2. Cecil

Chapter 2

This was one of the only times I ever felt at peace: when I was in my bear fur. The other was when I was at the clinic with Dr. King. When I was at work, I wasn't Alpha Vitomir's great-grandson. Nor was I forced to be reminded of all of my shortcomings that my parents loved to point out on a regular basis. I was too small for an omega—especially one such as a polar bear. I was too happy to simply be alive. I was such a disappointment. And apparently, I was destined to be barren—something that was unheard of for an omega.

I started shifting when shifters normally did, but I'd never had a heat cycle. It wasn't that I'd secretly been on suppressors my entire life or anything. I just never had them. I both loved the fact but also mourned the loss of future children. I was an omega. We mated and had children. That's what we did. Without a heat cycle, I wouldn't be able to get pregnant. So the idea of ever having a mate and children had left my thoughts long ago because my parents had drilled it in my head that nobody wanted an omega mate that couldn't give them children.

It was one of the reasons I was more than happy to come to Montana and get away from them. Grandfather Vitomir was a bit gruff, and Grandpa Lev could certainly put him in his place when needed, but it was Grandpa Lev who had made the decision to come to Montana easy. I hadn't been raised around either of them, but they had checked in frequently over the years. Everyone knew that it was Grandpa Lev who was behind that more than Vitomir, but absolutely nobody was going to call him out on it. It didn't matter though. They were active in our lives, and that had meant so much to me.

My nose caught scent of some late-fall berries, and of course, being the bear that I was, I nosed around the ground for them. I had just located the berries when a noise caught my attention. When I looked up, it was to find flaming eyes staring at me. Seconds later, there was a beast of a man standing where a hellhound had once been. "Do you need help?"

I raised my nose in hopes of scenting him, but either he was masking it, or the breeze wasn't in my favor at the moment because I scented nothing but the dirt below my feet, the pine trees surrounding us, and the small cluster of berries that my bear had been interested in just moments ago.

"Are you lost?"

I shook my head, and since I really wasn't in the mood for conversation, I decided it was probably past time I went to work. I turned to my left and started the trek back toward the omega clinic near the council. I had stored my clothes there when I decided to spend my lunch break taking a little walk in my fur.

It didn't take long to get back to the clinic. I knew I didn't have long, so I hadn't wandered far. When the back of the single enforcer housing came into view, I gave a huff because I knew my little bit of happiness was coming to an end. My job at the clinic wasn't difficult, and I did like Dr. King. I had thought that being around the pregnant omegas wouldn't cause me issues, but more often than not, I found myself longing for what I could never have. Sure, we didn't just see pregnant omegas. Those that were rescued by the council came for other things, but the majority of them were there because they'd found their mates and, of course, nature happened.

My steps slowed even more when the side of the clinic came into view. It only took me a moment longer to move in behind the small wall that was around half of the back patio. I quickly shifted and then reached for my pants. I was tugging them up when movement inside the back door of the clinic caught my attention. Dr. King quickly turned around, and I groaned.

Dr. King was used to being around shifters, but he was a warlock, and certain aspects of shifter life still seemed to make him uncomfortable. Specifically, the fact that we got naked to shift. The last thing I wanted was to make my boss uncomfortable, and I quickly grabbed my shirt and pulled it on before I opened the door. "Did you need me for something, Dr. King?" I asked.

The warlock glanced to the side and then turned completely to face me. "No. I was simply wondering if you were back yet. I have found that I am needed at the infirmary at the council building this afternoon."

Immediately, I was concerned that the enforcers had found another group of omegas that had been trafficked, but Dr. King calmed my fears.

"I have a meeting until two with Master Edison."

I nodded slowly. I moved toward the doctor, then past him and on to where my desk was. It only took a quick wiggle of my mouse and then me inputting my password in to wake my computer. In moments, I had the afternoon schedule up.

"Did you need me to reschedule your appointment with Jennings? He was supposed to come in at half past one."

Dr. King groaned. "Yes, please. He's looking for suppressors, I believe, since their little fella was born almost three months ago now. He has time though, and I really hate to do it because it's so unprofessional, but I have a meeting, and I cannot be late for it."

I nodded. "No problem at all. I'll give him a call right away and take care of it. I'll see about the other appointments this afternoon if you're not back before them. Have fun at your meeting," I told him before I refocused on the computer screen.

