My first married fight, and I felt like an idiot. I was stuck in werewolf form to boot, because I was too stubborn to go back to the hot pools for my clothes. They might not even be there anymore, so why bother.

Letting out a sigh, I examined my claws. Thankfully, the water had washed away all traces of blood. Hurting Darius was wrong, but still. I don't care if River stole a little food; he didn't deserve that. I leaned back against the wall behind me and folded my arms.

River was the reason I was in trouble, and I hadn't even stuck around to make sure he was okay. I doubt Darius was going to heal the omega's wounds.

Glancing around the area, I rested my chin on my knees. I could probably hid back here for three weeks. My stomach started growling, or until I die of starvation. I should have gotten something to eat before all this happened.

I started drawing pictures in the dirt by my feet. I could call my mom, but her finding out I'd been demoted, sounded like a horrible idea. Either she'd lecture me for breaking the rules, or drive up here and yelled at the alpha, probably getting me into more trouble. Taking a deep breath, I came to the conclusion I was going to have to suck it up and serve out my sentence.

Titus had been demoted, while we were dating. He had to do more chores. I chewed on my claw. I didn't think omega did chores. They just hid and tried to avoid everyone at all cost.

"Damn it," I hissed, covering my face. "It's high school all over again."

With a groan, I flopped over on my side. It was getting dark out, but I wasn't ready to see Titus again. I was acting like a dramatic teenager, but in my defense, I was eighteen. I just happened to be married.

My ear flicked to the side to the sound of footsteps. Rolling onto my stomach, I thought about finding a new hiding place, but Titus's scent soon filled the air.

"Aden?"

"Hmmm..."

"What are you doing?"

"Moping," I muttered. "It's what all the omegas do nowadays for fun."

"Aden," he breathed. He sat down by my head. "Come here," he said, tapping my arm.

"No." I rolled away from him and fiddled with my tail. "I'm pissed at you."

"I'm not exactly thrilled with the situation either," he said in an airy voice. "Why Aden? Why did you attack, Darius? Out of everyone in the pack, why him?"

"So your dad would've been a better choice?"

He nudged my leg with his foot. "Don't be a smart ass."

"Knock it off." I scooted closer to the wall, so I was out of his reach.

"My god," he breathed, rubbing his face. "You're reminding me of your age."

"Excuse me," I spun around and glared at him. "I have a right to be mad. If you had chosen the other options, like I told you too, the punishment would've been almost over."

"Have you forgotten what toxins feel like? Just because mine don't affect you doesn't mean you're immune."

I sunk back to the ground. "But I have your healing enzyme thingy," I muttered.

"Exactly, I know how bad it hurts, and it would've been worse for you. The enzyme is strongest right after sex, but dies off after that." He wrung his hands together. "I didn't want to put you through that. I'd rather deal with this omega options instead. Even as one, no one will touch you. Once the three weeks are up, I'd beat the shit out of anyone who does."

I sat up and face him. "I'm sorry for what I said."

Our eyes met.

"I don't hate you. You just really pissed me off." I scratched the back of my neck. "I'm sorry for hurting Darius too. It's just..." I sighed. "River was bleeding. Everyone's always picking on him, and I know what it's like. I just reacted."

"It's fine." He pulled me into a hug and pressed my head to his shoulder. "You're filthy, you know that right?"

I examined my dingy fur. "Yeah, I've been moping around here all day."

"Playing in the dirt," he laughed, flicking the tip of my ear. "Like a pup."

"I am not," I shoved him back and cover my ear "Human born, remember?"

"You're getting in your puppy days late." He stood and help me up.

"Whatever." Batting his hands away, I marched off down the tunnel.

"Aden," he called after me.

"What?" I glanced over my shoulder.

He pointed in the other direction. "It's shorter this way, and you won't have to go through the main chamber."

"Oh." I spun around. "Good idea. I'm glad you reminded me." I walked past him with my head held high.

Titus laughed and snatched me. "You little ass." He kissed my cheek, placing his arm around my shoulders. "You really need a bath."

"Too bad I'm digging in deep to this omega status, so I know what it's really like."

"This is punishment, right?"

I gave him a smirk. "Yep, so accept the consequences of your choices."

***

I heard a faint noise and slowly opened my eyes. Titus was still asleep. I rolled over to see a set of ears pop out from around the corner.

"River," I groaned.

"Aden," he waved for me.

It was still dark. I carefully climbed out of Titus's embrace and put on some clothes, before going to meet him.

"What are you doing?" I yawned and stretched my arms over head.

"I thought you might be hungry."

I nodded. "A little bit, yeah."

"We're going to have to hurry then, before everyone gets up for breakfast." He grabbed my hand and led me down the hall.

For a moment, I had forgotten I was an omega now. I had to be like River. I examined the gold werewolf's appearance. The blood was gone, thankfully. He appeared to be in good spirits too.

