Omega's Christmas Ball

Conflicted Feelings

River made her way home under the cover of night, her thoughts a tangled web of confusion and guilt. She had taken the time to clean herself in the cool waters of the river, scrubbing away any trace of Damon’s scent that clung to her. Living in a pack meant privacy was a rare luxury, and scents carried whispers louder than words. If anyone sensed the mingling of hers and Damon’s smell, questions would follow, questions she wasn’t ready to answer, at least not yet, until they were official.

When she finally approached the small, humble house, the single candle flickering in the window told her the family had retired for the night. The wooden door creaked softly as she pushed it open. Inside, the air was thick with the warmth of home and the faint smell of a simple meal. On the table sat a covered plate, and River’s heart softened. Her mother had left her something to eat, despite how late it was.

She glanced toward the corner where her sister Isabelle lay, turned away and already fast asleep. River let out a long, relieved breath. She wasn’t ready to face Isabelle’s fiery temper or accusations after the events of the day. Seating herself at the table, she uncovered the plate to reveal a small portion of vegetable stew. Picking up the wooden spoon, she took a careful bite, only to wince when her lips protested. A sharp sting reminded her of how tender they were.

Heat rushed to her face as memories of the evening came flooding back. Damon’s touch, his insistence, the way he… revealed himself and pressed her lips with his hardness, before asking her to open her mouth…she shook her head, trying to push the thoughts away. She couldn’t afford to dwell on what had happened.

The whispers she had heard from other omegas about mating, some describing pain, others discomfort, suddenly felt all too real.

What had unfolded tonight left her mortified, and the faint nausea and gagging she’d managed to suppress threatened to return, especially when he reached his pleasure, spilling himself all over her mouth and face.

Yet, when she recalled Damon’s wide smile and the soft kiss he had pressed to her forehead afterward, a small part of her felt relieved. She had made him happy. She had proven her love.

Finishing the last of the stew, River cleaned her plate as quietly as possible before slipping into the small bed beside Isabelle. She closed her eyes, willing herself to sleep, though her mind refused to quiet.

--

The next morning, River woke to the familiar sounds of her family’s morning routine. The smell of tea and bread being toasted over the fire greeted her, along with the low hum of conversation. She rose quickly and washed her face with cold water, smoothing out her simple dress before joining them at the table.

Her father, already half-dressed for his long day in the mines, drank his tea in hurried gulps. He gave River a quick kiss on the forehead before muttering something about being late and rushing out the door. Isabelle sat stiffly, her arms crossed and her expression stormy. She finished her breakfast in tense silence before standing abruptly.

“I’m off, I am expected at the bakery,” Isabelle announced, her voice sharp, totally ignoring River. River didn’t respond as Isabelle swept out of the house with a huff. The door closed behind her with a loud thud, leaving River alone with her mother, Mariana.

Mariana gave her daughter a small, tired smile. “Don’t mind your sister,” she said softly. “She’ll come around.”

River nodded, though she doubted it. Isabelle’s temper had been simmering ever since their argument over the silver coins. River focused on her own tea, letting the silence stretch between them, but Mariana soon placed an envelope on the table with a meaningful look.

River’s heart sank at the sight of the royal seal, its intricate wax stamp glinting faintly in the morning light. She reached for it gingerly, as though it might burn her fingers.

“You haven’t opened it,” Mariana observed.

River stared at the envelope, her stomach twisting. “Do I really have to attend, Mama?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. “I have nothing decent to wear.”

Her mother’s expression softened with understanding, but her tone remained firm. “Attendance is mandatory, River. We don’t want to risk trouble by ignoring a royal summons.”

River’s fingers traced the edge of the envelope, her thoughts swirling. The ball, a grand event that would bring together the pack’s elite and lower ranks alike, was supposed to be an honor. But for someone like River, with nothing but a handful of silver coins saved over years of scrubbing floors and peeling vegetables, it felt more like an ordeal. She had no fine gowns, no sparkling jewelry to match the wealthier wolves who would be in attendance.

“Maybe I could just… stay back and help in the kitchens,” she offered weakly, but Mariana shook her head.

“That’s not an option, my girl. Everyone must go. The Alpha’s orders.”

River sighed, placing the envelope back on the table. She knew her mother was right, but the thought of attending filled her with dread. Damon’s voice echoed in her mind, his promises of a future together giving her the smallest sliver of comfort. Maybe… just maybe… things wouldn’t be so bad if she had him by her side.

River lingered at the table, the uneaten remnants of her breakfast growing cold as she mustered her courage to speak. Her hands fidgeted in her lap, her fingers nervously tangling in her skirt. Finally, she looked up at her mother, who was busy rinsing the dishes.

"Mom," River began hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. "What if... an unmated she-wolf already had a promise to be taken as a chosen mate? Would she still need to go to the ball?"

Mariana paused mid-motion, her hands submerged in water. She turned slowly to face her daughter, her brow furrowing slightly. "As long as she isn’t marked and mated by the day of the ball," Mariana said carefully, "then yes, she must attend. It’s the Alpha’s decree, River. There’s no avoiding it."

River bit her lip, glancing away. Her mother’s perceptive gaze lingered on her, and after a moment of silence, Mariana dried her hands on a kitchen towel and sat down beside her.

"Is there something you want to tell me, River?" Mariana’s voice was soft, but there was an edge of concern in it.

