Snickers trickled from some groups like a leaky faucet. The spectators around us perked up with thinly veiled curiosity, whispering behind their coffee mugs.

“I told you it was her, she just looks different.“

“... thought she died in the attack.“

“... returning is so brave.“

“That's cruel, she's already an omega.“

The chattering was incessant. My panic grew. I hadn't lived through any of these humiliating episodes in the months I'd been gone yet one encounter with Tess and ...