Chapter 1

The bell rang outside by the playground over the chattering of the little wolves, running around in their second forms. They scurried about, laughing and giggling, playing simple games, talking about their favorite toys, foods they disliked, the popular cartoons that came on at four pm, blissfully ignorant of the world around them. The Omega Teachers hurried to gather the riled children, leading them back into the buildings. 

I watched. 

Alone.

"Caleb, sweetie, it's time to go inside now," Ms. Lucy said to me, touching my shoulder gently over the neat press of my polo shirt. I flinched away from her, still a little sore from this morning. 

If she noticed, she didn't say anything. 

I let her lead me inside and I took my seat with the other Omegas at the table to the far left of the classroom. The walls were decorated with hand drawn portraits of our family. 

Why are the Alphas red?

They are dominant.

Why are the Omegas blue?

They are submissive. 

Submissive to the Alphas who own us. Who control us. Who breed us. Who give us worth and meaning. Our Alphas were not our Goddess but the intermediaries. 

Who was my Alpha?

My Mother. 

Mother was Mama's Alpha too. 

All Omegas must obey their Alphas. 

Always.

"Caleb," I heard someone whisper. 

I glanced over to my best friend, Pyka Lee. He was really tiny, the smallest in the class. His hair was a mop of brown curls and his eyes were so big and brown they nearly took up his entire face. He had chubby cheeks that always seemed to be tinged light pink. 

Pyka was staring at me with wide eyes, then he pointed behind me at the teacher. I followed his gaze. Ms. Lucy was looking at me sternly. I glanced around the entire classroom and everyone was staring at me. 

A table full of Alphas started giggling. 

I blushed before addressing the teacher. "I'm sorry, Ms. Lucy."

"That's okay, Caleb. I asked if you could read the first paragraph on your assignment sheet." She stared at me patiently, blue eyes bright and wide. Her head was full of wild red hair and freckles speckled her cheeks and nose. Sometimes I would count them, when I was bored. Ms. Lucy's classes were always boring.

I nodded before starting to read. With all of the eyes on me, I couldn't focus on the words and started to stumble halfway through the paragraph. The Alphas started to laugh louder. My stutter got so bad that Ms. Lucy had to stop me and ask someone else to finish it.

When school was over, Pyka walked with me to parent pick up. Of course his Daddy was already there. The Omega was small and thin with petite features and delicate looking skin. Pyka would grow up to look just like him. His older brothers, Alphas, were standing beside his Dad already. Ryan looked more like their Mother with dark brown hair cut short, tanned skin, and dark brown eyes. Phil had softer brown eyes and paler skin but his hair was dark like his brother. 

Pyka's Dad grabbed Pyka's hand with a smile on his face and sweetly asked about his day at school. Pyka turned to wave goodbye at me before answering his parent in an excited voice. I let my eyes drift, seeing all the kids in my class being reunited with their Omega parents. 

Searching through the crowds, I found my Mama waiting for me. Her long white blonde hair tied up in a messy, wearing an oversized sweatshirt and leggings. Her normally bright eyes were slightly dull. She looked tired. 

Mama was always tired. 

"Mama!" I called out to her, running over. 

She smiled when she saw me, opening her arms for a hug. I leaped into them, breathing in her sweet scent. She was warm and comfortable. I loved hugging her. Mama made me feel safe. 

"How was school, Caleb?" 

"Good," I replied. "I got a gold star today in History!" I pinched at my shirt to show off the sticker I earned. 

"That's my boy! So smart! I'm sure Mother will be so proud of you. When she gets home today, you'll show her, won't you?" 

I nodded. 

"Good boy," she hummed. Her hand grabbed mine, so warm. 

The rest of the walk home I did most of the talking. I told her all about my day and how silly Pyka was being at recess. I was so into my story, I hadn't realized a group of Alphas approaching. Mama's head was bowed in submission immediately. 

I stared up at the strange Alphas curiously. 

"Caleb! Head down! Submit!" Mama growled at me. 

I bowed my head immediately until the Alphas passed us by. Mama let out a sigh of relief when they were gone, then flicked me in the nose. 

I whimpered. 

"How many times do I have to tell you this Caleb? Submit to the Alphas or you will get yourself in trouble. Mother won't be happy with you. Do you want to get punished?"

I shook my head. 

"Then do as you're told. You are an Omega." 

And an Omega always submits. 

"Now let's hurry up before your sisters wake up. I don't want them fussing and causing problems for your Mother if she's home."

I stayed quiet. When we got to the house, I took my shoes off by the door because Mother hates when we track dirt into her house. Jenny was sitting on the stairs in her pajamas. Her blonde hair was damp and messy. Her usual pale skin was flushed with a fever. 

All four of my sisters were sick. Their bodies were always really weak and they'd get fevers often so they were home schooled.

"Jenny! What are you doing out of bed?" Mama shouted rushing over to my sister. She pressed her hand against Jenny's forehead. "Your fever is still high."

"Mama, I don't wanna sleep anymore. I'm hungry," Jenny whined. 

Mama sighed, but picked my sister up and sat her on her hip before bringing her into the kitchen. If Jenny was out of bed, that meant that Mother wasn't home. 

When the Alphas aren't home, the Omegas come out to play.

"Caleb!" 

But not for long.