She woke up to the ring of her phone at 6 am. It was Monday, marking the start of another fucked week. Being the daughter of one of the most powerful alphas aboard should have been a privilege, perhaps even a source of protection. Yet, from kindergarten, life had been anything but easy. She was constantly bullied, labeled a "princess" because of her parents' power and wealth. It wasn't her choice to be born into this life. Sometimes, she wished she hadn't been born at all.
And this year was no different. She had turned 20 nearly two months ago, the youngest in her year. Most of her peers seemed content, but not her. In less than two weeks, almost a hundred teens would present themselves, a tradition she loathed. She despised the biology of her people ever since she understood what it meant to be an omega. She was too feminine, lacking the muscle and strength others expected in anything but an omega. It wasn't that being an omega was bad—her mother was one, and she was incredible. A brilliant doctor, just as her father was a renowned engineer. But Clarke? She wasn't cut out for maths, science, or anything health related. She hated blood. However, she loved painting and drawing, marking her fate as an omega.
"Clarke! Honey are you up?" her mother called.
"Yes, Mom," she replied, glancing at the clock. It was 6:17 am. She stood up, heading to the bathroom for a shower. Her first class wasn't until 9 am, but she had promised to have breakfast with Finn. He was the kind of guy who would likely become an alpha – smart, handsome, a bit too flirty for her taste, but it was okay. If he chose her, she could find comfort in his choice, despite the lack of real chemistry between them. She had let him kiss her on her birthday, hoping to feel something, anything, like butterflies. She chuckled at her own naive thoughts while drying off.
Dressing in baggy jeans, a white shirt, and her purple bomber jacket, now faded from too many painting sessions. Slipping into her favorite white Nikes, she glanced in the mirror. She wasn't dressed to impress, but then, she pondered, maybe she should be. Finn's decision was approaching, and it filled her with dread.
Entering the kitchen, her mother's judging eyes met her. "Aren't you having breakfast with Finn?"
"Yes."
"You should put on some makeup."
"Let her be, Abby," her dad interjected, always the softer one.
"She'll never find a suitable alpha at this rate," her mother continued, unfazed by her husband's comment.
Clarke listened to her mother's familiar tirade, a repeat of the same argument they'd had for two years. Since she turned 18, everything with her mother had become a battle—first, over her refusal to pursue medicine or engineering, then over potential alphas. Clarke despised the pressure and the candidates her mother favored.
"I'm going to go if I don't want to be late," Clarke announced, tuning out whatever they were arguing about. She had grown adept at blocking them out.
Her parents stopped talking. Her mom looked on with a judging stare, but her dad smiled warmly. "Have a nice day, princess," he said.
She hated that nickname, but coming from her dad, it was bearable. "Have a nice day too, Dad. Bye, Mom." She didn't wait for a response; her mom was mad at her, and in about two weeks, she might even hate her.
As she walked to the café, Clarke pondered the possibility of being a beta. Betas didn't undergo the same biological changes as alphas and omegas, which meant less pressure in finding a mate. Her parents' arguing that morning was a stark reminder of the divide between her mother's pragmatic views and her father's romantic beliefs.
Clarke saw Finn waiting outside. His long hair and boyish grin stood out as he watched some folks wrestling nearby.
"Hi, guys," she greeted as she approached Finn.
"Hey, princess," came a voice she hated. Lexa. Just seeing her in the hallway was enough to irk Clarke. Lexa's voice was raspy, angry, and amused all at once, knowing exactly how to get under Clarke's skin. But Clarke wasn't one to fight back; she chose to ignore her.
Clarke focused on Finn. "I'm starving, dreaming of some scrambled eggs."
"Let's go in then, Clarke," Finn suggested, glancing at Lexa with a hint of annoyance. He always felt threatened by her, but Clarke couldn't understand why. She would rather die than be Lexa's mate.
"I'm talking to you, princess," Lexa persisted, anger rising in Clarke's chest. "You should be thankful I'm even talking to you. You know what's going to happen on presenting day, don't you? It's going to be me on top of you, not Finn. Me." The threat was clear, and it unsettled her.
