Omega's Choice
Page 1
“Beloved and familiar characters like ogres, unicorns and werewolves…a strong, sure heroine who knows her mind and her place in her world…. I loved the way this story unfolded from start to finish. The much-anticipated HEA did not disappoint.”
—Veronica Bale, Author of A Noble Treason
In a realm of elves, ogres and white witches, where danger is ever-present, Princess Helena Lichtenberg lost her parents at a young age. Raised by her uncle and aunt, Helena values family above all else. Now, as decreed by tradition, it is time to select a mate.
HER ALPHA
Enormous, scarred and scary, Black Ridge Wolf Pack leader Aldric Forst has never drawn the eye of any Omega. Why would he? But, on this, the night of what he swears is his last selection celebration, everything is different. One of those most beautiful, magical and powerful women, the niece of the king and queen themselves, wants him. And Aldric has never wanted anything more in return. No force—no matter how dark, no matter how powerful—will take Helena from him.
“An epic fairy tale….”
—Virginia Cantrell, Author of Devine Merit
OMEGA’S CHOICE
A Black Ridge Wolf Pack romance
Lilli Carlisle
www.BOROUGHSPUBLISHINGGROUP.com
PUBLISHER’S NOTE: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, business establishments or persons, living or dead, is coincidental. Boroughs Publishing Group does not have any control over and does not assume responsibility for author or third-party websites, blogs or critiques or their content.
OMEGA’S CHOICE
Copyright © 2017 Lilli Carlisle
Smashwords Edition
All rights reserved. Unless specifically noted, no part of this publication may be reproduced, scanned, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of Boroughs Publishing Group. The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or by any other means without the permission of Boroughs Publishing Group is illegal and punishable by law. Participation in the piracy of copyrighted materials violates the author’s rights.
ISBN 978-1-944262-70-9
E-book formatting by Maureen Cutajar
www.gopublished.com
This has only been possible with the love and support of my family. Love you Craig, Samantha, Katie and Jason.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
A shout-out to the talented Virginia, Paula, Andrea.
CONTENTS
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Epilogue
Sneak Peek: Ceva’s Chance
About the Author
OMEGA’S CHOICE
Chapter One
“I’m not planning on attending this year.” Aldric crumpled the piece of paper and threw it into the trashcan beside his desk. “I refuse to parade around in hope of being chosen when we all know that’s not going to happen.” He stopped pacing long enough to point out the large scar that ran from his left temple across his cheek to his chin and down his neck before disappearing into his shirt.
“Brother, you’re the alpha of our pack and it’s your duty to go to this gathering. Not only is it a decree by King Leonidas, but who is to say an omega won’t choose you? You’re a respected and strong alpha, our pack is large, and we have our own town with over five hundred acres of wooded lands to let our wolves run free without fear. There are a lot of benefits to becoming the omega to our people.” Godric stood and retrieved the invitation from the garbage, flattening it out on the desk as best he could and handing it back to Aldric.
“Your brother is right, son. You must attend. We have a strong relationship with the king and queen, which has been fortuitous since our lands touch on their northern borders. To refuse an invitation to the yearly Omegas’ Celebration by any unmated alpha would be an insult.” Aldric’s father, Karl, stood and placed his hand on his eldest son’s back. “I know it has been hard for you, son, since Senorfra. That battle claimed far too many of our brave men, but bless the gods you survived, protected our king, and came back to us.”
Admittedly, it was odd in this modern age of convenience and technology that most supernatural beings lived by the old code of fealty, honor, and loyalty. Considering most lived to be well over one thousand years old, having steadfast rules to live by and a king to follow ensured the safety and health of all werewolves.
“True, we fought bravely and many men never returned from that damned forest, but the rest of us came back scarred in one way or another. My scars cover my body, and there’s no omega out there that will choose me. When will any of you see this? Omegas are rare and wield powerful magic. They can pick any alpha and any pack they wish and be given anything they desire because of the blessings they will bring to that pack. I’m not saying that an omega doesn’t deserve such things, but none would want a battle-scarred alpha, no matter how wealthy or strong our pack is. Perhaps if Godric went, he—”
“No, don’t even finish that sentence. I am no alpha, brother. I couldn’t even dream of taking your place. This pack—hell, the entire town looks to you for leadership. You have given all of them a safe place to live and thrive with their families. I respect you, brother. You will always be my alpha.”
Aldric stared at his reflection in the window. He knew he was a scary-looking man, and his wolf was even more imposing. His human form stood at 6’7” and he weighed over 280 pounds of mostly muscle, which had been hard-earned through his years as a general in King Leonidas’s army. Aldric’s black hair was braided halfway down his back, just as his father’s and brother’s, but his dark blue eyes came from his mother.
Tattoos covered his right arm, wrist to shoulder blade, depicting his family lineage and his position as alpha. They revealed themselves after the war ended, when Aldric had settled with his family and pack on these lands, and he had assumed his position as alpha. Should he ever be chosen as a mate, his blank left arm would reveal his mating tattoo, indicating the lineage of his mate, their joining, and any future offspring.
