Galaxy Between Us

TJ Holiday

Copyright © 2026 TJ Holiday

All rights reserved

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the publisher.

Cover design by: TJ Holiday
Library of Congress Control Number: 2018675309
Printed in the United States of America

Introduction

Arius

I’ve studied the stars my whole life. All I want is to work at Comet XI, the world’s largest space program. But as an Omega, reaching for the stars is nothing short of fantastical. If I want to work, my only option is to become a cleaner or an assistant, not an astronomer. My childhood friend Knox is the one whose dreams are taken seriously because he’s an Alpha. He could easily have a job in astronomy someday, and hopefully I’ll be right behind him.

Knox

I don’t want to step foot inside Comet XI without Ari. None of my Alpha friends share a passion for outer space. He’s the only one who gets it, and he’s insanely intelligent. If only the rest of the world could see that. They’re always trying to take Arius away from me and make him focus on his societal role as an Omega. Letting go of my closest childhood friend leaves a void in my heart that follows me for years. I have no choice but to move on and accept my place at Comet XI without him.

Tropes: Childhood friends to lovers, workplace scandals, elevator spice scene, amnesia, mpreg, nesting, lactating, knotting, heats, ruts, baby bump, a soft Alpha who cries, a sharp Omega who won’t back down, mating marks, telepathy, jealousy, an envious enemy, and an HEA.

Chapter I

Knox and I turn ten on the same day. Both Leos. But of course, the day is more about him than me. Being born an Alpha, he’s already won in life. He’s the biggest in our class, most popular in our friend group, and on top of that, he’s got brain and brawn.

I smile and clap along with everyone else as he blows out the candles on our cake which was the one part of this celebration that we both got to choose since we were equally drawn to it in the catalog. It’s shaped and decorated like the moon with a small fondant rocket on top preparing for take-off.

I stand next to Knox in my pointed birthday hat, smiling big for the cameras in front of us flashing vigorously. As an Omega, it would be impolite to seek attention and steal the spotlight. Even on my own birthday.

But I can’t be too upset. Presents are stacked high for us on my parents’ dining room table. Mom announces that we’ll finally get to open them once everyone has a slice of cake.

Bouncing impatiently, my eager eyes dart between the gifts and the cake, unsure which one I want to dive into more. As if reading my mind, Knox plucks the rocket from the cake with an evil grin and flies it right into my mouth, smothering me in deliciousness. Laughs and cheers ring out as we play-wrestle, swatting at one another with icing all over our hands, drowning in a swirl of chocolate and vanilla.

Marble cake! My favorite.

As the night goes on, everyone makes their way into the dining room, crowding around the two chairs Knox and I sit in. Most of the gifts were for him, some for the both of us to share. By the time we’ve ripped them open, there’s only one left with a tag addressed to me, and me only. Knox’s Omega mother brings the large box to me with a genuine smile, her dark hair and sympathetic brown eyes reflecting his.

I’m awestruck by the size of the gift as she places it in my lap, and my eyes barely peek above the top. The crafty scent of wrapping paper and the cardboard hidden beneath fills my nose.

“Knox has been saving up all his allowance for this,” she tells me.

I turn to him curiously, meeting his bright, happy expression. So kindhearted like the gentle giant he is. He’s usually terrible at keeping secrets, but I have no clue what it could be. I don’t have an allowance, otherwise I would’ve bought him a gift too. The only thing I’m able to offer him is to do his next few homework assignments. It’s not a bad bargain since I’ve been excelling in my studies.

Intelligence is the only reason I’m staying in school as an Omega. Regular Omegas only stay until about twelve or fourteen which is long enough to learn the basics before they’re separated from the Alphas and Betas and sent to Omega boarding school. Which is exactly what it sounds like. Where they go to learn how to be the perfect Omega for their future Alpha and a parent to their offspring.

Once they’re mature, meaning they’ve had their first heat within the four-year duration, the Omegas graduate and are either sent out into the real world or they pursue higher studies.

Regardless of what they wish to do in the future, Omega studies are a requirement. For those of us who are smart enough, we have the opportunity to continue another two to four years of school after our studies as long as we take blockers to ensure our heat doesn’t strike in the middle of class.

It allows us to potentially get a job someday. As a cook, a house maid, an assistant, a receptionist. Though the options are slim pickings, it’s better than being mated off to some Alpha and stuck in the thrilling life of a domestic housemate. I think I want kids someday, but I’d also like to live life for myself first.

Even though I’m set to graduate basic studies by twelve, I was shocked that my parents agreed to let me stay in school until fourteen before going off to boarding school. Knox made it clear to the adults that I was his best friend, and he wasn’t ready to see me go yet. We’re both seeking a higher education, so this was important for us.

I owe him big time for that. He gifted me a few more years of childhood, and on top of it all, this heavy, neatly wrapped box with galaxy-themed paper. I can’t imagine a universe without him.

Even so, not all Alphas are as caring and considerate as Knox.

“Come on, open it! I want to see what it is!” Chet whines, leaning against the sofa arm rest. He’s Knox’s other best friend and he hates me.

He’s also an Alpha just like most of Knox’s friends. They aren’t the nicest to me and yet I find it easier to hang out with them than the other Omegas in the neighborhood who are more interested in looks than books. Maybe I’m just a late bloomer but I don’t care for an Alpha’s attention on me. Most of them are big and mean.

Oblivious to Chet’s rudeness, Dad urges me on as well, positioning his camera with a smile.

“Go ahead. Open it up, Arius.”

I tear away at the paper to unveil the box. On the side of it, I see a zoomed in picture of the moon and I gasp. No way.

Flipping the box to its front, my eyes glaze over from the sight. It’s the exact same telescope model from the Everything in Space TV series Knox and I have been watching since…forever!

Chet rolls his eyes, disappointed as most kids would be at receiving a telescope rather than the latest toy. He can groan all he wants because I am absolutely mind blown. It’s the most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received. I’m already thinking of all the clusters, nebulae, and planets I’ll be able to spy on with it.

I thank Knox with a tight side hug, not ready to set down my amazing gift yet. I hold it up for Mom and Dad to take a picture, and they smile softly at my excitement, but there’s a wistful look of resignation behind it. I know they think it’s a strange hobby of mine. An Omega yearning to learn about the sky of all things. Behind their tight smiles they’re hoping that soon I’ll grow out of this “phase” and magically develop an interest in cooking and cleaning and babies like any respectable Omega.

I suspect they even blame Knox for getting me interested in outer space, but the truth is that I’m the one who got him into it.

Through the angular window of my bedroom ceiling, every night I’ve watched the changes of the night sky as closely as a bird watches its nest. Here on earth, the possibilities for an Omega are extremely limited. Learn to cook, learn to clean, get mated, have babies. But in space? Possibilities are unfathomably endless.

Who knows. There could be universes in which Omegas run the world.

Four years later

Knox and I are catching up with the latest episode of Everything in Space at his house. Even though his mom just finished making us breakfast, she allows us to stay in the living room so we can watch while we eat. With plates of scrambled eggs and bacon, we sit on the floor as close to the TV as possible.

Knox is wearing his PJ pants with the planets of our solar system swirling around in a repetitive pattern. My lounge clothes are a little more mature with simple light blue stripes against a plain white fabric. I used to wear fun stuff like Knox, but as I get older, my parents want me to dress a little less childish.

It’s funny because Knox is the one who physically matured much faster than me, yet his youth shows in his clothes and hobbies. He’s about a head taller than I am and getting wider with muscles each day. But there was once a time in which I could beat him at arm wrestling, and I’ll hold that over his head no matter how giant he gets.

“Have you asked your parents yet?” Knox asks me through a mouthful of eggs, engulfing them with a ravenous appetite. My mom warned me that Alphas eat a lot. Whenever you dish their plates, always give them twice as much as whatever you think is enough.

I run to get him a napkin too before he ruins the carpet. With Knox, it’s bound to happen. Alphas are messy. That I know from experience.

“Not yet,” I answer him as I scurry to the kitchen and back. “I’m still waiting for the right moment. I really, really, really don’t want them to say no.”

“Maybe I should be there when you ask,” he suggests as I rejoin him on the floor.

“Yeah, that might help. But they’re not going to be happy to know how much a ticket costs. I will need to sell forty-seven bags of Omega Scout candy if I want enough money to buy it myself.”

I chew at the end of my spoon anxiously. Doubt and hopelessness cloud my thoughts. As the episode of Everything in Space wraps up, they roll the same advertisement for Beyond Our World camp (BOW camp). Every day, the deadline to apply for a ticket creeps closer and closer.

This isn’t just any summer camp. It’s a camp for elite kids who are trying to secure futures in the world's most successful space program, Comet XI. With a signature from Knox’s parents, and a forged signature from my parents, we already took the placement exam to get in. Both of us passed!

But there’s no way we can sneak off to camp without our parents knowing. At least, not without my parents knowing. Knox’s parents are more than happy to have the house to themselves for six weeks. These six weeks could be the last that we have with one another for the next eight years…or ever.

In the fall I’ll be heading to my Omega studies. That makes this the last thing we can do together. By the time I graduate post-Omega studies to become a working Omega, Knox will likely have scored at least an internship at Comet XI. Hopefully, I’ll be right behind him.

We promised each other that we’d meet in the grand entrance of Comet XI in front of the public telescope displays.

There are positions available in astronomy for selective Omegas. Positions that aren’t as involved as those reserved for Alphas, but still elite, nonetheless. If I do land one, I won’t be working anywhere near Knox. But just knowing that we’ve both made it into the same building we’ve dreamed of since we were younger, that’s the dream.

Heck, as an Omega, I probably won’t even be within proximity of a telescope. But maybe with time they’ll see the potential I have, and I can become an engineering assistant or a material handler. I may be reaching too high but as long as I make it somewhere within the massive Comet XI industry, I’ll consider my goal achieved.

But none of that will happen at all if I don’t secure my spot at BOW camp. I need to ask my parents if I can go.

Chapter II

I’m amazed at the clarity of which I can spot the small, glowing spec of Venus and even distinguish which phase it’s in. I’m a little bit jealous that I bought this telescope for Arius and not for myself. My much older model can barely focus on a fly on the wall.

“Can you see it?” Ari asks from his bedroom desk.

“Yeah. Wicked clear,” I nod, changing the angle of the scope to see what else I can find in the evening sky.

“That’s because I adjusted some of the internal lenses. It took a while, and I was afraid of damaging it, but it turns out that even the slightest adjustment of a few millimeters makes all the difference in the focus. Using a reticle, I recorded the measurements of a sunspot in the sun’s atmosphere for each adjustment I made.”

“Uh-huh.” I’m trying to keep up with Ari’s cute nerdy rant as I continue ogling Venus.

No other Omegas are like him. It’s hard enough to find other Alphas who are into astronomy as much as we are. He’s truly one of a kind.

“I analyzed each measurement until I found the most accurate one.”

“You’re a genius, Ari.”

“I try to tell ‘em.”

He smiles at me and I turn away from the scope to smile back, holding onto his dark-blue gaze. Man, I’m going to miss him. I may be seen as one of the strongest Alphas in my class, but I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t shed a tear or two at night, thinking about how Ari is leaving. We’ve been inseparable since we first met at a block party when we were two.

His family had just moved into the neighborhood. I’d crowned myself king of the sandbox, challenging any other toddler who approached, until Ari’s mother had plopped him down beside me.

Since he’s an Omega, he’d been naturally submissive, letting me play with the sand toys I wanted. Not being fussy and competitive like the Alpha toddlers. He just sat and stared up at me with big doe eyes and messy light-brown hair. Our parents became close friends as well, giving us the opportunity of countless play dates.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, taking in my drop in mood.

I lean away from the telescope with a sigh, wondering where to begin without coming off as emotional. Alphas are supposed to be tough.

“It just sucks. I wish you were an Alpha so they wouldn’t send you away,” I grumble, collapsing on his bed. The Comet XI logo is sprawled out beneath me on the covers. The “C” creates a violet whirlpool galaxy surrounding the rest of the letters.

Arius rolls his eyes. Am I being too dramatic? He’s my best friend; I should be able to keep him!

“We've been over this, Knox. First of all, I’m proud to be an Omega, it’s the rest of the world you should wish was different. Second, I won’t be gone forever. As soon as I finish what’s required, I’m booking it out of there and meeting you at our spot. You have the easy part. All you have to do is wait for me to get back and then we’ll be that much closer to getting our feet in the door of Comet XI.”

He makes it sound so simple. He thinks I have it easy? I’ll be alone for years. Chet is the second closest friend I have, but he –and I quote– doesn’t give a rat's ass about stars and rockets and shit. It’s bad enough he thinks poorly of Ari.

Chet comes from a traditional family and thinks Arius is a sorry excuse of an Omega with the way I let him talk to me. He couldn’t be more wrong, but if I were to show Chet and the others just how smart and strong Ari is, not as an Omega, but as a person, they’d probably accuse him of being a witch and burn him at the stake.

Fools. All of them.

I must take too long to respond to him because his confident expression from moments ago falters.

“You will wait for me, won’t you?”

My chest burns at his tone, urging me to comfort him. I sit up on my elbows to make sure he sees the stern look of sincerity on my face.

“I won’t step foot inside Comet XI if you’re not right beside me, Ari.”

The worry in his brows softens a little as his mouth lifts into a grin, drawing my eyes to his perfect lips. My heart adores this Omega with fervent passion, but my brain knows that I have to let him go. I’m only feeling possessive due to my natural instincts as an Alpha.

He’ll come back to me. All I need to do is wait.

Noise from the open window has us hustling to stand on either side of the telescope and peering out at the street below.

“Hey, Knox!” Chet calls up. “When you’re done making out with your Omega come take a look at Uranus!” He’s standing on the street in front of Ari’s house along with a small posse of Alphas and Betas from school. One of them is turned around and bent over, flashing his ass toward us. One of the Betas is also turned around rubbing his own hands on his back to mimic a make out session.

“Not cool, guys,” I scold them. “If the old lady next door catches you doing that, she’ll clutch her pearls and then strangle you with them.”

The herd of them giggles.

“Relax, we’re just teasing. You guys coming to the park with us or what?” Chet asks, tossing a baseball between his hands.

“Yeah. We’ll be down in a sec.”

I'll admit, I did find it a little bit funny, but I know Ari didn’t. He doesn’t tolerate objectifying Omegas, even if it’s just a joke.

I didn’t always understand that and told him to lighten up once because I pridefully like that everyone thinks I’m making out with an Omega in my free time. That was a mistake. Ari made me watch a video of an Omega giving birth as punishment, just to emphasize a fraction of what their bodies already have to endure without the world degrading them.

Besides, as the leader of the group, it’s my job to be the mature one and guide the others. Ari and I throw on baseball caps, and I grab a hoodie before we head downstairs. It’s more for him than for me. Since he’s much smaller, I know if we’re outside late, he’ll get cold.

I lead the way to the local park and begin my mature Alpha lecture about how they’ll all be single and never find their mates if they continue to act like duds in the presence of an Omega.

“Arius barely counts as an Omega,” Ricky, a freckle-faced Alpha, mumbles under his breath, and a few of the others snicker at his remark.

Stopping in my tracks, I spin around, grab him by his collar, and pull him forward until he cowers in submission.

“You apologize right now, or else,” I threaten through gritted teeth. Everyone hushes.

“I’m sorry!”

“Not to me, you idiot, to Ari.”

“I’m sorry, Arius, I didn’t mean it! It was just a joke! Tell him to put me down!”

Ricky whimpers the last words. I hadn’t even realized his feet barely graze the ground. I’ve always been big, but as puberty descends on me further, I’ve been getting strong too. Like, real Alpha strong with muscles and shit.

My eyes drift, locking onto Ari’s blank stare. I can’t quite read his expression, but I hope I’m not scaring him.

“Knox, c’mon man put him down,” Chet speaks up. “He apologized. It was just a joke.”

Even he sounds slightly fearful, which is a first. My eyes don’t leave Ari though. His big, blue eyes. His windswept wavy hair. The blush-pink tip of his nose. After a second, he seems to understand that I’m waiting for him to decide what happens next. He tucks a curl behind his ear.

“I f-forgive you,” he says to Ricky before his eyes glance back to me cautiously. “Please put him down, Knox.” His voice is a gentle whisper that soothes my soul like ice cream on a hot day.

But then, he does something he’s never done before.

With a simple tilt of his head, Arius bares his neck to me. His scent reaches my nose, travelling through my veins until my toes and fingers tingle from the smell. Something about the smooth skin revealed beneath his jaw, and the way he averts his eyes submissively, sends a shockwave of new sensations through my body.

I drop Ricky immediately. He hits the ground with a thud and a pathetic whine. My gaze is still on Arius.

Gone is my temper, replaced with concern and guilt from scaring everyone. I don’t want to be scary. I just can’t stand anyone messing with Ari. It’s like a joke that has gone on too long, and I’m sick of it. I just want to protect him.

The Comet XI Museum of Science has me and Arius wide eyed and bushy tailed. Our moms can’t keep up with us as we zip through the exhibits. We’ve been here countless times, but it never fails to excite us.

Today, however, we aren’t just here for funsies. We’re packed and leaving for BOW camp after we check in with our tickets.

I'm still riddled with joy that Ari’s parents agreed to let him go, however reluctant they were at first. In less than an hour, a shuttle will pick up our group from the museum and take us four hours South where we’ll be staying on the campus of Comet XI University for the next six weeks of summer.

As we journey through the museum toward the designated check-in, Arius and I challenge each other's knowledge and test our memory with trivia questions.

“Define a planetary conjunction!” I call out to him while fidgeting with an interactive space rover on a track. It has a knob that makes it travel around the plastic display of Mars’ surface.

Without hesitation, Arius responds from another display across from me, “When two planets appear close to one another in the night sky!”

“Correct. Give me a hard one,” I challenge, moving on to fidget with a plushie of Jupiter.

“Hmm. During which season can you see the Great Hercules Cluster?”

“Ahh. Let’s see…summer?”

“Ding, ding, ding! You got it.”

“That’s a good one. How’d you come up with that?”

“I don’t know. Hercules. He’s the god of strength. It reminds me of you.” He pokes my side, and I feel my chest thud with warmth as I smile down at him. The older I get, the more his praise as an Omega seems to affect me, feeding my ego and making me happy.

“Hello boys, can I help you?”

An Alpha lady behind a counter asks as we walk up. Behind her are pictures of previous camp BOW kids wearing real space suits, using telescopes, and floating in a zero-gravity simulator. Awesome!

“Hi. We have tickets and some other paperwork for BOW camp,” I explain as we pile all the papers in front of her. Our mothers catch up to us, deep in their own conversation.

“Oh, of course,” the lady begins, expression tainted with confusion. She accepts my paperwork but pushes Ari’s toward him.

“I’m sorry dear, but this retreat is just for Alphas and Betas.”

I freeze and so does Ari.

Did I hear that right? Just for Alphas and Betas?

My chest stings as the weight of those words crush us both. Rage clouds my vision at the sight of Ari’s broken expression. I have to force myself to tear my gaze away from him and back to the lady.

“It doesn’t say anything about that in the pamphlet,” I argue.

“Well, no, but it’s implied. He can’t go.” Her words are spoken softly in a polite tone and yet they’re the worst, most cruelest thing I’ve ever heard. 

“Can’t we just say he’s with me?” I beg, “Please, we’ve been planning this for ages, and we already bought the tickets!” 

Ari is speechless, clutching his ticket in his hands with defeat. I can hardly look at him. I can’t stand such a crushed look on his face. It makes me feel enraged down to my core.

“I’m sorry, but it doesn’t work that way. We can get him a full refund for the confusion.”

“Please! There has to be some way he can come with. He passed the placement exam! This isn’t fair!” My fists slam the counter. I’m aware that the tantrum brewing isn’t very manly and mature of me. She’s an Alpha too, so I probably look more pathetic than intimidating, but I don’t care. I bare my teeth at her anyway until Mom places a firm hand on my shoulder.

“Knox, sweetie, you need to calm down.”

“She won’t let him go, Mom!”

“It’s not her fault, Knox. This type of thing just isn’t meant for Omegas, but you know what? You’ll be able to finally make some Alpha friends who share your interest!”

I can’t believe her. I don’t want other friends, I want Ari! I turn back to the receptionist hoping she can see my desperation. She looks back pitifully, providing no favorable solution.

“Even if I could let him in, I’m afraid most of the activities and gear wouldn’t be suitable for someone his size. He’s too small. You wouldn’t want your friend to get hurt, would you?”

I know she’s just trying to reign in my temper, but she has a point. Arius wouldn’t fit the space suits made for Alphas, and he’d be too weak physically for some of the activities judging by the pictures along the back wall. But it still doesn’t make me want him to stay behind. It makes me determined to protect him through it all.

Finally, I force myself to look at him.

He’s crying silently. Holding back his sobs as his mom coos reassurances in his ear. The shuttle leaves in thirty minutes.

“I guess we’re not going then,” I drop my shoulders, defeated. He looks at me then. Snapping his head up with eyes so watery they shine like jewels.

“No, you should still go, Knox,” his broken words pain my ears.

“But– “

“Let’s face it! This is your dream, not ours. I was just tagging along while I still could. Omegas don’t have dreams.”

I’m already shaking my head as he squeaks the words out and wipes his eyes on his sleeve. I feel nauseous. I’m not confident enough to go alone. The only thing that made this easy was the comforting knowledge that Arius would be by my side through it all.

“I don’t want to go alone,” I complain. “This is our last time together!”

“Stop saying that! I’ll wait for you just like you’re going to wait for me.”

“Ari… “

“Go for us,” he reaches for my hand, squeezing it in his smaller one. “Please, Knox. And then, you can tell me all about it when you get back.”

Ari’s words are final. I know I’ll see him again. It’s only six weeks. I just…wish I didn’t have to wait.

Chapter III

My childhood room has never looked so bland. I packed as much as I could to make my dorm room feel like home, but as I look around at all my space toys and equipment that won’t be coming with me, I slowly realize that I’m not bringing my personality with me to boarding school. Everything that I was as a child will be left behind in this room as I step into a new chapter of my life.

Without these galaxy paintings on the wall, posters of my favorite astronomers, and my lamp shade shaped like a rocket, I’m going to change. I’ll be shaped into somebody else. What if I grow out of astronomy when I go? What if I lose my dreams of Comet XI?

Expression as blue as the sky, I sit on the edge of my bed, feeling homesick even though I haven’t left yet.

My eyes drift away from my telescope in the window and land on a polaroid photo of me and Knox on my nightstand. Reaching across, I pick it up and hold it in my lap, observing the memory with a heavy heart.

The picture is from when our parents took us to see the aurora borealis last year when we were thirteen. He threw his arm over my shoulders for the picture, not realizing that he was freaking crushing me. His mom had made a comment saying that most Alphas and Omegas share a kiss under the colorful light show for good luck, but we stuck our tongues out at the camera instead.

I’m not having my first kiss in front of my parents!

But I did give Knox a kiss on the cheek during that trip when they weren’t looking. I was mostly joking around, but I’ve never seen an Alpha blush so hard. It was really cute.

It’s been six weeks since I’ve seen him last, making this the longest stretch of time we’ve been away from each other and it has been torture every second, unsettling something deep within my soul. But sour jealousy seeps into my thoughts, shrouding my fond memories like an avalanche.

I think today was the last day of BOW camp. Knox is coming home soon.

I should be happy. I should be over the moon with excitement. But the idea of him coming back wearing a cool camp shirt, with Alpha astronomer friends, and a bunch of items from all the craft projects they probably got to do. It makes me irrationally bitter.

He deserves to have a fun time at space camp, but why did the world need to rip me away from him and leave me out of it? I wanted to have fun too. The only thing I did this summer was take a painting course with my mom. Omega bonding time as she calls it to prepare me for boarding school.

I understand the importance of Omega studies, but I’m just not ready to grow up yet. Alphas go into rut and have a bunch of hormonal stuff too and yet they don’t have Alpha studies. They just get to keep being a kid until they choose a field of study and grow up. This was supposed to be my last summer of childhood astronomy fun, and I was robbed of it.

I don’t want Knox to come home and rub it in. I’m going to see him during holiday breaks anyway so it’s not the end of the world if I just…leave.

The hot tears that begin to rise like a flood say otherwise but I bite them back. Omegas sneak Alphas into their dorm rooms all the time. We can still coordinate hangout sessions. I’m sure of it.

“Arius?” my dad’s voice reaches my ears, his fatherly bond to me sends a wave of safety and love that dries my tears quickly.

Wiping my eyes, I set the photo aside and wave him in, noticing his pitiful expression. Lips pressed together in a stern line, he steps inside, sits beside me, and pulls me in for a comforting hug.

“You still have until the end of the week to move in, Arius,” he reminds me, squeezing me tightly as if he isn’t ready for me to flee the nest either. “We don’t need to go today.”

“I know,” I cry into his shoulder. “But I want to get it over with. The quicker I get used to it, the better.”

Dad sighs in a way that means he’s about to give me an important life lesson.

“I know your mom has been pushing you to make Omega friends even though you’ll miss all these Alphas you run around with here, but Arius, remember that friends are what will make you look forward to being there. Friends are going to make sharing a dorm room fun. Friends will make studying less stressful. And they’ll make sitting at the dining hall a good time. Embrace the opportunity, son. That’s how Mom met the Beckett family, you know.”

