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Piper
The Omega House, as I learned, was for poor omegas, AKA me and my lack of funds. Most families that had a daughter or son present as an omega would send them to what sounded like a finishing school, where they would learn about cooking, nesting, and other domestic skills to make themselves desirable for a pack. Then when they were old enough, they would meet high-status potential packs and go out on glorified dates to see who they got along with and who they wanted to potentially bond with. Apparently with households of multiple alphas, they could afford to lavish an omega with expensive gifts.
Since I had no government identity, no family, and no money, I was sent to the social services Omega House for people who didn’t have funds to send their omegas to any type of finishing school. It sounded a bit like an orphanage to me. But even so, it was nicer than any school I had ever been to. They gave me my own room, nesting supplies - which I still wasn’t sure what to do with - and helped me sign up for classes. It was all so new to me, and I was mandated to meet with a counselor to help me with my “memory trauma”.
I walked through the Omega House, peeking in at the various classes in session. There were several fitness classes going on at the moment. I saw a few of the other omegas doing yoga together and decided to pass. I went down the next hall and through the windows in the doors I saw a sewing class, some type of cooking class, and then groups of omegas talking in a circle. I checked my schedule. “Pack Conflict Resolution.” Yeesh! I couldn’t fathom the idea of more than one man to deal with. I had already been feeling a strange relief from being separated from Rob for so long. It was odd - I thought I should miss him, or feel some sadness about the idea that I might not ever see him again. But instead, all I felt was a weight off my shoulders. It took me not being allowed to work for a few weeks and having my immediate needs suddenly taken care of to realize just how done I was pulling all the weight of the two of us the whole time. I didn’t even realize how much I resented it until I was literally in a different world, being held somewhat captive in government-sponsored housing. I guess technically I could leave - although I was highly discouraged. The potential for a frenzy of alphas going nuts at my scent had my doctor, the staff at the Omega House, and even the omegas I met here telling me I should follow the rules. I mildly resented being told what to do - I had always taken care of myself and had my independence, why couldn’t I just live my life? But at least I was able to take a breather. The food here wasn’t bad either. Three meals a day, plus snacks on call.
I made my way through the halls, looking at the classes and wondering what would become of me. It seemed that most omegas in this world found their pack and settled into domestic life fairly early. Most of the people in the Omega House with me were much younger and dreamed of finding their pack and living a relaxing life of leisure. I mean, it sounded nice - but what if I didn’t want that? What if I wanted to travel, work, and be independent? I had voiced my concerns to Callie when she had given me an introduction to omega life.
“Well, Piper, you could certainly choose to stay single and unmated… but you would still have to deal with your heats, and that means cycling through packs of alphas from here on out.” I remember looking at her hopelessly, denying the idea that I would have to rely on a bunch of men to get me through some biological function. “But what if I don’t want them to touch me?” I had whined at her. She practically bowled over laughing at my suggestion.
“Oh Piper, you will crave their touch and more. Trust me. You have no idea what’s in store for you. However, you could always choose to self-satisfy with toys if you for some reason can’t find an alpha to take care of you. But with your particular condition, it’s imperative you have at least one alpha to help you through your first heat. Your body has suppressed the heat your whole life, and your first one will be a doozy.” I felt my face burn at her words. I’d never experienced people talking about my sex life so openly before. I vowed I’d still be me, regardless of what this new world did to me and my body.
I sighed and leaned my head back against the wall, remembering our conversation. At least one good thing had come of it. I had begged for the opportunity to work, just about anywhere, in order to feel independent and not reliant on this strange world’s social services. After getting my doctor's approval, they had finally caved and let me apply to a few select jobs. Only to part-time jobs and only in places where I would be safe in case the suppressants didn’t work and my heat started. Which limited my options severely. Luckily, there was an office that needed an occasional receptionist. I had begged Callie to help me apply, and she must have either felt sympathy or been so annoyed that she gave in - because soon enough I was applying for a part-time job at the physical therapy office. They confirmed that there was a glass window separating the front desk from the patients, which meant if I accidentally perfumed it wouldn’t cause an issue. Anyway, the doctor said I shouldn’t be scenting at all as long as the suppressants worked.
By the next week, I was working a real job, which was just like it was in my old world - boring. I spent my days typing, answering the phone, and using a computer, although the interface was slightly different. I had to use an omega rideshare to get to and from work because according to my doctor, prolonged exposure to alphas might trigger an early heat. But at least I was able to get out. The Omega House had me on a strict schedule, but it was only a matter of time before I broke the rules and explored on my own.
Chapter 7
Aiden
My alpha instincts were simmering, begging to be unleashed. I needed to find someone soon. Someone who I could be with in a very physical way.A beta would be nice. A beta would be perfect, I told myself. They were so much more independent and suited to my lifestyle. Much less likely to wiggle their way under my skin and cause complications in my carefully crafted life. I just needed to find someone to take my mind off ofher.But my cravings were hard to ignore. As much as I wanted to pretend I was civilized, above animal instincts, the omega had turned on a primitive part within me. The memory of her had me feeling like I was on the verge of going into a rut. I had to get my head straight, and soon.
It had been almost a month since the incident happened. Hopefully someone came to claim her or she figured out where she was from. The memory kept playing in my head - the little frantic thing clinging to me desperately, and her voice kept replaying in my mind. “Alpha…”I tried once again to shake the memory out of my head. It was lunchtime, and my favorite cafe was right around the corner.
And to my utter surprise, so was the little mystery omega. As I set foot around the corner I saw the most incredible thing. The same enticing woman who had shocked me to my core a month ago was now timidly looking up at the menu offerings inside the cafe. I was more excited than I wanted to admit. I watched her through the window for a moment. She wasn’t even waiting in line as she looked up, scouring through the food options. Although she wore modest office clothing and looked like any other beta on their lunch break, she couldn’t fool me. I knew better.
