Page 98 of Generation Omega: Claimed
“Thatcher, any thoughts?” I’m as baffled as the others by my question, soft tone, and proper name usage, but there’s no sense ignoring that he’s probably gamed out omega introductions more than anyone here.
“If you were seated on that chair and the camera captured your alphas’ bodies—not faces—hovering behind and around you, that would create a compelling image.”
“That’s perfect.” Sage moves into position and begins setting up her equipment. “Alphas make a wonderful, muscle-bound background. Too bad it would be over-the-top for them to be shirtless with glorious abs popping out everywhere, huh?”
I attempt, unsuccessfully, not to grin like a fool over that, but there is an inconvenient truth about attractive male alphas and a predominately female omegaverse fan base. “No one is looking at or listening to me if the alpha muscle show is on display, so we have to postpone that alluring plan for now.”
“Fine… it was just an idea.” Sage is adorably pouty, as I take my place on the chair of honor. “But let’s have some possessive alpha paws on your shoulders. People are going to legit lose their minds trying to decode this puzzle, and that’s the exact energy we want.”
While I’m still playing around with the words I might or might not say, Sage directs my alphas into position behind me. It’s clear she won’t capture them all, which just adds to the intended drama. With Ory and Gideon each placing a meaty hand on my shoulders, corresponding to where their bondmarks are located—and revealed to our audience—Kazimir, Ethan, and Jameson will barely be seen. Thatcher’s standing behind Sage, which is fine. I don’t need the world to know exactly how many alphas I have, and not just for the hype we’re attempting to generate. If I have my way, Ethan and Thatcher will be flying under the radar indefinitely.
Sage adjusts her tripod, the lights, and her microphone, before nodding to me that she’s ready.
In the quiet that follows, I realize I know exactly what I want to say, but more importantly, the true audience for this firstmessage. I take a deep breath, and with a confidence that feels true, I begin.
“My name is Tillie, and I am an omega. I revealed after meeting my first alpha at Omega-Palooza, and I’ve been hunted ever since. I can’t share much, but I wanted everyone—every believer—to know that it’s real. I was just like you. I dreamed it so often that I knew it must be true. And it is—it’s all real.” I smile with a sassy edge. “Heats are real. Scent matches are real. Knots are real. But what I never could have imagined is the power of an alpha’s bond. It’s not magic like wizards or unicorns, but it is magic to be part of something so powerful and right in a world that is too often wrong.”
I place my hands over my alphas’ hands that rest on my shoulders. “My alphas are with me and will do everything they can to keep me safe, but we won’t survive without your help. An omegaverse revolution began at Omega-Palooza, and whether it takes root or is ripped apart is up to you. I’m here to honor this evolution that will transform all lives, awakening connection and hope for everyone. I will give and risk everything for this cause that I’ve believed in all my life.”
I pause and, more softly, add, “Will you join me? Will you dare to believe in the truth that’s been intentionally concealed from us? Are you ready for this world to change? Are you here to battle for the future we all deserve? Today is about survival. Tomorrow, the fight begins. If you’re with me—withus—then share this message with everyone you know and be ready when I call.”
My hands move to cover my omega heart—the origin point of all of this. “All my blessings and the blessings of my pack, I send to you, my friends, my fellow omegees, the true believers whose courage to believe the unbelievable is the rich soil that will allow the omegaverse to bloom at last.”
Sage slumps after she stops the recording. “Damn, Tillie, that was it. We’re done here.”
“You’re sure?”
Everyone in the room answers with a definitiveyes.
Now, my shoulders droop. “I have to lose the flowers, huh?”
“Sorry,” Sage responds, shielding my alphas from the discomfort of disappointing me with that necessary reality check. “Come on. My services include flower installation and removal.”
“We’ll leave in ten,” Kazimir barks, and everyone is in motion.
Once I’m alone with Sage, who makes short work of her painstakingly majestic creation, she mutters, “Go ahead—what do you want to know?”
“What would you say to Sarah if you could tell her anything?”
“I’d apologize, not for what happened to her because that wasn’t my fault, but for what was my fault. Shielding her from the consequences of her actions robbed her of the chance to grow strong and capable. I don’t know whether that would have changed anything about her fate, but it’s what I regret most. I’m not suggesting Sarah needed to be battle-tested—or live a life anything like yours—but she did need to belife-tested, and I stood in her way. Sometimes the worst things a person can do are the actions they take while misguidedlyprotectingsomeone they love.”
Sage wipes a wet cloth over my cheek as she murmurs, “If life is a classroom, Sarah never even reached the board to show what she knew or the gifts she possessed. And why? Because herall-knowing, big sister stepped in front of her, actually believing I was safeguarding her from the crushing blow of discovering all that she lacked. You asked me before why Sarah was chosen, and I gave that horrible answer, because spewing that judgy vomit was easier than admitting the truth. So, here it is. I have noidea who my sister was, only who she became when none of us trusted her to shine on her own.” Sadness dulls the light in her green eyes. “But you already got there, didn’t you?”
“If she’s alive, I’m going to find her, free her, and make anyone who hurt her payforever.” Wow, my primal omega grabbed the reins, and she’s almost snarling.
“I believe you, but don’t you do anything that risks yourself. The world is more important than any one person, including my sister.” She leans back and assesses her work. “You’re good. Your alphas have some bags with more clothing, shoes, accessories, makeup, the works.”
“Thanks, Sage, for everything, and for letting my alphas pilfer some stuff from the only pretty room in this place.”
“You are quite welcome, and FYI, no one will be crying over that loss. The wife of the house hates florals, so that room was nothing more than the shocking climax of her husband’s home-improvement treachery.”
“I hope they get therapy,” I blurt.
“They’re both therapists, so yeah, therapy is covered, though probably less effective for them than most.”
Oh, dear god. How can one couple make my seven-on-one dynamic seem simple? “I guess all relationships are tricky.”
“They certainly are.”