River stopped at the entrance to the main chamber. He looked around before motioning for me to follow. We darted into the eating chamber. It was empty.

"What are we doing here?" I asked.

"Overnight patrol just got done eating." He led me to the far side of the room where one deer carcass lay mostly eaten. River sighed. "I hate it when there are rogue reports. Alpha always ups the number on border patrol." He started picking around trying to find some meat.

I just watched as he tore off little pieces stuck to the bone with his claws.

He glanced at me and lifted up a thigh bone. "This is it until dinner."

Nodding, I sat down beside him. Raw meat was still a little off putting to me, but having to gnaw on a bone that already had teeth marks on it was even more disturbing. River didn't mind at all. He searched every bit of the deer, cracking open the bones to lick out the marrow.

My stomach wanted food, and something told me this was it until tonight. I picked off the small piece of meat and ate quietly.

"Here," River offered me a bone he snapped. "Try it."

I dug the marrow out with my finger and just looked at the brown substance.

"It's good, trust me."

I tasted it, and the wolf side of me was really liking it. My human mind was a little weary, though.

We picked over the deer until there was literally nothing left but empty bones and fur. It was an okay meal. I wasn't full by any means, but my stomach wasn't trying to eat me either.

River's head shot up, and his ears started to twitch. "We have to go." He snatched my arm and raced for the door.

We made it out and darted behind some rocks. Dominants walked across the main chamber, stretching and complaining about having to wake up. They sounded a lot like Titus some mornings. I sat back and looked at River. He was on the lookout with his ears swiveling in every direction.

"What now?" I asked.

He shrugged. "We could go to the river, if you're still hungry. I usually try to catch some frogs or fish."

My stomach clenched at the thought of frogs. "Fish, fish sound like a great option."

He smiled, his tail wagging back and forth.

"Aden!" A frantic black werewolf ran into the main chamber. "Aden!"

I stood and peaked out from our hiding place, while River zipped out of sight.

My mate spotted me and raced over.

"What's wrong?" I asked, only to have him throw his arms around me. "Titus," I gasped. "You're crushing me."

"Where did you go?" He released me and grabbed my upper arms. "I woke up and you were gone. Where the hell did you go?" He hugged me again.

"Breakfast with River," I said softly.

Taking a deep breath, he nodded.

"Titus," called Xavier. "What's wrong? I heard yelling." He hurried over to us. The red and black werewolf's eyes landed on me.

This was awkward.

"What'd he do?" said the alpha sternly.

My mouth dropped open, but I bit my tongue before I said anything. I did nothing. Titus is the one at fault.

"I woke up, and he was gone," breathed my mate. "I just panicked."

"Aden," said the alpha sternly.

I shrugged, biting my lip. What did he want me to say? He made me an omega, I can't eat breakfast with everyone else like before.

"Where were you?" Xavier asked.

"Eating breakfast with River." I nodded toward the eating chamber. "I didn't want to wake anyone up. River is afraid of dominants."

"You'll tell Titus where you're at, understood?"

I nodded.

"Titus is still your mate. Please just," he ran a hand through his head fur. "Make this next couple weeks go by without any problems. I'll have your mother chasing me down, if we don't."

"Yes, Alpha. Can I go to the river, well with River." I chuckled at my own joke.

Neither seemed that amused.

"No further, understood?" said Xavier.

"Yes, sir." I saluted. When all I got was a blank expression, I tucked my hands behind my back. "Yes, Alpha."

He took a deep breath and rubbed his face. "I can already hear Karen's voice blaring in my ear," he breathed, walking off toward the eating chamber. "No more human mates. Please god, no more. I can't take another one."

I glanced at Titus. "Sorry."

He ruffled my hair. "No further than the river."

I nodded. "Have a good day."

After giving me a wave, he went to go eat. River popped out of his hiding spot from the far side of the chamber and motioned for me. After checking to make sure it was clear, I jogged across and hopped over the rock.

"Is everything okay?" he asked frantically. "They weren't mad, right? You're not going to be punished?"

I shook my head. "No, Titus was just worried when he woke up, and I was gone. They said I can go to the river with you."

River let out a deep breath. "That's good." He relaxed against a boulder, though his eyes remained on the werewolves wandered about. "The alpha been really nice to me lately. He's been trying to get me a mate, but it always falls through."

"Why's that?"

He glanced at my hair, before bowing his head. "I'm not exactly appealing to them."

"Well that's a lie. I'm gay, and I personally think you're a good looking guy."

River covered his mouth, trying not to smile. "I hope to be mated one day."

"You'll get one eventually, but from what I've learned about werewolves, it's better to wait for one that actually like you, rather than the first man who thinks you're cute. If you don't, you'll end up with a real bastard of a mate."

His shoulders rolled forward, and he gave me a nod. "One day."

"So do you want to go to the river?"

He gave me a small grin. "Yeah."