We didn't have a whole lot going on. Things seemed to come and go in waves though, and we were probably due for another one. Dr. King stared at me for a moment before he was gone. I might be from a created one line, but I had been raised around shifters, and I was still getting used to warlocks and hellhounds popping in and out of places. Dr. King didn't do it often, but he'd mentioned Master Edison. When a warlock had a meeting with the created warlock, even I knew you weren't late for something such as that.

Since I needed to get to work and let Jennings know his appointment needed to be shifted, I picked up the phone and dialed. The afternoon went quickly after that. Jennings had been more than understanding, and by the time Dr. King had returned, I'd only needed to push one other appointment back by fifteen minutes. Jennings was rescheduled for early next week, and by five, we were locking up the clinic.

"Thank you again for rescheduling the afternoon for me," Dr. King said when we were both standing outside the clinic.

"It's no problem. Your schedule isn't overly busy at the moment," I told him.

Dr. King glanced down at the ground and grinned. "I see you found your shoes."

My eyes followed, and I laughed. "Yeah. They weren't lost though. I was just busy trying to take care of your schedule for you. I'll see you later, Dr. King."

He nodded at me, and then I started my short walk around the council building. I worked for the council, but I didn't live on Treasure Ridge. The desire to go for a long run in my bear form was strong, but I had other things to do, and that meant my run would have to wait until later.

I made it to the transport building just as a few of the enforcers were also walking that way. I offered a half smile, but they didn't really pay me much attention. I understood though. Story of my life: not many wanted to have much to do with the created polar bear's grandson.

After being transported down off the mountain and finding myself at the gorgeous cabin that the Treasure Ridge dragons owned, I sighed. I couldn't help but shake my head as I made my way toward my car. It was by far the smallest one that was parked in the lot. But I loved my little vehicle, and it fit me perfectly.

Like usual, I did get a few quick looks as I walked up to my green vehicle and opened the door. Both of the enforcers climbed into a large SUV, and I had to wonder if it was one of theirs or if it belonged to the council. It didn't matter, really. I started my car, and after pulling on my seat belt, I put the car in reverse and backed out of my spot. I was on the not-busy-at-all roads and heading toward Honey Creek and home.

I'd been offered a small place on Treasure Ridge, but I'd politely declined. I wanted to live not so close to family, and the fact that my grandfathers lived on the mountain was enough reason for me to not want to live on the mountaintop. For the most part, they left me alone, with the exception of the twice-a-month family dinners. I always loved going to see Grandpa Lev, and, well, Vitomir wasn't exactly terrible. But it was always Grandpa Lev who made all of us feel welcome.

It only took ten minutes for me to pull into the driveway of the house I was renting from the den. It wasn't large, but it was only me, and I didn't need much room.

I parked, and in seconds, I was unlocking my door and tossing the keys in the bowl on the table I had in the entryway. I added my wallet, and when I went to plug in my phone, I winced. I had two missed calls and several texts. The calls were both from my father, and after opening the text app, I saw that he was also trying to get ahold of me through text. I wasn't sure if I had the spoons to answer him. It never turned out well when my father was in a mood. I already knew I was a disappointment simply because I, someone from his line, couldn't reproduce. It wasn't exactly my fault I'd never had a heat cycle.

I was going to ignore him for the time being until my phone started ringing in my hand. It showed Mom's name, but I knew it was most likely my father. I hadn't responded to his calls or texts earlier because I had been at work. It wasn't necessarily something that Dr. King frowned upon, but it was just unprofessional.

My phone stopped ringing, and then a minute later, there was a voicemail. Just as expected, when I read the transcript, it was, in fact, my father and not my mother. Still not wanting to deal with him, I placed the phone on the wireless charger and then went to my bedroom in the back of the house to change out of my work clothes. They weren't uncomfortable, but I had every intention of getting as comfortable as possible for the rest of the evening, and wearing khakis and a button-down wasn't part of that equation.

I pulled my clothes off as I walked toward my bedroom, and when I was close enough, I tossed them into the hamper in the corner. I wanted sweats and a hoodie. It wasn't exactly cold outside, but I wasn't planning on going anywhere this evening. I was going to heat up some leftovers and have a movie marathon at the minimum. Maybe I would go for a run later, after the sun set, but for now, I was going to focus on preparing myself to deal with my father. I always had to.

I had the leftover lo mein in the microwave when there was a knock on my door. I looked that way, completely confused because nobody ever visited me. I went to work and then came home. I had a "family dinner" with my grandfathers and other distant relatives who were in the area, but I didn't really have much to do with them beyond that.