I lift my head with a sniffle, facing my dad.

“Really? Mom met Knox’s mom at boarding school?”

“That’s right, and when Mrs. Beckett saw us at that block party when you were little, she lit up with joy at the chance to reconnect with your mom. You’re going to meet some of your closest friends like that too, Kiddo.”

“But… Knox is my closest friend. No one could ever know me like he does.”

My dad hesitates, looking uncertain about how to say whatever is on his mind.

“Well, son…your connection with Alphas will be a little different by the time you’re all grown up.”

“What do you mean?” I pout, and my dad tenses with discomfort before chuckling dryly.

“I just mean… For example, your mom and I. She has me as her Alpha mate, and other Omegas like Mrs. Beckett as friends. Do you understand?”

“Not really.”

My mom interrupts his lecture, calling out to us from the living room, “Arius! Are you almost ready?”

Dad pats my back and we stand.

“All I’m saying,” he concludes, “is that you might not want to be friends with Alphas in a couple of years, Arius. You might feel a little differently toward them, and you sure as hell won’t be able to have multiple Alphas as friends anymore, but that’s a whole other mess.”

He ushers me out the door with my bags, still being vague about what he’s insinuating. I can’t be friends with more than one Alpha? Why not? Is there some kind of friendship limit when you’re older? That doesn’t make any sense, but I don’t have time to question it.

We load up the car with all my bags and set out on the long journey ahead. Mom wanted me to go to the same boarding school she went to as a kid, so she already knows her way around when we arrive. The campus is intimidatingly huge with old brick buildings spread out around a massive, fresh green lawn.

Several other students are already moving in today too, taking tours and finding where all their classes will be. In the backseat, I take a deep breath.

It’s hard to visualize it, but this is home now for the next several years. I just need to remember my goal and hold onto it. Omega studies, post-Omega studies, and then Comet XI.

Mom walks fast to my dorm building, excited to revisit this place while Dad and I struggle to keep up, following the fast clicks of her heels.

“And there’s the main hall where assemblies and events are held,” she points to a grand building up ahead. “You should sign up for clubs early, Arius. There should be booths set up somewhere with all the opportunities.”

My dad points across the lawn at a herd of canopies, “Like those, Hun?”

“Oh, yes! That’s where you can pick a club to join. I did chess and ceramics back in my day.”

As we pass the tents, my eyes travel around the signs and advertisements. Most of them look like dreadful wastes of time, but I’m intrigued by only one tent. I almost don’t believe my eyes, squinting to read the sign better. Omega empowerment club.

Interesting.

Rebellious.

I thought the whole point of Omega studies was about whipping us into shape. Could it be more than that?

“All right, here we are!” my mom cheers, practically jogging up the steps of the dorm building.

My room is on the top floor and it’s about what I expected. One side for me, one side for my roommate. The sign on our door says her name is Becky. I take it all in, mentally piecing together how I’ll arrange my things in here. Dad gets choked up a bit but covers it by heading back to the car to grab my bags. Mom ends up abandoning me too to go find the resident assistant of this floor while I continue to assess my dorm room.

Listening to the flurry of other students moving in early, I meander into the hall, checking everything out. The showers are close to me which is nice. I suppose, I can see myself waking up here every morning. Turning to my left, a few scents reach my nose. Wood shavings, ocean mist, and cast iron.

Alphas.

Shining with sweat, they come up the stairs carrying a heavy piece of furniture for whichever lucky Omega is going all out with the decorations. I plaster myself to the wall so they can squeeze by. Even if they weren’t carrying a shelf, I’d have to make way for those muscles alone. They just never stop growing, do they?

Both look at me. And I look at them.

“Hi,” I mumble shyly, tilting my neck respectfully.

“Hey,” the one at the back grins.

The Alpha up front pauses abruptly, making his friend clash with the shelf in their hands. I wince at how painful that looked.

“Pretty sure he was talking to me. Sup, Omega,” he nods his chin up.

The one in the back pushes the shelf in retaliation, making it lurch forward into the guy up front.

“I saw him first, asshole. He looked right at me.”

The two trade death glares for no reason. They can both say hi to me, it’s no big deal. But I think back to what my dad said about how I can’t have more than one Alpha friend. I’m guessing this is why. They get territorial as they get older, and they don’t share.

If Knox meets another Omega, or if I meet another Alpha over the next few years, he won’t want to be my friend anymore.

Chapter IV

“And the winner is… Knox Beckett!” the announcer cheers and all my friends pat me on the back as I spring up from my seat to collect my award for the fastest time completing the obstacle course. I had a feeling I was the winner for that one, even against Alphas who are older than me.

My time at camp has been extraordinary and I can’t believe I’m going home today. It feels like I just arrived yesterday!

Several more awards are handed out to other campers, and then we huddle together for a group picture at the end. My friend Jasmine stands in front of me, and I hold up two fingers behind her head to give her bunny ears for the photo. My other friend Yojan giggles beside me, making a silly face at the camera.

This summer is one for the books and I’m going to miss these guys when I leave. None of them live close to me, so hangouts won’t be easy. But that’s okay. It’s not like we grew that close. Not as close as my friends waiting back home for me.

As much fun as I’ve had, I can’t wait to sleep in my bed again, and hug my mom, and go to the park with Chet and Ari.

I’m wired with energy as I climb into my parents’ car after some long, heartfelt goodbyes. Rambling at high speeds, I tell my parents everything about my time at camp for the duration of the ride. We built remote control space rovers and made them race. Mine crashed into a wall, but my friend Jasmine’s rover won.

They had a dome-shaped amphitheater where we got to watch a three-dimensional film that made it feel like we were on the moon. And I got to solve real astronomer physics equations during study group. They send our test scores and progress reports to Comet XI scientists who can choose to become our sponsors if we’re lucky.

I hope I get one. That way, my spot at working there in the future is basically secured before I’ve even gone off to university to get my diploma in engineering.

I’m still buzzing with excitement by the time we pull into our garage. I can’t wait to repeat everything I just told my parents to Arius. I bet he’ll be so excited.

“Not so fast,” Mom stops me as I rush to escape down the driveway. “Unpack your bags first, then you can play outside.”

My shoulders slump dramatically.

“Can’t you do it for me! I don’t want to clean, I’m too tired!”

“Knox,” she sighs my name. “Just dump your clothes out of your suitcases and into a hamper so I can wash them. It’s not that hard.”

“Listen to your mother,” my dad warns me sternly as I begrudgingly stomp to my room. “That Omega boyfriend of yours can wait until morning.”

“Morning!?” I complain.

He’s not my boyfriend, but still. I want to show him the clay telescope figurine I sculpted for him. It’s a little lumpy, but I tried my best and I think he’ll like it.

My parents don’t relent. After helping mom sort through my laundry with the attitude of a fat cat, they make me have dinner at the table and give Grandma a call to tell her about BOW camp. Sleep dawns on me eventually, reminding me how much of it I missed during camp where we stayed up late and woke up early every day.

It takes me a while to roll out of bed and shower in the morning. Grabbing my little, handmade telescope, I jog out the door and head down the block in the direction of Ari’s house. When no one is looking, I pluck a pretty flower from my neighbor’s garden and hurry away with it.

My dad always said that the prettiest flowers were meant to be picked for the prettiest Omegas. Chet hands them out like free samples, but I only give them to Ari because he’s the prettiest that I’ve ever met so far. The rules are the rules. Nothing beats those midnight, tanzanite eyes.

Jogging up the steps with the clay telescope and blossomed flower, I knock on the door, bouncing on my toes as I wait. Mrs. Blue answers, and I realize that I’m almost taller than her.

“Hi, Knox,” she crosses her cardigan. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m back from camp. I wanted to show Arius something.” I try peering behind her into the house, but she doesn’t move aside to let me in. Staring down at me in confusion, she shakes her head.

“Honey, he’s not here anymore. He left for Omega studies yesterday.”

Her words repeat in my ears, not making any sense as if they were in another language.

“Wait…what?” I stare at her, astonished, “But I thought…”

It sounds like a cruel prank, but as I strain to see into the house again, Arius never pops out to surprise me. The news weighs me down like an anchor, and I swallow hard against the emotional ache in my throat. My brain stutters, having a hard time understanding that Arius isn’t here. And won’t be for quite a while.

“He left early, dear, I’m sorry. I thought you guys said bye already.”

Unable to stop the dam that bursts in my heart, I start crying instantly, but I don’t bother trying to hide it. There’s no point in trying to put a lid on my rupturing emotions as fury rushes through me in bubbling hot waves.

“Oh, Knox,” she continues pitifully while I crumble. “We can give him a call if you’d like. And he’ll be here during the holidays in a few months.”

I shake my head, backing away as my eyes burn with hot tears trickling down my cheeks. He’s gone? Why would he leave early? Why would he leave at all!

“He said he would wait for me,” I choke through the words, not sounding like an Alpha teenager at all, but it hurts.

“Knox…” Mrs. Blue tries again but I brush her off and hurry away.

Face twisted, I march down the street, seething with rage. I want my Omega. Six weeks. I waited six fucking weeks to see him and he’s gone.

Dropping the flower, I smash the clay figure in my hands on the pavement. It shatters to bits, impossible to restore.

“Yo, Knox!” Chet’s voice catches up to me, but I don’t slow my pace as I stomp angrily down the street. Not sensing my mood, he jogs up to me, excited that I’m back. “Knox! Hey!”

Seeing red, I shove him hard in the chest, making him fall to the ground.

“What the– Ow! What was that for?!” he complains with a pained voice as I leave him behind.

It’s nothing compared to what I unleash in the confines of my bedroom. I can’t stop the storm. Neither can my parents. All I can do is let it run its course unless someone brings me my Omega.

I want him back. Now. Not years form now. Not on holiday. Not on the phone. Now. He’s mine!

The stupor hits me hard over the next few weeks. I barely leave my destroyed room. I avoid my parents and my telescope, trying to distract myself with other hobbies. Eventually, Chet barges into my room, my parents having let him in assuming he might be able to cheer me up.

Feeling guilty, I end up apologizing for pushing him and confessing why I’m upset. I thought that maybe he would bully me out of being so heartbroken, but he was uncharacteristically understanding.

“I bet you fifty bucks you’ll have him back some day,” he said optimistically, patting me on the back.

As an Alpha, he at least understands the possessiveness that I’m feeling. Talking it out with him helped a little bit and even got me out of the house as we started going to the park again. But the depression and loneliness still loom over me until I receive a letter in the mail. It’s from an astronomer at Comet XI. Unfolding the fancy paper, I read the name at the top.

An Alpha named Alejandro Del Muendo. Chairman of Innovative Sciences on the board of directors. I don’t believe it. He says he wants to sponsor me.

Heart pounding, my eyes scan the letter a million times to make sure it isn’t a farce. I bring it to my dad for confirmation, and he can hardly believe it either. Comet XI wants to sponsor me!

The revelation hits me like a train, snapping me out of my Omega troubles.

I can’t be unfocused right now. I need to get my shit together, this is huge!

Chapter V

Week one, establish my routine. Check. Week two, sign up for a club. Pending.

I pass the sign-up tents every day, but if I stop and chat, I won’t be able to get to my next class ten minutes early. Logically, I know that’s stupid. I have plenty of time. I can allocate a minimum of four minutes to stop at one booth and register with minimal small talk. Then, I will reach my class with five minutes to spare. It’s doable, but the thought of being late makes me nauseous.

Late to my standards anyway.

As I step out of the building a little earlier than usual due to the professor not feeling well, fresh sunlight warms my skin beneath the impending autumn breeze, and I begin the increasingly familiar journey to my next class which is biology adjacent. We learn about how Alphas, Betas, and Omegas differ down to the cell, but it’s mostly focused on reproduction and sex specifically. Yuck.

Books clutched to my chest, my lungs expand deeply behind them, catching the essence of freshly mowed grass and the potent, sweet scent of Omega.

The school is designed in a way that makes it feel open and welcoming, but the entire campus is surrounded by a fortress of a wall with restricted access and barbed wire at the top. Not to keep us in like prisoners. But to keep Alphas out.

That was a shocking and disturbing lesson from orientation. It makes me wonder just how much I’m going to change physically. I’ve been so worried about my personality being altered that I hadn’t even considered the physical things that will change about me. Things that will make Alphas regard me as more than a friend.

Shivers prickle my neck just thinking about it.

Ahead of schedule, I begin to pass the club tents. The colorful canopies line the sidewalk, each of them competing for the attention of all the Omegas scrambling around between classes. My jaw tenses when I accidentally lock eyes with a recruiter. Her pig tails are as high as her smiling lips. Caught on her hook, she reels me in.

“You look like you could use a friend!” she shouts with a preppy grin, holding out a flyer for me to take, “Join us every Saturday in the library for book club! We have treats, games, and more!”

With a tight smile, I accept the paper, but I don’t stop walking as her speech travels after me. Skimming the flyer as I go, I consider actually joining this one. The deadline to sign up for something is around the corner and I’ll need some hobbies.

She wasn’t entirely wrong either. I haven’t made any friends yet. My roommate, Becky, is cool, but all of us first-year students are very timid and shy, sticking to ourselves as we navigate this new world.

And I like books. Actually, I love them. Reading would be a simple and fun hobby, but as I read the fine print of the flyer, I frown at the contents, slowing my pace on the sidewalk to look it over.

“Understanding an Alpha’s desires,” I mutter the listed book title under my breath, disgust clear in my tone. “Book one of six!”

Yeah, I’m not joining that club.

With a scoff, I toss it in a nearby bin, ready to give up and tell my mom that I’m just going to be a loner at school. But something catches my eye beside the trash bin. Another flyer is stuck on the side of it as if someone tossed it without caring where it landed.

My wristwatch intercepts my vision.

Fourteen minutes until class starts. Good timing.

Bending down, I pick up the litter. The first thing I see is the illustrated design of a broken chain behind bold letters.

“Omega empowerment.” I have chills just reading it out loud. It’s just as intriguing as it was a week ago, but I probably won’t join. I just want to get through school as quickly as possible and make a name for myself. Something simple like ceramics or painting would be the easiest clubs to participate in, although neither of those really sparks any passion or curiosity within me.

Each club is so mature. So clean. There is no play outside and get dirty aspect. No sports or activities that get your blood rushing. Except for this activism club.

My eyes leave the paper to settle on my watch again. Twelve minutes.

Exhaling dramatically, I fold the page and stuff it in my bookbag before rushing to class. I’ll think about it. Maybe. I wonder if I’m allowed to start my own club. If I did, it would have to be Omega-centered like the rest of them, but I don’t know if I can tie that into astronomy. And I don’t know if anyone else would join. How embarrassing would that be?

Walking fast and efficient, I stroll into the science building which is a generous name for it. No nitty gritty science actually occurs here, but once I begin post-Omega studies, I can sign up for a lab cleaning class.

Sweat pours from my hairline as I march up the classy, wooden steps. Thirty seconds to be ten minutes early. Luckily, it’s the first room on my right. I make it just in time, stepping through the classroom door as the first one here per usual.

The professor glares at me as she sets things up at the front. She doesn’t like that I get here early, but whatever. I’m not bothering her. I take my usual seat on the first level of the tiered tables, willing my racing heart to cool down. I made it just on time, no need to freak out, though it was anxiously a close call. Not that anyone would care other than myself.

Five minutes later, more Omegas filter in. I’ve already got my notebook open, the syllabus tucked behind it, a spare pencil, and a pen in my hand as the rest of the class takes their precious time finding a seat.

Not many Omegas sit up front with me, aiming for the back rows instead. Some chat quietly while I wait politely and attentive. The professor greets us two minutes late, silencing everyone as she holds a stack of papers in her hands.

Ah, yes. Our first exam of the year. I’m eager to see how I did. We haven’t learned anything yet, but science is my forte. The questions on the test are supposed to show the professor what we know and what we need to learn, setting the agenda for the course. Still, I gave it my all, thinking hard about each answer and aiming for a perfect score.

“Now, don’t feel bad about any low scores as I hand these back to you,” she warns while passing out the graded papers around the room. Everyone waits tensely for theirs, holding their breaths as they assess the red score at the top. “These are only going in the gradebook for participation, so if you didn’t finish, or weren’t here that day, you’ll find yourself at a low grade for my class.”

Thank goodness. I should have one hundred percent in the gradebook then, but I’m still itching to see if my score is perfect. I sit up straight as she comes closer to me. A test is handed to the Omega beside me, and I glance at the harsh red mark that bloodies the white paper. Eighty-nine out of one hundred. Yikes.

I avert my gaze for their privacy, not trying to shame them for such a low score.

Finally, it’s my turn and my heart drops as the crisp packet of paper is laid gently before me. I reach for it, jaw hung slack as I read the score at the top. The professor swiftly moves away, handing out the rest of the exams before returning to the front to begin while I’m stuck frozen in shock.

There is no number at the top of my test. Just bright red words telling me to see her after class.

Deeply distracted by what this could be about, I barely pay attention to the lecture, hyper focusing on each question and answer from the exam. I double-check and then triple-check my work, but it all looks accurate. None of them appear to be incorrect to my knowledge.

When the hour finally ends, I’m locked to my seat with anxiety. I wait for each student to leave before collecting my things and venturing to my professor’s desk with my exam. My clammy hands tremble where they clutch the paper.

“You wanted to see me?” I whisper.

She looks up at me, directly into my soul, and her painted lips drop into a frown as she folds her arms.

“I’m going to ask you a question, and I want you to be honest with me.” Her tone is dangerous. My mouth goes dry as I teeter where I stand.

“Of course,” I nod sharply. I would never lie about anything. I have no reason to.

“Did you cheat on this test?” she asks quietly, nodding to the paper in my hands.

My heart palpitates at the accusation.

“No, ma’am. I would never,” I mumble honestly.

The professor regards me without blinking for a moment, an uncomfortable, heavy silence growing between us. I swallow hard.

“This test wasn’t designed for anyone to pass with one hundred percent, Arius.”

My eyes bug as I gawk at her. What the heck is that supposed to mean?

“I- I didn’t cheat. It’s the truth! I’ve just always liked science, and I study on my free time.”

She gives me a look that says she doesn’t believe me in the slightest. My eyes start to water, my throat restricting, my tongue refusing to come up with words to defend myself.

“Right. Well. I’ve brought your grade down to a B until you can prove your honesty.”

“W-what?!” my voice cracks. Never in my life have I gotten a B. Never have I checked my grades and seen anything less than an A. I don’t deserve this! Especially during the first two weeks! How am I going to explain that to my parents?

“You can still bring your grade up with future assignments, but if I find out you’ve been cheating, you will not be passing this class. You’re dismissed.”

With that, she turns back to her laptop, ceasing the conversation. Intimidated by her presence, I turn and walk out, muttering my acceptance of her terms while holding back the tears. On my way back to the dorm, I replay the scenario in my head. The more I think about it, the less I feel like I did anything wrong as my fear becomes replaced with anger. I didn’t cheat!

Why is it so impossible to believe that I could just be smart? Why do I get punished for doing things right? If I was an Alpha, I’d be praised for everything that I get in trouble for as an Omega! This isn’t fair!

Fists balled, eyes narrowed with furious flood works, I stomp into my dorm room, startling my roommate studying at her desk. Ripping off my bookbag, I reach inside for that flyer, unfolding it as my chest heaves. Pacing my side of the room, I pick up my phone and dial the number on the front. It rings twice before the club host answers.

“Hi, this is Nix.”

“Hi, Nix, this is Arius Blue. I want to join your club.”

Chapter VI

The only thing disrupting the silent stillness of the room is the sound of the dry-erase marker in my hand squeaking along the white board. My eyes are sharp, focused, and confident with every stroke of black ink as I finish the physics equation. X equals nine to the power of negative seven.

Once I’m finished, and I’ve double-checked my work, I silence the marker and take a step back. Mr. Muendo stirs behind me, dress shoes tapping the wooden floors until he’s standing at my side.

“Very nice work, Beckett,” the Alpha mumbles, hands clasped behind his back in assessment.

“Thank you, Sir.”

His approval allows me to exhale and he chuckles knowingly. Ever since we met, he’s become such a strong role model to me. He’s basically everything that I want to be in the future. I want a job like his, suits like his, and a house like his. Seriously, this place is freaking fancy with a capital F! I’ve never been to a house that has its own study lab with microscopes and Bunsen burners.

“Father?”

We both turn toward the gentle voice from the doorway. My neck tingles as an Omega pokes his head in sporting youthful features that resemble Mr. Muendo’s. His scent is like adobo sauce and sunflowers. Based on the recognizable potency of maturity, I’d say he’s a couple years older than I am.

“What is it, Juanito?” Mr. Muendo’s accent thickens and his voice softens.

“The Becketts are here.” He steps aside, gesturing for my parents to enter the lab. Shocked to see them so soon, I glance at a clock above the white board, and sure enough, time flew by. I can’t believe they’re here to pick me up already.

“Hey, guys. How’s it going in here? Did you have fun?” my mom asks sweetly as the Omega lingers in the doorway, staring at me with interest.

“Yeah,” I grumble, embarrassed by the way she makes this seem like a playdate instead of a grown-up business meeting. I’m not here to have fun, I’m here to secure my future. This ain’t summer camp, I’m a man now, handling a business negotiation.

And in the presence of an Omega, I puff my chest, encouraged to show that I’m the provider here. I don’t need my parents coddling me forever. That’s my job as an Alpha. I do the coddling!

“Ready to go, Kid?” Dad asks, patting my shoulder.

I nod, catching the Omega’s eyes again. Why is he just staring at me? What’s his deal?

“He’s extremely talented,” Mr. Muendo tells my parents. “Be sure to get him enrolled in the engineering program when he’s sixteen. I’ll put in a reference.”

“Of course,” Mom agrees. “We want whatever is best for him and whatever makes him happy.” Embarrassing me some more, she reaches up to adjust my hair, messing up the way I deliberately styled it. I swat her hand away, cheeks growing hot from her pampering me around someone I’m trying to impress.

She rolls her eyes with a scoff.

“He’s growing up too fast on us,” Dad grumbles, staring at me with forlorn eyes that are almost level with mine as I grow taller.

“Tell me about it,” Mr. Muendo sighs, looking at his son the same. “Juanito just graduated Omega studies. Before I know it, he’ll be mated and moved out in no time at all.”

I glance at the Omega standing coyly outside of the conversation. My mom makes a sympathetic noise and then nudges my shoulder.

“He’s certainly an adorable Omega, isn’t he Knox?”

Face on fire, my eyes pop and my breath hitches. I stare at my mom like she’s gone mad before twisting my neck to glance at Mr. Muendo because surely, he won’t enjoy me saying anything remotely flirty about his son, but he’s smiling along with my parents.

The adults chuckle and Juan bows his head with fluster.

We need to wrap this up. Clearing my throat, I keep things professional, offering a handshake to Mr. Muendo, “Thanks for having me over.”

“Any time, Beckett,” the Alpha says, shaking my hand firmly with amused eyes. “We’ll meet again next month. Juanito will show you out.”

I look at the Omega again. His eyes land on mine and he licks his dry lips nervously.

“Right this way,” he tilts his neck, waving his arm through the threshold.

Ignoring the gesture, I walk past him into the hallway with my parents following behind me. They remain quiet, but I know the lecture that’s coming when we reach the car. It’s improper to disregard an Omega who bares their neck to you. Unbothered, Juan closes the front door behind us and my dad sighs.

“You ought to learn how to act in the presence of an Omega, young man.”

“I don’t want an Omega. I want a secured future at Comet XI. Especially if you guys are going to embarrass me like that, I’ll be single forever.”

My mom laughs, but my mood is far from joking. Pouting in the backseat, I rest my elbow on the window and my cheek in my hand, staring at the fancy water fountain in the middle of Mr. Muendo’s driveway as we roll by it. Every time I see the color blue, I feel it deep in my chest.

Juan is cute, but he isn’t Arius. And he never will be. Nobody compares.

My reflection in the car window rolls his eyes at me. I hate when I say corny stuff like that too, and I wish my heart wasn’t such a drama queen. It’s just an organ responsible for pumping blood throughout my body. It’s not supposed to feel things.

“Dad, can we go to the gym when we get home?” my lips mumble.

I catch his eyes in the rearview mirror and he grins.

“I thought you’d never ask.”

I suppose it makes for good bonding time, but I’ve mostly been using the punching bags to expel the rage in my system lately. Outside of that, I don’t really like working out. Muscles are muscles and as an Alpha, I’ll develop them either way. I care more about astronomy and engineering than looking hot, but it’s a good way to let off some steam.

Excited to share a hobby with me, my dad doesn’t let me workout on my own as we set up in the corner of our local gym. He assembles black punching mitts onto his hands and positions himself in front of me. The scratchy rock music from the speakers fuels my energy and the need to punch something hard.

“I can just use the bag,” I suggest, nodding to the fifty-pound sack hanging from the ceiling.

“Nonsense. Back in my day, real Alphas used nothing but each other as punching bags. Come on, Kid. Give me all you got.” He holds up his padded hands for me to aim my punches at, but it’s impossible to unleash my true strength with my sweet, loving and caring, father’s face between them.

