~Alyce/Faelyn~ I had showered and changed into my nicest outfit for dinner with Matheau and his parents. A pair of black yoga pants, a pleated lavender skirt, and an oversized black sweater. I even put on a pair of lavender ballet flats that Faith had given me last Christmas. I pulled part of my hair up, securing it with a simple silver colored barrette, leaving it to hang down my back in loose waves. I glanced briefly at myself in my mirror and then headed up into the kitchen and made a stack of sandwiches, which I then wrapped and put in the fridge for grab and go options. I was told to focus on the banquet and let the other Omega’s worry about cooking for the pack, but I still tried to do small things when I had the time. I knew most of the other Omegas were barely passable cooks. No one would die, or get sick, but it wasn’t great either. Glancing at the clock on the wall and s

The last week leading up to the banquet was beyond busy. Mat kept me company as I prepped and cooked, even getting some of the other Omega’s to help us with storing the food and rotating dishes through the ovens. I still did every last bit of the cooking and most of the prep work, but it was nice to have some extra hands for the little stuff.  The banquet was tomorrow night and some of the guest packs had started to arrive this afternoon. I avoided the guests as much as possible, glad that I wasn’t having to hide bruises while they were here. I also avoided Theo as much as possible. I would catch him looking at me from across the room on the rare occasion that our paths had to cross. The only upside to that was the fact that Jewel seemed to notice his attention towards me, no matter how brief, and the anger it instilled in her was oddly satisfying to me.

~Alyce/Faelyn~ *Beep.* *Beep.* *Beep.* The obnoxious echo of my alarm clock started invading the first peaceful sleep I’d had in a long time. Probably because it was such a short sleep. I reached over, smashing the buttons of the alarm clock, silencing it.My feet hitting the cold cement floor as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes got me moving. I didn’t waste any time as I slipped into a pair of leggings and an oversized t-shirt that came to my knees. I looked like hell, but it was by design. I wanted something easy to slip on after I shifted back. Slipping on a pair of black flats I ran my fingers through my hair and then piled it into a messy bun on the top of my head. Aramyth was prancing around in my head, *I can’t wait, Little One, as anxious as I am to run, I’m more anxious for you to realize just how special you are.*

~Alyce/Faelyn~ I looked over my shoulder at Victor and shook my head, “No thank you Delta, I’m quite adept at this. Been doing it half my life.” “Seems like a young age to start kitchen work. You can’t be more than what? 19, maybe 20?” “Maybe, but when you’re taken in as an orphan you do what you’re told, when you’re told and are thankful to not be a rogue. I’m 18 as of yesterday.” I knew I was probably giving him more information than I should, but for some reason I found him easy to talk to, like an Uncle I never had. Plus I would be gone soon and it wouldn’t matter. “Well happy birthday, albeit a bit belated. This pack doesn’t do birthday celebrations?” “Thank you, and no, not for Omegas. Sometimes the Omega’s families will hold a small on

~Alyce/Faelyn~ I hadn’t put up a fight when Mat pushed me to Tristan, too in shock that Andrew would threaten Mat like that. It wasn’t until I felt the tingles running through my arm when he grabbed me and pulled me behind him that I came back to my senses. I heard Theo’s swallowed growl and gave him a funny look, he gave me an apologetic look in return. He must still be feeling the bond even if faintly. I suspect the only reason I wasn’t is because Tristan had found me. I was still trying to wrap my brain around that. Second chance mates were rare and it was unheard of for the person who initiated the rejection to have one. I shouldn’t have one, I rejected Theo. Was it because the Moon Goddess understood that I couldn't love someone who had let my abuse go on, even if he didn’t have a hand in it.  I watched as Victor stepped up