faces. James and Bradley were at her side in an instant, their protective instincts on high alert.

"What is it?" Bradley asked, his voice low and urgent. "Is something wrong with the pup?"

Trishelle shook her head, her eyes wide with excitement as she turned the book around to show them. On the delicate, yellowed page appeared an illustration of a pregnant woman wearing a crown and long flowing robes, her expression serene and knowing. She turned the book back toward herself to continue reading, her finger tracing the elegant script.

"The queen spoke frequently to her pup, the one destined to unite the realms and bring peace to all. Legends say that the child will speak before its first breath, and this is just one—"