Clarke's mind clouded with anger. "You don't like me, Lexa. You can't stand me. Do you understand that if you try to knot me, you'll be stuck with me for life?"
"Of course, I know that princess," Lexa smirked.
"Then why keep taunting if we both don't want that?"
"But Clarke, I do want to be with you for life. You're one of the most stunning girls presenting. Your parents have money and power. Our pups would be smart. It's just a waste you didn't pursue a better profession."
"Get out of my way, Woods," Clarke snapped, unable to listen anymore.
Sitting with Finn, waiting for their food, Clarke couldn't focus. Her mind was occupied with thoughts of escaping the presenting day. Across from them, Lexa sat with her friends - Anya, Lincoln, Ontari, and Costia, who was obviously in love with Lexa.
"...pups after graduating?" Finn's voice pulled her back to the present.
"What?" Clarke was momentarily caught off guard.
"Is everything okay, princess?"
"Yeah, sorry. Lexa just gets to me. What were you saying?"
Finn smiled mischievously. "I was just thinking about the future, you know, about us. Maybe having pups, but not right away, after we're more settled."
Clarke processed his words, finding comfort in them. "After graduating," she agreed, appreciating his consideration.
Finn smiled softly, "I'm not like the other alphas, Clarke. I want us to be on the same page, to do things when we're both ready."
She nodded, grateful for his understanding. "I didn't mean to imply anything else, Finn. It's just..."
"It's okay. I know there's a lot on your mind, is your mom still fighting you" he reassured her.
Clarke sighed, wishing to steer away from more stressful topics. "Let's not talk about my mom, okay? This week already started badly enough." She didn't want to discuss her mother's pressure or the looming presenting day, the last thing she needed was more stress.
The days since breakfast with Finn had passed in a blur for Clarke. With the presenting day drawing closer, a sense of urgency hung in the air, permeating every corner of her life. Now, it was Thursday afternoon, and she found herself in a packed classroom, the air thick with anticipation and anxiety, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. It was a culmination of years of preparation and a significant rite of passage in their society.
As the professor entered, a hush fell over the students. This was the moment they had all been waiting for – the detailed briefing about the presenting day, which was now just five days away. Clarke tried to steady her racing heart, her thoughts drifting back to the unresolved tensions with Lexa and the uncertain future with Finn.
"Good afternoon, everyone," the professor began, his voice cutting through the tense silence. "As you all know, next Wednesday marks an important milestone in your lives. The presenting day is not just a tradition; it's a pivotal moment that will define your paths forward. Next Tuesday afternoon," the professor explained, "you will all visit the medical center to have your implants removed. These implants have been in place to prevent premature presenting, protecting you from the intense hormonal shifts of heats and ruts, as well as unwanted pregnancies and the dangers they could pose."
Clarke recalled the strict measures their society took to ensure safety, aware of how powerful and uncontrollable the biological urges could be, especially for alphas in rut.
"The removal of these implants will not immediately trigger your presenting," the professor continued. "You will be given a special pill to delay the process until the actual day of the ceremony."
Clarke jotted down notes, her heart pounding at the thought of what was to come. The presenting day was more than a tradition; it was a crucial step towards adulthood.
"On Wednesday, your families will bring you to the Ceremony Center early in the morning. This center is a secure, enclosed space, designed to allow the natural process of presenting to occur in a controlled environment. It's here that your true nature, whether alpha, beta, or omega, will be revealed."
Clarke envisioned the Ceremony Center, a place shrouded in mystery and anticipation. She knew that once inside; the teens would be unable to resist the biological calls of their bodies. Alphas and omegas would find each other through scent and instinct, an unbreakable biological bond that could lead to their first mating. She understood that not every attraction would be mutual, potentially sparking conflicts among the alphas.
"Each of you will be given a device, similar to a watch, before entering the center. This device will allow us to monitor basic health parameters like heart rate from the outside. However, we will not be privy to your status or experiences inside the center. That is for you to disclose once the doors open again after 27 hours."
The professor's words painted a vivid picture of the ceremony's intensity and significance. The device was a small concession for safety in an otherwise natural and uncontrolled event.
