Opening my eyes, I breathed out a sigh of relief after having to push all night long. Sweat trickled down my face as we heard the small cry of a baby.
âItâs a girl!â announced the midwife.
My husband, Therman, squeezed my hand, and I smiled, seeing pride and shock in his eyes as he gazed at our little girl. The midwife walked across the room, and I could hear our babyâs little cries as the midwife washed her up and measured her.
My eyes were glued to our little bundle, my heart hurting at her cries. My physical pain and discomfort were forgotten at the moment as we stared at our little baby.
âYou did it, honey,â Therman praised, kissing me on the forehead.
The midwife laid the baby on my chest, and my heart swelled with admiration for her. In my dreams following up to the birth, I knew the baby was going to be a girl. And she was finally here.
I touched her little shoulder carefully. Her wrinkly purple skin was so soft against mine. She calmed down instantly and stopped crying at my touch.
âHer name will be Tiana,â I cooed.
âSheâs perfect,â my husband agreed, placing his finger in her palm. Tianaâs fingers closed over his and Therman smiled widely.
âShe has the mark,â said the midwife, pointing to a pink mark on my babyâs shoulder. I panicked as I quickly looked at her shoulder. It looked like four claw marks. âItâs the omega sign. Sheâs an omega. I couldnât see it at first until you held her.â
Omegas were rare and highly coveted in our community in Howlâs Edge. They were distinguishable by the mark on their shoulder, signifying they belonged to a pack later in their lives.
âHow is that possible?â I asked in shock.
I turned to my husband, whose eyes were as wide as mine.
âWell, it makes sense. Iâm an alpha, even though youâre a beta. Itâs rare, but it happens,â Therman assured me. âWe have to leave Howlâs Edge immediately. Before anyone takes our child.â
Horror filled my heart at the thought of anyone taking my baby. It wasnât safe during these times.
She could get kidnapped off the street or sent to the Omega Auctions. We werenât wealthy enough to protect her on the island. No matter how they obtained her, it was the law for an omega to mate with alphas. She would be taken by alphas and made to mate with three or more of them. I couldnât let that happen.
âWe have to leave tonight,â I said, trying to get up, but my head spun.
âMiss, you just gave birth,â insisted the midwife.
âWe will take the first boat out in a couple of days,â assured Therman. He kissed our daughterâs head and rubbed my arm reassuringly. âIâll make sure our family is safe. Whatever it takes.â