Chapter 1

Lucas

In the quietude of my dorm room, I sat crossed-legged on my bed, surrounded by art books and sketch pads, trying to lose myself in the lines and colors that had always brought me solace, even though it wasn't working well.

The humdrum of campus life filtered in through the open window, filled with laughter, footsteps, and distant lectures that usually provided a comforting backdrop to my solitude—or as comforting as it could be, anyway.

Today, everything felt different. Today, I was alone... and afraid. It wasn't so different from most days, to be honest.

I clutched the small bottle of suppressants in my hand, turning it over and over, as if the sheer force of my gaze could change its contents. It couldn't, but I was still doing that.

My heart pounded in my chest, echoing the rhythm of my racing thoughts. This couldn't be happening. Not here, not now. I was supposed to have more time. More freedom. More control. I was supposed to have so many more things.

Fate, it seemed, had other plans.

As an omega, I'd been taught early on what to expect, what to fear, and what to do when the time came. My mother, a beta woman who'd raised me single-handedly after my father left us, had made sure of that. She'd drilled into me the importance of hiding my status, of never drawing attention to myself, of always having my suppressants handy. And so, I had. Until now. I thought I had everything under control, but didn't.

I glanced at the calendar hanging on the wall opposite my bed, the days marked off with meticulous precision until today. Today, there were no more crosses, no more circles around dates. Today, the dreaded 'H' loomed large and ominous, a harbinger of the storm brewing inside me. I didn't even like thinking about it. My heat was coming, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

A shiver ran down my spine, and I hugged my knees closer to my chest, as if seeking comfort in the fetal position. It wasn't just the physical discomfort I feared; it was the loss of control, the surrender of my body and mind to my instincts, the vulnerability it exposed me to. I liked being in control. I didn't like it when it was taken away from me. I didn't have any choice in the matter. I was born to be this way.

Worst of all, the possibility of being claimed, of losing myself forever to some stranger who would use me and discard me like a used tissue. Just like with the other thing, I didn't have any control over that. I knew that the first alpha who came across me and made me feel something different would claim me.

My fingers tightened around the bottle, crushing it slightly before I forced them to relax. No. That wouldn't happen. I wouldn't let it. I was stronger than that. I had to be. Otherwise, I would never forgive myself.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself, and reached for my phone. There was only one person I could call, one person who would understand without judgment or fear. My best friend since kindergarten, Kessia, who'd stood by me through every trial and triumph, every secret and shame.

"Hey, Luc,"she answered on the second ring, her voice warm and reassuring even over the crackling line. She was always a source of comfort for me."What's up?"

"I'm scared, Kes,"I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper and going straight to what I wanted us to talk about."It's starting." She already knew what I was talking about, so I didn't have to further explain what I meant.

There was a pause, then a soft sigh."Okay,"she said simply."Let's figure this out together, yeah? What do you need?"

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, and I blinked them away, grateful for her calm presence.There were many things I needed. I just didn't know how to voice them without looking like a fool.

"More suppressants,"I managed to say."And... maybe somewhere safe to ride it out. Away from people. I don't want to risk losing control."

Another pause, longer this time. Then,"You know what we can afford isn't exactly high-quality stuff, right?"Her tone was gentle, almost apologetic."We should get something better. Something stronger."

I nodded, knowing she was right. The cheap knock-offs we'd been using weren't meant to last this long. They were meant to delay, to buy time. Now, they were failing me. Not to mention, I didn't like to depend on drugs, even though I didn't have much of a choice with that for now.

"I'll look into it,"she promised."But in the meantime, pack your bag. You're not riding this out alone."

Relief washed over me, and I slumped back against my pillows, feeling exhaustion creep into my bones.

I hated that I couldn't continue my studies right now. I wished I was different. I wished I wasn't an omega.

"Thanks, Kes,"I murmured."I owe you big time."

"Nah,"she replied lightly."That's what friends are for. Now, let's get moving. We've got places to go and alphas to avoid." I almost chuckled at her comment. It was almost funny. In other circumstances, it definitely would be.

Two hours later, we were speeding down the highway in Kessia's beat-up old sedan, the radio blaring some indie rock band neither of us liked but found comforting nonetheless. Our destination: an isolated cabin nestled deep within the woods, owned by Kessia's uncle, who owed us enough favors to grant our sudden request for sanctuary. He was a good man.

Kessia drove while I huddled in the passenger seat, clutching my backpack like a lifeline. Inside it, besides clothes and toiletries, lay my most prized possessions: my art supplies. Drawing had always centered me, calmed me, and helped me make sense of the world. Maybe, during these next few days, it would help keep me sane too.

The sun dipped lower in the sky as we ventured deeper into unfamiliar territory, casting eerie shadows through the dense canopy overhead. A shiver ran down my spine again, but this time, it wasn't fear. It was anticipation. Anticipation mixed with anxiety, excitement laced with trepidation—all the complex emotions swirling within me, preparing for the storm ahead. My mind really was a mess.

"You okay?"Kessia asked softly, stealing a glance at me before returning her focus to the winding road.

I offered her a weak smile."Just thinking about... everything. There are so many things to think about."

She nodded understandingly."Well, whatever happens, we'll face it together, okay? Like always."

"Like always,"I echoed, squeezing her hand briefly before settling back into my seat.

As twilight painted the landscape in hues of gold and crimson, we finally turned onto a narrow dirt path, half-hidden behind overgrown foliage. The cabin appeared shortly afterward, squatting low and sturdy amidst the trees, its weathered exterior blending seamlessly with its surroundings.

