Just want to apologise for how bad I am at replying to reviews, know I do read them all and love them all :D

Rose Pov

Seeing Alberta again was an unexpected event of the day, but definitely welcomed. Her absence in my life left a small hole that was filled with loneliness and anger. But finally getting answers as to why helped.

My mother lied to Alberta, claiming that she was taking me to Europe to stay with a friend that would keep me safe. Alberta didn't know what exactly she was going to keep me safe from, but she couldn't stop Janine from taking me with her. She knew there were some secrets Janine kept that were dangerous, which was why I was with Alberta in the first place. That and Janine didn't want to leave her career to raise me.

It warmed my heart to know Alberta was going to try to bring me back to live with her here. She knew what life awaited me in Court as an omega and wanted to give me a better chance.

I wished that that was how I had ended up here, then I never would have felt so much hatred for Dimitri.

I asked Alberta her thoughts on him, and for a woman that didn't like a lot of people, she had nothing bad to say about him. Being in her mid-forties, she didn't mince her words, she respected him greatly. She was pissed at how I ended up mated to him but understood it wasn't his fault, though she was confused that he had gone through with taking a mate after telling the pack often that he wasn't planning on for a while.

Keeping to his word, Dimitri had come to join us when he was finished. I was lounging on the seat in Alberta's office, feet up on the desk as she complained about one of the guards that kept forgetting where he was meant to be.

It was like old times, just hanging out with her while she spoke about work. Alberta was strict and expected those working for her to do a good job. She had a habit of scaring people with the hard look on her face, but I knew what a big softie she was, and how she much rather be spending her time baking and watching reruns of I Love Lucy.

I could almost pretend that the last three years hadn't happened.

I glanced over my shoulder at a knock on the door, seeing Dimitri watching me. Out of habit, I quickly threw my feet back to the floor and sat up straight, being caught sitting like this had earned me a few hits with the cane Mrs Moss carried with her. An older woman stuck in her conservative ways and she hated me with as much of a passion as Kirova did.

I learnt to try to fly under her radar, not that it ever stopped her from finding something to be mad about.

Alberta raised an eyebrow at me but didn't comment on it. I cleared my throat awkwardly, standing in hopes of playing it off. "Time to go?" I asked Dimitri.

"If you're ready?"

An alpha being this considerate towards me was still bizarre, especially one as powerful as Dimitri. I nodded, "Sure." I turned to Alberta, "I'll see you tonight, right?"

I would be lying if I didn't say I was paranoid that Alberta was going to just disappear again. The sad smile she gave me showed she knew I felt that way.

"I'll be there." She promised, the same fond look in her eyes that I used to see every day.

Knowing Alberta will be there when I was officially meeting the rest of the pack eased some of my anxiety. Now if I can just survive the family dinner without offending anyone, that would be great.


Ivan didn't join us, which made things both better and worse. This morning we had something to talk about but now we were sitting together in the Jeep in silence. Dimitri was tapping his fingers on the steering wheel as we sat at a red light. He reached over to the radio, fiddling with the dial until he settled on a station.

I tried to bite my tongue and not say anything about the music choice, but when the guitar solo started I rolled my eyes, "What are we listening to?"

Dimitri glanced at me before looking back at the road, driving again. "Prince."

"Yes, I know who this is," I responded, "but why?"

He furrowed his brows, "Because it's good."

"There is plenty of good music from this decade, you know."

He shook his head, looking both exasperated and amused. Before I could lean forward to change the station to something less dated, Dimitri was pulling off the road and parking. I looked through the window at the store we packed in front of.

"Penelope's Boutique," I turned to him with raised eyebrows, "I didn't think that was your style," I teased, jerking a thumb towards the colourful dresses in the front window.

"We are here for you." He told me with another amused look. At my bewildered expression, he explained, "It will still be cold here for a little while and I know you don't have a lot of warm clothes. So we can go in and you can choose a couple of things you like. Viktoria can show you some online stores you can order from as well, she complains that there aren't the latest styles here."

I was surprised that Dimitri had taken notice of what clothes I had, though he must have seen my lack of selection from what I had hanging in the closet. I was wearing my one long sleeve shirt that didn't have holes in it. And my only warm item other than my jumper was the leather jacket that I shredded when I shifted last. As much as I did need some new clothes, I couldn't afford any.

I shook my head, "No thanks."

"Why not?"

"It's fine. I don't need anything."

"Rose, you need some new clothes. I'm sure there's something in there you'll like." He tried to change my mind.

"I don't want anything, okay. Just drop it." I was becoming more defensive, crossing my arms over my chest like a child throwing a fit.