"As betas, you will be acknowledged as adults after the ceremony, without undergoing the intense experiences of heats or ruts. This day marks a significant transition for all of you, regardless of your designation."
Clarke felt a mix of fear and curiosity. The next week would not only determine her place in society but also potentially tie her to someone for life. It was a daunting prospect, and as the lecture ended, she remained seated, trying to process everything she had learned. The presenting day was a turning point, and she could only hope to emerge from it as her true self, whatever that might be.
With a final stroke of her brush, Clarke stepped back from her canvas. Her eyes flickered to the clock; it was almost time for the lunch her mother had insisted they have together. Reluctantly, she cleaned her brushes, her mind still lingering on the colors and shapes that gave her a sense of freedom, a stark contrast to the structured life her parents wanted for her.
As she made her way to the dining room, the familiar aroma of lunch filled the air, but it did little to ease the knot of apprehension in her stomach. She knew all too well what these family lunches entailed – discussions about her future, thinly veiled in concern, but heavy with expectations.
Clarke's mother was already seated, her posture rigid with the formality that often preceded their serious talks, her father offered her a knowing look, an unspoken understanding shared between them. He was aware of the brewing storm.
"Clarke, your choices concern us," her mother began without preamble. "You're likely to be an omega, and yet you're pursuing arts. It's impractical, especially given the responsibilities and vulnerabilities of your potential designation."
Poking at her food, Clarke braced herself. This argument was not new. Her passion for the arts had always been a bone of contention in their family, viewed as a frivolous pursuit, especially for someone of her status.
Her father chimed in, more gently. "Finn seems like a good match for you, Clarke. He understands you, and there's a comfort there."
The mention of Finn added to Clarke's frustration. Yes, he was a promising alpha, but their relationship, if it could be called that, was complicated by the expectations that came with her being an omega and the impending presenting day.
"There are other options too," her mother continued, undeterred by Clarke's silence. "Lexa Woods, or Anya Pine, for instance. Both from well-respected military families."
At the mention of Lexa Woods, Clarke couldn't hold back any longer. "I'd rather be unmated and a 'disgrace' than be with Lexa," she snapped. "I can't stand her. My life, my choices... they're mine to make." she retorted, her voice sharp.
Her father, sensing the escalating tension, attempted to mediate. "We just want you to be secure and happy, Clarke."
Clarke softened slightly but remained firm. "I know, but my life can't just be about security. It has to be about what I want too."
The lunch continued in a tense silence before Clarke broached the subject weighing heavily on her mind. "Mom, what if I find a mate but refuse to take the knot? Or what if there's no match for me? What then?"
Her mother, a doctor and council member, answered professionally. "It's rare, but there are instances of unmated individuals. They are given suppressants for their heats and ruts. Sometimes, they find compatible mates later in life."
"And if two people decide not to knot in the center?" Clarke pressed further.
"That requires considerable strength," her mother explained. "An alpha must have exceptional control to resist knotting an omega, and an omega must be extraordinarily resilient. In such cases, suppressants are administered for 72 hours post-ceremony to allow for clear decision-making. But remember, Clarke, our biology is compelling. It's a rare alpha or omega who can resist these natural instincts."
Clarke nodded, absorbing her mother's words. The conversation shifted to other topics, but her mind remained on the impending presenting day. She was grappling with the unknown, facing a future that might be out of her control.
As lunch ended, Clarke excused herself, her thoughts a tumult of colors as vivid and undefined as her paintings. The next few days would be critical, a canvas on which her life would be irrevocably painted.
The health center was a hive of nervous energy, echoing with the low murmur of hundreds of teens, all awaiting the removal of their implants. Clarke stood in line with Finn, Monty, Raven, and Jasper. They were trying to keep the mood light, discussing mundane college topics – upcoming exams, professors, and weekend plans.
Monty, likely to be an omega like Clarke, joked about their literature professor's eccentric habits. "He wore two different colored socks again. I swear, it's a cry for help in the language of fashion."
Jasper, who everyone suspected would present as a beta, laughed. "Maybe it's a new trend. We just don't understand high fashion."