Hesitantly, I hold up my fists in front of my face like he taught me, pivoting on my left leg.

“There you go, buddy,” he hypes me up. “Don’t hold back on me. These gray hairs represent years of ass-kicking.”

I grin a little at his words but try to focus on what I came here for. Eyes zoning in on the punching pads, I sock one with a quick jab. Then the other. True to his word, my dad holds up as if I hit him with a feather. So, I give it a little more. Two quick jabs left and right with a little more power. Dad doesn’t even flinch.

Getting into it, I punch faster and harder, fury seeping out as it finds an exit from my body. My black, sleeveless top begins sticking to me as I work up a sweat, pectorals burning from the overdue exercise.

“Use techniques, Knox. Don’t get sloppy.”

With a grunt, I ignore him and keep going. Fuck techniques. There’s nothing technical about how I feel. No scientific explanation for the way my heart cries, chasing something it can’t have. I feel so alone, not just physically, but emotionally.

Nobody seems to relate to–

“Ah! Dammit, Knox!”

I stop punching abruptly as my dad stumbles back, scrunching his nose where I accidentally hit him. Petrified, I step back, breathing heavily as I blink back to the present and wipe my brow.

“Sorry, Dad… I wasn’t paying attention.”

“Yeah, no shit,” he complains, toughing it out. “You got me good; I’ll give you that.” Removing the pads, he reaches over to ruffle my hair firmly as we laugh it off. We move on swiftly, but I’m still reeling on the inside.

Note to self: handle my temper without anyone else around. I hadn’t even gotten fully worked up yet, meaning I can get even more violent than that.

Chapter VII

Seven years later

I blow out a breath, shoulders slumped as I close my dorm room door for the last time. I know that I’m only two inches taller than I was my first year because I marked the wooden frame. But I stand tall anyway with my head up, ready to step into the world as an adult Omega with a certificate in advanced cleaning.

I’ve been told that I now smell like rose water and a wooden honey dipper. My Alpha taxi driver takes manual whiffs of it as I load my suitcases in the trunk, but I don’t mind. I’m just glad that I don’t have a burnt coffee scent like some of the others. When Becky got her first heat, our dorm smelt like strong vanilla creamer, which in theory should smell great, but not so much in copious amounts.

I wish I had stayed in touch with her, but she wound up pregnant and ditched school within the year. As the taxi takes me away from the tall brick buildings secured by that impenetrable wall, I reflect on memories while we cut through cornfields and small towns. I’m lost in my mind, only halfway down memory lane when the structure of home welcomes me with familiar houses and restaurants.

My shoulders relax and my heart swells with nostalgia.

It feels good to be back in my city. I smile at my mature reflection through the cab window as the familiar world passes by, trying to picture myself ingrained here once again. These streets. These houses. These playgrounds. All of it holds an atmosphere of comfort and homeliness that I missed deeply.

The boarding school I graduated from was located far away, preventing me from visiting my mom and dad as often as I wanted, but we talked on the phone every weekend. I stayed on campus through most breaks, only returning here briefly on holidays in favor of focusing on social groups and networking.

It wasn’t all as bad as I’d thought it would be. I made Omega friends just like Mom and Dad said I would. I developed etiquette, experienced my first heat, and learned how to be more like an Omega after traipsing around Alphas all the time. I’m all grown up now.

I may have even made an enemy or two, but that’s life.

Because of my eagerness to graduate early, rumor had it that I was a “know-it-all.” Contrary to popular belief, I don’t think I’m better than other Omegas. I just don’t understand why I can’t put “strong” and “Omega” in the same sentence without being accused of wishing I was an Alpha.

I joined the activist group on campus and enjoyed helping Omegas unveil their strengths and see their potential. Until one of the Omegas admitted their feelings for me. I wasn’t sure how to handle that. My intention in joining the club was to help Omegas love themselves, not each other. I’m not against Omega-lovers, but it’s not for me, personally. I was flattered at the amount of offers over the years, though.

After finishing at the top of my class within the first year, I became quite popular. It might’ve gone to my head a bit. I’d let a few Omegas hook up with me at weekend parties but was careful not to lead anyone into thinking it would be more. Of course, drama unfolded anyway, and for a while our activist group fell apart.

It took some time to bounce back, but my third year was a breeze. I’d grown accustomed to campus, helped out the first-year Omegas, and even made truces with some professors and students I hadn’t initially gotten along with.

For a few years, I’d gotten so comfortable that school felt like it was my life now. It was like I forgot that there was an end-goal to achieve. I didn’t need to strive for a full eight-year term of Omega studies followed by post-Omega studies, and it was tempting to give up at times, but I knew I would never forgive myself for not seeking the highest opportunities for education. Even if that education focuses heavily on anatomy and societal roles.

Year six in post-Omega studies was big for me. I received confirmation that I had been approved for a full-time position at my dream job after graduation. Thoroughly reminding me that my time on campus was ending. No more late-night study halls. No more spray painting the dean’s office at the end of the year. No more eating at the same sandwich shop over and over. My future was about to begin.

By my seventh, and final year, I was tired.

The popularity, the drama, the workload, the expectations. Omegas are a lot. Most of them who I met during my first year had since cut their studies short and found their mates. No one is really intended to stick out so many years of studies. Most Omegas enjoy the simplicities of having all their needs met by an Alpha. School is only for those of us who are continuing education for a specific career.

And I’m finally done. I finished a year early and now I can rest for a minute before heading into the world as an educated Omega. I miss my parents and my bedroom more than anything. I hop out of the cab, grab my suitcases, and run up the steps, barreling into the house with such speed that I nearly faceplant into Mom’s flowers blossoming in large pots. Boy, have they grown since I’d seen them last.

“Arius!” Mom pulls me in tightly for a hug at the door. Dad limps over from the living room to join our embrace.

“Hey, there's the new graduate!”

“Dad! I missed you guys so much! What’s been going on? Is something wrong with your leg?”

I pull back from our hug to better assess my father.

“We didn’t want to worry you during finals,” Mom says.

My heart drops.

“It’s nothing serious,” Dad promises. “I fell a while back. Messed up my hip. Clumsy me, huh?”

He smiles but it doesn’t reach his eyes. My heart aches, catching up to the amount of time that has passed. I’ve probably missed more than I could imagine. Now that I really look at my parents, their hair has lost some of its color, and their skin has creased deeper. It’s been too long.

“Enough about me, look at you! You’re all grown up,” Dad assesses me with tears prickling his eyes.

“I just knew you’d grow into a fine Omega,” Mom adds with pride.

Smiling with joy, we hug tightly again, so much comfort and love rushing through our family bond from the reunion.

After all our tears of happiness are dried, we have dinner together in the dining room like old times. It feels good although it’s tainted with strangeness. Even my parents look at me a bit odd when I offer to help in the kitchen and set the table. Things that a good, traditional Omega does.

My tone is softer, posture straighter. I’m different than the Omega who left this house seven years ago. It’s only normal, and exactly what I set out to learn, but I think it will take some getting used to for all of us.

By the time our meal ends, I’m not sure what to do. When I was little, I’d be out the door headed to my friend Knox’s house. But I’m not little anymore. Which means neither is he.

I snort inwardly at the thought. Knox was never little.

I wonder how he’s doing.

I’ve lost touch with all my childhood friends. We’ve all grown up and moved on, setting aside our unrealistic goals of sticking together forever. Fate never allows it, but that’s part of growth, I suppose. It comes with change and sacrifice for the better.

“So,” Mom begins while sipping a glass of wine. “You told us you have some exciting news?”

I did. And I do. My face grows warm with enthusiasm as I beam at my parents.

“Yes! The big news is that I…” I meet both of their intrigued gazes for dramatic build-up, “got offered a full-time position at Comet XI! I start in the next fiscal year!”

Truth be told, it’s nothing thrilling. I’ll be working as part of the cleaning crew in the labs. But still, it’s a permanent, full-time position. Which means I’ll be not only working but living on the Comet XI campus.

“Oh! Wow, that’s…” Mom’s face falls from happy to an unreadable expression.

My brightness dims as I wait through the tension of her searching for words that she can’t seem to find.

“That’s what?” I press quietly.

“It’s great! I’m happy for you, but… Honey, there’s no nicer way to say this. You’re at that age where you should seriously consider seeking out an Alpha and settling down, Arius.”

Her eyes shine with worry, and the defiance I’ve bottled deep down threatens to break through the surface. Settle down? I’m just getting started in my life. Why would I settle?

“Son,” Dad says, squeezing my shoulder. “Just promise us when you score yourself a loaded Alpha astronaut you won’t forget about us slums back at home.”

He chuckles, lifting the mood a little, and I can’t help but smile.

“Henry!” Mom swats his arm.

“What? Look at him, dear. He’s an Omega in his prime. Alphas will be lining up and down the block at this Comet X-Y-Z place! Congratulations, Kiddo.”

Mom sighs.

“When I said settle, I meant finding one special Alpha. Someone who will protect you and provide for you. I know how much you want to be independent, but as an Omega it’s just not…”

“Natural?” I provide, ready to give my spiel from Omega empowerment campaigns.

I exercise three times a week and I know self defense. Not every Alpha is tall and beefy, I can look after myself perfectly fine around them. And I know my rights in the workplace regarding the respect of Omega employees.

“Realistic,” she counters, deflating my argument.

I know what she means as soon as I exit the shuttle and step onto the neatly kept lawn of Comet XI headquarters. The building is even bigger than I’d imagined. Mirrored glass windows stretch and bend at complex angles, framed with a smooth, white exterior. The architect is immaculate. Unreal, even.

As the other Omegas shuffle out of the bus, two Beta employees and an Alpha wearing impressive Comet XI uniforms make their way over to the group. They greet us and introduce themselves as the Comet XI staffing committee. Only, they don’t seem thrilled to be staffing any of us. Like we’re the worst part of their job.

After setting some stern ground rules, they lead us in through a side entrance. I always imagined my first time entering this building would be a life changing moment signifying a new chapter. I also imagined it being through the main entrance. But beggars can’t be choosers. We walk quickly and quietly through the pristine hallway.

I feel like it’s all moving so fast, challenging my ability to catch up. The anxiety makes me dizzy under the harsh fluorescent lighting. I can’t fuck this up. Years of work went into reaching this very moment. Chin high, I swallow down my nerves and walk with purpose.

I belong here.

After the maze of hallways ends, we’re led into a large conference room for orientation.

The next several hours are spent learning about our daily schedules and tasks. We take some entrance exams and meet with a few Comet XI employees one on one. After lunch, we’re given our own crisp, white lab coats with each of our names sewn into the front.

We’re also given badges for access to various rooms in the building. I notice mine has a purple border, while the other Omegas have red, yellow, and green. Nobody has explained the significance of that yet, putting me further on edge as I try to unravel what it means.

The Beta giving us a tour already snapped at two Omegas for chatting, so I don’t bother asking about my different badge. Speak only when spoken to.

We finally make it to the main lobby of the building which is grand to say the least with a dome ceiling and modern art hanging down. The entire first floor of the North wing is open to the general public. We’re told we have an hour to explore before we need to meet back in the West wing for dinner.

As soon as the Beta leaves, our group disperses, some Omegas going off on their own, others in smaller groups. Based on my purple badge, I have a feeling I won’t be working in the same wing as any of them. So, I decide to stick to myself.

Slowly, I venture down a wide hallway, taking in each artifact in the display cases and every picture lining the wall that showcases significant historical achievements of the organization. I’m careful to stay out of the way of passing Alphas and Betas. They all look so important, standing tall in their lab coats. I’m stewing in envy until my eyes lock onto the entrance to the Comet XI library, a sight that takes my breath away.

The glass doors are closed but I see an array of astronomers inside studying, scavenging the shelves, assembling dioramas, and even just having lunch while browsing through textbooks.

Without thinking, I approach the grand library and swipe my key card on the panel. It turns green and the door clicks open. The Beta did tell us to explore, didn’t he?

I slip inside with my neck craned to the classy, Victorian, stained-glass ceiling. My bedroom ceiling window doesn’t even compare. The shelves lining the walls tower above me and stretch into the sky, lined with millions of book spines. How do they get all those books up there? I wonder about it as I slowly enter the expansive space. Wooden shelves and tables seem to go on for miles in all directions.

“Excuse me, are you lost?” a high-pitched voice has me turning around. I hadn’t even noticed the small lady at the circular front desk. She peers around a computer at me.

“Um, a little. Is there an Omega section?” I ask.

Omegas reading for pleasure or further education is usually frowned upon. Indecent even. Because everything we want or need in life is supposed to be handed to us by an Alpha. But some libraries have small sections with approved books allowed for Omegas. Things like recipe books, simple entertainment, and sewing books. It has never stopped me from sneaking textbooks out of other sections when no one is around. Or slipping them inside less conspicuous covers.

The lady addresses my attire and frowns.

“No, we do not. Unless you are picking up an order from your Alpha, you really shouldn’t be in here.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know. I’m new,” I sputter my apologies, bowing my head in shame. I should’ve known they’d be strict. This is not a good first impression.

“Should I call someone to come collect you?” Her hand reaches toward a phone. Others close by have stopped what they’re doing to stare.

“No! That won’t be necessary, I’ll see myself–“

“He’s one of mine, Diane.”

A tall, middle-aged Alpha with glasses and an impressive lab coat over his suit struts toward me. He offers a pale-yellow smile before reaching for my badge. Instinctively, I step back and tilt my head to the side in submission, so that he doesn’t think I’m being rude.

“Shy, are you? My name is Alpha Minsley, but you may call me Sir. It looks like you’ll be cleaning in my lab.”

I don’t know what to say, so I remain quiet.

“Come along, Omega.”

“Oh. Uh. But my orientation– “

“Nonsense. Rule number one: you will take orders directed at you without a fuss. We aren’t paying you to negotiate.”

Before I can respond to that, he’s leading the way out into the hall. The receptionist still glares at me, so I have no choice but to follow Sir.

Chapter VIII

“Mr. Beckett, your four o’clock has arrived.”

My response is delayed. I don’t think I’ll ever be used to people calling me that. Mr. Beckett is my dad. Even he would snort at the formality.

“Send them in, Gomez.”

After a moment, two women roll a cart into my office. On it, is a television displaying their presentation. I’m not sure which I’ve had more of in the last twenty-four hours, coffee or presentations. Probably an unhealthy amount of both. As they set up, I glance at their application splayed in front of me on my desk.

Tori and Anna. Twin sisters who engineered a device that can be attached to space rovers. The device is supposedly capable of capturing rock fragments from the ground and running an analysis on them with eighty-two percent accuracy. This could be what we’ve been looking for. A new project for Comet XI to advance and then gain new insights from.

Or it could be a total miss and end up crushed by the atmospheric pressure of whichever planet we send it to.

“Ladies, my name is Knox Beckett, Senior Chairman of Innovative Engineering. The supervisor is out sick today so I will be conducting interviews myself. The floor is yours.”

They begin presenting with toothy smiles and exaggerated body language. Their cheeks are flushed, but they bury away their nerves expertly as they speak. This is a big shot for them, so they put on their best show. After all, I’m a man who many have become eager to impress.

I was headlining countless magazines for climbing the corporate ladder faster than anyone in the astronomy industry. I may have passed my courses and exams with flying colors, but it’s the people and networks that really matter. I learned that early on.

So, naturally, the twins are pulling anything they’ve got to earn my interest. I’m tempted to tell them I accept the partnership just to be done for the day. If I don’t find a project for my department to take on and successfully innovate soon, the CEO will have my neck. This one has potential but so have nearly all the presentations today. I’m looking for something with a little bit more.

Once the day has ended, I put my lab coat on and head into my private observatory attached to my office. It’s equipped with all the latest technology and some beta products for testing. On the far wall are floor to ceiling windows, lined with a few models from my telescope collection. Before I begin fidgeting with them, I wipe the lenses and windows. Something my childhood friend Arius taught me.

I wonder how he’s doing.

I’ll never forget how we left off on bad terms all those years ago. He must’ve been so upset over the fact that he couldn’t come with me to BOW camp that he left. By the time I came home in autumn, he had already gone early for Omega studies. So much for waiting.

“I believe that’s my job, Mr. Beckett.”

I blink a few times until I’m out of my thoughts and centered back in reality. Jaimie, my Omega assistant hovers in the threshold.

“It’s the least I can do. Come on in, help yourself to some coffee. I’ve also snagged us some of those sugar cookies from the executive cafeteria if you want some.”

I know he won’t because he’s too professional, but I’ll always offer. He chuckles and instead gets to work dusting and tidying the space, expertly careful of the intricate technology. He’s no Arius but he’s the closest I’ll probably get to having an Omega friend again.

I know it’s strange. I should be more interested in dating the Omegas, not being their friend. Jaimie is gorgeous with his neatly crafted hair, bright hazel eyes, and perfect lithe physique. I should be drooling over someone like that, but every time I try to get close to an Omega, I’m reminded of Ari and how he left me.

It took a lot of waiting before I finally accepted that he wasn’t coming back. Not even for breaks or holidays. He just randomly decided to never visit me again.

I don’t have the patience to do that all over.

Shaking the grim thoughts, I return my attention to one of my telescopes. Through the main tube, I struggle to replace the objective mirror with a new one my engineers have been working on. My fingers are too large to get a grip on it, and I don’t have a tool nearby to help me. Before I can shatter it out of frustration, Jaimie pops up beside me. His much smaller hands delicately replace mine and remove the mirror in one swift motion.

“Thanks,” I nod at him.

He smiles up at me sweetly and helps me insert the new mirror. A look of disappointment crosses his features when I step away from him to place the old mirror in its designated drawer.

“What’s wrong?” I ask when I return to see him still standing by the telescope deep in his thoughts.

“Nothing,” he shakes his head and continues tidying the already neat room. They must really emphasize cleanliness in Omega studies. That, or Jaimie has OCD.

“You confuse me sometimes, is all. I can’t figure you out, Mr. Beckett.”

My eyebrows shoot up at his confession. Due to the nature of our professional relationship, I’m surprised at his bluntness. Jaimie isn’t the most open Omega.

“How so?” I urge him, unsure what he means.

“Well, for example, remember last week when you asked me on a date?”

I’m stunned by that, thinking hard about it. Did I? I search my memory, but he must be confused. I usually provide food for Jaimie since we’re on the top floor of the North wing and the cleaners’ cafeteria is all the way on the bottom floor toward the West end. His entire lunch break would be spent walking there and back. It’s never been anything more than a kind gesture.

“You mean when I invited you to have dinner with me? That wasn’t a date,” I clarify.

“Oh.” His face goes red and his eyes go wide in embarrassment. Shit, was I too straight-forward? I didn’t mean to make him feel bad.

“Well, what about when you gave me a raise?” he counters.

“You deserved it. You’re a hard worker.”

He lets out a frustrated huff. I can read an Alpha like a book, but an Omega? That’s a whole other genre I’ve never gotten the hang of. Jaimie steps closer looking flustered.

“You’re telling me that you don’t expect me to, y’know, actually earn my raise?”

When I catch on to what he’s insinuating, my face starts to heat as much as his. I would never cross that boundary with an employee of mine. Especially with my growing fame in the media, a scandal is the last thing I need. I open my mouth to explain as much, but he continues.

“I don’t know what you want from me, or why you keep leading me on,” he’s pacing the room now. “Whenever I try to give you what you undoubtedly want, what any Alpha wants from me, you pull back. Why do you do that?”

“Jaimie, I– “

“And the fact that you’re about to apologize to me right now is just the cherry on top of the confusion cake. What kind of Alpha apologizes to an Omega who interrupts them?”

My brows furrow. I’m clearly not understanding the fit he’s having. Maybe he’s close to his heat which is totally understandable. Even on suppressants, Omegas still experience minor and more manageable heat symptoms. But I have a feeling he won’t want to discuss such a personal thing with me.

“So, you don’t want me to apologize for leading you on, correct?” I ask for clarity.

He places his hands on his hips.

“I’m just saying, Mr. Beckett, that if I spoke to anyone else in this company the way you let me speak to you, they’d slap me silly and no one would look twice because they’d all do the same.”

I wince at how truthful his words are. The rich assholes I work with come from wealthy families. They expect obedient Omegas to fall in their laps the same way money does. They weren’t taught to treat Omegas, or anyone they didn’t care about for that matter, with respect. Poor Jaimie must come from that world too.

With a sigh, I scratch my chin and face him. He’s been honest with me, maybe I should do the same.

“Look, Jaimie. I was always taught to protect Omegas, not use them.” He straightens and looks up at me curiously. “The truth is…you remind me of someone. Someone I used to protect. I guess I’ve been acting strange around you because I’ve been trying to fill the void that Omega left. So, in a way, I have been using you and leading you on. And for that, I’m sorry.”

Jaimie’s expression softens from frustrated to pitiful.

“What happened to the Omega?” he asks cautiously.

“I don’t know. His name was Arius. Life got between us as an Alpha and Omega.” I shrug, but the feeling of despair inside is anything but casual.

“Did you love him?”

Nothing, and I mean nothing, could have prepared me for that whiplash of a question. I have to clear my throat before I choke on my own bubbling emotions. Did I love Ari?

“Yeah, I mean, uh. We were close friends, but we were pretty young, so. I, uh, guess I loved him in a way.”

I cringe at myself.

Real smooth, Knox.

What I should’ve said was yes. Yes, I loved him obsessively, but I didn’t fucking know that.

As a growing Alpha, I didn’t have my feelings sorted out yet. Every day, for years after he left, I regretted never asking him out and making him mine. By now, he’s most certainly mated off to some other Alpha, probably has a few kids too, and he’ll forever be the one that got away.

I can’t read Jaimie’s expression, but he nods in understanding and resumes cleaning, avoiding me for the duration of his shift.

Chapter IX

As I stack beakers in their correct place after some new hires set them on the second shelf and not the third, glass shatters from somewhere across the lab.

“Omega!”

I roll my eyes before turning to face Alpha Minsley. What was the point of embroidering my name into each of my lab coats if they’re just going to address me as Omega?

“On it, Sir,” I mutter as I make my way to the broom closet. This is the third telescope lens he’s broken this week. Although he’d never admit it, it’s because he handles them improperly. I remember learning about that from an episode of Everything in Space. It’s telescope anatomy 101!

But I doubt I could teach him the correct method without making him furious. His typical demeanor is cranky, but I’m sure being corrected by an Omega would tip him over the edge.

By the time I have the floor and lab table void of broken glass, the rest of his team, a group of technicians and engineers, filter in from their lunch. One of them shoves me out of the way, making me stumble with the broom and dustpan. I bite my tongue, careful not to react in a way that will get me in trouble.

His name is Brock Jenson, and he’s hated me from day one. He may have nice, wavy hair down to his chin, and a chiseled jawline with stubble, but he’s still a Beta in a room full of Alphas. Also known as Mr. Minsley’s punching bag of the group, which he then takes out on me. Brock isn’t as powerful or strong as the Alphas, but he isn’t a force to be reckoned with for an Omega.

As they sink back into their studies and projects, I try my best to be a fly on the wall. Eavesdropping has become my secret profession next to cleaning. It can become frustrating at times, however, knowing that I can’t join in the conversation or provide any input.

Smart Omegas are indecent Omegas. At least, that’s what I was told at Omega boarding school when I asked if I could bring my telescope. It was a difficult departure. It took some time, but I eventually decided it was for the best. Learning to be hands-off was challenging, yet grounding since I knew I’d someday be here, working near them but not with them.

“Sometime today, Omega,” Brock calls out.

Although I was lost in my own world while sweeping up the dusty floor, it doesn’t take me long to notice what he wants. I scurry over to one of many counters and retrieve a roll of tape from one of the drawers. I placed my own small labels on each drawer and cabinet in the room. No one seemed to have noticed. Either that, or they just don’t care. I’ve learned that their silence is as close to a “good job” as I’ll get.

I rush over to Brock’s station, and he snatches the roll. He fidgets with it for a moment before tearing off a very uneven piece and thrusting the roll back at me. His hands are too large to fit it properly. If he wasn’t such a dick, I would feel sorry for the way he struggles to conceal the small, exposed wires sprouting from his latest project.

Eavesdropping has taught me that it’s a telescope attachment meant to produce a laser beam aligned with the lens. Part of me is glad they think I’m dumb enough to talk openly about their private work while I’m cleaning nearby. I watch him struggle a little longer before offering to help.

“May I, Mr. Jenson?”

I ask, maintaining my submissive demeanor as not to anger him. He watches as I tear off a neat strip of tape and if I didn’t know any better, I’d say his face blushes slightly when he looks up at me. This is the closest I’ve ever been to him and it’s quite intimidating.

He grunts and I take it as a “yes,” so I go ahead and fasten the tape in place and then step back to let him assess my work. I’m not expecting a thank you or any response for that matter. He grunts again, which is more than I thought I’d get.

In the quiet lab, a phone rings from Mr. Minsley’s desk. The Alpha does a comical double take when he checks the caller ID and clears his throat before answering.

“You’ve reached Alpha Minsley… yessir… of course, Sir…. We’ll have it ready by–…. I understand… Consider it done.”

