His mom and Hina stared at him when he told them about his volunteering. Hina was his older sister by a year. She was a carbon copy of their mother with mousy brown straight hair, grey eyes, and countless freckles.

"No, absolutely not," mom said. She went back to her sculpting by using a sharp stone. Her job was to sculpt rocks and old pieces of metal into small bullets for the rifles and smaller guns. Since Teru's role was a hunter, and a really good one, she was always making bullets during her free time just for him.

"Mom, I already volunteered. I can't just back out."

"Then I'll talk to Josy."

"I want to go, though. Lucas will come—"

She smacked the stone against the cave floor. It echoed in their living space which was a giant hole in the cave wall. "I SAID NO!" Her face was red and her hands were trembling from anger.

Her yelling made him jump. The two young adults have never seen their mom like this. Teru was always a good boy who listened and did as he was told, so he was rarely shouted at. When Hina was found playing around with a neighbor beta in her teens, she was given a stern talking to about the risks of pregnancy and to be careful. Even when their father went missing, Mom's grief was silent.

Teru tried again. "I really, REALLY need this. Just this once. You saw what happened today during the announcement. I didn't consent to that."

"Perhaps that's for the best," she said quietly. Mom stared at the bullets she was making, as if ashamed of her words.

"What do you mean? You know how I feel about that guy."

"But Nolan is a dominant alpha. His claim on you will protect you for life. That's why I've been uneasy about you and Lucas lately because it's obvious Lucas has similar feelings."

The thought of him and Lucas like that was absurd. "We're best friends, Mom! Nothing more. He watches out for me as I do for him. And Nolan...you've seen how he treated Jackie. What would prevent him from doing the same to me?"

"Still, my son. I can't let you go tomorrow. Since omegas supposedly get their first heats between 18 and 20 years, yours could come at any time. You shouldn't risk going out for extended periods. Once you return from hunting, we can discuss Nolan further. He was here earlier today to talk to me about becoming a pair with you."

People doing things behind his back was a slap to his face. "I'd rather die."

Mom gasped. She was going to say something before Teru stopped her. "No, really! I would seriously rather die than be with Nolan or separate from Lucas. I always did what you and dad said, followed your orders, practiced shooting to protect myself, and hid away in this depressing place for months at a time during the alphas' rutting season, while you all enjoyed being outside! I'm done! I wish...I wish dad were here instead of you!"

Teru immediately felt guilty for saying that last part as hurt flashed across her face. He can't apologize this time. It would cancel out everything he had just said.

He climbed up the ladder to his cubby hole which had his straw bed and few precious belongings. One of the items was a silver ring given to him by his mother when he was old enough to understand not to eat it. It had a flying crane crest stamped on the top. He kept it on a necklace. Teru took it off earlier that day before bathing to avoid losing it in the water. He put it back around his neck and clutched the ring for comfort.

The other possession was a stuffed wolf that Dad found while scavenging. It was the size of his palm. Its grey fur was matted from years of cuddling with it on the dirt. The yellow eyes were scratched. He loved it anyway. He held the tiny wolf.

This was the first time to reveal his conflicted self to anyone, so it was no wonder his outburst surprised his mother. He always wore an inner mask to be the perfect son, the best hunter, and his stereotyped role as an omega. He pretended the unwarranted words and actions towards him by the alphas didn't affect him, but it hurt him each time.

In reality, he was unsure of himself. Teru didn't know how to be an omega, how to be confident, and how to stand up for himself. Being the last omega was a heavy burden that no one could understand. Why him?

Thinking negatively cracked his now-imperfect mask. He cried until his eyes were swollen shut.

Sometime later, Hina climbed up the ladder to give him his favorite snack. A handful of raspberries plopped beside him. They were probably the last ones of the season since they didn't grow well from the drought.

She patted his head. "Here's the last of my stash, dork."

He tried to smile at her unusual friendly gesture towards her younger brother, but it was hard.

Hina continued patting his head like a pet. "For the record, I don't agree with Mom. You're of age. You should do what you think is best for you."

"Thanks," he whispered.

"Besides, I think Lucas is cute," she winked and climbed down out of sight.

What was up with people thinking that way? Clearly, they were just friends.

He tried sleeping but his mind raced.

Eventually, Teru heard the creaks of someone climbing his ladder. He flipped around so his back was facing the cubby hole's entrance. His eyes closed and pretended to sleep.

The creaks stopped.

"Teru," his mom whispered. She stroked his hair gently. "I hope you understand where I'm coming from. I can't lose you, too. I won't force you to be Nolan's mate, but I hope you consider it for your safety. Tomorrow, let's have a picnic when you come back from hunting, okay? You've always liked those. I already prepared some bread and raspberry jelly. While we eat, I have a very important gift for you. I've been waiting to give it to you when you turned 18."

Mom stopped touching his hair, waiting for a response. She knew he was fake sleeping. When Teru didn't move, she sighed. "I love you." He heard her retreat to her own bed.

His personality wanted him to say sorry, that he was acting like a pup who wasn't getting what he wanted. Teru forced himself not to do it. This time, he'd follow his own decisions, his own destiny.

Teru was secretly going to leave at dawn.