Their banter continued, a welcome distraction from the anxiety of the following day.
Raven, standing slightly apart, was fiddling with a mechanical component she'd pulled from her pocket. Her gaze was sharp, her mind clearly elsewhere despite the laughter around her.
Finally, she leaned toward Clarke, her voice low. "You holding up okay, Clarke? Lexa and her alpha bravado getting to you?"
Clarke glanced at Raven, appreciating her friend's directness. "I'm managing. Just... it's a lot, you know?"
Raven smirked, her eyes glinting with a rebellious spark. "Don't let her get in your head. Tomorrow, she'll probably lock onto some other omega the second she steps into the center. She's all talk."
Clarke couldn't help but feel a twinge of... something at the thought of Lexa with someone else. She masked it quickly, not wanting to give Raven or herself more to ponder.
"Thanks, Raven," Clarke replied, forcing a smile.
Raven nudged her playfully. "Hey, if she tries anything, just sic Finn on her. Or better yet, let me handle it. I've been dying to put some of my dads' self-defense lessons to use."
Their moment was abruptly cut short by Lexa's approach. Raven rolled her eyes before Lexa even spoke, her disdain for the alpha clear.
Lexa fixed her gaze on Clarke, a smirk playing on her lips. "Tomorrow's a big day, Clarke. Ready to be knotted?"
Clarke felt her anger flare, but before she could respond, Raven interjected. "Oh, please, Lexa. Save the theatrics for someone who cares. Clarke's not interested in your... 'knotting' fantasies."
Lexa's eyes narrowed at Raven's interruption, but her focus remained on Clarke. "We'll see about that. After all, I'm destined to be an alpha. You and I, we could be powerful together, Clarke."
Raven scoffed. "Powerful? More like insufferable. Go find someone else to bother."
Finn, who had been quietly observing, stepped closer to Clarke. "Don't listen to her, Clarke. Tomorrow, you're with us."
Lexa's sneer deepened as she addressed Finn. "And what can you offer her, Finn? You think you can protect her from an alpha like me?"
Finn's expression hardened, his protective instincts for Clarke surfacing. "Clarke doesn't need protection from anyone, least of all a self-obsessed alpha like you."
Clarke felt a surge of conflicting emotions. She appreciated Finn's defense, yet something about Lexa's challenging tone stirred an unsettling feeling within her.
Lexa laughed mockingly. "Finn, you're playing in a game far beyond your reach. Tomorrow, when the instincts kick in, we'll see who Clarke really needs."
Raven, always quick to jump to Clarke's defense, snapped back, "Keep dreaming, Lexa. You're not the only alpha in the room, and Clarke's not some prize to be won."
Lexa's gaze flicked to Raven, a sneer still on her lips. "Oh, Raven, still trying to play the hero? We all know you're just an overcompensating omega."
The tension escalated, voices rising as others began to take notice. Jasper tried to defuse the situation, but his words were lost in the growing commotion.
Clarke's mind raced as she watched the scene unfold. The thought of Lexa with someone else during the presenting day gnawed at her, a sensation she couldn't quite understand.
Why did the idea bother her so much? Was it jealousy, or something more complex?
Her thoughts were interrupted as Pike, a respected member of the council, stepped in. His commanding presence immediately drew attention.
"That's enough!" Pike's voice boomed, silencing the group. "This behavior is unbecoming of potential alphas and omegas. You're here to prepare for one of the most important days of your lives, not to engage in petty squabbles."
The groups reluctantly dispersed, but the tension remained palpable. Clarke felt a mix of relief and frustration. She glanced at Lexa, who was now being led away by Anya, her gaze still locked on Clarke.
As the health center slowly returned to its usual murmurs, Clarke was left with a whirlwind of emotions. The feverish feeling persisted, a confusing blend of anger, anticipation, and an unacknowledged desire. The thought of presenting day, of possibly finding a mate, was both exhilarating and terrifying.
What if she was drawn to someone she didn't expect? What if her biology overrode her personal feelings? These questions haunted her as she rejoined her friends, trying to shake off the unsettling thoughts.