He hangs up and then stands to address the rest of the team. It must’ve been one of the higher-ups calling. Mr. Minsley always turns into such a kiss-ass when it comes to executives from the top floor.

“Alright, listen up. We need to get the three-three-four telescope model completed by next Friday. They need a new development to present at an upcoming charity conference.”

The team looks concerned. They’ve been mulling over the same telescope for weeks. Today, it sits untouched in the corner.

“But, Sir,” someone says. “We’re not even close to any new improvements getting it to focus on Pluto.”

I perk up at that. That’s all they’re trying to do? Quickly remembering my place, I shut down my thoughts and focus on my cleaning tasks. It can’t possibly be as simple as I’m imagining. These people are way smarter than I am. Right?

“I don’t care,” Alpha Minsley replies. “You do whatever it takes to get it focused. I want the highest resolution of Pluto anyone’s ever seen or you’re all fired! Brock, find me some more research on the matter, there’s got to be something.”

“On it, Sir.”

With that, they hustle into action. Flipping through papers, typing away on laptops, and drawing out sketches on dry erase boards.

I look over at the telescope, sitting abandoned under a white tarp. I don’t like the plan that’s already forming in my head. I’d never get away with it…would I?

Ugh. Who am I kidding, I could get fired.

Unless it works. How could they fire me if I do something that helps them? Just like how I helped Brock.

Hours tick by and I still haven’t decided whether or not I should tamper with the telescope. I know I shouldn’t, but will I regret it if I don’t? I head to the cafeteria to hopefully make up my mind by the time I’m back.

I mean, Mr. Minsley was really stressed about it. If they don’t come up with something, it sounds like he could be in hot water. And if he and his team get fired, then that means I follow suit.

I’m so conflicted in my thoughts that I manage to run into someone with my lunch tray. To my relief, it’s another Omega. Anyone else and it might’ve cost me my career.

“Ugh, yuck! Watch where you’re going!” he snaps at me.

“I’m so sorry,” I mutter, offering my napkins.

I can hardly blame him for the vicious death glare he gives me. He’s absolutely gorgeous with bright hazel eyes and neatly crafted hair. His white uniform looks like it’s tailored specifically to his perfect physique but now it’s soiled by my lunch. Gosh, I sound like an Omega-lover after all.

While I do nothing but stare, he snatches the bundle of napkins from my hands and marches away with a huff.

Too embarrassed to get in line for another tray, I head back to the lab. When I scan my badge and enter through the sliding doors, I see that it’s empty. Then I remember that it’s Wednesday, which means the crew will be in a meeting for the next hour or so. Leaving me with some free time to myself.

Alone.

In the lab.

With the three-three-four telescope model.

It’s too perfect. Before I can make up my mind, my feet carry me over to the telescope and I take a deep breath before it. Am I really going to do this? If it doesn’t work, I’ll have to put on my best show of feigning innocence, pretending I had nothing to do with it.

With a sigh, I unveil the prototype, standing face to face with the massive scope. I swallow my nerves and roll up my sleeves with a deep inhale. Within twenty minutes, I’m able to accomplish what I set out to do.

“Omega!”

I jump when Mr. Minsley marches into the lab a while later.

“Yes, Sir?” I power off the vacuum cleaner and face him. Does he know what I’ve done? Shit, are there cameras in here I don’t know about?! My heart speeds up in my chest.

“What are you still doing in here? Go down to the library and accompany Brock in his research. We all know the idiot can’t read.” He circles behind me and quickly ushers me toward the door with his hands on my shoulders, “We’ve much to get done, the least you could do is be useful.”

Phew. He doesn’t know about the telescope.

To my amusement, Mr. Minsley wasn’t kidding when he said Brock isn’t a good reader. His brow is creased and he’s hunched over a textbook on telescope anatomy. Sitting across from him, I can see that he primarily studies the pictures and flips past the pages with only text.

He must come from a very rich family to have scored a job here because Beta rights aren’t much less restricting than Omega's rights.

“Like what you see?”

I snap my gaze up and meet his shining eyes. Oh, gosh. He thinks I’m ogling him. Gross. I mean, sure, he’s an attractive man, physically, but his personality and ego could use some fine tuning.

“I was just wondering if you wanted some help reading,” I whisper, knocking his cockiness down a few pegs.

His jaw clenches, knowing he can’t yell at me in here. Instead, he leans forward and whispers, “These are real books, Omega. Not How to Take Alpha Cock.”

My jaw drops at his unprofessionalism but I try not to let him know he’s gotten under my skin.

“Pluto moves at roughly one point five arc minutes in a day. A change which can be seen at minimum two-hundred-X magnification,” I nod toward his textbook. “That’s basically Astronomy for Dummies.”

Now it’s his turn to gawk at me. I never learned how to play chess, but checkmate! He sneers at me, yet somehow, I don’t think he’s as mad as he looks. I smile at my small achievement. Glaring at me, Brock plucks a pen from a holder and places the end between his teeth, leaning forward on his forearms.

“You flirting with me, Omega?”

I erase my smile immediately. He can’t be serious, yet nothing about his expression says otherwise.

“No, of course not,” I deny it too quickly to sound true.

He cocks an eyebrow making my face go red with heat. Speaking of, perhaps that’s what’s causing this reaction. My usual time of heat is around now, though I can’t tell for sure while on suppressants. Even as a Beta, his intense gaze has me squirming in my chair so that must be what this is. I lick my lips which have gone dry.

“Why would I be flirting with you? You haven’t exactly been the most charming to me.”

“Haven’t I?” he chirps smugly.

I can’t help the blush that takes over my face. Equal parts fluster and anger. No way am I being flirty with Brock of all people!

The rest of our library session is awkward to say the least. Brock doesn’t let me help him read but also doesn’t stop me when I snag a few textbooks myself. I jot down notes and place bookmarks on anything that may be useful to him. Instead of giving them to him directly, I have to set them aside on the table until he eventually grabs them. It’s the only way he’ll accept the help I’m not sure why I’m even offering.

He’s got the stubbornness of an Alpha. So much so that I nearly forget he isn’t one each time I tilt my head in submission and he doesn’t respond. He does pin me with a rather hungry glare every time that gives me goosebumps.

Why do I react so strongly to him? First, the pretty Omega in the cafeteria and now Brock? I must be around my time of heat which is going to be really annoying for the next few days.

The next morning, I’m woken up by someone banging at my door.

“Just a sec!” I call out, battling my blanket to let me out of bed. I nearly trip over my own legs as I tumble to the door. I must look a sight, but whatever it is, might be urgent. I'm out of breath by the time I swing the door open.

“Sorry, I was just– Brock? What’re you doing in the Omega’s hall?” I cross my arms over my chest.

“Get dressed. We’re going to breakfast,” he says plainly, as if he hadn’t just woken me up like an earthquake. I eye him suspiciously as he leans on the door frame with a cool aura about him.

“Um. Okay… Give me a minute.” 

He nods so I close the door. What could this be about? Am I in trouble? I wonder about it as I hastily throw on my uniform and lab coat. My closet-sized dorm allows everything to be within arm’s length, so I’m done in no time.

“Ready,” I announce, swinging the door open. His eyes travel up and down my body, making me shiver.

“Yeah you are.”

“Brock,” I level with him as sternly as I can muster.

“Omega.”

“This isn’t a date.”

“Hey,” he puts his hands up in mock surrender. “No one said anything about a date.”

“Mhm.” My tone is suspicious.

I start toward the cafeteria and he follows. This is strange. Brock doesn’t like me so why is he taking me on definitely-not-a-date?

“You really don’t like me, huh?” he breaks the silence.

I pause and look back at him.

“I don’t like you? You’re the one who doesn’t like me!” I counter.

“What, because I’m a Beta I can’t be into an Omega?” he growls as we enter the cafeteria and hop in line. A few Omegas stare a little too long when they see Brock. I can’t even imagine how unkempt I must look beside his toned and tanned body. I haven’t been getting much sun exposure working the lab all day.

“It’s not because you’re a Beta. I don’t discriminate like that. It’s because you’re mean to me, Brock. How would I know that meant you were into me?”

He rubs the back of his neck as if this is the first time he’s thought about how being a jerk can make someone dislike you.

“Alphas treat Omegas like shit all the time and they still win all the good ones,” he grumbles.

I’m surprised by his openness. Hell, I’m surprised by my openness. Since when do me and Brock have conversations? We shuffle along the breakfast line with our trays, filling them as we go.

“You think I’m one of the good ones?”

He looks down at me like I’ve grown a second head.

“Of course you are.”

The way he speaks through his teeth makes it sound like it pains him to say those words, but even he can’t deny their truth. And I can’t retract the smile that grows on my lips.

“Don’t let it get to your head, Omega.”

“I’m afraid the compliment has already taken off and landed.”

The side of his lip quirks up, as close to a smile as he can probably manage. I’ll count it as a win. Maybe if we’re friends now, he’ll be nicer to me, and I can sneak some library books with his authority.

Chapter X

Last minute, I decided to seek out a project already being developed rather than trying to partner with a new one. Not one presentation over the past several weeks stood out. The quickly approaching charity conference is going to be huge, so I need something spectacular. Especially since I’m the one who will be presenting it.

I’ve had my eye on the Telescope Innovative Science (TIS) department. My database shows that they’re working on a new telescope model that will be able to provide an image of Pluto clearer than ever before. It's a project that will wow the crowd for sure. It’s a simple enough device that everyone will understand its function. And we can test it live, allowing the audience to be involved, building intrigue for potential investors.

With the clock ticking, this project is exactly what I’m looking for.

If it works.

I made a call over a week ago to give them the go ahead at focusing solely on having the telescope and a presentation ready at least twenty-four hours before the conference. I’m headed down to Alpha Minsley’s lab to take a look at the improvements. Honestly, as long as we can see Pluto through it at all, the rest can be fabricated for now. But I have faith.

I shrug on my lab coat over my suit, still impressed at the number of pins I’ve earned. So much has happened within the last decade. It seemed like I was on autopilot for many years, and I’m only now grasping the power that rests in my hands.

On the way to my office door, I check myself in the mirror. My jaw has sharpened significantly from the baby face I had when I was younger. I’m not a kid anymore, looking up at the sky for answers. I’m an Alpha, getting those answers and unlocking the universe’s secrets one project at a time.

I look good. Professional. Intelligent.

“Good morning, Mr. Beckett,” my assistant greets me when I step out. I give him a polite nod.

As I head down the hall, I spot Jaimie heading the opposite direction. A very furious Jaimie.

“Hey. What’s up with you?” I ask.

“Some clumsy Omega ran into me for the second time! First, it was his filthy lunch and now this!”

He points up to the sleeve of his lab coat. I’m not sure what the damage is until I spot the little scuff mark. Or is it a coffee stain? I can’t even tell as I squint at the hardly visible mark. Jaimie rolls his eyes and rushes past me with a huff, mumbling something about bleach.

Definitely OCD, I conclude.

A handful of executives and members of my engineering department greet me throughout the massive halls of Comet XI. Most of them look surprised to see me out and about. My office has sort of become my comfort space, so I don’t often leave. Especially not to visit the lower floors. It’s like a second home. Where I don’t need to think about how lonely I feel even with all these people around. Business partners aren’t the same as friends.

Walking by the telescope displays near the entrance, I’m reminded of a real friend who was supposed to meet me there someday. I’m ashamed to admit how many times I’ve stood there waiting with my eyes peeled just in case, only to walk back up to my office alone.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I compose myself as I approach the TIS department. Pausing at the door, I bite my cheek, thinking that maybe I should’ve called ahead first. I don’t want to intimidate them by showing up unannounced, but I’m already here.

Since it appears mostly vacant, I scan my badge and let myself in.

“Knock, knock,” I greet an older Alpha who snaps his head up from his desk. It seems he’s the only one in the lab at the moment. “Mr. Minsley, sorry to interrupt.”

“N-not at all, Mr. Beckett. Please, come in.”

Although we’re both Alphas, I tower over him when he stands from his seat to greet me. I’m trying my hardest to be chill and casual Knox, not big scary executive Knox, but his nerves are off the charts. A common side effect of those around me.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to see the progress of your latest project,” I explain while looking around the lab.

“Ah, yes! You see, about that– “

“Is this it over here?” I head toward a covered object in the corner facing a testing window.

“Why yes! We’re still working on some minor adjustments! It’s not quite– “

I remove the tarp as he rambles, revealing an impressive, sleek black telescope, polished and crafted perfectly.

“This is lovely work, Mr. Minsley.”

“Oh, well, thank you, Mr. Beckett. My team will have it completed just in time for– “

I adjust the eyepiece and peer through the scope as Mr. Minsley speaks. Though, I’m not sure what he’s so jittery and nervous about when I look up at the clear, evening sky. The telescope is positioned perfectly to spot the glowing dwarf planet billions of miles away. I’m absolutely stunned at the noticeable clarity. The images we process from this are bound to be astonishing.

Gone is the blurry ball of light, replaced with a shining circular figure. This is a breakthrough discovery! With this level of innovation, we’ll be able to develop more accurate measurements and discover more about Pluto's mysterious surface.

“This is…remarkable. You and your team have truly outdone yourselves, Minsley. How’d you do it?”

I look away from the telescope when he doesn’t respond. He’s pale as paper and looks as surprised as I am. Pushing his gray-streaked hair back, he looks into the scope himself when I step aside and he lets out a small gasp, muttering, “that’s most definitely Pluto.”

He springs upward, straightening his back.

“I mean clearer! It’s most definitely clearer than yesterday! Yes, one of my technicians must’ve made a recent adjustment. Don’t worry, we’ll include all necessary information in the presentation, Mr. Beckett.”

“Great. Looking forward to it.”

Chapter XI

There are two days before the three-three-four telescope model is being showcased at a huge charity conference. Brock and I walk together into the lab. He’s been on edge with the whole thing, and I can’t blame him. As far as the team is concerned, it’s still a major work in progress since it can’t focus as far as they’d like. Only I know that it can.

I was surprised when none of them bothered to get their hands on it themselves. They've been so focused on simply trying to figure out what needs to be tampered with. After all, one wrong move could damage the whole thing, rendering it useless.

Before I can step a few feet inside the lab, strong hands land on my shoulders, pinning me to the wall.

“What did you do to it?!” Mr. Minsley growls, bared teeth inches away from my face. “Tell me what you did!”

He snaps at me with bulging veins on his forehead and a snarl. I breathe rapidly with fear as his thumbs dig painfully into my shoulders where he holds me in place.

“You’re hurting me, Sir!”

“Minsley, put him down! What is this about?” Brock reaches for him, but he shoves him away, dropping me against the wall in the process. As I regain my balance, an accusing finger is thrust toward me.

“I checked the lab entrance history! He was the only one who was alone in the room other than me, which means he did something to the telescope!”

Brock looks between us, confused.

“I don’t know what he’s talking about,” I shake my head.

“Bullshit! This is what you wanted, huh, you little mongrel? To make me look like a fool in front of corporate?!” Minsley spits.

“Sir, what the hell is this about? Putting your hands on a cleaner like that is a serious offense, he could report us all if there’s a bruise.”

I wince at the fact that Brock is more concerned about how he would be affected if I got injured. He steps between me and Mr. Minsley, folding his arms across his chest while waiting for an explanation for the Alpha’s behavior.

“The head executive of our department decided to come down here yesterday to see the three-three-four. I told him it wasn’t ready yet, but he was quite persistent,” he explains through gritted teeth.

I had no idea anyone from corporate would ever venture down here. My heart sinks to my stomach at the mention. I’ve never met anyone higher up than Mr. Minsley and I’m content for it to stay that way. Those Alphas are probably twice as cut-throat.

“Shit,” Brock exclaims, taking in the severity of the predicament. “What did he say? Are we all fired or something?”

“That’s where this whole thing doesn’t make sense! He said it was a breakthrough discovery. He was amazed! I was shocked to say the least, but then I looked through the scope.”

“And?”

“See for yourself.”

The three of us shuffle toward the telescope. Squinting one eye, Brock peers through.

“Holy shit,” he whispers after a minute.

“See?! It’s unbelievable! And no one can tell me who did it! I had to make up some lie that one of the others made a recent adjustment I was unaware of, but none of them can confess as much.”

“So, you think the Omega did something to it? What would he know about telescopes?” Brock inquires.

With that, the two of them look at me. There’s got to be a way out of this. Drowning in the fear of repercussions, I hug myself with my arms, not giving anything away. I was stupid to think they would praise me for this.

“He must’ve!” Mr. Minsley sneers as he walks closer, sending a challenging look directly into my eyes. “And he’s going to tell me what he did, right now, or I’m reporting him to corporate myself!”

Fuck, is all I can think.

“Please, don’t do this!” I beg, as Mr. Minsley marches me through the halls and toward the elevators, his wrinkled hand twisted firmly around my shirt collar.

“You’ve left me no choice!”

People are staring, but no one comes to my rescue.

I should’ve known this would happen. Why did I ever think it would be easy breezy to work at the largest space program in the country as an Omega? Not even a few months in and I’m already fired. I suppose that no one is to blame other than myself.

I didn’t need to stick my nose where it didn’t belong. But if I hadn’t, all our careers would’ve been on the line. I can only hope corporate understands that my intentions were well. My odds aren’t looking good, though.

Maybe Mom was right. After I get fired today, I can trudge back home, tail between my legs. I’ll settle down with a nice local Alpha and let my dreams of Comet XI be memories as distant as the stars.

Mr. Minsley drags me roughly out of the elevator and into the executive hall. We round the corner and his eyes land on three Alphas conversing outside of an office. Damn, they’re even bigger than I thought. The entire top floor reeks of Alpha pheromones that have my knees trembling and weak. One scent in particular smells as good as the grass after it rains, making me light-headed. It grows stronger the closer we get.

The executives pause their conversation and divert their attention to us. What is Mr. Minsley thinking, interrupting upper management? They’re going to be pissed. We might both get fired after this.

Gripping my arm, he beelines toward them anyway. One of the three catches my eye. His dark hair, tan complexion, and hardened expression ring bells of familiarity in my head. We’re still too far down the hallway to see them clearly, but my mind begins racing to catch up to where I know him from.

“Mr. Beckett! Just the Alpha I wanted to see,” Mr. Minsley says.

Mr. Beckett. The name rings in my ear.

As in...?

It can’t be.

The other two Alphas nod farewell to the familiar face and disappear into a room. Before I know it, we’re standing in front of Mr. Smells-so-good. His concerned eyes are focused on Mr. Minsley. He hasn’t noticed me being dragged behind him yet.

“Mr. Minsley? You look troubled. What’s this about?”

Fuck. That low rumble has dropped several bass levels since I last heard it. Am I sweating? I feel sweaty. Gosh, I hope I don’t look sweaty.

“Unfortunately, I am troubled,” Mr. Minsley puts on his best show of being victimized. “I’ve come to report a cleaner for a violation of conduct. He’s tampered with our telescope, your telescope Mr. Beckett, and he won’t admit to it. I’ve given him ample opportunity to confess what he’s done, but he’s being stubborn with me.” He yanks me forward and my nose is hit with such a strong scent of home that it shakes me to my core.

Eyes land on mine, locking in place, and the world stops spinning.

Suddenly I’m lost in them. There’s a certain vastness within this set of eyes that shares the same unknown depth of outer space. Full of energy and life beyond my limited comprehension. Orbits of questions and emotions flicker through the waves of his irises. No other part of his stern face gives away as much as his handsome, betraying eyes.

“Go ahead, Omega, tell him!”

Mr. Minsley’s excitement at seeing me about to get in trouble fades as he glances between our silence. 

“Knox?”

His name is barely a whisper on my tongue as I stare with captivation.

Mr. Minsley’s mouth drops open.

“How dare you address Alpha Beckett by his first name! Are you out of your mind, Omega?!”

Both Knox and I barely register Mr. Minsley sputtering about. We only seem to have eyes for one another.

“Arius.”

Hearing him say my name gives me goosebumps everywhere. It’s been too long. I smile slowly as memories of simpler times come rushing back. Mr. Minsley doesn’t recognize this trance I’ve slipped into while he continues speaking frantically.

“This little shit has stepped out of line too many times to count, Mr. Beckett! I want him fired at once!”

Knox doesn’t even spare him a glance. His attention is only on me. Where it belongs.

“Come into my office,” he says, gesturing to a wooden door with his name on it. Impressed, I step inside but before Mr. Minsley can follow, Knox stops him. “You won’t be needed for this private discussion, Minsley.”

I stifle my laugh at the expression on his face. He won’t be getting his sick little thrill of watching me get fired after all. 

“But, but I– “

“Please, see yourself out.”

With that, the door is shut and Knox faces me.

For a moment, the two of us take in the sight of one another. Fuck, he got tall. I have to bend my neck back to see his face. He’s wearing a fancy suit, littered with golden pins and badges. His dark hair is a bit longer than it used to be and styled to perfection. Exuding wealth and power, a sharp jawline replaces the pinchable cheeks he had before. But his scent is what changed the most.

Has he always smelled so damn good? Hickory and summer bonfires. Pecans and rich bourbon. I’d be able to tell this is his office based on that delicious smell alone. It’s so uniquely him. I can’t stop taking deep manual breaths of it that make me feel at ease.

He stuffs his hands in his pockets. I’m not sure what he sees when he assesses me, which makes me insecure. His poker face has only gotten stronger over time. He used to be so open but has since developed the sternness of a well-composed Alpha. It’s…quite attractive.

“What are you doing here?” He moves forward and leans casually against the edge of a white leather sofa. So deliberate and confident in his motions.

“I could ask you the same.” I smile and earn one back from him. Look at us. Clad in uniform at Comet XI. Exactly where we dreamed we’d be when we were younger. How full circle is that?

He looks at me as if he is seeing me for the first time. I shudder under his assessing gaze, hoping that I smell like a sweet, submissive Omega instead of a sweaty, anxiety-ridden delinquent.

“When did you get so grown up?” Knox crosses his strong arms. “You’re all…pretty now.”

I blush deeply. Same old candid Knox.

“I mean, you were pretty then, too!” he adds quickly. “But now you’re…wow.”

His penetrating stare is so strong I can’t help but tilt my head submissively, baring my neck and peering up at him beneath my lashes. Knox has never commented on my looks before.

“Thanks… I’m not the only one of us who’s done some growing up. I mean, look at you. Sophisticated top floor executive? You never fail to exceed expectations, Knox Beckett. I guess I should’ve known you were around here somewhere.”

He drops his head shyly at my praise, a spike in his scent filling the room.

“Please, any Alpha with an intimidating enough face can weasel their way into a corporate office.”

“Still downplaying your accomplishments, I see,” I shake my head at him with a sigh.

“Enough about me, looks like you made it, too. You’re on Minsley’s team?” 

He nods to my lab coat and badge.

“Mr. Minsley’s cleaning team,” I emphasize. Reality sets in and my expression falls. “But not anymore I assume.”

He looks at me with a question in his gaze. I feel compelled to be closer to him, so I move forward and slump on the luxurious leather sofa.

“It’s true, what Mr. Minsley said. I tampered with the telescope, but they were struggling and I just wanted to help. I understand though if you still have to fire me.”

Knox reaches over and tilts my chin up to face him before responding.

“Wait…it was you who got it to work? But how?”

His brows furrow as he studies my face. Ugh, when did he become so handsome? Staring up at his sharp features, I gulp, finally realizing why everyone always teased us for being just friends. Alphas and Omegas don’t stay friends very long for a reason, and right now, I’m feeling very Omega and he’s looking very Alpha.

Chapter XII

“I made some minor adjustments while the crew was out of the room. You have to understand, Knox. If I didn’t fix it, they wouldn’t have had it completed by the deadline.”

Arius gazes up at me, pleadingly. He’s so…so Omega now. I can’t peel my eyes away. It’s eerie how he looks different, but exactly the same. Such a soft jawline, and taut cheek bones, and broad shoulders. A gorgeous mix of strength and delicate submissiveness. He carries himself well and has really grown into himself as an Omega.

The Alpha in me likes that a lot, awakening a hunger inside that has been asleep for a long time.

“Show me,” I mumble with an extra rasp to my tone.

“…W-what?”

“The telescope,” I clear my throat. “Show me what you did to make this huge leap for our TIS department. I should’ve suspected that only an innovative genius like you could do something like that. I certainly didn’t believe Mr. Minsley when he initially gave credit to a random tech.”

He blinks up at me.

“Aren’t you going to fire me?”

“Fire you? Of course not.”

“You have to, Knox. I fucked up.”

“Do you want me to fire you?”

“Well, no. But I’ve broken so many rules. There’s no way Mr. Minsley will allow me back in his lab,” Arius sulks, dropping his head in his hands.

I scoff with amusement at that. “I don’t want you back in his lab either. In fact, you should be working up here with me.”

Ari’s pink lips are still frowning as he looks around us with a cute furrow in his brow. I’m not sure what he’s searching for. I wait for his eyes to land back on me. Where they belong.

“It looks like you already keep this place well clean. I don’t think I’d be of much use.”

I chuckle at him, earning a puzzled expression.

“I didn’t mean as a cleaner, Ari. I meant as an engineer. Maybe not today, but someday they’ll open up the world to Omegas. You could be the start of that change.”