The tattoos his kind wore could not be placed on their skin by their own hands or magic. They were given by the gods, either at birth or upon claiming their birthright.
Aldric knew in his heart that his left arm would always remain bare. His great size alone would be a deterrent to most omegas, who typically feared a larger predator, but the scars from the many battles that littered his body were guaranteed to keep all would-be mates away.
Normally, a werewolf could self-heal most injuries without leaving so much as a scratch, but the ogres had coated their blades with dark witches’ blood, which was poisonous to all werewolves, and created a toxic brew that made injuries more difficult to heal, leaving many warriors with scars.
He just couldn’t figure out why his family chose to ignore these facts and continued to make him attend these celebrations, which allowed omegas of age that had come into their powers to choose an alpha as mate. Over the course of the weeklong event, omegas had the opportunity to approach unmated alphas to spend time with them, under chaperone escort, in hopes that the omega might find a mate. No alpha was allowed to approach an omega or the alpha would be dealt with harshly. The rules were strict and had been passed down over the last six hundred years.
Omegas were to be protected and cherished.
His mood changed when his young sister, Cassandra, and his mother, Hilda, walked through the door. His heart lightened when Cassandra’s walk broke into a run. She barreled across the room and leapt into his arms. He let out an oomph but held her tight to his chest. “Glad to see you too.”
“Aldric, Mommy says I have to go to bed, but it’s Tuesday, and on Tuesdays you have to read the story, but Mommy said you were busy and I would have to wait until tomorrow, but I won’t sleep if you don’t read and my book is due back at the library, so now you have to read it and—”
“Easy, cupcake. Breathe. You’re seven years old now, sprite. Which means you are able to understand that sometimes I will be in meetings or away and will be unable to read to you. If I am, don’t think for one minute I forgot about our bedtime story and that I won’t miss it too. However, you’re in luck today, little sister, because I am suddenly free to read to you.” Aldric smiled before kissing Cassandra on her forehead.
“But, Aldric, we need to discuss the Omegas’ Celebration,” Karl reminded him. His father looked a bit sad. “You can’t just give up, son. There’s an omega out there for you.”
Aldric knew his family loved him dearly and he hated to disappoint them in any way, but he’d had enough of attending the celebration year after year and coming home unchosen.
“I’ll make you a deal. I will attend this year’s celebration, but it will be my last. I’ll take Godric, two advisors, and my Warrior Captain, Lothar.” A compromise seemed an acceptable option, and he hoped it would be enough to appease his family.
“But what if you’re chosen? You will require your family, staff, and warriors to protect your omega.” His father wasn’t easily swayed by Aldric’s attempt at dodging this issue.
“If by the gods I’m favored by an omega, I’ll make those arrangements. We’re only a four-hour drive away from the palace.”
“I’ll make certain a sufficient amount of staff and warriors are prepared to travel on a moment’s notice,” Godric assured Aldric.
“Though I appreciate your optimism, brother, we both know that will not be necessary.”
“You do what you feel you need to do, and I will do as I see fit, agreed?” Godric shot back.
Aldric clapped Godric on the shoulder. “I love you, brother. Agreed.” Aldric loved his family and would do anything to make them happy, but this one thing—perhaps the most important thing—he could not provide: an omega.
“You can’t be serious this will be your last year to attend. You’re a young man. You’re only one hundred and thirty-one. You have many more years to find a mate.” Hilda appeared to be on the verge of tears. Aldric’s heart was heavy and he felt horrible for making his mother cry.
“Mother, you have to understand, I’ll not be chosen no matter how many times I attend. I’m sorry and wish it were different, but it isn’t, and it will not change no matter how many times I’m forced to go.” Aldric had been trying to make them see reason for years.
“It will be okay, Mommy. Aldric’s omega will be at this one,” Cassandra announced with every bit of confidence she had in her little body.
Most people would simply brush the assurance of a seven-year-old girl aside, but not when that little girl was Cassandra. His little sister had proven on more than one occasion that to ignore her insights was foolish indeed. The elders had confirmed Cassandra had the gift of sight, and even at her young age, she could pick up on future events.
“Did you see something, cupcake, anything about the celebration?” Aldric asked cautiously, not wanting to get his hopes up again.
“Just a feeling—you will be very, very happy,” she assured in between yawns.
“Come on, time for bed.” Aldric carried his little sister up to her princess-themed room. She was obsessed with princesses. Carefully, he tucked her into her canopy bed and sat in a nearby chair with her Beauty and the Beast storybook. Bad messaging and definitely a work of fiction—there was not a beautiful omega out there willing to take on this beast.
“So you promise you’ll go to the celebration?” she asked softly as she tucked her blankets closer to her chin, a slight pout pushed out her bottom lip.
“Yes, cupcake, I’ll go. But this will be the last time.”