Tomorrow, everything would change. Clarke knew she had to face whatever came her way, but deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling of being on the edge of an unknown precipice, about to step into a future that was both unknown and inevitable.
After leaving the health center, Clarke found herself alone in her room, the weight of the implant removal and the pill she'd taken pressing heavily on her mind. She was lost in thought when a soft knock at the door broke her reverie. "Come in," she called, expecting her mother.
It was her father who entered, his expression a mix of concern and understanding. "Hey, kiddo. How are you holding up?"
Clarke attempted a reassuring smile, but it faltered. "I'm... I don't know, Dad. It's all a bit overwhelming."
He sat beside her, his presence comforting. "Want to talk about it?"
Clarke sighed, the weight of the day making her feel more tired than she cared to admit. "I don't know, Dad. It's just... everything feels so out of control. Like I'm being swept along by this current, and I have no say in where I end up."
He nodded, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "It's a big change, I understand. Presenting day is a lot for anyone to handle, especially when you're unsure about what you'll present as."
"It's not just that," Clarke continued, her words tumbling out as she tried to articulate her tangled emotions. "It's the expectations, the pressures. Everyone seems to have an opinion about who I should be with, what I should do... It's suffocating."
Her father listened in silence, his presence a steady comfort. After a moment, he gently prodded, "Is this about someone in particular?"
Clarke hesitated, then her frustration bubbled to the surface. "It's Lexa, Dad. I can't stand her, but the thought of her being with someone else tomorrow makes me so angry. And I don't know why! It doesn't make sense. I should be happy if she leaves me alone, but instead, I feel like I want to... I don't know, break something."
Her dad raised his eyebrows, a bit surprised by the intensity of her feelings. "That's a strong reaction, Clarke. But remember, presenting day can stir up all sorts of emotions. It's natural to feel a bit on edge."
He gave her a warm, understanding smile. "No matter what happens tomorrow, your mom and I will always love you. And hey," he added with a twinkle in his eye, "if you bring home some grand pups for us to spoil, we might just love you a little bit more."
The comment drew a reluctant chuckle from Clarke. "Thanks, Dad. I just wish I could understand what I'm feeling."
As her father left her room, Clarke lay back on her bed, the shadows of the night playing across the ceiling. Her thoughts were a whirlwind, and sleep seemed like a distant possibility. But eventually, exhaustion won, and she drifted into a restless slumber.
When the alarm blared at 6 am, Clarke groggily sat up. Today was the day. She had to be at the ceremony center by 7:30 am. Dressing quickly, she tried to calm the storm of emotions within her. As she stepped out into the dawn light, the quiet of the early morning was a stark contrast to the turmoil in her heart. She was stepping into the unknown, and only time would reveal what lay on the other side.
Clarke stood at the doorway of her room. "I'm ready," she announced, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside her.
Her dad looked up from his newspaper, concern etched on his face. "You sure you don't want some breakfast? It's going to be a long day; you'll need your strength."
Clarke shook her head, feeling a knot in her stomach at the mere thought of food. "I can't, Dad. I'm too nervous."
The walk to the ceremony center was surreal. Clarke moved alongside her parents, part of a stream of families making their way to the monumental event. She spotted Raven and her dad and stepmom in the crowd and drifted over to join them.
Raven, true to form, was cracking jokes, her sarcastic humor a thin veil over the tension they all felt. "Remember, if all else fails, just think of Lexa tripping over her own feet. Works every time," she quipped, eliciting a half-smile from her.
As Clarke and her parents approached the ceremony center, the crowd's emotion was palpable. Parents clutched their children in tight embraces, their faces etched with a mixture of pride and apprehension.
Clarke's mother reached for her hand, pulling her aside from the bustling crowd. "Clarke," she began, her voice tinged with a depth of emotion only an omega could convey, "I know we've had our differences, but I need you to understand something."
Clarke met her mother's eyes, seeing the sincerity there. "Yes, Mom?"
"Being an omega... it's more than just a designation. It's a feeling, a deep connection. It's how I feel about you, how I've always felt. No matter what happens today, my love for you is unending. You're a part of me, and that will never change."