Somehow, even though she was on the other side of the glass, it was like she could sense me.Omega.Gathering a hold of my senses, I righted myself and walked in. As if connected by an invisible thread, her body straightened and she looked over as I entered. I couldn’t help my excitement, smiling at her as I approached. “Piper? I can’t believe it!” Her eyes popped open as wide as saucers as she looked up at me, her vulnerability endearing her to me even more. She stuttered a bit, then seemed to get her bearings. “Aiden! Good to see you! What are you doing here?”
“Grabbing lunch, same as you I presume?” I saw her blush and look down.
“Of course! I mean, I just wasn’t expecting to see you again.” She looked flustered and I couldn’t help but love the reaction I was drawing from her. “How have you been? I haven’t seen you since the convenience store.” She glanced up at me, biting her bottom lip. “I’ve been… okay. I’m staying in Omega housing. They helped me get a job.” She shrugged, and I couldn’t help but feel a bit of pity for her. Becoming an omega was a life change for anyone, but after living her whole life as a beta and suddenly presenting… it would be a difficult change for anyone, let alone a girl who was already lost and confused.
“I take it your boyfriend never came to pick you up?” I remembered her attempting to call a man when I was behind her in the store, and she hadn’t been able to get ahold of him. It was clear that the loser never even filed a missing persons report, or he had just ghosted her. Idiot. I had kept tabs on her from Chase, and the last time I heard from him no one had ever come to get her.I could protect her, provide for her. My inner alpha voice was already creeping in, and I stamped it back down. I was more than my biology.
She shook her head. “No - and as far as anyone here is concerned, he doesn’t exist. Neither does my old town. Everyone still thinks I hit my head too hard.” I knew there had to be some reason she wasn’t in any of the databases. I also knew I had to find out everything I could about this mysterious little omega.
“I’m glad to know you’re doing well. I couldn’t stop thinking about you after I saw the ambulance take you away.” I hesitated, not wanting to be too forward and scare her, but I also knew seeing her here was kismet, and I would kick myself later if I didn’t try. “And if you are up to it, I’d like to treat you to lunch. If you feel comfortable with it.” She looked back up at me with those big eyes. I could lose myself just looking at her like this. After a moment, she nodded. I internally fist-pumped with pride as I reached out and gently guided her into the line. It was a risk, touching her when she must know by now that some alphas could be territorial, possessive, and bossy. But I felt her body slightly relax at my touch, and an instinctual pride rose inside of me.
I paid for our orders at the register, the action giving my inner alpha a feeling of satisfaction by providing for the omega. I tried to ignore it. I wanted to get to the bottom of where she came from, but I wasn’t going to press her or be a demanding asshole. She would encounter enough of those while she met with registered packs.
A sharp pang of pain hit me at the thought of her meeting her potential mates. But I couldn’t open myself up to get hurt again. At least that’s what I told myself as I found us a nook in the back of the cafe behind several potted plants allowing us some privacy. Piper slid into the booth and took a big sip of her latte, her eyes closing as she let out a contented sigh. I imagined how she would look bundled in a nest, sighing in satisfaction after I took care of her needs.Stop it!I chided myself. I was a lost cause when it came to this one.
I cleared my throat. “So no luck getting in contact with any friends or family?” She shook her head. “None of their phone numbers exist here. And Homeland Security confiscated my phone. Luckily Omega Social Services gave me one in the meantime, but it’s not a smartphone.” I reeled back at her words. “They took your phone? Surely they know you’re not a threat by now?”
“No, they aren't worried about me. But they wanted to look at the apps and technology. Supposedly I’ll get it back at some point. The jobs that are available to… omegas… aren’t high paying either, so I can’t get anything else until I save up.” She said the word “Omega” like it was a shameful thing. Her gaze was stuck on the latte, and I sensed her distress. “Have you made any friends since you arrived in Haven?” She nodded.
“A few at the Omega House. They signed me up for some classes, so I see the same people there all the time. They are nice enough, it’s just that they… they don’t have the same interests as I do. I guess most omegas tend to be homebodies.”
“And you are more of an outdoor girl?”
“Not necessarily - I mean, where I came from, I had to work two, sometimes three jobs to get by. I usually averaged around fifty to sixty hours a week, so I didn’t have much time in general. This is the first time in my life that I actually have free time, and it’s crazy because all of the things I want to try to do, none of the other Omegas want to do with me.” I was shocked. Where was she before that they allowed such horrendous working conditions? The poor thing had been worked to death. It was bad enough for anyone, but omegas had fragile biology, weaker than betas and weaker than any alphas. I wondered if overworking could cause a late presentation. Although it must have been quite the change for her, I was secretly glad that she was here in my world now, where she could rest and eventually explore her passions.
“I’m sure you will find some friends to do things with. It’s only been a month, right?” She looked up at me, and her eyes brightened just a bit. “Yes - and maybe, if you want, we could plan some things to do together?” I loved that she looked at me like that - like I could solve her problems. Like I could be her friend, help her through this world. But I also knew that she was woefully unprepared for this society, and still new at understanding designations.
“I’d love to take you out to explore. But I have to ask you something. If it’s too personal, you don’t have to answer. Have you been through your first heat yet?” She blushed, and I worried that I pushed too far.
“No - I apparently can’t do that until my body finishes changing. It’s too unsafe right now, so they are helping me suppress it until the doctor gives me the okay.” I was sure they already told her about how to plan for her first heat, and the need for an alpha or two to get her through the process.