He sighed, "Let's just take a look–"

"I can't afford to buy clothes, okay." I turned away from him, not wanting him to see my cheeks flaming with shame. Some catch I was, with literally nothing to my name. I was startled when his hand landed on my shoulder, gently squeezing.

"You don't have to worry about money, I can pay for it. I just want you to be warm." His voice was gentle, and when I finally brought my eyes to his, there was no judgement in them.

I didn't like taking handouts, but I was seriously lacking. Chewing my lip, I conceded, "Okay. But only a jacket. I would rather make my own money to buy stuff." I could see that he wanted to fight me on my condition, but accepted it after a moment.

I trailed behind Dimitri into the store, suddenly feeling timid. For some reason, this was the moment my mind wanted to remind me just how many years it had been since I was inside a store. All the clothes I received at the academy were from a bunch of boxes that they allowed us to go through twice a year. Most omegas were abandoned by their families and weren't provided for, so we got the scraps.

The store was nice on the inside, and the clothes looked decent. A bit more flowery and colourful than I would normally go for, but nothing looked too terrible. Standing behind the counter at the back was a plump woman, about the same height as me, her hair and make-up were as colourful as the clothes around her. I'm assuming this was Penelope.

At the sound of the door, she looked up, face lighting up. "Alpha." She greeted, crossing the room to meet us, "What can I do for you? Shopping for your sisters again?"

"Not this time, I'm here to find a couple of things for Rose." Dimitri stepped to the side so I wasn't hidden behind him anymore.

The woman's eyes landed on me and widened a little, no doubt already picking up that I was an omega. Everyone gave off a scent for what they presented as, just as I could tell she was a beta, she could tell what I was. She was quick to try to mask her surprise with a smile, but I could practically see the questions running through her mind as she looked at Dimitri and me.

I was just grateful that my bite mark was covered by my hair. I could only imagine her reaction if she saw that. My eyes dropped to the ground. As much as I promised myself to never let the words the teachers repeated day after day get to me, it still made me worried that everyone else I met for the rest of my life would think the same way as they did. Omegas are weak. Omegas are useless. The only good omega is a quiet, submissive one.

Dimitri's warm hand rested on my lower back, pulling me out of my downward spiral of thoughts. He was watching me, almost like he could guess what I was thinking, a frown set on his face.

"So what are you looking for, buttercup?" Penelope asked, tone cheerful.

I shrugged, "A jacket." I wasn't ready for her to take my hand and lead me around the store pointing out the multiple options. I tried to send Dimitri a pleading look for help, but he just stood back with a smirk as I was dragged around.


I will say one thing, for such a bubbly personality, Penelope was scary to say no to. Despite me being adamant that I only wanted a jacket, she had added two shirts and a hoodie. If Dimitri hadn't told her that we needed to leave, I had no doubt she would have added more.

Sitting in the Jeep again with the bag of clothes in my lap, I turned to face Dimitri. He was focused on the road, driving us back to the pack house, a knowing smile on his face.

"You knew she was going to force me to buy more didn't you?" I accused him, now understanding why he didn't fight me when I said one jacket only.

His smile grew, "I don't know what you're talking about."

I looked back down at the clothes, as much as I hated not being able to buy them myself, I was excited to have something new to wear. And they were clothes that actually fit. There was a warmth in my chest, and with each thing Dimitri did, it grew bigger. I had to admit, when I wasn't vehemently hating him, Dimitri was a good guy, and for whatever reason, he seemed to like me.

There were definitely worse people to have been mated to.


Dimitri walked with me back to the house, even opening the door for me. I had never been on a date before, but I wondered if this was what it was like. I had watched enough romantic movies with Lissa to know that there was definitely something in the look that Dimitri kept giving me. He looked happier than he had this morning, even standing closer to me than before. It didn't scare me, but instead, intrigue me.

I didn't know what to make of my own feelings really, or the fact of how safe I felt around him now. I wished Lissa was here so I could ask her.

"Ivan should be back soon with Karolina and Babushka. But you don't need to be down again until dinner at five." Dimitri explained as we slowly walked up the stairs.

I nodded, grateful to have some time to shower and prepare myself for meeting Dimitri's family tonight. I guess it was good I got a new shirt, it would make a better impression than my others that were either too big or resembled a rag more than a piece of clothing. I had been avoiding others from noticing my sad state of outfits by wearing my sweater.

When he stopped on the second floor I remembered that Dimitri had been sleeping elsewhere since I arrived. I felt bad for kicking him out of his own room. I shifted on my feet nervously. "Did you want your bedroom back? I can move my stuff out and stay in one of the rooms here." I asked, gesturing to the second floor.