Her mother's words resonated with Clarke, offering a rare glimpse into the innate bond shared between an omega and her child. "Thank you, Mom. I love you too."
Her mother pressed a protein bar into her hand, her eyes glistening. "You might need this. Remember, whatever your path, it's yours to walk, and we're with you every step of the way."
Her dad stepped forward, enveloping her in a hug that felt like a fortress against the uncertainty of the world. "You're our pride, Clarke. Whatever you present as, whatever choices you make, they'll be the right ones because they're yours. We love you, kiddo, more than words can say."
As Clarke stepped back, her eyes brimming with tears, she felt a surge of gratitude for her parents. With a deep breath, she joined the line of teens entering the center, her heart a tumult of emotions.
With a final wave, Clarke joined the line of teens entering the center. The entrance loomed large, a gateway to a new chapter of her life.
As she queued for the inscription, her eyes inadvertently found Lexa and her group. A strange sensation bubbled inside her, an inexplicable draw towards Lexa. Then, a sweet scent filled her senses, inexplicably alluring yet disconcerting. She hated sweets, but this scent... it was different, intoxicating even. Clarke shook her head, trying to clear the confusing thoughts.
At the inscription table, a solemn attendant fastened the health monitor watch around her wrist. "Good luck," they murmured, a sentiment echoed by the soft buzz of nervous excitement from the crowd.
As Clarke stepped through the entrance, the doors closing behind her, she realized there was no turning back. Whatever awaited her inside, whatever her future held, it was about to unfold.
Clarke took a deep breath as she entered the ceremony center. Despite the ark's grandeur, the center was relatively modest, its capacity limited to a hundred pups. The open yard with a few scattered tables already buzzed with activity. Her eyes landed on Finn and Jasper at one of the tables, offering a sense of momentary relief.
"Hey princess," Finn greeted, his eyes warm yet tinged with concern.
"Hey there," Clarke replied, trying to mask her growing anxiety.
As she settled down, Jasper's face was a mask of discomfort. "I think I'm going to puke," he groaned.
"Please, not on me," Raven's voice chimed in from behind, a hint of humor in her tone despite the tension in the air.
Jasper turned to Raven, seeking some reassurance. "How is it that you're not… anxious at all?"
Raven shrugged nonchalantly. "Because, Jasper, in less than an hour, biology will make the choice for us. Why worry about the inevitable? Besides, depending on what I present as, I've got options."
Clarke listened, feeling a pang of envy at Raven's apparent ease. "I don't know if that's supposed to make me feel better or worse," Jasper muttered. "I don't see myself with anyone here. The others are strangers to me."
Finn placed a comforting hand on Jasper's shoulder. "Relax, everything's going to be alright. Do you feel different?"
Monty, joining the group, added, "I'm feeling sick. The smells are overwhelming."
"It's starting," Raven observed. "We're developing instincts. It'll be gradual, at least for the first hour."
Clarke interjected; her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Do you smell something... more?"
Finn wrinkled his nose. "Some scents are like rotten stuff, others oddly pleasant, like... flowers?"
Raven chuckled, elbowing Finn playfully. "Flowers, huh? Maybe you're destined to be an alpha, Finn."
Finn looked uncomfortable, avoiding Clarke's gaze. "Clarke, you... your scent is overpowering. It's making me dizzy."
Clarke was taken aback. "Finn, I'm not doing anything!"
Raven sniffed the air and frowned. "You both seem normal to me. Clarke, maybe you're not going to be an omega."
Jasper's confusion was evident. "Is something wrong with me? I don't feel any of this."
Monty reassured him, "If you're a beta, you might not experience these instincts as strongly."
Clarke felt a growing unease. "I can feel fear, like a call to protect someone. It's strange."
Suddenly, Finn stood up, looking nauseated. "Clarke, I can't be near you right now. Your scent..."
Raven's gaze upon Clarke shifted, filled with a desire that made Clarke uncomfortable. Realizing the effect, she was having on her friends, Clarke quickly excused herself from the table.