His smile is honest, but he doesn’t seem entirely convinced. When he opens his mouth to respond, the door clicks open.

“Oh! Sorry, I didn’t know you were–“ Jaimie pauses when he spots Arius. His face sets into a nasty glare for some reason. Like an alley cat ready to fight, his hackles raise.

Arius, on the other hand, looks ready to jump out of his skin.

“You!” Jaimie exclaims in more of a question. Ari cowers and hides behind me.

“Did I miss something?” I glance between them.

“What is he doing up here? He’s the clumsy Omega who kept bumping into me!” Jaimie complains.

Ah. That explains it.

“It was just an accident, and I said I was sorry!” Ari pokes his head around my larger frame; delicate fingers wrapped around my bicep. Flexing a little bit for him, I hardly refrain from my eyes rolling back with pleasure. His hand feels damn good there.

“Sorry doesn’t fix a custom designed and tailored outfit worth more than your annual salary! But of course, a lowly Omega like you wouldn’t know that.”

Oh, boy. Jaimie’s words make me blink back to the present. I better de-escalate this.

“Jaimie, enough. Arius is an old friend of mine and I expect you to treat him with the same respect you give me. I’ll pay to have your clothes fixed if that’ll make you happy. Besides, I think you two could be great friends.”

Both Omegas look at me completely unconvinced, so I clear my throat and project some of my Alpha pheromones into the room. It’s not something I like to do often, but I fear if I don’t, things may get out of hand. After a beat, they both submit and I give them each a nod.

That’s better.

We’re off to a hot start, but they seem to have reached a truce. For now.

Arius and I ate dinner together. We caught up on some things. I told him about a huge magazine I’d headlined in three times in the past two years. He told me about an Omega activist group he joined at boarding school. Neither of us brought up how Arius suddenly left me without saying goodbye all those years ago.

In Minsley's lab, each member of the crew hovers distantly around Ari and me as we observe the three-three-four telescope model. They don’t look happy. Especially Minsley, whose curiosity outweighs his disdain for this precious Omega. Something tells me they probably weren’t any happier to see him even before this whole situation.

I notice Ari stealing glances at a Beta in the room. I’m not sure why, but it sparks rage that I haven’t felt in a long time. I’ve been managing my anger well these last several years. Not letting things trigger me as easily as when I was a hormonal teenager with no grasp on my strength. Why would I relapse now?

My possessive hand lifts to his back, encouraging him to go on. Ocean blue eyes meet mine over his shoulder before he begins and I offer an encouraging nod.

I like his eyes on me. Not on that smug-looking Beta.

“If you open up the optical tube near the second focal plane, like this,” he explains while demonstrating. “You can adjust the aperture through here.”

He may not realize, but no one else’s hands are as small and careful as his. It’s no wonder they hadn’t thought of this.

“And even the slightest adjustment can significantly increase the focus,” the Beta pieces together.

“Correct,” Ari nods to him. “The lens sits right in front of the zoom chamber.”

I’m beginning to really hate this guy. Why is he getting so much of Ari’s attention? Is this what he’s into? Smart Betas? I’m bigger than him. Higher up than him. Smarter than him…and probably scarier.

I’ll need to let off some steam at the gym after this before I go all Alpha on these people.

With a deep inhale of his calming scent, I turn my focus back on Ari and his amazing work.

“This is an outstanding level of innovation, Arius.”

He beams at the praise with rosy cheeks.

“Are we just going to ignore the fact that he’s still a disobedient Omega?” Mr. Minsley finally snaps. “He violated his cleaner contract by tampering with unauthorized equipment! And he withheld this information from us for days!”

Unfortunately, he has a point. I won’t fire Ari, but Minsley doesn’t trust him enough to remain cleaning his lab. I turn to Arius as everyone disperses back to their lab stations.

“As a cleaner, you are still within your contract, so I’ll have to put you on suspension for this.”

“I understand,” he hangs his head.

I tilt his chin up, loving the feel of his soft skin on my fingers.

“Going forward, come talk to me first if you have any ideas you want to share. Got it?”

He nods with a tilt of his head that charges my soul.

I offer to walk Arius back to his dorm room, but first he asks if he can say something to Brock. I wait by the door as he practically skips up to the Beta from earlier. My jaw clenches. If I’d known that was who he meant, I would’ve dragged him out of here.

I can’t hear their conversation, which makes me more frustrated and impatient as I wait. Are they friends? Or are they more? He seems a little more flirty than usual as he leans casually on the Beta’s table. Happy, even.

Jaimie’s words have been taunting me since he said them. And now they’re back, pushing their way to the forefront of my mind. Did you love him?

I cared about Arius. Deeply. Stayed up at night wondering what I did that made him leave. Wondering why he told me to wait when he couldn’t do the same for me. I tried to be angry at him, I tried not to care, but it always came back to sadness. Cold, lonely, sadness.

But that was before. Now he’s back. He grew up, settled in, and moved on. Maybe it’s time for me to do the same. Maybe it will even be easier now that I at least have some semblance of closure.

“Everything okay?” Arius peers up at me.

My vision refocuses on the present. How long has he been standing there? I clear my throat and reinstall my blank expression. Alphas don’t express weak emotions. At least, not here in the workplace. Suck it up and be a leader.

“Yeah, you ready?”

He nods and we head toward the West wing. His eyes linger on the library as we walk by, the yearning evident in his gaze.

“Do you still read?” I ask.

It’s a silly question, but I hear that Omega boarding schools can be quite strict on etiquette, so maybe Ari has dropped his old habit of slipping literature novels into the covers of recipe books.

“Not as often as I’d like. I’m not allowed in there and they don’t have an Omega section.”

He pouts, staring longingly at the library. Before he even finishes his sentence, I’m already thinking of a way to sneak him some books. Afterall, he’ll be holed up in his dorm for a few days.

“Why don’t you write down some titles you’re interested in, and I can have them sent to your room.”

He shakes his head.

“You don’t need to do that. I’ve gotten myself in enough trouble for the week.”

“Are you sure? It’s the least I could try and do since you won’t have anything to keep you busy for a while.”

“It’s fine, Knox. Besides, Brock usually has me help him study textbooks.”

My jaw is getting sore from the amount of clenching. Is that some kind of sick innuendo? Why does Brock need Ari to help him “study”?

I force a couple of deep breaths through my nose. That simmering anger is beginning to boil over, except now I understand that it’s not just anger. It's jealousy.

“Right. Well, if you want some just for yourself, you know where to find me. Who knows what genius ideas you could come up with next.”

“Genius ideas you can take all the credit for?” he bites back unexpectedly.

Ouch.

There’s not much venom in his voice, but it still stings. It's not like I want things to be this way. I’m just trying to offer him the privilege he doesn’t get as an Omega. Because he deserves it, not because I want to take credit for his work.

We’ve always been a team effort. The world doesn’t believe in him the way I do, but Ari was always content to let me take the lead where they were concerned. Wasn’t he?

Chapter XIII

The longer I sit in my room, the more I wish I took Knox up on his offer. I’ve run out of stuff to do much quicker than I thought I would. There’s no way I can do this for the next several days. I begin pacing the confined space while I think of anywhere that I can go but here. The cafeteria is closed. Library is off limits unless I’m with Brock. I’ve already strolled the public halls and retreated once I spotted the pretty Omega who yelled at me.

He’s Knox’s personal cleaner so that explains why he gets away with such an attitude.

The only other place I’m allowed is Knox’s office, but I shake my head at myself. He’s got work to do and probably doesn’t want to see me after what I said. I hadn’t meant to say it out loud, but Knox isn’t someone I’ve ever had to bite my tongue around.

Not to mention, I meant what I said. I’ve been defending and standing up for Omegas for years. What has Knox done for us? He believes in me, sure, but he makes no effort to see me succeed.

I mean, look at him! He was promoted right up to the executive floor without me, happily taking his rightful place at Comet XI as an Alpha. I don’t want him to sneak me textbooks. I want to be able to walk into a library and pick them myself!

I don’t expect change to happen overnight, of course, but it still needs to start somewhere, and I certainly don’t see him stepping up to the plate. He has no idea how easy he has it. His journey in life is a breeze compared to mine.

Raging with emotions, I feel my eyes begin to burn hot with tears but refuse to let them fall.

I know I didn’t come back to him.

And I know he probably waited. But being away from home made me realize that I can exist as an Omega without depending on an Alpha. It was never about him; it was about my freedom. I didn’t need to go crawling back to Knox just to…to what? Follow him around, living in his shadow for the rest of my life?

And he would’ve let me.

I collapse on my bed as a few sobs escape.

I don’t think I can face him right now. I’ve never been angry at him before so it’s better if I handle this new feeling by myself.

Eventually, I drag my sluggish body to dinner, eating alone while eavesdropping on conversations around me. Sadly, none are interesting enough to provide the distraction I need. My mind continues to wander back to Knox. It’s hard not to think about him knowing that he’s only a few floors above me.

Is he in a meeting? Is he in his office? Is he thinking about me? My face heats at the thought and I squirm in my seat. Somehow, I was more at ease working here without knowing that Knox was also here. It’s incredibly distracting.

With a frustrated grunt, I stand up, dispose of my tray and trudge back to my room. If I’m going to be mad at him, I need to not think about him. I should be more focused on my career and earning Mr. Minsley’s trust back.

Yeah. That’s a productive thing to focus on. Perhaps I’ll write him an apology letter. That will keep me busy for the rest of the evening.

I enter my room, turn on the light, and reach for a notebook and pen from my desk. I pause when I notice something on my bed. Clothes, it looks like. I’ve never been so sloppy as to leave clothes out.

Upon closer inspection, I see that it’s more than just clothes. It’s a neatly folded uniform with a small note attached. Someone must’ve placed them here intentionally. The attention whore side of me hopes it’s from him.

I pick up the cardstock paper and read it carefully.

Put this on and arrive at Room 468 in the South wing at 7p.m.  – Knox

It’s a strange request, leading me to reread the note several times. Sure enough, it says the same thing each time. Shivers run up my arms.

Knox wants to see me. Luna have mercy, doesn’t he know we’re fighting?! Knowing him, he probably doesn’t. Oblivious Alpha.

Picking up the clothes, I see that the uniform is that of a cocktail waiter. My selfish excitement dulls a little. This likely just means that he found a new position for me since I’m suspended from Minsley’s lab. That’s all this is. A new job.

By six forty-five I’m a nervous wreck. My uniform is on and I have to admit I look good. But that doesn’t make me any more ready to face him. The last thing I want to do right now is serve him some drinks at whatever event is happening.

Assuming that he’ll be there. I slump down on to my bed.

Who am I kidding? The note never mentioned that he’d actually be there. I may just be meeting with a trainer and other wait staff. I glance at myself in the mirror one more time, tousling my hair until it’s perfect. Only one way to find out.

With a deep breath, I straighten my posture, adjust my vest, and step into the hallway.

As I arrive in the South wing like the note instructed, I notice that it’s bustling with well-dressed Alphas and Betas, and it slowly dawns on me what this event is for. Is this…the charity gala? I completely forgot about it. Knox is supposed to present the three-three-four telescope tonight.

I hesitate at the entrance. Omegas aren’t supposed to attend such high-class events. I don’t want a repeat of what happened in the library back when I first started. I don’t even have my badge with me this time. The silky red vest over a black button-up shirt doesn’t leave room for it.

“Hey! We need you back here!”

I snap my head up as a Beta wearing the same uniform as me approaches.

“Oh, I’m not– “

He doesn’t hesitate to grab my wrist and pull me into the gala. He glances over his shoulder at my slight resistance.

“Alpha Beckett sent you, no?”

“I– “

“Then you follow me. His orders.”

Leaving no room for argument, he leads me behind a bar counter in the back of the massive ballroom. People slowly fill in, mingling with one another under glimmering chandeliers, waiting for the event to begin.

“Here,” the Beta hands me a towel and all I can do is stare at it dumbly until he continues. “Wipe each of these glasses until they’re dry. Then place them on the rack.”

There must be over fifty glasses waiting to be dried, but I do as he says and begin with one. From where I stand behind the counter, I can see a small stage on the opposite end of the room. In the center, is the telescope covered in a tarp. Behind it is a large screen, displaying a greeting too blurry for me to read from back here.

I notice a plethora of Omegas in the same red and black uniform filtering through the crowd with trays of wine and small treats.

I’ve realized by now that this is Knox’s way of getting me into the event. Though, why he wants me here is beyond me. I’m not really in the mood to watch him accept praise for my work. Not this time. Not while I stand here drying dishes, being punished for the very thing he’s about to be rewarded for.

I’m about eleven glasses in when the lights dim and the crowd hushes. A host walks on to the stage and gives a short welcome speech. A couple other speakers are invited up as well. Their smiles are big and their voices fill the room, but I hear none of it. My ears are waiting to hear his voice. My eyes periodically scan the crowd for any sign of him.

Eventually, I regain control of my senses and focus on the speakers on stage. I recognize Mr. Minsley and his team. The crowd claps and cameras shutter as they hold up some sort of certificate they’d just been awarded. They retreat from the stage and finally –finally– the host announces Knox Beckett.

My eyes are glued to him as he takes the stage like he owns it and begins his presentation. His low, soothing voice falls over the crowd like a fresh blanket of snow. He’s calm, casual, and collected. All eyes and ears are on him in that tailored suit worth more than I make in a year.

My mouth would probably be drooling, but before it can, I spot the pretty Omega on the stage with him and tense up immediately. Knox introduces him as Jaimie and the crowd seems to enjoy the sight of him. Alphas around the room ogle him hungrily. Standing beside Knox, Jaimie stands tall and smiles brightly as if he’s the main attraction for the night.

He might as well be.

His stunning glow under the stage lights makes me wonder why the hell he’s snatching all my dreams instead of modeling. So much for Omegas not being allowed at these things. I guess the rest of us just aren’t handsome enough.

I scrub furiously at the glass in my hand as I watch Jaimie unveil the telescope. Does everyone get some sort of role in my work except for me? Why don’t we just say that everyone in the world except for Arius invented the damn thing while we’re at it?

I catch an angry glare from the waiter who dragged me in here. I’m handling the glasses too roughly. Taking a deep breath, I mouth my apology and return my focus to Knox who begins to wrap up his presentation.

“And none of this would be possible without a very special person.”

My chest tightens at his words. If he says himself, I am out of here.

“A lot of people ask me how we always stay on top. How we always win, here at Comet XI. And I see no reason to keep it a secret. If there’s one thing you take away from this event tonight, it should be this,”

I notice that he hands his cue cards off to Jaimie and the slides on the screen have come to a stop. Intense eyes land on mine all the way from across the room, lingering until there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s speaking to me. My hand slows on the dish I’m drying as Knox continues.

“At Comet XI, we win by hearing every voice. Every idea, every Alpha, every Omega. Because innovation like this can’t be achieved with social barriers and societal pressures. Tonight’s telescope model has been officially named after its rightful innovator. For going against those barriers, pushing back those pressures, all for Comet XI to come out on top. Ladies and gentlemen, the Ari three-three-four SE.”

The audience stands and cheers as the host shakes Knox’s hand and takes his place. Live music starts up again and the room comes to life. I, however, am frozen in time.

Chapter XIV

The event seems to last for ages. At a certain point, my mouth is running on autopilot while I engage in meaningless conversations around the room. I excuse myself from one but then get caught right up in the next. Most people have left by now, having gotten a look through the telescope.

As I inch my way toward the door, I bump into the Beta who’s been stealing Ari’s attention. Brock’s tense eyes lock with mine as we regard one another, trying to remain polite.

“Congrats,” Brock sneers. “He’s a pretty Omega. I’d give him all the credit, too,” he winks, patting my shoulder.

“I didn’t give him credit because he’s pretty. I gave him credit because he deserves it,” I mumble low.

“Right,” he begins sarcastically before leaning in. “You don’t think his success has anything to do with eavesdropping on my research, reading my textbooks, sorting through all our tools and parts?”

“No, as a matter of fact, I don’t. Arius is highly intelligent and has been studying astronomy since we– Since he was a kid.”

Brock stares at me for a moment, not buying my explanation.

“Sure, man. That’s why he ran out of here and straight to your office. To study astronomy,” he bites back before engulfing a glass of wine and turning away.

Anger rolls off me in waves. Judging by the looks of people nearby, I’m producing strong pheromones into the air. It takes everything in me to leave instead of marching up to that Beta prick and punching him until every tooth is knocked out of his mouth. The only thing stopping me is Brock’s revelation that Arius is waiting for me in my office. I like that image a lot.

Ari tucked into my personal space, marinating in my scent. My Omega has finally come back to me. The primal thoughts consume my mind as the Alpha in me threatens to take over. I need to get to him. Quickly.

Marching through the halls with determination, I burst through my office door and Ari startles, standing quickly from the sofa. With wide eyes, he opens his mouth to say something, but I silence him by closing in with a passionate kiss, surprising even myself. He tenses at first while I hold his head in place, but he doesn’t pull away. Instead, he melts into it with a moan that makes my chest rumble in delight.

Delicate hands wrap around my neck as I consume his lips, prioritizing kissing over my need to breathe. Ari’s mouth on mine feels incredible. Like this is what I’ve been missing my whole life. All my anger dissipates with his body pressed against mine. His hands grab at my clothes, shedding my jacket and letting it fall to the floor with a gentle swoosh.

My hands reach for his silky vest, and we go back and forth, stripping fabrics from one another between kisses until we’re mostly naked.

The sweetest scent to ever reach my nose permeates the air when his pants come off, making my dick throb and ache. I feel Ari shiver as the scent in the room thickens, driving my Alpha side wild. With a soft grunt, small hands shove my chest until I’m seated on a couch and Ari climbs onto my lap to straddle me, acting on instincts.

The way he prowls has me slack jawed in awe. Watching him move, I squeeze the base of my cock hard so that I don’t embarrass myself by shooting a load all over his smooth thighs. His eyes sparkle as they stare into mine, our breaths ragged and beastly, mingling together in the inches of space between us.

He lowers himself slowly, slicking up my cock between his wet cheeks, never glancing away for a second. It feels so right, giving me full-body shivers as I place my hands on his hips, lost in a trance of him lifting up and down. When I can’t take the teasing anymore, I grip him tightly and line up with his puckering hole.

“This…is this weird?” Ari whispers, feeling my girth beg for entry below.

“Not unless you think so,” I lean forward and place a quick kiss on his lips. “It’s only natural, isn’t it, Omega?” I smirk, trying to ease his discomfort.

We’ve been friends for so long, I guess we never imagined we could be anything more. Are we something more?

Ari sinks down onto my length, making me lose all thoughts. His body happily invites the first few inches of my cock inside as mother nature intended, and we both moan in tandem.

“I guess so, Alpha,” he replies sheepishly.

My cock twitches in his tight hole and I feel my brain being taken over by primal instinct. This is entirely our bodies making decisions for us while our minds take the back burner. No more dancing around our feelings and emotions. The heart wants what the heart wants.

“I wanted to kiss you…” the confession rolls out of me as if the brakes gave out. “At our spot by the telescopes. I don’t know if you remember, but I was going to meet you there and finally lean in to take these lips and make them mine…at least, that’s what I had fantasized I’d have the confidence to do.”

Balancing his hands on my shoulders, Ari begins riding me at a steady pace while listening, taking his time gliding up and down on my cock. It feels so fucking good that the pleasure creates orgasmic tidal waves across my entire body.

“I remember, Knox,” he mutters against my mouth, the taste of my wine from the gala now mixed into his breath. “I think I like kissing you in your top-floor executive office better…we made it so much farther than I could’ve dreamed.”

Brimming with satisfaction, I watch him get drunk on our lovemaking, his sweet little panting sounds morphing into a whimpering mess. His dick pulses, sliding against my abs as he rides me while never breaking eye-contact. Reaching between us, I grab him and stroke, making him jerk with a hiss. Bringing so much pleasure to my Omega fulfills every void within me.

The friction is enough to make him erupt fast, arching his back and biting his lip as a climax crashes through him. The noises he makes tip me over the edge and I burst deep inside him with a drawn-out groan, shuddering beneath his weight.

Damn, that didn’t last long. His mouth falls open with moans that I kiss away as his grinding hips slowly wind down. Our bodies are sweaty and sticky as we twitch through the aftershocks and catch our breaths. It was fast and desperate, not nearly enough, but I think it’s what we both needed right now.

“I should’ve come back to you…” he whispers the confession.

“You did.” I kiss his worries away. “That’s all that matters now.”

Ari slouches against me, tucking his face into my neck. As I stroke his hair tenderly, reveling in his mature Omega scent, I’m already imagining doing this again and again. And again. After everything with the telescope, I can admit that I understand his choice eight years ago to enjoy his independence instead of watching me live all his dreams for the both of us.

It’s the very thing that divided us before BOW camp.

But he’s here now. Back in my life by the grace of the universe. For that, I should be grateful.

Over the next few days, we fall into the same scandalous habit. Ari comes up to my office, we pretend to converse about work, and then I fuck him on every surface. It’s not right. It’s not allowed. I could get fired. But I’m on a high that no drug could ever replicate.

My brain has been completely rewired to think of nothing else but Arius. His body, his moans, his face. Oh, gosh, his face when he cums is nothing short of fantastical. The epitome of ultimate pleasure. I need to continue exploring his body as much as I need to breathe.

He just looks so good bent over my desk, pressed up against my bookshelf, and riding me on the sofa. I’m thinking of pinning him down on the rug by the fireplace tonight. Bending his compliant body anyway that I please. Fuck, I need it.

I’m staring blankly at my monitor screen when my office door opens. Blood immediately flows South, anticipating Ari for our fantastical endeavors. Instead, it’s Jaimie who strolls in with a cleaning cart. My anticipation dies out like a flame.

“Good evening, Mr. Beckett.”

“Hey, come on in,” I greet him casually, standing up to get out of his way. “My desk needs the most attention today. I’ve been a little off this week,” I admit, strolling over to the beverage counter.

“Yeah? If you’re still stressed about the presentation, don’t be. You did amazing.” Jaimie sounds surprisingly sweet for once.

I turn around with mango-flavored fizzy water, finding him in front of me instead of near the desk.

“Thanks, Jaimie. That’s, uh, really nice of you,” I nod, taking a sip, and his eyes track my throat with each swallow. Disturbed, I wipe my mouth and set the drink down.

“I’d like to do more projects with you in the future.” He steps even closer with bright eyes. “Maybe I’ll get a telescope named after me, too. I’ve supported you for a long time after all.”

My face pales and I fidget under his gaze. What the hell is he doing? His eyes dip down for a second, and I pale even more. I’m not fully hard, but any blood-flow lingering down there is from expecting Ari to show up. Not Jaimie.

“Of course we can do more projects in the future,” my voice comes out strained as I try to remain professional. Jaimie doesn’t relent, biting his lip suggestively and reaching for the buttons of his shirt.

“Why don’t we do one together right now?” he whispers, unfastening the buttons on his top.

I panic.

“Jaimie, enough, this isn’t– “

“Oh, please. Don’t tell me it's not professional, Knox. You can fuck Arius in here, but not me? What’s the matter with you?” he bites back, continuing to peel off his shirt. “Don’t you want this!”

Maybe Ari and I haven’t been as inconspicuous as we thought. Unsure what to do, I reach for Jaimie’s shirt and snatch it closed, but he battles me. At the same time, my office door swings open, and the Omega I’ve been waiting for stops in his tracks. Mid-argument, Jaimie and I freeze, turning toward Ari.

This looks bad. I know it does, but my hands remain paralyzed on Jaimie’s open shirt. I shove him away and march toward the door, but Ari is already slamming it in my face.

“Arius!” I bellow down the hallway after him. “Ari, wait! That wasn’t what it looked like!”

He doesn’t look back as he marches down the hall. Quickly, he enters the elevator, pushing the buttons with a heartbroken expression. At the last second, I catch the door, shoving my way inside before he can descend. With my speed and stature, I end up barreling into him, pinning him against the far wall as the elevator closes us in.

“Ari, please. Just listen,” I beg.

“Get off me, Knox,” he shoves at my chest. It does nothing, but I push myself off him anyway.

He slips out from under me, trying to press the elevator button to open the door. It doesn’t listen to him and begins descending.

“No! Dammit!” he pounds his fist on the door.

“There’s nothing between me and Jaimie,” I begin calmly after a beat of silence.

Ari tenses but doesn’t face me when he responds.

“Right. That’s why he was on stage with you while I was in the back drying dishes. I get it, Knox. He’s gorgeous. Have at him,” he shrugs, envy thick in his voice.

“I don’t want him like that. He came in unannounced. I told him no, but he wasn’t— “

My sloppy explanation falls flat as the elevator stutters to a halt. Ari and I glance up at the digital display. We’re paused on floor six, but the door doesn’t open, indicating that we must be trapped between two floors. Concerned, Arius approaches the buttons again, aiming for the first floor. He presses it repeatedly, mumbling pleas under his breath. The elevator does nothing.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he runs a stressed hand through his hair. “Does it do this often?” he finally turns around to face me in the tight space.

I rub a hand over the back of my neck and shrug uselessly. Ari scoffs and begins pacing in front of me, fists clenched at his sides.

