Page 90 of Generation Omega: Claimed
Ory claims control and, as always, witnessing the transition is mind-blowing—make that double for Sage, who’s fully gaping at my most imposing alpha. “It’s not time for that yet. Nothing matters until we win, but losing affects more than just us.”
I’m instantly distracted from everything else, observing Ory and recognizing what he truly is—a mighty tree with roots that must reach the center of the Earth by now, who will always provide the stability I need. Without a word, his presence proclaims his intentions, dedication, and courage. It’s not just the epic body he inhabits. It’s his soul that’s so committed to this mission, despite everything it cost him and an eternity of waiting with no voice at all. It’s no wonder his silence is louder than any alpha’s roar could ever be.
I recall Kazimir’s words—Thatcher’s really—about Ory…indisputably preordained. I don’t think we’ve even scratched the surface of what it means to have the true first alpha with us.
I walk toward him, pulled by a thread that’s not like anything I’ve felt, because it’s for Ory, not Mackenzie. But even more striking is the way that thread sings, as though each year of his eternal existence added a new note that’s never been heard before now. When a distinct awareness appears, I don’t trust it because it feels wrong, but some part of me knows that his song is, and always was, meant for me.
When I reach him, I extend my hand, which instantly finds a home in his. Together, we leave the living room without any explanation. He opens the door to the first room in the hall and leads us inside. It’s not until he moves to close the door that I realize we’ve found the promised land, a space with beautiful, colorful florals and vibrant solids in deep purple, lavender, and pink. I didn’t realize how much the beige was getting to me until leaving it.
I approach Ory again where he stands beside the door, freeing myself to take what I need, knowing he won’t ever deny me. I’m against him a moment later, surrounded by his ancient power and his embrace that seems able to stop time for us.
The first alpha—I know exactly why the legacy chose this man, but I also comprehend the way it tested him to ensure he was the correct choice. It kept him alive all these years, lurking in the background of other men’s lives, waiting—always waiting—to live again. No, not live…serve. It didn’t give him back his life. It bound him inside Mackenzie. But that presents another mystery.
Why is Ory so much more present in Mackenzie than my inner omega is within me? Why are the rules so different for her? Why is she a shadow that must be suppressed, while Ory is able to control his form and own his actions?
The wild origin omega surges from the void, roaring her fury at being silenced for so long. I expect a tirade from her, but I sense she’s mulling my questions and also probably enjoying Ory’s arms around us—exactly where they belong.
I’m sorry… I start to say that, knowing I’m currently overstepping with her man.
No—never be sorry for connecting with him.
How can you say that? He’s yours, not mine.
I think we both know that’s not true.
But what does it mean?
She’s wrapped in sorrow, her words drowning in regret.None of this is what I thought it would be—that’s what it means. But even I know that’s irrelevant.
Irrelevant? You aren’t irrelevant, not to me. I don’t understand our situation or how I can help you, but if you’ll just explain, I’ll…
No.
Why?
Tell me what you think the millennia of existing without actual life proved about Ory. You were considering it just now.
There really isn’t a better test of Ory’s worth to the omegaverse than to give him extreme power and then ask him to abandon it. Power corrupts—that’s what everyone says. But it didn’t corrupt Ory. I have to believe there was some way for him to escape this fate, if he’d ever been willing to break his vow. He never did, and now he’s here. I think that means the omega legacy has been testing him all this time.
Keep going. What else does it mean?
Ory can’t be the only one the legacy tested, right?
Yes. Continue.
It tested me, and it tested you. No, wait—it’s testingallof us. Oh, god…allof us…allthe time.
I lean harder into Ory, and he increases his support, taking responsibility for my body while my mind blows like a shaken can of soda. Fuck.
Yes, take this path. I can’t help you, but Ory and I can protect you while you reach your conclusion.
Does the legacy not want me to know this?
The legacy fancies itself all wise, regardless of the ever-present evidence to the contrary. It knows you will grasp the truth eventually, but it likes to control the order of things, and it doesn’t think you are ready. I disagree.
I try not to get tripped up in my annoyance with beingmanaged, but that’s a struggle.
How has your pack been tested?
