“Maybe when I was younger, I doubted her existence a bit. But as I grow more mature, prayer brings me comfort. Even if I’m just talking to myself. And even if I am merely blabbing into the void, it helps me feel less alone. When I set out my crystals, I feel energy filling me.”
Gretel murmured, wonder and confusion on her face. “I guess I could try it. I mean, every time I refer to ‘the goddess’ I’m mainly being facetious. I don’tactuallybelieve in prayer, or crystals—even though I sell a ton here in the store.”
Gretel fumbled in her desk, and after finding what she sought, she handed a tiny blue crystal to me.
“This isn’t much,” Gretel whispered with a laugh, “but I actually found this crystal while out harvesting blueberries under the full moon a few months ago. It’s supposedly a witch’s crystal.”
I stared at the crystal.
Emotion pummeled me, flowing through me like a hurricane wave.
The gift from Gretel was so precious, it even brought tears to my eyes.
“Thanks,” I murmured, touching the crystal. “This is incredible, Gret.”
“It’s supposed to bring you good luck, girl. A new friend in your life: maybe it’ll help you with clarity about your new pack. Maybe it’ll help you learn your scent.”
On the wayout of Gretel’s Goodies, I couldn’t help but smile. Gretel was a good, kind friend, and that was rare these days. Other Omegas only thought of themselves, not really supporting the other Omegas in Applewood Falls.
Gretel? She cared. She really had a big heart, and I hoped she’d find her true scent matches soon enough.
I laidout my blue crystal later that night. It complemented my translucent crystals in a lovely way, and Whiskers was even captivated by it. My cat kept swishing her fluffy tail, sniffing the crystal like it was blueberry candy.
I tapped my foot, waiting for dusk to arrive… and for the moon to shine.
When the moon finally came out, it was full and bright, bathing the forest in milky light. It spoke to something eternal in me, something primordial and timeless. When I looked at the moon, all anxiety dissipated and worry no longer existed. Maybe it was because we Omegas were creatures of the moon, and we recharged our souls through the night. Or maybe it was because the moon always existed on this planet, going back to the earliest days.
I crossed my fingers, offering up a prayer to Fate.Dear Fate, I whispered, my cheeks rosy and shy,if this is right, please give me a sign. I’m not the type of Omega to ever chase after a pack.But they’re what I want Fate, they’re kind and gentlemanly, and each Alpha always holds the door for me wherever I go. They’re exactly like the Alphas I read about in my romance novels, only even more helpful. Their souls are alive… and that’s what matters.
I didn't want to date a dead, soulless pack. With my pack of handsome Alphas, I felt alive.
I clungto Blake’s arm, refusing to let him go. “Take me with you.”
Blake tried to shake me off.
“You’re giving little sis energy right now, and I’m trying to go fishing.”
“Pleeeeeease.” I didn't remind Blake that he’d be fishing inmylake, so I had a right to bug him much as I pleased.
Blake looked at me, then frowned.
“Layla,” he began, then he sighed. “You are thelastOmega I ever expected to get so clingy.”
“Ohhh, so I’m clingy now.” The pain just didn't stop.
“No,” Blake huffed, pacing back and forth. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Well, what did you mean?” I snapped.
“Don’t snap at me!”
“Sorry,” I muttered, tears welling as my gaze dropped to my feet. “I’m so sorry, I was hanging out with Gretel the other day, and—"
“Gretel?” Blake’s brow twisted in confusion.
“Gretel,” I clarified, “from Gretel’s Goodies, the only blueberry shop in Applewood Falls. She’s been having trouble matching with packs and the packs she meets treat her terribly.”
Blake stared into my eyes, and he really listened. He heard me out—he didn't just blow me off, didn't tell me I was crazy or delulu.