“Great! Perfect! We’re stuck in here! You fucked up the door!”

I tilt my head and my eyebrows dip.

“Woah, I fucked up the door? What about you rage-pushing all the buttons?”

Angry eyes pin me in place.

“Don’t do this with me right now, Knox.”

I sigh in agitation, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“Okay, okay. Look, just press the emergency bell. Someone will get us out of here.”

“Oh, so now you want me to push buttons?” he lifts an eyebrow.

I glare at him and step forward to pull the red lever myself. A bell rings three times. We wait in silence for a few minutes. Eventually, noise from the speaker crackles.

“Is this the executive elevator in the North wing?” an operator comes through.

Leaning in, I push the button to speak.

“Yes. Yeah, we appear to be stuck near the sixth floor.”

“Copy that. We’re doing everything we can to get you out. Hang tight.”

“And how long is that going to take?”

“We’re working as quickly as possible.”

I sigh irritably. With that, all we can do is wait, and try to stay afloat above the tension drowning us. Swallowing nervously, I face Ari standing with his arms crossed.

“I never had sex with Jaimie. And I never will,” I declare honestly, wanting to squash this while we’re already stuck in a shitty situation. Arius looks skeptical, keeping his distance from me in the cramped box.

“Why were you taking his clothes off?” he asks quietly, voice breaking like it pains him to speak.

“I wasn’t. I was trying to put them back on.”

Ari gives me an unconvinced look and I huff.

“I know that sounds stupid, but it’s the truth, Arius. I think he’s just jealous of you. He knew we’d been messing around and wanted in on it,” I throw my hands up, laying out the truth. If he doesn’t believe me or trust me anymore, then there’s not much else I can do to convince him.

“Jealous? Of me?” Ari baffles like that’s impossible. “He has it all! He’s pretty, he has a job on the executive floor, and he has you!”

“No. He doesn’t have me. You do, Ari, and that’s exactly why he’s jealous.”

He looks puzzled by that but at least contemplates the truth of my words. I take the opportunity to step closer, tilting his chin up to look at me.

“You are pretty. You have access to my executive floor. You had me first and always will have me.”

The sadness and betrayal drain away from his eyes slowly as we hold one another’s gaze. He always had me and saying that out loud makes my heart ache at how true it is. I never got over him. I never forgot about him or moved on. All this time, all these years, I’ve still been waiting for Ari.

Chapter XV

How long could this possibly take?

Without a clock in the cramped space, it feels like we’ve been trapped for hours. I squirm irritably, sitting on the floor with my legs outstretched. Knox is sitting across from me; one knee bent upward as his eyes stay glued to my every move. He watches me. I tilt away in both submission and avoidance of those piercing eyes.

“You’re cold,” he states as I try to stop shivering.

“It’s the draft from the air vent,” I glare up at it on the ceiling adjacent to me.

“Come over here,” Knox offers, removing his suit jacket.

Before I can even decide for myself if I want to do that or not, my body listens obediently. I crawl across the elevator and sit beside Knox. He swiftly wraps his jacket around my shoulders and pulls me into his side with the heavy weight of his arm wrapped around me. A small sigh of relief escapes my lips from the additional body heat radiating off him.

After a minute, Knox heaves out a stressed puff of air, and I wait patiently for whatever has been festering in his mind during our entrapment.

“What about you and Brock?” he asks with a bitter edge to his deep voice.

“What about us?” I raise an eyebrow of confusion, though he can’t see my face.

“You know what I’m asking, Ari,” Knox grumbles, squeezing me tighter.

This time, I lift my head enough to face him when I respond.

“We’re coworkers, Knox. We work together.”

The Alpha scowls, possessiveness filling his gaze as his grip on me tightens to something almost painful. I haven’t seen him this close to losing control since we were kids. It should be scarier now that he’s much bigger and stronger, but I find myself shuddering against him inappropriately.

“Is that all you do together? I’ve seen him walk down to your wing.”

I groan with agitation, turning my head away, but Knox catches my chin and pulls me back, making my breath hitch. What is it about this Alpha that makes me so weak?

I open my mouth to respond, to tell him that at the end of the day Brock is a Beta and my anatomy just doesn’t crave him the same, but my eyes fall to Knox’s mouth and my cheeks burn hot. The scent of my slick fills the confined space, turned on by his assertiveness.

He knows. He fucking knows I only want him. What use is a conversation? It’s no secret what I came up to his office for.

A smug look of recognition fills his gaze and then his lips are on mine. It happens fast and greedy the way we latch onto each other, overdue for our daily wild sex. I swing my leg over to straddle his lap as his tongue pries its way into my mouth, sharing each ragged breath. It’s impossible to even pretend I could have feelings for anyone other than him. And he knows that.

“Knox!” I moan his name, tossing my head back as he sucks my jaw and neck in a way that I’m sure will leave bruises.

His hands pause from groping me to frantically undo the button and zipper on his dress pants. I watch impatiently, rocking against his clothed erection as it stiffens fast. Small gasps of appreciation escape my lips as I eat up the sight of his massive dick flopping free. There’s something so hot about the way he exceeds in everything. Brock doesn’t even compare.

Holy hell. How can one man be so perfect? A cock like that should be worshiped. Praised. To think that my teenage years could’ve been a hell of a lot more fun if we’d stuck together.

Taking it into my hand, I gently tug the warm weight of it, stroking slowly as it twitches and grows. While I play with it, Knox groans and feels me up, tangling his rough hand in the back of my hair as he kisses me with force. Eventually he frees my own hard-on. Once we’re both deviously exposed, I grind my hips forward to press our erections together. My eyes roll at the sensation and I move faster, chasing that wonderful friction that sends electric currents through my body.

“Such a good Omega. So fucking gorgeous,” Knox whispers against my skin as we rock together.

I moan into the small room as he wraps his large hands around us and begins jerking us in time with my thrusts. His leaking cock lubricates mine, pushing me to the edge.

“I’m gonna cum!” I cry out, unable to handle what a tantalizing Alpha he’s become. As much as I’ve been dying to take my time with him, sex hasn’t lasted longer than five minutes between us since we began fucking.

“Cum with me, Ari. Ready?” Knox says with a husky voice, stroking us faster and squeezing tighter.

“Ahh, fuck, Knox! I’m ready!”

“Look at me,” he demands and my eyelids shoot open.

Our lustful gazes merge sending me soaring on a wave of bliss as my orgasm surfaces. It feels so intimate and meant to be, and I can tell just by staring into his cognac diamond irises as he groans and shudders against me, that he feels the same. Shooting our loads, his hand continues to slide our mixed release over both our pulsing dicks, adding to the filthy pleasure.

It feels too good to stop. Too good to silence our shuddering moans or care about the camera in the corner.

Once our heartbeats slow to a less urgent rhythm, we use Knox’s jacket to clean the mess between us, leaving him in just a crisp, white top. I bite my lip, trying not to ogle his broad chest as we situate ourselves. Of course, he catches me and smirks while zipping up his pants.

“Remember when we were twelve,” Knox rumbles, sounding a bit tired after the amount of energy that grinding session drew from us, “and you had those black shorts with the white stripes on the side.”

I stand, attempting to situate my hair and clothes by using my blurry reflection in the silver wall of the elevator.

“Yeah. I think I remember. What about them?”

Knox comes up behind me, pressing against my back and wrapping his arms around my waist.

“They were so short. It was the first time I’d really seen your legs, and...you looked hot in them, but I didn’t know how to handle those feelings at the time,” he confesses and my heart warms.

“Well, you must’ve bottled them up tightly. I would’ve never guessed,” I mutter, not remembering Knox’s reaction from a single time that I wore those shorts. He’s always been respectful of me as an Omega. I raised him well.

“Have you ever had feelings like that? For me, I mean?”

I tilt my head back on his shoulder, cozy in his embrace while I try to think. There was one time I’d watched him and our old friend Chet playing catch in the yard with their shirts off. The way Knox’s biceps contracted and relaxed, rippling with new muscles of a developing Alpha. I began to squirm in the grass, and a sensation of wetness began to form around my hole. I assumed it was more about my own growing body rather than who caused it, but looking back, I can see how Knox may have triggered my Omega senses.

“I remember– “ just as I try to respond, the elevator makes a loud noise and jolts.

“Holy fuck,” Knox comments, staring around in confusion.

We split apart and the elevator jostles again, dropping us a few feet lower. I gasp, clutching Knox’s arm until there’s a beep drawing our attention to the digital display which now says five. Concerned, we both stare at the door, hearts hammering when it begins to slide open. I swallow, unready to step out of the intimate moment we shared.

The last thing I expect to see is a crowd of people waiting in front of us. Not just mechanics, but also receptionists, assistants, security guards, and worst of all, news cameras.

Oh, no– Not the worst of all. That would actually be Jaimie barging through the crowd, eyes blown wide as he assesses the disheveled state we’re in. Hickeys, flushed cheeks, messy hair, haphazard clothes. It’s obvious what we’d been up to in there.

Embarrassment floods my entire soul.

Without thinking, I smash the button for the ground floor, even as mechanics try to cheer that we’ve finally been rescued and apologize to Knox for the long wait. Ignoring their stunned gazes and flashing cameras, I let the door fall shut again.

Knox and I are silent as we descend. I’m not sure what his plan is, but mine is to run for the nearest exit and never look back. This is horrible for both our careers. Knox’s more than mine. I wince at the thought, bravely stealing a glance at his tense expression. Is he mad at me?

Quickly, he slides his phone from his pocket and rapid-fire taps at the screen before tucking it away. I’m a little irritated that he had that on him the whole time, but I suppose it wouldn’t have been much help. The elevator beeps for the first floor and I take a deep breath knowing we won’t have escaped the nosey crowd.

“Hold on to my arm and don’t let go or stop for anyone,” Knox commands.

I nod, accepting his strong forearm as the door slides open again. Cameras blind us, capturing the shame on my face. Knox pummels through the group, pulling me along behind him as I try to shield my eyes with my free arm. I can picture the tabloid covers already. He leads me through a door, pestering questions hot on our trail. Astronomers and scientists stare, disturbed by the loud disruption. We’re so getting fired.

I’m relieved when Knox finally bursts through an exit, guiding me outside. We hurry down the steps, ignoring the lewd remarks following us. Part of me simmers with anger, disgusted that they think less of an Alpha and Omega for having feelings for each other.

Tears burn my eyes as Knox helps me into the waiting backseat of a black luxury sedan. Without a word, a valet swiftly closes the door on us, and the driver peels off. I break the silence with a sniffle and then I’m being enveloped in strong arms. Knox holds me tight as I break down, petting my hair which I’m sure is disastrous.

“I’m sorry,” my voice cracks.

“Shh. It’s not your fault,” Knox whispers.

The baritone of his voice vibrates my cheek where it rests on his chest.

“You’re going to lose your job!” I sob against him.

“We’ll be okay.”

Knox grabs my jaw, pulling me up for a deep kiss. I don’t understand how he’s okay with everything. I might’ve just jeopardized his whole career. At least he belonged at Comet XI, unlike me. No wonder Omegas aren’t allowed anywhere. Clearly, we just get in the way.

“Stop it,” Knox demands, making my skin shiver.

I gaze into his intense eyes before tilting my neck in submission. He’s right. I shouldn’t be self-loathing. We fucked up and that’s that. We need to accept the consequences.

Knox’s phone rings in his pocket, buzzing against my thigh. I lean back, but he tugs me forward, ignoring the call. I’m not sure if it’s because he wants me close, or because he’s avoiding whatever trouble we’ve gotten ourselves into.

A few minutes later, we arrive at the gate of a fancy brick house across a perfectly cropped lawn. Knowing Knox, I can only assume he saved the mega mansion for his parents and settled in this humble yet extravagant home for himself. He climbs out first, taking my hand to guide me out. Chivalry is alive and well where this Alpha is concerned.

He leads the way inside, and I’m immediately comforted by his surrounding scent. It’s everywhere, hugging me like a cover to a book, fiercely protecting me in an embrace.

“This is nice,” I comment, observing the classy decoration style. It’s very masculine with an undertone of softness that makes it feel welcoming. A stark contrast to being shunned out of the place that was a second home to us.

Chapter XVI

Keeping it together, I guide Arius upstairs so he can rest. I don’t think he even realizes how outwardly he’s panicking. He stays as close to me as possible, bumping into my side every so often as I lead him through the house. I notice he snagged a decorative throw pillow from my couch, but I don’t comment on it. Possessively, I bring him to my bedroom instead of the guest room, to which he doesn’t contest either.

“Make yourself at home. I’m going to let the chef know you’re here and… I suppose, I should at least contact my assistant. I’ll be up in a minute, okay? Just get some rest,” I cup his chin in my hand. The pads of my fingers tingle where they touch his skin.

Ari nods lightly, distress and conflict clear on his face. Pressing a gentle kiss to the corner of his mouth, I turn and head out. Time to rip the bandage off.

After leaving the kitchen, I pace the windows in the main room, watching the gardeners do their work in the distance. With a deep breath, I call my assistant, Gomez.

“This is bad, Mr. Beckett. Really bad,” he answers with immediate worry.

“I know. I’m thinking of taking a vacation until this blows over,” I brainstorm, trying to decide what would be best, but Gomez makes a noise of disagreement.

“I don’t think they’ll let this go so easily. The story is already being spun in absurd directions.”

“Then what are you suggesting we do?”

“Distraction,” he pauses, allowing me to absorb the word. “Find something even more monumental that will shift everyone’s focus.”

“That sounds like adding fuel to fire, Gomez,” I frown.

“I’m not talking about another scandal. I’m here with a Senior Director of Bioengineering. She has a huge project that requires testing on a healthy Alpha and Omega. I can’t give you too many details over the phone, but it’s going to shake the whole world if it works. I told her the two of you might be ideal candidates.”

Bioengineering… I’m not sure I want to be a test subject for that, but I’m intrigued.

“We’ll discuss it in a few days. Thank you, Gomez.”

“Of course, Mr. Beckett.”

Hanging up, I hurry back to my room.

I swing open the door expecting to see Arius in my bed where the Alpha in me would like to see him. Instead, he’s in the corner of the room, away from the windows, frantically shuffling about. I take a few curious steps inside, spying on what he’s up to. The throw pillow, along with many other blankets, cushions, and fabrics are bundled up in the corner. I think I see my shower curtain in the mix.

Ari perfects each and every piece like they have a specific place in his vision. I take a step back with burning cheeks when I realize what he’s doing. Clearing my throat, he pauses and whips around. I suppose, I did tell him to make himself at home.

Assuming my presence will put him into further distress, I open my mouth to tell him that I’ll leave, but he doesn’t fret at all. He walks up to me with determination, and his hands latch onto my shirt.

“I need this,” he whispers, looking hungry for the fresh white article.

“Uh… Sure,” I avert my eyes from his nest but remove the fabric, leaving myself in a white tank. “Do whatever you need to do. You’re safe here.” I hand him the shirt and turn to leave, but he grabs my arm to stop me.

“Wait! Don’t go! Stay here with me, please,” Arius begs, clutching my shirt to himself tightly.

“You’re nesting, Ari,” I mutter awkwardly, still avoiding eye-contact with his private space.

He looks at me like I’m crazy. Like this is perfectly normal.

“Knox, I… I’ve always nested with your scent,” he confesses with a flustered expression, making my heart race.

“Y-you have? Always?” I ask in bafflement. We’ve been apart for years. How could my scent still bring him any comfort? How could it be anything more than a painful reminder of the distance between us?

“Well, y-yeah. You were always there for me growing up. Alway protecting me. My body recognizes that,” he shrugs with flaming cheeks, taking a deep inhale of my shirt collar.

My mind flashes with images of all the hoodies, blankets, and hats I’ve lent him over the years of our childhood. I thought I was just looking out for him as an Alpha should. Making sure he was warm enough, and comfortable. I didn’t realize I was imprinting on him all that time. Ari flinches when I growl, but it was a noise of satisfaction rather than anger.

Picking him up, he squeals in surprise as I march to the nest with him. Since my scent doesn’t bother him, I get cozy beside him in the warm, soft pile of textures. With a groan of relief, Ari smothers me, rubbing himself against my body like a cat. I revel in it, arms wrapping around him to keep him as close as possible.

“Take these off,” he whispers with desperation, tugging at my remaining clothes.

“Barking out orders now, Omega?” I chuckle but happily obey.

We both shimmy out of our clothes, adding them to the pile. Ari swings his leg over my waist in the manner he’s accustomed to by now. My entire body quivers at each spot where our skin touches as he drapes himself over me like a blanket and my perverse hands travel to his ass.

“Is this okay?” I mutter against his ear.

I know, our hard cocks are sliding together, begging for more friction, but nesting is a very sensitive thing. He might be pining for closeness but that doesn’t mean he’s pining for sex. Arius whimpers in response, mouth latching onto my neck. I groan as he nips and kisses along my jaw and collar bone.

One of my hands comes up to the back of his head, getting tangled in his wavy hair. My hips grind upward, chasing what my body wants. I hear a gush and then warm slick rains down on my cock, making me hiss and shudder.

“Oh, fuck, Ari,” I breathe out the words with wavering restraint.

He moans, face red as he shuffles against me until my tip pokes his hole. Breathing heavily, I put my hands on his hips and grip him hard to stop him. With a huff of greed, his heavy-lidded eyes peer down at me in confusion.

I feel a dangerous tingle in the base of my cock. My pheromones seep out of my skin, filling the room with the potent scent of my arousal. I’m going into a rut. If I fuck him, I’ll knot him, but he’s not in heat right now to match my libido.

I try to sit up, but Arius shoves me back down.

“Ari, my ruts are dangerous,” I warn him, voice husky with aggressive lust. “I could hurt you. I need to get out.”

“Knox,” he hushes me, still trying to rock back against my wet erection. “Let me help you through it.”

“I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t,” he smiles softly. “It’s not in your blood to hurt me.”

Tense with panic, I hold his gaze for a moment. He’s not scared at all. I don’t know how, but he trusts me more than I trust myself. Yes, I’ve always protected him, but only when I was in control of my strength and my aggression.

Ari moves fast, leaning down to capture my lips before I can protest. A wave of need and obsession crashes through me, and I growl into his mouth. My chest erupts with feelings for him that might’ve always been there but are only now surfacing. Still gripping him tight, I roll us around so that he’s on his back and I’m looming above him.

“Mine,” I nip at his neck, and he moans blissfully.

“Fuck me, Alpha.”

His hands wrap around my neck as I devour him. My arms shake as I hold myself up, still fighting against my intense desire to pound him into the floor. I squeeze my eyes shut and let out a trembling breath, swaying through the intensity. I just want him to have a chance to say no. To leave if it’s too much.

I’ve already fucked up once letting him get away, I can’t miss my second chance at having him in my life.

He doesn’t retract his consent. Instead, Arius trails his fingers along my biceps.

“You’re okay, baby. You’re not hurting me,” he comforts me gently. “I want you to have this. To have me. Nobody else could ever– “

My eyes shoot open, pupils dilating with need as I cut him off with a grunt.

“Mine!” I bite his jaw instinctively, a little harder than I meant to. He gasps but doesn’t shove me away. He can’t say things like that to me. Such pretty words from such pretty lips.

“Yours, baby,” he rasps, fingers gripping my hair while I kiss the indents of my teeth in his skin. “Go ahead, Knox. Let me take care of you. I don’t want you to have this with any other Omega. Ever.”

His legs open, inviting me between them. Claiming what’s mine, I let my cock find his hot, soaked hole and pop the head inside with a low grunt. Tears prickle in the corners of my eyes as my composure wavers. The euphoria encompassing the sensitive tip of my dick is too much.

“There you go,” Ari continues talking me through it, rubbing my arms and shoulders.

His reassurances don’t stop me from trying to hold back, sucking in a sharp breath between my clenched teeth. I don’t want to take advantage of him. This Omega that I’ve been so devoted to protecting because he’s perfect and I’ll never find another like him. I don’t want to let my Alpha instincts take over and ruin this, but my dick is in paradise.

“I’m going to knot you, Ari,” I try to say it as a warning, but it comes out sounding like a threat.

His hands come up to my face, lifting my head to make me look at him.

“Knot me then.” The lazy smile on his lips confuses me. Is he in some sort of Omega trance?

“That can’t be what you want,” my voice is almost too deep and raspy to hear.

“You’re already inside me, Alpha.”

“That doesn’t mean– “

“Might I remind you that I’m an Omega, Knox. I’m designed to handle it. Are you going to make me beg for your knot or are you going to give it to me?”

“Fuck,” I shudder again.

My hips move on their own, letting me sink deeper inside him. The pleasure is heightened, allowing me to feel more sensations than when we usually have sex. I pant and groan above him, falling apart with each increasing thrust. My vision is blurred by tears of bliss as I lose my composure.

“Fuck, Ari,” I pin his wrists above his head and slam into him.

He sucks in a breath, bracing for the force of my rut.

“Knox!” my name comes out as a moan from deep down.

My brain forgets anything that isn’t him. The way he sounds moaning my name, and the way he looks as I fuck him in his nest. Cheeks pink, mouth open, eyes glossy with contentment. His passionate gaze meets mine. We stare at each other intimately as my sex-drive peaks.

My cock pulses, but I’m not done playing with him yet. I slide out suddenly, and Ari complains. Hearing none of it, I kiss him hard on the lips and then make a trail of hickeys down his body. Kissing and sucking while he squirms, I taste every twitch and quiver on my tongue with his floral, salty flavor.

He thrashes harder as I reach his most sensitive areas down below. Hands on my shoulders, Ari cries out as I slurp him down fast and greedy. Legs in the air, head thrown back, he moans loudly for me as if he could never get enough. With rhythm, I suck his dick and lap my tongue around his smooth balls, driving him wild.

He cums with my name on his tongue, and I lick up every drop of his hot release, some of it spewing across my face, marking me as his in a way.

Mine.

Chest heaving, Ari mumbles unintelligible words while squirming on the blanket pile. I flip him over, letting him collapse on the pillows while I hoist his waist up. As much as I want to stare into his eyes, this will be the best position for…well, for breeding. That’s why knots exist after all. But it will also be the most comfortable for him to take it.

Dazed and enamored by the submissive sight of him, my chest rumbles with satisfaction as I slide back in where I belong. Ari’s pink rim stretches around me tightly, but he takes it well. I mount him like a steed, anatomy taking over as I pound into him. The overwhelming pleasure drives me to buck harder and faster. I want to be as deep inside him as possible. I want to be the only Alpha ever inside of him.

“I want you pregnant,” I unintentionally admit out loud through gritted teeth.

“What?” Ari gasps.

An irrational, unwelcome thought crosses my mind about finding his suppressants and getting rid of the damn things, but I know it’s only my hormones talking. I would never do that to Ari.

I support heat suppressants. I do. I really do. But…maybe not right this second when every cell in my body is aching to impregnant something.

“You’re mine,” I punctuate my words with deep thrusts, making Ari moan.

“Knox…”

“Arius… Fuck, Ari. You’re mine and I want you pregnant!”

He responds with a whimper, biting the pillows as I lean over him and nibble at his neck and shoulders. I know he has to take suppressants because of his job at Comet XI, but ruts know no bounds. There’s always still a possibility of pregnancy. The base of my cock swells, making me grunt as my developing orgasm soars to overwhelming heights.

“Oh, you feel so good,” my grunted words slur together as I plant my cock deep inside him and roll my hips.

“Put your knot in me!” Ari mutters, holding on for dear life.

“Fuck, Ari. I’m so close.”

“Cum inside me! Knot me, Alpha!”

I interlock my fingers with his and let my orgasm crash through me with a long, wavering groan. My knot expands, and Arius shouts through a second climax from the pressure. Locked together, I feel every tremble from his body as I fill him to his limits. I see stars as the waves of otherworldly sensations never end. Ari’s moans are all I can hear. He’s all I can see. All I can feel. My everything.

Hands still locked in his, I collapse over him with a satiated huff. My body buzzes with exhaustion, needing a recharge after expelling so much energy. Ari hums softly. A noise of satisfaction as his hole adapts to my knot, keeping us so intimately close.

“I didn’t hurt you?” I mumble after a few minutes of steady breathing in the silence of the room.

“No, Knox.” Ari reaches back with hand to grip my hair affectionately. “You make me feel so good. The only thing that would hurt is if you left.”

Tucking my head against his neck, I relax on top of him. My lips press softly against his skin when I speak.

“I want you to be mine, Ari. I’ve never wanted anyone else. Even when you were gone, you never left my mind.”

He squeezes my hand. Too exhausted to move much.

“I’m yours.”

“Ari,” I call out from the entryway of my closet while buttoning up my shirt. Cooped up in the nest for the third day in a row, he doesn’t move a muscle. He responds with a muffled groan, nuzzling deeper into the fabrics like a mole.

With a sigh, I cross the room and crack a window. It’s getting musty in here. We need fresh air. We need to stretch and see the sun again. Ari doesn’t seem to think so, lifting his messy head with clear agitation.

“Come on. Shower and then we’ll get breakfast.”

“I don’t want to,” he pouts with a sleepy rasp to his voice. “Everyone’s going to be mad at us,” Ari whines but slowly wiggles until he’s sitting up.

