The Alpha's Secret Omega

Lyra's POV

I stood in front of Kael's office, my nerves already on edge. Being summoned by the Alpha was nerve-wracking enough, but after the morning's events, I wasn't sure how to feel. I raised my hand and knocked on the heavy wooden door. Once. Twice.

No response.

Frowning, I knocked again, a little louder this time. Still nothing. Was he even here? Maybe I should just come back later-

But then, Hope stirred, an odd urgency rippling through her. Before I could second-guess myself, my hand reached for the doorknob, and I pushed the door open.

The sight that greeted me made my stomach drop.

Kael stood by his desk, his head slightly tilted back, his shirt unbuttoned, and his pants... undone. Selena was kneeling in front of him, her head bobbing as her mouth.... her mouth was wrapped around him.

My breath caught, my mind freezing in place. I wanted to look away, to turn and run, but I was rooted to the spot, horrified and humiliated.

Selena's head jerked up at the sound of the door creaking open, her lips parting from Kael with a wet, popping sound that made bile rise in my throat. She turned sharply, her gaze locking onto mine.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded, her tone sharp.

Her words broke through the haze of my shock. "I- I'm sorry," I stammered, my voice barely audible. "I didn't mean- I—"

Kael didn't say a word, his piercing eyes fixed on me.

I didn't wait for either of them to say anything else. I spun around and bolted, the door slamming shut behind me. My heart pounded painfully in my chest, my breaths coming in short, ragged gasps as I raced down the hall.

Hope was spiraling, a mix of fury and anguish swirling within me. Her voice was sharp in my head, demanding answers I couldn't give. Jealousy and anger radiated from her, and it only made the ache in my chest worse.

I pressed a hand to my heart as if that could dull the sting. Why did it hurt so much? Why did the sight of him with Selena feel like a betrayal, like something that had been ripped away from me?

I shouldn't care. I had no right to care.

But I did.

I clutched my chest, my breath shallow as I leaned against the wall, trying to steady my racing heart. Everything hurt—my mind, my body, and my wolf, who was pacing restlessly inside me. She was livid, her anger simmering just beneath the surface, and I could feel her scratching to get out.

The sound of the door opening made me freeze. I turned to see Kael stepping into the hall, his expression unreadable, though his eyes burned with something dark and dangerous.

He didn't say a word. He just stared at me, his gaze locking onto mine as if daring me to utter a single syllable about what I'd just seen.

I swallowed hard, my throat dry, but I didn't look away. Hope stirred again, a low growl rumbling deep within me. I didn't know where I found the courage, but I met his gaze with equal intensity, my emotions spiraling.

His eyes narrowed slightly, as though he was searching for something—waiting for something. And then it happened.

I felt Hope pushing forward, her energy overwhelming me. My control slipped, and before I could rein her back, I felt my eyes change. The faint glow reflected in Kael's widening gaze.

His expression shifted, a flicker of something—shock, realization, maybe even satisfaction—crossing his face.

He took a step closer, his voice low and measured. "You've been hiding her."

I couldn't speak. Hope was too close to the surface, her presence undeniable. His words cut through me, but I couldn't stay. I couldn't face him, not like this. Without another thought, I turned and ran.

I didn't stop until I reached the woods. The familiar scent of pine and earth surrounded me, but it wasn't enough to calm the storm raging inside me. I couldn't hold back anymore. Hope wouldn't let me.

With a swift motion, I shifted.

The transformation was seamless, a sensation of relief and release washing over me as Hope took form. Her fur was thick and shimmering, her muscles rippling as she stood tall and proud.

She howled, the sound echoing through the trees, a call of anger, pain, and freedom all at once.

And then we ran.

The wind whipped past us, carrying the scent of freedom, and for the first time in a long time, I felt whole.

I felt like me.

I didn't care who saw. I didn't care what they thought. This was my moment. Hope and I were one, and nothing else mattered.