Home sweet home for the next few days, I thought wryly, stepping out of the car and stretching my stiff limbs. At least here, I could hope for some semblance of peace. Some illusion of safety. It wasn't going to last long, but it was still better than nothing.

After unloading our bags from the trunk, Kessia and I made our way inside the cabin, its worn floorboards creaking underfoot as we stepped into the dim interior. The place smelled musty from disuse, but there was a certain charm to it, a rustic simplicity that felt oddly comforting. I never thought I would feel that way about such a place. Anything was better than staying in my room on campus.

I set my backpack down in one of the two bedrooms upstairs, unpacking only the essentials—my sketchbook, pencils, and a change of clothes—before joining Kessia. She was already busy starting a fire in the fireplace, her brow furrowed in concentration. She was doing so much for me, even though she didn't have to.

"It's getting cold,"she said when she noticed me watching her."Figured we could use some warmth."

I nodded, wrapping my arms around myself."Yeah, thanks. That's nice of you."

She smiled faintly, standing up straight and brushing off her hands on her jeans."So, how are you feeling?"

I shrugged noncommittally, taking a seat on the worn-out couch across from the fireplace."Same as before, I guess. Nervous. Anxious. Afraid. All those things combined at the same time."

Kessia sat down beside me, her expression softening."It's okay to feel those things, Luc. It's normal."

"I know,"I sighed, running a hand through my hair."I just wish I could control it better. Or at least understand it better." But it wasn't going to happen, was it?

"That's why we're here,"she reminded me."To give you space to ride this out without worrying about anything else. To figure stuff out."

A small, grateful smile tugged at the corners of my mouth."You're right. Thanks, Kes."

We fell into silence then, both lost in our own thoughts. Mine wandered back to the whirlwind of fears and uncertainties plaguing my mind. What if something went wrong? What if I lost control completely? What if someone found me here? What if-

"What do you think your life would be like if you weren't an omega?"Kessia suddenly asked, breaking into my spiraling thoughts.

I blinked, taken aback by the question. It was something I'd never dared to consider seriously before. Not because I didn't want to, but because I knew it wouldn't change anything.

"I don't know,"I admitted."Probably not much different, honestly. Just less complicated, maybe."

She hummed thoughtfully, staring into the growing flames."Do you think it'll ever get easier? With age or experience or something?"

I wished I could offer her some reassuring answer, but all I could do was shrug.No matter how old I got, I didn’t think I would ever change.

"Maybe. Hopefully. But who knows? This is just part of what I am, Kes. I have to learn to accept that."

Her gaze softened, and she reached out to squeeze my hand."You're stronger than you think, Luc. You'll find a way to handle this."

I managed a genuine smile this time, appreciating her faith in me more than she'd ever know."Thanks, Kes. Really."

The night grew darker, blanketing the world outside in darkness. Despite the cozy atmosphere inside the cabin, I couldn't shake the restlessness building within me. My body was changing, my senses heightening, my instincts screaming louder with each passing hour. I needed fresh air. I needed solitude. I needed to escape these four walls, even if only for a little while.

"I'm gonna go outside for a bit,"I told Kessia, grabbing my coat from the rack by the door."Need some fresh air."

She looked up from her book, concern flashing across her features."Are you sure that's a good idea? In your state?"

"I'll be fine,"I assured her, zipping up my jacket."Just need a breather. Won't go far."

Reluctantly, she nodded."Okay. Be careful, though. And if you start feeling funny, come right back inside, yeah?"

"Promise."I slipped out the door before she could change her mind, breathing in the cool night air greedily as soon as it hit my lungs.

The woods were quiet, save for the occasional hoot of an owl or rustle of leaves. I walked aimlessly along the dirt path leading away from the cabin, letting the familiar sounds soothe my frayed nerves. Everything seemed peaceful, serene almost. Until-

Until I heard voices. Low, hushed murmurs carried by the wind, barely discernible yet unmistakable nonetheless. My heart pounded in my chest as realization dawned on me - I'd wandered too far. Into territory unknown, unfamiliar, and potentially dangerous. Shit.

Panic surged through me, threatening to overwhelm my senses. I had to get back to the cabin, warn Kessia, hide... something. Anything. But before I could turn tail and run, strong arms wrapped around me from behind, pulling me backward sharply.

"No!"I gasped, struggling against the iron grip holding me captive. Fear coursed through my veins, adrenaline fueling my futile attempts to break free.

"Shh,"a deep voice rumbled against my ear, sending shivers down my spine despite the fear gripping me."Calm down. You're safe now."

Safe? Safe?! Was he insane?

I kicked out wildly, connecting with something solid but unable to dislodge his hold. A grunt sounded behind me, followed by a low chuckle that sent another round of shivers racing over my skin.

"You've got spirit, kid,"the voice remarked, amusement lacing its tone."But you shouldn't be wandering alone out here. This isn't a place for young omegas to play games."

His words registered slowly, their meaning sinking in gradually. He knew. He knew exactly what I was, what I wasn't supposed to be doing. Panic morphed into dread, my struggles ceasing abruptly as cold reality set in. I was caught. Trapped. At the mercy of some stranger who now held my fate in his hands.

"Let me go,"I whispered, defeat heavy in my voice. There was no fight left in me, only resignation and terror.

The arms around me loosened slightly, allowing me enough room to twist around and face him. Dark eyes met mine, filled with curiosity and something else I couldn't quite identify. Power, perhaps. Or dominance. Either way, they were intimidating as hell.

"Who are you?"He demanded, tilting his head to one side as he studied me with intense eyes.