Dimitri shook his head, the corner of his lips tilted up, "No, you stay there, Rose."

"You sure?"

His hand came up and pushed a lock of hair back behind my ear, I swear my skin tingled where his fingers grazed my cheek. The look in his eyes became darker, almost smouldering.

I jerked back from his touch, feeling uncertain. I had had looks similar to that aimed at me before, other students at the academy looking at me like I was just a piece of meat. There were many alphas that believed omegas were always asking for it and that it was their right to take what they wanted. I have punched a few of them for trying to put their hands on me.

Seeing that look in Dimitri's eyes didn't leave me feeling disgusted, as it had with the others, but it made me nervous.

I had let my guard down too much around him.

When I had pulled away from him, Dimitri's face fell, sorrow and confusion in his eyes, his hand still hovering in the air.

I backed up a couple more steps, "I have to get ready." I mumbled, "Umm… thanks. For the clothes." I spun on my heel and ran up the rest of the steps, not looking back down where I knew he was still standing.

Reaching the room, I slammed the door behind me, locking it and pressing my back against it, trying to control my breathing. I covered my face with my hands, groaning into them. Leaving the bag by the door, I crawled onto the bed, curling up around my pillow with the blanket pulled up over my face.

Today was just a roller coast of ups and downs, and there was still more to come. I hated how out of place I felt. How easily I was thrown off balance. Even having Alberta back managed to make me feel more lost, realising just how much had changed since I lived with her. How much I had changed.

Pulling my sleeve down, I could see the scars on my wrist, the skin raised all the way around. Proof of what I went through. I could never go back to being the same carefree person I was before I presented.

I drifted off, as the exhaustion from the day pulled me under. My dreams were plagued with memories of a dark cell and searing pain.


I was woken up by a knock at my door, Viktoria calling my name. Part of me considered lying and saying I wasn't feeling well. Maybe they would leave me alone and I could just stay here and not have to worry about anything else. Not worry about the family, about the pack run, about my place here.

It would all be so much easier.

Viktoria knocked again, "I can pick locks you know. If you don't answer me, I will do it."

I groaned. I didn't think Viktoria would actually achieve in getting the door opened, but I knew it would lead to Dimitri being called up. Forcing my body up and off the bed, I stalked over to the door, kicking the bag of clothes to the side before opening it and peering out at Viktoria.

My dreams while I slept did not put me in a good mood. "What?"

Viktoria shot me a look, eyeing the rumpled bed behind me, "Woke up on the wrong side of the bed?"

I rolled my eyes, leaning my head against the frame of the door, "What do you want?"

"I just wanted to make sure you would be ready in time." She replied, seemingly unbothered by my mood.

I looked over my shoulder at the alarm clock beside the bed, my stomach sinking at it being close to five. "Fuck."

"Are you okay?"

"Just peachy," I retorted.

"Do you want me to get Di—"

"No!" I cut her off more aggressively than I meant to. I took a deep breath, dragging my fingers through my hair. "No. I'm fine. Just let me get ready and I'll be down soon."

Viktoria looked unconvinced but nodded. "Okay, I'll see you down there."

Closing the door, I lightly banged my head against it. "Fuck." I cursed softly.

With less than ten minutes to get ready, I hastily brushed my hair until it was somewhat tamed and then grabbed one of the long sleeve shirts from the bag of clothes. It was a deep crimson red, tightly fitted against my body. Rather than improving my mood, it made me feel worse by how it showed how skinny I was now.

I used to have muscles, and now I looked more like skin and bones.

I contemplated throwing my sweater over it but was stopped by another knock at my door.

"Roza?" Olena's voice called from the other side.

Unlike Viktoria, I couldn't tell Olena to leave me alone. Resigned to my fate, I opened the door again, forcing a smile for the older woman. Her eyes landed on me, a warm smile coming to her face.

"Oh, Roza. You look beautiful." She clasped my hand in hers and led me down the hall to the stairs, "Don't be nervous, everyone is very excited to meet you."

I wish I could say the feeling was mutual. I chewed on the inside of my cheek, feeling my nerves get worse the closer we got to the first floor. I could already hear the echo of voices travelling through the house, I couldn't understand most of it and wondered if they were speaking in Russian.

Great, they are going to be talking in another language and I'll have no idea what they were saying.

Olena led me past the kitchen and into one of the dining rooms. Viktoria had explained that they had the family dinners in here so they could have more privacy, considering other pack members would start showing up at the house early for the pack runs.

The room was similarly decorated to the rest of the house, a large room with wooden floors. A marble fireplace that could easily warm the room on winter nights. The room would be used for serving meals to visiting packs, able to fit more tables and chairs to sit fifty people. But now it was just one table, eleven people standing around it.