“Do you know that Princess Helena will be there this year?” she asked, batting her lashes. Of course she would know that King Leonidas and Queen Alexandra’s niece would be attending this year’s celebration; after all, she was an omega and a princess.
“Yes, I’m aware.” He smiled at his crafty little sister.
“Maybe you will get to meet her.” Her eyes were bright with curiosity, undoubtedly her imagination taking flight yet again.
“I’m sure Princess Helena will be far too busy with her many hopeful suitors for me to have the opportunity to meet her.”
“Aldric, I know you’ll find your mate, but you’re gonna have to fight for her. Now start with the reading already before I fall asleep.” She giggled as she snuggled down into her pillows.
“I love you too, kid.” He began reading about a fantasy world where a beast could be truly loved by a beauty.
“You’re sure he’s coming, right, Amalia?” Helena asked for what had to be the tenth time in the past hour, but she was excited and nervous. “We only have thirty minutes until the opening ceremony.”
“Yes, Princess, he has already checked in and I have the names of his two assistants so that I may approach them on your behalf. We’ve worked it all out. Giselle will remain with you as well as your royal guard, but as tradition dictates, I’ll approach the alpha’s party.”
Amalia, one of Helena’s attendants, continued speaking as she adjusted Helena’s tiara. “I’m so excited. This is our first Omega Celebration, chock full of elegance and rules. But you don’t need to worry, Princess. Giselle and I have been studying all protocols and we’ll make sure everything is perfect. With any luck, we’ll get that alpha of yours before he’s approached by anyone else.”
Helena had chosen to wear a modest green gown with a simple off-the-shoulder fitted bodice, and skirting that had layers of light silk and flowed to the floor. Her hair was swept up with jeweled pins that matched the diamonds in her tiara, and allowed her neck to display the royal tattoo she was born with, depicting Fenrir, the father of wolves, surrounded by vines that tangled and stretched to her collarbone.
All of the royal line were born with the markings of Fenrir, and all her future children would have that same royal bloodline and markings. Studying her reflection in the nearby mirror, she stood to her full height of 5’8”. She was considered tall by the standards at court where the typical woman stood three to four inches shorter than her. But Helena didn’t mind, she was the exact image of her deceased mother, King Leonidas’s sister, for which Helena was proud.
“I don’t understand how he hasn’t been snatched up by now. I’ve researched him and he’s been honored in battle by my uncle, and he’s alpha of a large, strong pack, which by all accounts respects and loves him.” Helena had no idea how she was fortunate enough to still have the opportunity to meet the man she had dreamt about for years, but she would take it.
“My princess, you know why the other omegas have avoided him,” Giselle whispered, not wanting to be heard by the guards.
“Yes. I know. His scars. Men respect him for everything he has given to protect his people in the war against the ogres. My uncle respects him, his own pack loves him, but not one woman can see past his scars.” She was disgusted to think others had passed him by simply because he had suffered injuries while protecting his people.
“It’s a sad truth, my princess, but that all ends tonight. We have your schedule for this week on our tablets and can arrange as much time as you wish to get to know him before you decide if you wish to go ahead with the claiming,” Giselle assured.
“Oh, gods, I hope he doesn’t expect me to dress like a
princess every day. A girl’s gotta have time in her jeans and T-shirts. What if he thinks I should be the perfect little housewife…housemate?” She rolled her eyes. “Whatever. I can’t be that. I need to be outside.”
“I’m sure he’ll love you just the way you are, and if not, it’s his loss. If he’s not for you, don’t worry, you won’t have to see him again if you don’t want to,” Amalia declared quite strongly.
“Okay, let’s schedule something for outdoors tomorrow for the first meeting after the dance tonight—that’s if he agrees to dance with me. If he says yes to tomorrow’s meeting, we’re good. Then we’ll know if he can handle the other side of this princess.” Helena laughed nervously. She felt like she was losing her damn mind.
“Perfect. Are you ready, Princess? It’s time to go. The king and queen are waiting in their library for you to join them,” Giselle said while placing the final pins in Helena’s hair.
“Yes, thank you both. I don’t know what I would do without you.” Amalia and Giselle were part of her family, even if they served her.
“We love you as a sister would, Princess.” The three women hugged before leaving Helena’s private wing on the eastern side of the palace where the royals lived. As she neared her uncle’s library, flanked by her private guards on all sides, her stomach began to flutter with nerves.
“What if he doesn’t like me or won’t even want to dance with me? I’ve never approached a man before. What if I mess this all up?” She knew she was babbling, but she was past nervous and was heading straight toward panic-attack territory.
“Then he’s a blind idiot,” General Jensgar, the head of Helena’s personal royal guard announced in his usual no-nonsense, gruff voice. “You are a treasure, my Princess, and if the man can’t see it, then we’ll push him aside and make room for a better suitor, one who will respect and adore you.”
“Exactly, sir,” Marcus and Radulf, two of her royal guards, agreed immediately with their leader.