Clarke's walk through the ceremony center was a maelstrom of conflicting emotions and heightened senses. The cacophony of whimpers, growls, and the myriad of scents was overwhelming – some alluring and others so repulsive they made her stomach churn.
The chancellor's voice boomed throughout the center, adding to the intensity of the moment. "Pups, all of you have been registered successfully. We are now releasing a compound that will accelerate your presenting. Wander, explore, find your mate. Remember, this decision is for life. Choose wisely."
The air seemed to thicken with tension as the medication was released. Clarke could feel her body responding, her senses becoming even sharper. She felt stronger, more assertive, yet there was an undercurrent of something she couldn't quite grasp – a sense of needing to find someone, a pull she couldn't ignore.
As she navigated through the throngs of her peers, Clarke felt a chilling sensation, a shiver that ran deep into her bones. The fear she had felt earlier intensified, guiding her steps almost unconsciously. She rounded a corner and there they were – Anya Pine and Ontari, locked in a fierce battle, their alpha instincts on full display.
A deep, resonant growl echoed around her, and it took Clarke a moment to realize it had come from her. Her presence drew the attention of Anya and Ontari, their confrontation momentarily paused.
Clarke's eyes scanned the area and then she saw her – Lexa. The realization hit her with the force of a thunderbolt. The fear, the pull she had been feeling, it was all leading to Lexa. She smelled of fear and something else – a scent that was sweet yet not overpowering, reminiscent of the faint aroma of pastries behind a café vitrine.
Her instincts screamed at her to protect, to save. It wasn't the feeling she had been taught to expect, not the overwhelming desire to be mated, but something far more primal and urgent.
Another growl rumbled in Clarke's throat, stronger this time, asserting her newfound alpha status. Ontari and Anya, now equally aware of her presence, turned their gaze towards her.
"Stay out of this, Griffin," Ontari hissed, but her voice wavered, revealing a hint of submission.
"Alpha," Anya murmured softly, a realization that Clarke barely registered in her focused state.
"No, I'm staying," Clarke declared firmly, her voice resonating with a strength she hadn't known she possessed.
"It's better for you to go, Clarke. Get the fuck out of here," Ontari snapped, but Clarke stood her ground.
"No, Anya, I… Lexa, you win," she admitted, her gaze locking with Lexa's. "I feel this pull... she can knot me if she wants. I just need this feeling to go away; it's almost painful."
Anya's face softened from aggression to recognition, and she sighed. "You're an alpha..." she finally said, making Clarke pause in confusion.
In that moment, Clarke's understanding of herself shifted dramatically. She was an alpha, drawn to Lexa by an instinct to protect her. Her eyes met Lexa's, who returned her gaze with a complex mix of fear and something deeper, unspoken yet palpable.
Clarke felt a surge of protectiveness, an instinctual need to intervene. She realized it wasn't just about safeguarding Lexa now – she wanted her, needed to knot her, and to be with her for life. The vision of their potential future together, the possibility of pups, overwhelmed her.
Anya watched Clarke cautiously, understanding the gravity of the situation but knowing it wasn't her decision to make. She approached Lexa, kneeling and whispering words Clarke couldn't hear. The sight of Anya's hand on Lexa ignited a fierce jealousy in Clarke, her fists clenching at her sides.
Standing up, Anya seemed to sense Clarke's turmoil. With a final stern look, she warned, "If you hurt her, I swear, Griffin..."
Clarke watched Anya walk away, her mind racing with the new reality. She was an alpha, and Lexa, unexpectedly, was now the center of her transformed world.
Turning her attention back to Ontari, who was still there with Costia, Clarke's newfound alpha presence was unmistakable. "Get out of my sight, Queen," she commanded authoritatively.
Ontari, though visibly resentful, was overpowered by Clarke's dominant pheromones. She reluctantly stepped back, submitting to Clarke's higher status.
Now alone with Lexa and Costia, Clarke knew she needed to approach the situation carefully. This presenting day was turning out to be nothing like she or Lexa had ever anticipated. As the ceremony center buzzed with activity around her, Clarke prepared to navigate this unforeseen path that lay ahead of her.