As soon as I stepped through the door, all conversations stopped and eyes turned to me.

"Everyone, this is Roza." Olena introduced me cheerfully, gently patting the top of my hand, "Roza, this is our family."

I didn't miss the meaning behind her words. Our family. Like I was suddenly a part of it. Which with the bite on my neck, I technically was. Olena started to point around the table introducing me to everyone. Karolina and her mate David, their children, Paul and Zoya. Sonya and her mate Sergi and their baby, Katya.

Dimitri's sisters all shared the same eyes as him, the physical traits of Olena showed in all her children with the dark hair and eyes. Even his nieces and nephew looked similar.

"And this is my mother, Yeva." Olena introduced me to the elder woman, she was sitting in her chair, grey hair pulled back into a bun. Though she was old, I could tell her mind was still sharp, her eyes looking me up and down with an unimpressed look on her face.

It was like all sound in the room ceased, everyone holding their breath as their babushka examined me. Finally, the woman shook her head, spitting out, "Weak."

It felt like a gut punch, the air leaving my body. I shouldn't be surprised, I knew how the older generation perceived omegas, but there had been a small part of me that had been hopeful that Dimitri's grandmother would be different.

"Mama," Olena hissed, stepping away from me to her mother, speaking rapidly in Russian in a low voice.

I stood off on the side of the room, crossing my arms around my stomach, feeling more self-conscious than I had before. So much for making a good impression.

Dimitri's older sisters were casting glances at me as they spoke to each other, making me feel even worse.

Maybe it would be better if I just left. I still had my plan to run away, I could just tell them I didn't feel well and disappear into the night and never have to think about them again.

I jumped when a hand brushed against my shoulder, staring up at deep brown eyes. "Don't worry about what she said." Dimitri tried to cheer me up. I dropped my eyes from his.

"Seems like everyone else is," I mumbled, noticing again the looks from his sisters. Each time I caught Sonya's eye, it looked like she had sucked on a lemon.

"I like the shirt," He changed the subject, giving me a small smile.

I tugged at the hem, "It's okay," I dismissed, dropping my eyes to the ground, letting my hair cover my face.

"Let's sit down and eat before it gets cold," Olena spoke up, forcing a cheerfulness back into her voice.

Dimitri guided me to the table, sitting me between him and Viktoria, Ivan on his other side. They both gave me looks of sympathy that I purposely ignored. I didn't want their pity. I really was weak, just like Yeva said, anyone could take one look at me and see it was true.

Food was passed around the table, I served myself occasionally, not really paying attention to what I was putting on my plate. Slowly, the conversation picked up again around me, most were making an effort to speak in English, except for Sonya who kept switching back.

I didn't bother trying to join in, instead, pushing around the food I had given myself. Even without being aware of it, I gave myself a small serving again, looking comically small compared to the other plates. Even the children had more on theirs.

Werewolves naturally ate a lot of food, our bodies burned it off quicker than humans, but my appetite had greatly decreased since being at the academy. Whether it was from their mandatory serving sizes or because of being an omega, I didn't know.

"Excuse me, Alpha."

I perked up in my seat, instantly recognising Alberta's voice. I spun in my chair to see her standing in the doorway.

"What is it?" Dimitri asked.

"I was wondering if I could borrow, Rose. I want to explain to her more about the run tonight." I could kiss Alberta right now, as far as I was concerned, she was an actual angel. I turned hopeful eyes on Dimitri, silently begging him to say yes.

A ghost of a smile showed on his face, "Of course."

I was up and across the room in seconds, remembering my manners long enough to thank them before I all but ran out of there. Once Alberta had the door closed, I wrapped my arms around her.

She easily returned the embrace, brushing her fingers through my hair, "Come on," She whispered, leading me back to the kitchen. Sitting me on the stool at the island, she turned to the freezer and retrieved a container, followed by two spoons. "I thought you might need this." She told me, placing a pint of Ben & Jerry's Phish Food in front of me.

I gasped at the sight of my favourite ice cream. I could even remember the last time I had it. It was the night of my fifteenth birthday and I had presented, crying through the cramps of my first heat. Alberta had me bundled up on the couch, curled up against her. The pint of ice cream was always kept in the freezer for times when I was having a bad day. That night she had let me eat the whole thing.

It all became too much, my walls cracked and broke. Tears started running down my cheeks before I could stop them, gasping for breath as I sobbed into my hands. Alberta wrapped me in her arms again, holding me tightly, soothing me softly as I cried for everything I had lost.

Oh, Yeva, why you gotta be that way...

The next chapter will have a cute Romitri moment :3