41. Opaline
Opaline
To say I underestimated the sheer amount of work that goes into the backend of a large event is an understatement. So much goes into planning and organizing, but just as much goes into the setup prior.
All around us, as we walk through the open field just past the resort's courtyard, is the sound of hammering, trucks backing up, chatter and laughter, and even the speakers randomly playing and pausing as they're adjusted for the giant movie projector and small stage.
"It's a lot, huh?" Sage asks as he nudges my shoulder, closest to me.
"I had no idea. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect.
I think I was still imagining a bonfire and s'mores set up for the resort staff and friends and stuff.
Nothing to this size." I look around in awe, taking in every set of hands working to make this event a success amidst the noise surrounding us.
Even the nearby birds and critters seem to be louder than usual, joining in on the excitement.
"It was a lot different when we first started putting it on. Over time, it kept growing into what it is now; what everyone expects it to be, every year."
"I think it's amazing that you all go out of your way and put so much effort into something the staff and townspeople can enjoy. It's incredible, Sage."
Smiling with his hands in his jean pockets, he looks around thoughtfully.
"Thanks, sweetheart. Seeing everyone we care about enjoying themselves and smiling is just a small way for us to say thanks.
The staff, and even regulars in town, do so much to support the resort and our success.
It's crucial to make sure they're appreciated. "
Before I can respond with my internalized praise for all my mates do, feminine laughter reaches our ears, drawing our attention.
Just like that, the tension in my chest and jaw is back with a vengeance.
Walking towards us, clipboard in hand, is none other than Annabelle.
Of course. But to be shamefully honest, it's the drop-dead gorgeous brunette at her side that steals my attention all too quickly.
"Hey, Sage!"
Taking his hand out of his pocket, he grips my waist, pulling me closer in a move that makes me swoon. "Hey, Annabelle." The fact that his normal nickname of 'AB' is replaced by a more formal greeting doesn't go unnoticed. Just another tiny thing that eases some of the tension gripping me.
The fact also doesn't seem to go unnoticed by her, either, though.
"Vivian's here helping me with final touches and making sure the event's set up smoothly.
You remember Vivian…don't you, Sage? I'm sure Everette does.
" The lilt in her tone and smirk as she glances at me has my hackles rising, my inner primal ready to pounce.
Once again, she's playing pathetic mean-girl games, trying to get under my skin and trigger my inner omega.
"Hey, Vivian. Thanks for helping out. Every set of helping hands makes a difference," he says flatly, thumb stroking my side.
"It's so good to see you again! I'm happy to be here and able to offer my assistance. It's going to be a big success. Are the rest of the guys here? I'd love to say hi if they're around."
"I mean, I'm sure they're somewhere getting everything set up for tomorrow.
" He shrugs a little, very obviously trying to find balance in professionalism and what I hope is disinterest in the conversation.
"This is our omega, Opaline." He smiles, tucking the hair by my neck to my back.
The move makes our bonding bites clearly visible.
His pride is a drug through the bond, sensing how happy he is to introduce me as his.
But the looks on both Annabelle's and Vivian's faces are a damn close second. Disgust on one and shock on the other.
"Nice to meet you," I say, tilting my head for good measure.
Sage's phone starts ringing loudly as he fumbles a little to pull it from his pocket. "Shit, ugh, fuck, I have to take this." Stepping a few feet away, he keeps his eyes locked onto me possessively, finger closing off one ear to hear the phone better, brows drawn in concentration.
"Hmmm…" Annabelle's hum brings my attention back to the two women in front of me. "You are just so brave, you know?"
"I'm sorry?"
"You're so incredibly brave." She says the words slower, like I'm too stupid to understand.
"Trying to join a pack that's already so established and successful.
Most omegas wouldn't have that kind of confidence.
" She places her free hand over her heart in a mocking display of sympathy.
"It's a shame, though," she says, looking over at the beautiful brunette next to her.
"Vivian and Pack Morrison were a perfect match.
Power Pack vibes, you know? It takes a special omega to meet them at their level. "
"I didn't try anything. I'd say I was pretty damn successful." I'm being petty. I can hear it in my own voice. But something about this woman gets under my skin, even still. The guilt of even indulging her strikes and sits heavily.
Her features turn cutting, eyes narrowing as she looks over the bites marring my neck.
With the glassy smile she's trying to keep plastered on her face, clearly for show with Sage nearby, it makes her look a little unhinged.
"Only three claiming marks… Another shame. " She hums. "Understandable, though."
"Annabelle," Vivian whispers, pulling at her friend's elbow.
"I don't know about this. Maybe we should just forget the pla–" A withering glare back has her stopping midsentence.
The interaction is so odd, my hackles start rising, sending a shiver up my spine and my omega on high alert.
I don't know what that was, but I don't like it.
"I can't imagine how hard it must've been for you, alone surviving the streets." My lungs fall flat, a spike of embarrassment and surprise squeezing my chest. "Who's to say what you'd have to do just to feed yourself, much less anything else..."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"You don't fucking deserve them, that's what," She snarls quietly behind clenched teeth, turning just enough that Sage doesn't see her mask slip.
"Come on, AB. Let's just go and forget about it."
"No." She answers, but her intense gaze never strays from mine.
"A criminal past isn't too hard to believe, though, is it?
I mean, it would make sense to anyone…makes perfect sense for someone as brave as you.
" The mocking tone only amplifies the coldness in her eyes.
"Certainly wouldn't be that much of a surprise to learn you were hiding something like that, now would it? "
My jaw aches from the force as I try to figure out what the actual fuck she could be alluding to.
She's jumping all over the place, each new thing catching me more and more off guard unable to find my center of gravity.
The woman before me's energy feels chaotic and my inner omega is overly sensitive to it, hesitant stoicism a layer of protection as she takes a backseat, nearly feeling as if she's hiding behind me.
"Be a real shame if those alphas of yours found out…
" She moves back to the side, serene smile plastered back in place, hate hidden as Sage steps closer, lowering the phone that was at his ear.
The fact that she just switched from Hyde to Jekyll in point two seconds has me realizing I seriously underestimated who she is and what she might be capable of.
"Well, it was great seeing you, Opaline! Congratulations on your bonding, you two. See you tomorrow, I'm sure…" she says cheerily.
I watch them go as Sage pulls me close, urging us along and filling me in on his call with Adrian.
Chancing a look back, I immediately regret it. Annabelle stands poised with her arms crossed, face almost devoid of emotion. A glance at Vivian and she quickly breaks eye contact, not even wanting to look at me. Something about this isn't right.
What the hell even was that? First talking about Everette, Vivian and them, and then almost threatening me with the claim I'm some kind of criminal?
Mean girl Annabelle I can handle. It's almost predictable.
But, whatever that was…feels a little more cunning and ominous.
The entire interaction has left me dizzy with shameful anxiety and a sense of foreboding.
I try my best to listen and be present. But, doubt is slithering back in, seeing a perfect omega like Vivian.
Worst of all? Despite her craziness, Annabelle's exactly right.
She is the exact type of omega that my mates deserve.
A rapid-fire list of my shortcomings file to the front of my mind, my mood turning sour quickly and knees going weak.
I softly close off my connection to the guys. Although, they're all so busy I doubt they'd notice anyway.
Everette and I are in a great place after clearing the air and getting our feelings out on the table.
I know our bonding will happen when it's supposed to, when the time and moment is right.
But, knowing he is still the last of my mates to claim me suddenly feels like a neon arrow pointing directly at those shortcomings for all to see and judge.
Am I good enough for my amazing, dream-worthy mates? Will I ever be?