River's cheeks flushed with warmth. Her secret, so carefully guarded, felt like a flame about to burn out of control. She took a deep breath and tried to steady her trembling voice. "What if... I already have someone in mind, Mom?"

For a moment, Mariana stared, her eyes widening with surprise. Then, a small smile crept across her face, her expression softening with maternal pride. She reached out, taking River’s hands in her own. "Nothing would make me happier than seeing you loved and cherished, my sweetheart. Is it true? Have you found someone?"

River hesitated, glancing at the floor. Confiding in her mother felt both relieving and terrifying. She had kept this secret for so long, but now... if Damon was going to speak with his family, it wouldn’t remain a secret much longer.

Lowering her voice to a whisper, River said, "What if an omega... gets chosen as a mate by a Delta?"

Mariana’s reaction was immediate and startling. Her eyes widened in shock, and her mouth fell open slightly as if the air had been knocked out of her lungs. "Delta Damon?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

River nodded, her blush deepening as her mother’s shock turned into a cautious, almost protective concern. "Yes, Mom," she admitted. "He said he loved me... and he promised he’d speak with his parents soon."

Mariana reached for her daughter’s hands again, holding them tightly. The joy that initially brightened her face had dimmed, replaced by an unmistakable worry.

"River," she began slowly, choosing her words carefully, "I know you care for him from your reaction, but higher ranks... they’re complicated, my love. There are expectations, and politics, and..." Her voice faltered. "Just be cautious. I don’t want to see you heartbroken. You’ve already endured so much."

River nodded, her throat tightening at the concern in her mother’s voice. She wanted to believe Damon would protect her from anything, that their love could overcome any challenge. But her mother’s warning echoed in her mind, planting a small seed of doubt.

"I understand, Mom," River said softly, rising from her chair. She forced a small smile, hoping to dispel the tension. "I need to get to work now. Love you."

"Love you too, sweetheart," Mariana replied, her worry evident as she watched River gather her things and leave.

River’s steps faltered as she made her way to the Pack house, her heart heavy with the memory of her recent conversations with Damon. She hadn’t told her mother everything. How could she? Her mother would have seen the situation differently, might have worried even more. The truth was, Damon had asked something of her, something that tied her heart in knots.

Her mind drifted back to the moment.

--

“River,” Damon had said, his voice low and serious as they stood beneath the moonlight. His hands had gripped her arms firmly, his piercing eyes boring into hers. “If you love me, please don’t attend the royal ball.”

River had blinked, taken aback. “Why? You know I wouldn’t even consider anyone else.”

Damon had shaken his head, his expression darkening. “I’m very possessive, River. The idea of other males looking at you, thinking you’re available, drives me insane. I wouldn’t be able to stand it.”

She’d tried to reassure him, her voice soft. “But I’m only yours, Damon. You know that. And in a few weeks we will be officially together.”

His grip had tightened slightly as he leaned closer. “Promise me, River. Promise me you won’t go.”

Caught in his intensity, she had nodded hesitantly. “I... I promise.”

--

But now, in light of her mother’s words and the mandatory nature of the invitation, River realized she might not have a choice. An omega could not ignore an Alpha order. Her stomach churned at the thought of breaking her promise to Damon, of how angry he would be. She knew how much his possessiveness meant, how deeply he cared for her, but she couldn’t risk her family being punished for her absence.

"I need to tell him, he will understand," she murmured to herself as she reached the Pack House, determination pushing her forward.

However, over the next few days, her resolve was met with frustration. Each time she tried to approach Damon, he was either busy with his duties or brushed her off with promises of later. When they did meet, instead of having the time to talk as they usually did, Damon would pull her aside for their increasingly intimate encounters.

River’s cheeks burned as she recalled how he had taken her to a secluded area, his commands growing bolder each time. “On your knees,” he had whispered, his voice thick with need, and she had complied, feeling conflicted. She wanted to please him, to keep him happy, and yet... the acts left her feeling hollow. Her mouth and throat were raw from his passion, and each time he finished, she was left with a mix of relief and shame.

At least, she thought, he wasn’t pressuring her to complete the full mating. That was some small mercy. She clung to the belief that if she could endure this, they would soon be chosen mates, and things would change.

But their last meeting before the ball had unraveled that hope.

Damon had pulled away, leaving her kneeling, his breathing heavy as he tucked himself back in his trousers. As he adjusted his clothes, she wiped her face with the back of her hand, her voice trembling as she finally spoke up. “Damon... I need to talk to you.”

He paused, turning to look at her with a raised eyebrow. “What is it? I need to go.”

She hesitated but forced the words out. “I have to attend the royal ball. I don’t have a choice. It’s mandatory.”

His expression shifted in an instant, darkening into a stern, almost forbidding glare. “I said NO, River!”

“But I…”

He cut her off, his voice sharp. “You’re resourceful, River. You’ll find an excuse. My mate will not attend a royal ball where other males could ogle her and think she’s free.”

Her heart sank as she tried to reason with him. “Damon, please understand. It’s not just me. My family…”

“I said NO!” he growled, his tone brooking no argument. “This is my final word, River. If you truly love me, you will find a way not to go.”

Before she could respond, he turned and walked away, his movements brisk and angry, leaving her standing there, stunned and conflicted.