With a smirk, I approach him and ruffle his tangled hair. He looks good with my bruises all over his neck. He’d look even better with my bite.

“You’ll feel better after you rinse off and put your lab coat back on, and then we’re marching back into Comet XI with our heads up. Gomez has a plan for us to take everyone's mind off the elevator incident.”

“You were the one in rut, mister. Won’t you be upset if I wash away your scent this soon?” He stands up, wrapped in blankets as he shuffles to the bathroom. I hold his gaze as I situate my necktie.

“You’re going to use my body wash, and my hair wash, and my towels, and my comb. Then, you’re going to leave here wearing my clothes with my arm wrapped around you. I’m not worried about it.”

Ari smiles beautifully and heads for the shower. My own grin is cemented on my face as I finish getting ready. I like that we have each other again.

Chapter XVII

“Wait, where are we going?” I ask Knox as he speed-walks through the halls. We made it past the paparazzi and through the crowd of bustling scientists on the main floors. Now, we’re in a more secluded section of Comet XI, reserved for higher-ups and top-secret projects. Nowhere near the TIS department in which I’m supposed to be working.

“I already told you, remember?” Knox squeezes my hand, dragging me along with his long strides. I don’t think he realizes how sore he made me. Three days of being folded like a pretzel has fucked up my skeletal structure.

“Knox, I don’t remember anything other than you wrecking me with your big, hard– “

“Mr. Beckett! You’re back!”

My eyes bulge as Knox’s assistant startles us. I’m sure he heard what I’d just said but he thankfully ignores it.

“Gomez. Things are tense. Tell me you have a plan,” Knox greets him professionally.

“We’ve got something huge, Mr. Beckett.”

Gomez scans his badge, leading us into a sterile laboratory with ceilings as high as the sky. The ventilated air is so pure it hurts to breathe. He guides us along a platform with yellow rails, and we pause in front of two intricate machines that look like a mix between a hospital bed and a spaceship. I would’ve thought they were recovered UFOs if it weren’t for the Comet XI logo printed on the side of each one.

An Alpha wearing a lab coat and safety glasses announces herself with the click of short heels against the concrete floor. She stops in front of us with calculated grace in each movement.

“I’m Dr. Ritza, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Beckett.”

She extends a hand to Knox while I tilt my head down and huddle behind him. I feel like I shouldn’t be here. This is no place for an Omega.

“It’s a pleasure to officially meet you as well. I’ve heard a lot about your work in bioengineering. This is my partner, Arius. He innovated the three-three-four telescope model from TIS.”

Knox’s hand lands on my lower back, lightly shoving me into the conversation. I blush at his description of me. Partner? Partner could mean anything. Did he mean work partner? Or partner partner? We never talked about making our relationship public.

Dr. Ritza observes me as if she just now noticed that I’m standing here. Surprisingly, I don’t see judgement in her sharp gaze. I see intrigue. I see someone looking upon me as if I’m the next piece of their puzzle.

“Perfect,” she mutters before tapping away vigorously on a tablet in her hands.

“P-perfect?” I question her, glancing at Knox briefly, but he looks just as confused.

“The both of you. Sit. Let's check your vitals,” Dr. Ritza strolls down a ramp and stops near two stools beside a counter covered with sterile medical supplies. Knox and I follow, unsure what’s happening as we sit side by side.

“What exactly is it you’re working on?” Knox asks while Dr. Ritza fumbles with things on the counter.

“To put it shortly, we have a new device that will use the electromagnetic waves in your brain and connect them to compatible wavelengths billions of lightyears away, therefore allowing you to see, or at least feel outer space without physically being there.”

Knox and I gawk at her words while she casually attaches blood pressure cuffs to both of us. That can’t be possible. All we need is a simple distraction to diverge everyone’s minds away from me and Knox hooking up in the elevator. We don’t need to alter our brain waves to do that.

Knox breaks away from my gaze to glare at Gomez. He’s probably thinking the same thing I am. This is too much for one measly little scandal. Gomez shrugs, shrinking back as Knox and I struggle to pick up our jaws from the floor.

“I’m sorry, you’re sending us to outer space? Without a spaceship?” Knox asks for confirmation while Dr. Ritza continues checking our vitals.

“Yes… If it works.”

“I told you this would be monumental,” Gomez defends himself.

“This sounds dangerous,” I comment, heart rate picking up at the thought of something going wrong.

“It is,” the Alpha admits, “But the chances of it working are admittedly slim. This will only be the first official run.”

“Why us?” Knox whispers, grasping the weight of this project.

“You’re a healthy, knowledgeable Alpha and you have a healthy, compatible Omega. You’re also the same age with similar upbringings. The brain chemistry between the two of you will be useful, and your shared knowledge of outer space will allow you both to come back with information that could reshape history as we know it. Though, I’ll warn you that you might have different experiences. An Omega’s brain waves function on a slightly different part of the spectrum than an Alpha’s.”

My body shivers, perturbed by how much she knows about us and our chemistry. I guess she saw the tabloids. Insecurely, I rub my neck where I hadn’t even considered hiding Knox’s bite marks. Something tells me he had planned for that. Dr. Ritza draws our blood before inserting each vial in an advanced machine.

“That will do for now,” she says, dismissing us and strolling away.

Two days later, we’re back early in the morning. She has us change into plain orange outfits, safety goggles, and head pieces that feel priceless with intricate wires, sensors, and buttons digging into my temple.

I breathe deeply as I meet Knox inside of a floor-to-ceiling cylindrical glass chamber where we’ll be tested for compatibility with the space machinery. The spacecraft beds are officially titled Quantum Force Transfer Stations. They lie intimidatingly in the center of the room, being prepped for our journey. Standing in place beside me in the wide tube, Knox reaches for my hand.

“We don’t have to do this. We can step out any time,” he whispers as Dr. Ritza and her assistant fumble with a control panel on a platform below us. The glass door to the cylinder slides shut, sealing us in with a puff of crisp air. The entire thing is clear glass, but it still feels intimately private.

“It’s not just about covering the scandal anymore. I’m too curious to step out. We could go to space, Knox…together. That sounds like a dream.”

“It does. Do you actually think it’ll work?” he stares straight ahead, careful not to disturb the delicate electronics on his temple by moving too much. I do the same, swallowing down queasy excitement in my gut about our random circumstances.

“I don’t know, but to even just feel a part of outer space would be amazing. I’m going to pay attention to any star forms and dust clusters. Really try to gouge the structure of the universe beyond.”

Knox’s handsome reflection smiles in the cylinder wall. He squeezes my hand before dropping it as we brace for the tests to begin. 

“Alright,” Dr. Ritza grabs our attention through the headset speakers. “The first test is visual. You’re going to see flashes in the corner of each eye. All you have to do is follow them with your peripherals, and the headset should pick up on it.”

“Got it,” I reply sharply, desperate to prove that Omegas deserve to be in these positions. Studying the unknown alongside Alphas and Betas.

Not much happens. My vision blurs and I become hyper focused on the mission at hand. My forehead sweats beneath the expensive headset device because I’m anxious of possibly messing up and not seeing the flashes. But then they begin and I smoothly do as she instructed.

It goes on for a few minutes. Left, right, upper left, lower right. Each little flash is like a star, sparkling with hidden mysteries of the boundless universe. My eyes follow like they can catch them and unveil their secrets.

Then it stops. I blink a few times and I’m back to staring at Dr. Ritza’s stern gaze beyond the cylinder. The migraine that follows makes me scrunch my face with pain. I groan through my teeth but force my eyes open to glance at Knox’s reflection. He appears unfazed as he comes back to awareness.

“It’s alright, Arius,” Dr. Ritza’s voice is calm in my ear. “You focused your vision a little sooner than you were supposed to. A common danger response for Omegas. That’s all. The headache should subside shortly.”

I take some deep breaths and let the wave of pain pass. This is good. This is important for science. At least everything worked as it should. Dr. Ritza looks pleased with whatever results are displayed on her fancy tablet. If all I have to suffer is a headache, I’d say that’s worth it to see the stars from galaxies away and potentially discover something new.

Dr. Ritza keeps us contained in the cylinder for a long time, but I hardly notice because I’m so fascinated with this whole process. She runs many lucrative tests on our vision, hearing, memory, and reflexes. By the time we’re done and stepping out of the cylinder, my stomach rumbles, but not as loud as Knox’s. Despite the two of us being side by side for the last few hours, I plaster myself against him with a sigh of relief. I feel like I can move freely now that we’re done with the priceless head pieces.

“How was it for you?” I ask Knox as an assistant guides us to a lounge where we can eat.

“Good. I didn’t feel a thing, but I was more worried about you than me anyway. Is your head better?”

“Yeah. It was a brief ache, but it went away like she said it would.”

We enter a fancy, beige seating area with modern plant decorations and a minimalist design. Relaxing together on a sofa, we wait for food to arrive. Instead, Gomez reaches us first with newfound enthusiasm.

“It’s working!” he announces in a singsong tone.

“What is? The quantum force transfer stations?” I perk up, but Gomez shakes his head and taps the screen of his work phone.

“The distraction!” he explains before flipping the screen around to show us a magazine cover displaying a picture of Knox and me in the cylinder. Knox leans forward, reading it carefully with his eyebrows drawn together.

“The first compatible Alpha and Omega to reach the stars,” he mumbles the caption before glancing up, “So, everyone will think that it was all for science?”

“That’s right,” Gomez declares proudly. “The public will believe that the chemistry between you two was necessary all along for this project to work! Which isn’t entirely a lie.”

“Gomez, you’re a genius!” I cheer along with him.

This is great news. The scandal is practically water under the bridge, and we still get to be a part of an amazing project. But when I glance at Knox again, he isn’t smiling with me.

“Thank you, Gomez,” he dismisses his assistant. As he retreats, I continue staring at Knox until he explains why he’s upset. It doesn’t take long for him to sigh through his nose and confess.

“This isn’t just for science. I don’t like hiding the fact that you’re mine.”

My stomach flutters at the declaration.

“Drama doesn’t stay hot forever. Everyone will mellow out eventually. Maybe once people get used to seeing me around you, they won’t glance twice once we…make things official.”

We’ve never discussed what we mean to each other after our raging pheromones subsided, but I’m pretty sure the answer is the same for the both of us.

Everything.

Knox means everything to me. But mating is a big commitment. One that could cost him his status and his job due to the outrage from others. It’s unheard of for such a prolific Alpha to settle with a defiant Omega nobody. Especially one who has already earned a bad reputation.

The door to the lounge slides open. I’m slightly surprised, and very unhappy to see Jaimie stroll in with the food cart. His jaw is set tight, eyeing me like a cobra while remaining professional. I stare him down while he settles platters of food in front of us, but a firm squeeze on my thigh draws my attention. I glance at Knox, finding his eyes still on me and his hand possessively on my leg.

Jaimie pretends not to notice and makes a swift exit.

“Whether others know it or not, we’re together now,” Knox mutters.

A laugh escapes my throat.

“Are you asking or telling?”

Knox wraps his arms around me and places firm kisses on my mouth.

“Telling. You’re mine.

I press our foreheads together, basking in his Alpha scent for a minute until my stomach twists painfully. We need to eat something. Leaning away from each other, we observe the food. Immediately, I frown.

“The hell is this?” I grimace at the mushy, gray muck with steam rising from it. It hardly looks edible.

“Space food with necessary proteins and calories to keep us healthy for the transfer beds. It’s not as bad as it looks,” Knox explains, lifting a spoonful to my mouth. “I tried it back at BOW camp.”

I blow on it, expression timid as I accept the smallest nibble. Chewing thoughtfully, it’s bland as hell as I swallow it down, but my stomach allows it. My appetite has been a little weird since Dr. Ritza told me to quit my suppressants cold turkey. I can’t be on them for the project. And I’m already feeling the effects because I haven’t actually taken them for days due to the elevator incident.

They’re in my dorm room and I’ve been staying at Knox’s house since the scandal.

He helps himself to the rest of the muck on the spoon before bringing another scoop to my lips.

“How long did she say we’d be on the beds for?” I ask, letting him continue feeding us both.

“Three to four weeks, but for us, it will feel like thirty minutes or so.”

“I hope it works…and that the side effects are minimal.”

We eat a few more bites in silence before Knox puts the spoon down and grips my chin firmly.

“What is it?” he reads my expression like a book, and I cave instantly with a sigh.

Now that we’re together again, our past has been haunting me. For seven years, I shut down any thoughts of Knox, letting the world convince me that I needed to straighten up and behave like a proper Omega. Now, it’s like I’m undoing everything I was taught. It’s a mindfuck.

“The last time I saw you, Knox…you were going to BOW camp, and I couldn’t go because I’m an Omega. Space equipment isn’t built for Omegas.”

“Well, it is now. This is different,” Knox guides his hand along my cheek. “Dr. Ritza knows what she’s doing. And she knows what’s on the line if you get hurt. We’re going to space, and then we’re coming right back down to earth. That’s it. In and out. Realistically, we probably won’t see anything anyway. Technology like this still has a far way to go, but let’s just be happy we’re doing it together.”

Chapter XVIII

“Mr. Beckett,” I turn my head carefully to face the head of Comet XI’s board of directors, Alejandro Del Muendo. The man who saw my potential as a young, aspiring engineer and gave me a chance. The pride in his eyes means the world to me as I lie on the Quantum Force Transfer Station, hooked up to it like a car battery. Arius is strapped into the one beside me, being photographed for documentation and media coverage. “See you on the other side,” Mr. Muendo salutes me.

I nod as best as I can with the contraption on my head. The number of supporters who showed up for this makes me wonder if it’ll actually work. I might mentally be in outer space soon. Whatever the hell that will be like.

The room is swarmed with scientists and assistants who have been preparing for this for years. Nobody is allowed onto the platforms with the beds, but I see them all in my peripherals, observing the project. It’s a little intimidating, but I’m comforted to see Gomez among them.

Dr. Ritza said that the first thing we should do when we come back, whether it works or not, is look for a familiar face. That will allow our memory to adapt after such an accelerated journey to another timeline. With Ari in this beside me, I figured Gomez would be my anchor.

Behind the quiet chatter, I only hear my heartbeat on a nearby monitor and my heavy breaths. This has certainly distracted me from the scandal, so I can only imagine everyone else feels the same. I’d doubted this project every step of the way, but now that I’m lying here, I’m starting to feel the gravity of it.

“Knox.”

My name sounds fuzzy, projected over the noise in the room. I stare up at the high ceiling, knowing there is only one person in here who calls me by my first name.

“Ari,” I reply.

People around hush so we can communicate.

“Are you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine. Excited.”

“Nervous?” Even from over there he can tell. I suck in a breath and let it go with a dry chuckle.

“Yeah. But I’m ready. We’ve got this.”

I wish I could hold his hand. I wonder if we’ll be together in space, our minds on the same wavelength. That would be beautiful if we could experience this together, but it might be different for the both of us. That’s why the test requires an Alpha and an Omega. Dr. Ritza will be able to assess the similarities and differences of what our brains capture while we’re under the control of the transfer station.

A speaker crackles, and many scientists move into their respective positions. My mom and dad are somewhere in a room up above, observing through a window with Ari’s parents. I know that if anything goes wrong or we show signs of distress, our mothers will shut this place down in a heartbeat.

“Alright. Testing focal lenses and ocular neuron receptors,” Dr. Ritza announces.

The bed I’m hooked up to makes a whirring noise like a computer waking up.

“Subjects, engage frequency discs.”

I pull a lever near my left hand. The machine beneath me makes promising noises, as does Ari’s.

“Closing cover slides.”

A glass dome the size of a biker helmet encloses my head with all the mechanics. My eyes follow the darting lines of the translucent screen as it scans my retinas and reads my brain functions. So far so good. The green checkmarks of stability calm my racing heart.

The transfer bed clicks and shifts, growing louder by the minute. We were warned that it can take a few hours to start up and prepare for a successful launch. Dr. Ritza’s voice is now in my ear coming through the small speaker that was inserted.

“Vision checks cleared. Subjects, brace for phase one.”

I try to relax and follow the procedure. I’m hardly worried about myself, but I hope Ari is doing alright. This is intense.

I keep my eyes open, locking them on the glass shield, letting the machine do what it needs to find a compatible electromagnetic signal from space to connect with the neurons in my brain. My back itches from sweat pooling between myself and the cold metal of the bed.

Cushions would’ve been nice. I let my brain focus on the discomfort to distract me from the fear of fucking with my brain waves. Dr. Ritza is convinced that nothing can harm us, and that if something doesn’t work or goes wrong, then the machine will simply fail. I’ll just wake up having gone nowhere.

Nothing else happens for so long that I wonder if this is it. It didn’t work. I’m sure as hell not in space. The sterile, concrete scent of the lab still fills my nose. I don’t think more than an hour has passed. I’m just lying on the transfer bed while machinery hums to life around me.

And then I feel it. Like a sedative seeping into my veins. My brain disconnects from my body, still aware, but no longer focused on my physical form. My fingertips twitch and my hearing takes on a low hum.

I don’t know when Dr. Ritza’s voice stopped coming through, but it’s notably absent now. My vision tingles and blurs, never focusing on anything in front of me. I feel lucid. Floating someplace dreamlike between sleep and awake. Did I fall asleep?

This is pretty much what I expected. A numb, tingling sensation accompanied by an insistent hum. My thoughts become simplified and I can’t seem to focus on one thing for too long.

“Arius…” I find myself muttering his name in a whisper far too quiet for anyone else to hear.

I feel like I’m floating, far and fast. Everything is dark, but I can feel something. Harsh coldness. And then burning hot. Torturous temperature changes until things begin to level out and I feel like I’ve crossed a threshold.

If I had to guess, I’d say it’s a new layer of space. Beyond our atmosphere. Beyond our world. I still can’t see, but I can feel it. It’s remarkable. I’m… I’m there. The wavelength. My brain and outer space are traveling parallel on the same plane.

No fucking way.

With my feelings and emotions heightened, I’m drenched with overwhelming excitement. So much that I begin hearing beeping that sounds out of place. I vaguely recognize it as a heart monitor, but my brain refuses to make sense of it. Refuses to remember why I hear a heart monitor. Then it stops. The sound is swiftly blocked. Now it’s just me and the hum again.

Remembering my mission, I try to open my watery eyes, but I don’t think they’re closed. I’m just somewhere impossibly dark. I try desperately to focus on anything through my tears of overwhelmed joy. After many failed attempts, I force myself to relax and just concentrate on what I feel. Peaceful. Cold. Something grainy.

Yes, that’s interesting. What is that? A grainy texture in outer space. Dust? Rocks? I have zero concept of size. It could either be a handful of something or surrounding me entirely.

I focus on it for as long as I can, but then my brain gets sucked into a vacuum.

At least, that’s what it feels like. If I were capable, I would be screaming and thrashing at the awful sensation. Begging for it to stop. I see flashes in my vision, and I allow my eyes to focus on them. I feel compelled to pay attention to them as if I’ve done this before. As if they’re the answer to escaping this misery.

The rocks… I wish I could’ve brought them with me. Grainy rocks. I don’t… I don’t know where I would take them, but I wanted them.

My ears ring with more hums. Different hums of different frequencies. Some high, some low. Some beeping, some whirring. I hate it. All these sirens. I want them to stop.

I wake up in my physical body, but it isn’t relieving in the slightest. Like the worst fever one could imagine. I’m coated in a cold sweat. My muscles painfully seize and relax, protesting the restraints.

Why the fuck am I restrained? Why can’t I see anything yet?! What the hell is this?!

My heart pounds and my blood rushes. I can sense my Alpha pheromones permeating the room. A threat to anyone who thinks they can attack me. Amidst all the blaring alarms, I hear my own voice yelling in agony. I’m expecting to see a hospital room. That’s what this is, right? Something went wrong. Maybe an accident, and I’m waking up in a hospital.

Gasping for breath, I try to focus on my surroundings. Blurry visuals soon become colorful movements. Flashes of white, yellow, and gray.

“Vitals stabilizing,” someone comments through a distant haze while I seethe through clenched teeth.

“Knox! Can you hear me?!” another voice. Much closer. “Gomez, do something! Somebody! Please!”

I glance at a man standing on a platform behind a yellow railing. Gomez, I guess. I don’t recognize him or the name. He looks distraught and uncertain about what to do.

My motor functions slowly come back to me, but then I feel tired. Extreme exhaustion weighing me down, convincing me that if I just sleep for a few minutes, I’ll feel more energized. Just for a second.

I blink awake in a much calmer environment. No more beeping, no more shouting or blurry movements. A hospital. Yes, I remember. I believe I was in an accident and woke up in pain. I just…don’t remember anything before that. Or after.

Cautious and stiff, I sit up, slowly assessing the standard beige room with soft yellow lighting. Nothing hurts anymore.

I’m wearing gray sweatpants and a white T-shirt. Some wires are connected to my skin beneath the tight fabric, so I stand and peel it off. As I release myself from the wires and tubes, the door opens. An Alpha doctor and an Omega enter. They look at me worried, but I feel fine. Much better than…whatever the fuck that nightmare was.

The Omega throws himself at me. I stammer back as his arms squeeze me tight and his warm cheek presses against my bare chest. I hug him back awkwardly, dick stiffening inappropriately against his warmth.

“Knox! Thank fuck you’re okay! We were so worried!” the Omega pulls away with watery eyes, staring up at me as if I’m his world.

“... Me?” I ask, unfamiliar with the name.

Knox. I kind of like it. It feels right. I don’t know what else my name would be if not that. The Omega searches my gaze and pulls back further to assess me.

“Yes, you, Knox!” he turns to the doctor. “Check his vitals one more time. Including the frontal cortex functions.”

“Already on it,” she mutters, tapping at a tablet screen. Whatever she sees doesn’t look promising. She finally looks up, eyeing me with concern.

“Knox. What is the last thing you remember?”

“Rocks… Pain,” I shrug, scratching the back of my neck as I try to remember anything. My mind comes up short. No clue where I’m at. Who I am. Or what I did.

“Rocks… He saw the rocks! I saw rocks, too!” the Omega beams at the doctor, but she doesn’t join his excitement. She takes a careful step forward like I’m something easily startled.

“Knox… Can you tell me the name of this Omega?” she asks me softly.

The Omega goes rigid, smile falling as he gazes up at me with hopeful blue eyes. What a pretty shade. As deep and immeasurable as the universe. Familiar in a comforting way, but still mysteriously unknown. I shake my head, staring into the blue depths as they begin to flood with the mass of the ocean. I’ve never met him before. I think I would remember those eyes.

The Omega flinches as if I’d hit him.

“And me? Do you know my name?” the doctor continues.

I break away from the Omega’s weeping eyes for only a second to shake my head. I meant it when I said that all I remember are rocks and pain. Nothing else.

“He’s suffering from memory loss,” the doctor decides and the Omega makes a sound of hurt.

“Fix him, Ritza!” he cries.

“What happened to me?”

“We were doing a– “

“Hush!” the doctor silences him and we both look at her. “We can’t tell him everything. That will only overwhelm him more. To avoid this being permanent we need to allow him to recover at his own pace. Let him do what feels natural and hopefully…he’ll remember. But don’t force it.”

Chapter XIX

The Quantum Force Transfer Station hums beneath me, whirring down until it stops making noise entirely. My eyes slowly come back to awareness, and I watch the translucent face shield slide away. There are tears in the corners of my eyes as I take a deep breath.

I hear rapid clicks of Dr. Ritza’s shoes from somewhere in the room, recognizing them immediately. A calming, familiar sound after being isolated in the quiet hum of space. At least, I think that’s where I was. I think it worked. Either that, or I was so desperate for it to work that I dreamt the whole thing.

A group of astronomers begins frantically removing me from the transfer bed, calling out my vitals as I process everything I saw.

“It was beautiful,” I whisper to no one in particular, staring dazed up at the ceiling.

Full recovery will take some time, but I convinced them to at least let me sit with Dr. Ritza the following day so I can explain what I saw before I forget. It felt like I was gone for maybe twenty minutes, but it’s been two weeks. The scientists explained that my receptors failed, but the ejection process was a success. They were able to safely bring me back without causing damage to my brain.

Knox is still under, probably for another week or two. I hope he’s seeing what I saw.

“There were these rock formations, unlike anything on earth. The sediment was compacted as if a collision occurred. Little fragments were everywhere, sparkling with an otherworldly silver sheen.”

“Iridium, perhaps?” Dr. Ritza suggests while typing notes on her beloved tablet.

“No. It was different.”

“Are you sure?” she glances up at me.

I clench my jaw, irritated that Knox isn’t here to vouch for my intelligence.

“I’ve studied the sky all my life, Doctor. This element was something else. Coated in ultraviolet radiation and interacting with light differently than any known element.”

“Ultraviolet? How were you able to see it then?”

“I don’t know. But I did.”

“And the light refraction? Did you see the source of that?”

“I think so… It felt like there was a galaxy nearby. Its stars kept me warm.”

Dr. Ritza stares at me with deep intrigue and curiosity. It takes me a minute to unravel the question in her gaze.

“The concept of size was completely obsolete. I felt…not like a tiny, insignificant Omega… I felt huge. One with the space where physics don’t have limits,” I explain to her and she hums.

