Omega Revealed, Tanya Chris

This was a really interesting story featuring Gage who struggled with the inside not matching the outside.  As an omega trapped in a beta's body he struggles with misidentification from absolutely everyone.  First, there's the physical appearance.  Second, because he's a wolf, there's the scent issue so there's no chance of any wolf "seeing" the real him.  And third, probably the most emotionally tortuous, he gets to experience his body as a beta wolf knowing he's an omega.  Deciding that the human world is better because of their lack of caste identification, he lives and works among them.  At least it's one fewer agonizing situation to deal with.  But knowing he'll never be claimed or bedded like the omega he truly is is slowly crushing him.  What he wouldn't give to have what he desperately yearns for...

I liked this story.  Ryker was such a good alpha for Gage.  His inherent instincts were responding to Gage's and they were the perfect match.  It's when his head told him one thing and his wolf told him another that he got into trouble with hurting Gage.  When they finally get it together, however, it was tender, fierce, passionate, and the true claiming that both of them always wanted but never thought they'd find.

The small confrontation with the heir-apparent was off-putting mainly because of how the descriptions cheapened Gage and Ryker's experiences with him.  It hinted at a larger confrontation, added drama, darker motivations, that never happened.  That scene could have been excluded and we'd still get the caste expectation frustration, sexual role misunderstandings, and identity angst.

The medical treatment wasn't really touched on much, just some caveats that they knew pretty much nothing of benefits, side-effects, duration, or anything else, so it was nice for the story's end-point but not really something to think too hard about lest you get bogged down by legitimate scientific consequences of hormone treatments.  Gage's consultation with Dr. Petra, however, was perfect because she was able to address stereotypes, misconceptions, and dispel any notions of a caste-wide experience.  The ending was a bit abrupt but it allowed for the final "wish" Gage had in regards to his beta versus omega experience.  Overall, though, the story was interesting, applicable to gender identity issues in real life, and full of tender, fierce acceptance.  Ryker was a great champion for Gage and under his love and attention Gage could finally flourish.

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