I gave the microwave a quick glance before I walked to the door to answer it. I was surprised to see Grandpa Lev standing there, and it must have shown.

"I was in the area and thought I'd drop by and see if you were home. I saw the light on, so I took a chance and knocked."

I didn't scent that he wasn't telling the truth, and to be completely honest, I absolutely loved Grandpa Lev. He was a saint in my book. He not only put up with Grandfather, but he was just an amazing person all around. I loved the story of how he and Grandfather met because it truly was an act of fate. How else would a polar bear meet a lion? In Russia, of all places? I grinned thinking about the story I'd heard so many times as I stepped to the side to let him enter.

"I was just heating up some leftovers," I told him. "Did you want some?" It was rude to not offer, but I also didn't have enough for two. But I could always find something else.

"No, I'm not staying long. I honestly was just visiting with Jai and their twins. Grayson was still at work, but I wanted to see the little ones."

I grinned. Grandpa Lev missed having babies. They'd had several and had lost more than one, unfortunately, but Grandpa Lev was a natural. He was an omega that I wish I could be. Sadly, I would never have the same experiences.

The microwave dinged behind me, and although my stomach was protesting a little, I wasn't going to kick my grandpa out.

"I won't stay. I just wanted to stop by and check in on you. I know how pushy your parents can be, and I wanted to make sure they were leaving you alone."

I sighed and shook my head. It was no secret how my father felt about my lack of ability to carry on the family line. I didn't understand, though, because I had five other siblings, and all of them were alphas. I was the lone omega for my parents, and for whatever reason, I was the defective one, according to them. But I didn't share everything with my grandparents. They knew there was tension, that there were expectations, and I left it at that.

"I'll have another chat with him. And if that doesn't work, I'll have Vitomir drop in with a little help, and we'll get involved again."

I groaned and leaned against the entryway wall. "That's not what I want. I shouldn't have to have you fight my battles with my parents."

"Your father is stubborn. Not quite as stubborn as Vitomir, but he's perfected being an outright ass."

I snorted. That wasn't untrue. Don't get me wrong, I loved my parents, but they were too much for me. "I'll deal with them," I told Grandpa Lev.

He placed his hand on my shoulder. "You don't have to." He shook his head. "Actually, you shouldn't have to. They should never be the way with you that they are. And you are here because your grandfather and I want you here."

I nodded as I saw a gleam in Grandpa Lev's eye. No matter what I said, he and Grandfather were going to be having a quick conversation with my parents. The microwave beeped again, and I wondered if I would have to heat it again. Most likely, but that was all right. I loved Grandpa, and the fact that he took time out of his day to swing by, especially when he'd been down here to see Grayson's twins and not me, made me feel good.

"Now, we'll see you Sunday?"

I nodded. "I'll be there. Did you want me to bring anything?"

Grandpa Lev actually surprised me. "Cookies. Bring any type of cookies."

My eyebrows rose, but I nodded. I could do that. But this was the first time he'd mentioned anything I could bring, despite me having asked every week since I'd been here.

"Sure, I can bring cookies. Are you certain?"

"Yep. I'm going to ask you to bring cookies." Grandpa Lev wrapped his arms around my shoulders and gave me a tight hug. "I'll see you Sunday. Be careful until then, and don't let your parents get to you."

I nodded against his shoulder. Grandpa Lev took a step back, and then after he placed his hand on my cheek, he offered me a smile and then walked out the door, closing it quietly behind him.

I stood there a minute before I went to the kitchen and turned the microwave back on. After it beeped, signaling the end of the cycle, I opened it and pulled out my dinner. I absently carried it to the couch and set it down before going back for a drink and fork. Once I was settled on the couch, I turned on the television and picked up my meal. I would worry about the cookies and the significance of bringing them later. I'd also deal with my parents later as well. They were most likely getting ready to turn in for the night, so it did no good to return their calls or messages just yet.

They could wait because I really didn't want to have my evening ruined because I made the mistake of calling them back. It never failed that I was in a funk after talking to them. Well, not tonight. Tonight, I was going to eat leftover Chinese food, have a pint of ice cream afterward, and spend a few hours binging movies with hot guys in them. Despite the fact that I worked next to the council building, staring at the actors in the movie was as close as I would get to being able to gawk at any hot guys. It just wasn't in the cards for me otherwise.

I took my first bite of noodles as the movie started. So good. In fact, I thought it was better the second day, but that was me. Either way, I really hoped my evening turned out not terrible. I could really use one of those.