It was truly as if I’d been standing beside an entire galaxy instead of existing as a speck of dust within one. Or perhaps there are galaxies so small that I could look upon the entire thing. Who knows. I wish I’d gotten to stay there longer.

My head starts to feel dizzy, and Dr. Ritza notices the way my hands grip the arm rests.

“Can I see Knox?” I blurt before she can instruct me to rest.

“There’s not much to see, Arius,” she scolds me, not for the first time.

“Please, Doctor. I just want to be close to him,” I beg, feeling cold in the sterile lab rooms without him by my side. It’s no secret that I’m his, and he’s mine, but Dr. Ritza still appears hesitant. Until we’re mated, the world will only view me as his personal sex doll.

“Only for a few minutes. I don’t want any information about the project’s outcome leaking to the public. Not yet.”

I nod sharply in understanding. This is a huge discovery. We need to dive into it first before anyone else can steal our findings and make sense of them. Taking a deep breath, I get up slowly, cursing the Alpha-sized shirt and sweatpants hanging off me. They’re comfortable on my aching limbs but show off more skin than I’d like.

Stepping into the empty hallway, I tug the annoying fabric over my shoulder from which it fell. This floor remains relatively vacant with highly restrictive access. Dr. Ritza scans her badge to allow us through to the project labs. I’m not surprised to see Gomez pacing the hallway just outside of the main entrance.

I form a pitiful expression. With his boss absent and unconscious, he’s been itching for something to do. He was told he could take a vacation, but he refused, saying that he wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about Knox’s condition. Much like the rest of us, he wants to be here when he wakes up.

I nod at Gomez and he nods back, eager to check on Knox too. We enter the lab and follow Dr. Ritza to the scientist overseeing Knox's progress from a desk full of monitors.

“How is he?” I whisper, side-eyeing the transfer bed where Knox lies tangled in the complex machinery.

Sometimes my heart tells me this is too much. We didn’t need this big of a diversion, but I was just so damn curious. I went to space. The third Omega in history to ever be there with the stars.

I was told that my Omega boarding school has been trying to reach out and add me to their hall of fame. That should keep me busy while Knox is under.

“His brain activity is showing odd signals, but everything in his frontal cortex is functioning properly. He shows no signs of distress and his vitals are stabilized,” the scientist responds, keeping her eyes on the monitors.

“Odd signals?” I step behind her, trying to make sense of the illustrations and pixels on the screens. Gomez peers curiously too, but it’s impossible to interpret the data unless you’re a genius.

“Nothing worrisome, Arius,” Dr. Ritza assures me, sounding annoyed with my concern, “His condition is very similar to how yours was. Even if a few receptors fail, he’s still withstanding any discomforts. His brain won’t back out as quickly as yours did.”

“Because he’s an Alpha?” I bite at her.

“Because he's Knox.”

Not believing her, I clench my jaw and return my sights to the monitors.

“What about his occipital lobe? You only checked the frontal cortex.”

The scientist’s expression hardens. I know I have no place questioning her ability to do her job, but this isn’t about us. It’s about Knox’s health. Just because I got out safely doesn't guarantee that he will. He’s not invincible just because he's an Alpha.

“His visual receptors are functioning, but…”

The scientist pulls up a window on a screen that she hadn't been monitoring as closely. My heart races and I chew on the collar of my shirt while watching colors dance around on a digital map of Knox’s brain. She spins the model around to view the back and that’s where I can tell something is wrong. The scientist sucks in a breath and glances at Dr. Ritza.

“Prognosis?” she asks, looking uncertain of the wavering purple smudge on the back of Knox’s brain. The scientist types with speed across a keyboard, making quick assessments of information as the windows pop up on several monitors.

“I think his brain is no longer processing visuals. It must not be serious or else the alarms would automatically trigger the ejection process. I would guess he’s relying on his other senses but shows no signs of retreat.”

“Pull him out,” I mutter, becoming dizzy at the thought of something going wrong.

“Nothing’s wrong, Arius. We’ll know when to bring him back,” Dr. Ritza scolds me.

Gomez looks like he's on my side, worried and desperate for Knox to return, but as a Beta, he keeps his mouth shut.

“Just pull him out! This is enough! You can practice on other Alphas and Omegas later!” I complain in a rising state of panic.             

“If we pull him out now, the ejection process could still take days. It's safer if we wait,” the scientist explains, waving me off and returning to her surveillance.

“Dr. Ritza,” I turn to her with pleading eyes. “Please, something's not right, I can feel it.”

The judgement is clear in her sharp eyes. She thinks I’m being a difficult, hormonal Omega. I don’t know how to explain it to them, but I have a bad, heavy weight in my gut. In fact, the more I panic, the more nauseous I become. I swallow it down, wiping the sweat on my forehead.

“We’ll monitor his condition closely, but we’re not pulling him out until it’s necessary. Get some rest, Arius.”

I want to fight and argue, but my insides are doing acrobats. She's right. I need to take it easy and rest, whether I want to or not.

“Gomez…bathroom!” I clamp a hand over my mouth, suddenly in severe need to release the storm happening in my stomach.

He notices my urgency and quickly guides me out of the room. Hand on my arm, he drags me to the nearest restroom and tugs the large trash bin to my chest when I heave. The sensation is awful, burning my throat all the way up. Tears well up in my eyes from the unexpected internal queasiness.

“Are you okay?” Gomez stays by my side while I get it all out.

“I’m fine,” I choke out the words. “Just symptoms of the– “

Another wave of heaving into the bin interrupts my sentence. Fuck, this is awful. I didn’t even know nausea was a recovery symptom from the transfer bed, but then again, my whole operation had failed on me. It must’ve elevated the side effects. I need to rest.

Once my stomach is empty, Gomez leads me to a private room where I lie back on the bed to sleep. For the next few days, everything falls into the same cycle. I wake up, throw up, visit Knox, sit with Dr. Ritza, and then sleep the rest of the day away.

By the fourth day, I’m starting to worry about my symptoms. Recovery shouldn’t be this bad, but my stomach is still twisted, and without Knox, I have the deep urge to nest in his scent again, but I’m too embarrassed to voice my needs.

Dr. Ritza comes into my room, catching me pacing with worry.

“The results of your blood test are back,” she holds up a folder with my name on it. “We did a comprehensive exam that’ll show us any little detail as to why you’re still not feeling well. I haven’t checked the results yet, but I’d say it’s probably low iron.”

She sets the packet down and reaches for the blood pressure cuff. I should offer her my arm, but…I feel weird right now being around another Alpha. I must be getting my heat back soon and maybe that’s what’s causing this. I don’t think I have low iron; I think I’m having Knox-withdrawal. And going into heat while he’s gone will certainly elevate all the annoying symptoms. My body is adamant that I need him even though I already visited him today.

Before we can figure it out, both of us glance at the door as someone comes bolting down the hallway. A Beta in a lab coat bursts through with urgency.

“Doctor, you’re needed!” he breathes harshly, saying nothing more as he retreats back down the hall he came from.

“Stay here,” Dr. Ritza nods at me before following the Beta in a hurry.

They’re both gone in a flash, leaving me stunned in the room by myself. I really hope that was about something else and not Knox’s condition. Otherwise, they would’ve told me to come, too. Wouldn’t they?

Alone, I approach Ritza’s folder with my blood results and take a peek. It’s extensive as promised, showing a long list of acronyms I’m unsure of, though I recognize the ones for oxygen blood count. The ranges are all normal. Negative, negative, negative.

I skim down the list until my eyes hit one highlighted result. My heart stutters at the word pregnancy, but I read the segment carefully to ensure I'm not misinterpreting this before I freak out.

Pregnancy. Positive.

There’s no mistaking it. I don’t have low iron, and I’m certainly not going into heat…I’m pregnant. Trembling in shock, I lift my eyes from the paper. Before I can even react, a deep and agonized shout travels down the corridor right into my soul. A wave of bumps travels up my arms, and my spine tingles hard enough to make me squirm where I stand.

The Omega in me did not like the sound of that. I begin to panic as more shouts follow the first one until there’s a full meltdown happening somewhere down the corridor. I’ve never heard Knox yell like that. Something must be seriously wrong.

Ditching the folder, I jog out of the room, unable to move much faster due to my queasy stomach. I follow his cries, calling out his name as if he could respond from so far away.

“Knox?!” my voice shakes as I rush down the hall.

A scientist exits a locked sliding door which allows me to slip through without a badge. They pause and scold me, but I ignore it. My heart aches and my breaths come out quick and short in my ears. Every fiber of my being tells me that if Knox is in trouble, then I am, too. He’s my protector. My Alpha. I need him to be okay.

Shouldering my way through the last sliding door, I join the flurry of scientists rushing around the quantum transfer bed. I cover my ears, wincing under the blaring alarms and flashing lights coming from the bed Knox is thrashing against.

Shuffling along in distress, I look every which way for Dr. Ritza but there are so many white lab coats running around that it becomes a twisted game.

“Arius!”

I snap my chin up, finding Gomez on a higher platform where he can overlook the chaos. He waves me up as a scientist rudely bumps my shoulder. Getting out of the way, I hustle up the ramp. I’m about to bombard him with questions until I look over the yellow railing and really get a look at Knox’s condition.

His beautiful macchiato skin has gone sickly pale, drenched in a sheen of sweat. His eyes are open but unseeing as his pupils battle with the harsh lights in the room. His muscles contract and spasm in a way that looks painful. The doctors and scientists try to work around him and calm him down while they figure out what went wrong.

Hands clutched over my mouth and nose; I watch with a heavy heart. I knew something was going to go wrong, dammit! Why didn’t I listen to my gut? I should’ve stuck up for myself and I should’ve trusted my intuition over Alpha Ritza’s word.

Angry and distraught, my feet carry me downward. Gomez calls after me but I ignore him.

“Knox!” I call out his name through the bustle.

Scientists try to hold me back, but I push through their arms until I’m by my Alpha’s side.

“Knox! Can you hear me?!” I clutch his clammy hand, but he doesn’t seem to register that I’m here.

“What's wrong with him?! Help him!” I yell at the Beta closest to me.

She’s fumbling with one of the heart monitor devices, moving quickly to stop the urgent beeping coming from the machine.

“Vitals stabilizing,” she promises, paying me no mind.

I squeeze Knox’s hand, sobbing hard enough to make my head hurt. He’s in so much pain. I feel him growing weaker by the second, yelling in agony. A life without him being there for our baby is not one I can imagine. I can’t do it alone. I need him to be okay.

I glance around us as a few doctors leave and some of the alarms are silenced. Knox’s shouting has dimmed but he’s still writhing with discomfort and pain.

“Where are they going?” I ask out loud, but everyone ignores me, focusing more on the transfer bed than on Knox. Dr. Ritza finally shows up, keeping a cool expression as she assesses the state of things.

“No ejection. Initiate electrode neutralization. Reset control panel B,” she commands with authority.

“Pull him out! Doctor, please! Fix him and bring him back!”

Once again, my pleas are dismissed. I don’t understand why I’m the only one crying as they sacrifice his well-being for their stupid science project. Knox is an important member of this organization. He’s kind, he’s empathetic, he’s smart. They don’t realize what a good thing they’ve got with him.

They’ll never find another Alpha who can do what he does. He needs to be okay!

“Knox! Can you hear me?! Gomez, do something! Somebody! Please!” I try again before Knox passes out. My only consolidation is that I can feel his pulse through my shaking hands. I glance up at Gomez, wishing he’d at least help me convince the doctors to get him out of this damn machine. But he’s crying too, gnawing on his lips to hold them back from quivering.

I’m sure he feels guilty for suggesting we do this. It’s not his fault. We needed a distraction and this certainly did the trick. Maybe too well.

But now that I’m also pregnant with his baby before we’ve mated, maybe a monumental distraction is in order after all.

Chapter XX

I stroll casually through my office. It’s all new to me, but as soon as I stepped inside, I just knew that it was mine. It smells like me. And I like everything in it. On a table, there’s an awesome display of the solar system balanced delicately in orbit. The sun in the middle lights up when I flip a switch.

I wish they would tell me what my job title is. It’s obviously something pretty damn important and high up. I mean, not just anyone would have a giant space telescope sitting casually under the night sky in their own observatory. I stare at things around the room long enough that the door opens and startles me.

An Omega enters behind a cart he’s pushing. Blonde, sharp, submissive. His scent is familiar. I can tell that he’s been in here many times before.

“Good evening, Mr. Beckett,” he smiles sweetly, tilting his neck.

“Good evening… Omega,” I nod, unsure what else I can say.

His perfect smile falls as he pauses with the cart.

“It’s Jaimie. I’m sorry, I thought…you would at least remember me,” he whispers before unloading trays of food on a table.

“I recognize your scent. You’ve been in here before.”

I pace closer to assess him. Jaimie’s smile makes a return.

“Yeah, I have,” his tone takes on something mischievous. Eyes sparkling, he approaches me too. “I know I’m not supposed to help you remember anything but…”

He trails off, turning away with uncertainty. Curious, I nudge his chin with my finger until he’s facing me again.

“But what? Tell me?” I pry sternly. Nobody will tell me any-fucking-thing, and it’s been making me irrationally angry. This little Omega is no match for me. If he has secrets, I’ll make him spill them.

“You and I, silly,” he holds my hand in his. “It’s no coincidence that my scent is in here, Knox. I’m more than just your cleaner.”

“Oh.” My eyebrow lifts, “Okay. That’s good to know.”

My words come out awkward, but I can’t help it. How could I forget my own Omega? He’s gorgeous, he smells nice, and he fits in here. Knox and Jaimie. Jaimie and Knox. I guess there’s a ring to it, but it isn’t jogging any memories. I suppose it could be a newer relationship.

“It’s okay if you don’t remember everything, sweetie. Don’t force it,” Jaimie presses his cold fingers to my cheek. His touch is dry like paper as if he washes his hands too much.

I carefully pry his hand away from me, uncomfortable with being close to anyone right now. I’m sure we can rebuild our intimacy over time, but like he said, I can’t force anything. An offended look crosses Jaimie’s eyes anyway, though he respectfully steps back.

“Hey, Jaimie? Who was that other Omega?” I break the tension, remembering the emotional wreck that ran into my room as soon as I woke up.

“What other Omega?” Jaimie chews out the question but forcefully remains proper.

“He had wavy hazelnut hair and deep blue eyes like the ocean. He seemed really concerned for me.”

“Oh, um. Don’t worry about Arius. He’s just a lowly cleaner who has been trying to steal you away from me for ages. You know, the crazy obsessive type.”

I hum thoughtfully. I would’ve never guessed. Arius seemed genuinely afraid for my condition, and he’s given me plenty of space like that doctor ordered him too. Maybe that’s just part of his tactics, though.

“Hm, okay. Strange. Thanks for the heads up.”

“Anything for my Alpha,” Jaimie straightens my tie and suit jacket before stepping back, “Let me know if you need anything.”

I press my lips together and give him a nod.

Jaimie leaves, letting me eat in peace, but I’m not sure what to do once I’m finished. I don’t love the idea of my empty plate sitting here, but I don’t know when Jaimie will be back, assuming it’s his responsibility as my partner.

I suppose, I should stop hiding in my office and explore the rest of this company. They don’t want me to go home because I need to be somewhat monitored until they can sort out this entire mess regarding my memory loss, but I should be fine wandering around the building.

Just as I get up, the door opens again and a lovely scent fills my nose. Honey and rose petals. Champagne and linen. Timidly, the Omega named Arius enters with sad eyes. His mouth lifts into a wistful smile while he fidgets with his fingers.

“Hey, Knox. Your parents are coming to visit you tomorrow,” he whispers.

“Oh. Okay,” I nod indifferently, unsure why he’s the one relaying this message to me.

I don’t really remember my parents. Something tells me I don’t visit them as often as I should. Like we aren’t close, but maybe it’s literal as in distance. Yes, I think they live far.

Arius slowly steps closer, his scent playing tricks on my nose. It’s not appropriate for either Alphas or Omegas to intentionally project their pheromones in the air. I remember that much. After Jaimie’s warning, I’m skeptical of his intentions.

“I, um, was just wondering if I could join you in the observatory. We spent a lot of time as kids looking up at the sky together, and I figured it might help spark your memory.”

“Did we?” I shuffle back. His scent is ridiculously heightened. Is he trying to heat-trap me or something?

“Yeah. It’s what lead us here,” he gestures fondly around the office.

“You’re a cleaner, aren’t you?”

Arius’ eyes snap back to me with offense. His voice has an edge when he responds.

“Yeah… I am, Knox.”

I continue shuffling back from him, uncertain of all these damn Omegas around here. Shouldn’t they be more…controlled? Why are they allowed to wander into my office? Am I some kind of pimp on the side?

“Right, well, maybe you should get back to that,” I clear my throat, reaching up to loosen the knot of my necktie as I start to sweat. I remember something about myself. My temper. I recall it being rather short and dangerous at times.

“E-excuse me?”

“And quit projecting! You could get fired for that!” I cup my nose.

“Knox?! I’m not projecting pheromones, I’m– I’m just– Look, you’re backing me into one hell of a position here,” he argues as his hand lifts to his stomach.

“Why did you come in here?” I narrow my eyes above my hands, untrusting of his motives.

“To see you! We’re– We have something between us, Knox! I’m not trying to break orders, I just want you to remember!” he cries, moving forward again.

“Stay back!” I warn him, bumping into the edge of my desk.

“Knox, please! I’m not projecting! Try to remember! Try to remember how you feel about me!”

“Jaimie said you would do this.”

Arius freezes. His eye twitches and his face pales before taking on a rather furious expression.

“Jaimie was in here?”

“Yeah. Just before you came in. He’s my assistant.”

“A-and he said what exactly?”

“That you’d behave exactly like this!” I fold my arms, standing tall and defiant.

The Omega winces as if my words stung him. Now he’s the one taking cautious steps away from me. His hand goes to his stomach again. His eyes water and his lip quivers, triggering a primal urge to comfort him, but I reach back and clutch the edge of my desk instead until my knuckles turn white.

“Do me a favor and don’t let any more Omegas enter my office. Including yourself,” I demand, rubbing at the headache beginning to spread.

Arius nods, balancing on the brink of tears before hurrying out. His footsteps tap lightly down the hall, leaving me standing in the ghost of his tantalizing scent, frustrated and lost. Once they’ve faded into silence, I grab the solar system display and smash it on the ground.

I hate this. I hate not being in control of my own damn mind. I need to forget everything they’re trying to convince me is the truth and get my memories back.

Pacing with pent up anger, I glance at the observatory. If I could at least figure out my job, I would have something to do other than mope around in fancy suits.

Finding a badge on my breast pocket, I carry it to the sliding door and scan it on a sensor. Inside the observatory, I let my feet take me in whichever direction feels right until I’m standing in a room with a massive telescope sitting beneath a circular window pointing into the sky. Wow.

Chapter XXI

That evil bitch.

Sitting alone in a dark lounge room, I numbly go through the motions of my recovery exercises. I haven’t left this beanbag since yesterday because I’m waiting for Knox’s parents to arrive. I need them to tell him that I’ve always been by his side. He’s mine, not Jaimie’s. I need him to remember.

Speaking of evil in the shape of sunshine, the snarky Omega intrudes on my crying session, sauntering into the room with a cocky grin. He has no business in here, so I know he only came to taunt me some more.

“How could you?” my voice breaks as I hold his gaze head-on. This charade of hating me has gone too far. He has hardly anything to gain from this other than hurting me emotionally. How much lower can he stoop? To what merit?

“How could I what? Take my rightful place?” he leans in close to me with a snarl, “Why don’t you go back to the lowly floor you came from, Omega. But keep your eyes peeled. I believe there will be a telescope named after me soon. Oh, and maybe we’ll rename the other one as well. Give it something more fitting.”

“I’m pregnant,” I confess barely above a whisper, teeth clenched tight with tension.

“What?” Jaimie blinks, smile stuttering as he’s hit with that bomb of information.

“You heard me. I said, I’m pregnant! With his baby!” I chew at him.

Jaimie scoffs, trying not to show that he’s fuming on the inside. I’ve played this game before at boarding school with stuck-up Omegas who have some sort of superiority complex. Like we’re trying to out-Omega one another, fighting over Alphas and status. It’s stupid and immature, but he brought this war on.

“Yeah, right. Like he’ll believe it’s his,” he eyes me with disgust. “With or without his memory, he doesn’t want another scandal, Arius.”

“You’re awful, Jaimie. He doesn’t love you and you know that.”

“But he doesn’t know that, and he doesn’t need to. He doesn’t remember you. Therefore, he gets to fall in love with a more suitable Omega from scratch.”

“Shut up! Just shut up! You evil, conniving, little– “

I stand, ready to spew more venomous words at him, but someone enters. The door clicks open quietly, and a distantly familiar scent fills my nose.

“Holy shit. Arius?”

Jaimie and I pause our standoff to look at the Alpha who entered. I never expected to hear that voice again. It’s been so long. My tone softens to something far more professional as he enters the room cautiously, eyes bouncing between us. I clear my throat, straightening my posture.

“Chet?” my voice comes out lighter than it did a moment ago. “Gosh, I had no idea you were still in touch with Knox. Nobody told me you were coming.”

He huffs with a smile, holding a get-well-soon card that I’m assuming is for Knox.

“Yeah, we chat here and there. I didn’t realize he stayed in touch with you either until I saw you guys on the news.”

I can only hope he’s referring to our space journey, not the damn elevator situation.

“We only reconnected recently. It’s good to see you.” Tilting my neck, I remain polite, though I’m sure he heard some of what I had said before he walked in.

“Likewise. And tell me about your gorgeous friend,” Chet’s eyes become dreamy as he observes Jaimie.

I turn to the Omega, stunned to find a red blush across his cheeks as he bares his neck toward the Alpha too. Gone is the Knox-hungry Omega from before, replaced with a smitten bundle of innocence. I can tell he’s torn between wanting to steal Knox away from me just for attention or take a shot with a single Alpha whom he’s actually interested in.

Oh, this is going to be good. With a knowing smirk, I cross my arms and exhale dramatically.

“Sorry. This is Knox’s love interest, Jaimie,” I announce confidently.

Jaimie’s eyes bulge and he takes a one-eighty from the evil twat he’d been only a moment ago.

“No! He’s teasing! I’m Knox’s cleaner,” Jaimie glares at me, holding out a hand for Chet to kiss. The Alpha does so with charm and grace. I raise an eyebrow, but I’m glad to see that Knox taught him well. Not that Jaimie deserves it.

“If you say so,” I mutter as they eat each other up.

“Well, that was before I knew what a handsome friend Knox had. Are you going to introduce me, Arius or stand there like a harlot?” Jaimie straightens his already perfect lab coat.

Chet smiles, looking drunkenly enamored. Why must I be the wingman here?

“Jaimie, this is Chet. Knox’s childhood friend,” I sigh.

Jaimie eyes him up and down fondly. I suppose, Chet is dressed rather neat and orderly with carefully styled hair. Basically, Jaimie’s biggest fetish.

“And senior computer programmer,” Chet adds, puffing his chest, “If something doesn’t work, I make it work. I’m like a code-whisperer, perfecting every line for optimal functionality.”

Jaimie hums with intrigue while I swallow bile.

“You guys have fun,” I bail, but they both ignore me anyway. They continue chatting and Jaimie’s giggle tortures my ears until the door is closed behind me.

In the hallway, I’m not terribly surprised to bump into Knox’s parents on the way out.

“Hey, it’s been so long!” I greet them with far more energy than I had for Chet.

“Arius? My goodness, I didn’t expect to see you here!”

His mom hugs me, though her words sting a little.

From day one, my dreams of coming here were brushed to the side by everyone, even though they knew I wanted it as badly as Knox, if not more. They shouldn’t be surprised to see me here at all. Especially after my involvement with the transfer bed. I went to fucking space and that still isn’t enough for people to realize that I’m serious about pursuing space science.

“Good to see you, Omega. Still not settling down I see,” Knox’s dad teases with a side hug, adding a knife to my heart. I hug him back and smile through the pain.

“Haha, yeah. Um, I can walk with you guys to visit him if you’d like.”

“Oh, we just finished up. We brought him some things to help jog his memory, but…” his mom becomes choked up.

“He didn’t remember,” Knox’s dad finishes for her in a whisper, wrapping an arm around his mate.

“Hey, it’s okay. It’ll take time. He’s so strong, I’m sure he’ll be back to us soon.”

I’m not even sure if I believe my own words.

Instinctively, my hand drifts to my stomach but I yank it back down. I’ve been so focused on how I’m going to tell Knox that I’m pregnant that I hadn’t considered how I’m going to break the news to his parents. Knocked up before mating is never an easy thing to explain. I don’t know if they saw our recent scandal which makes my face heat with further embarrassment.

Would they even accept me as their son’s mate?

“Um, is he still in his office? I should go make sure he knows where all his important papers are,” I lie, trying to get out of this interaction.

“Yeah, he was headed there when we left. Take care, Arius. Call us if there are any updates on his condition,” his mom grasps my hands in hers before breaking away.

“Of course. You guys take care,” I wave as they head for the elevator in which Knox and I had…done stuff in.

Letting the politeness fall from my expression, I trudge to Knox’s office with a shameful grimace. I was hoping he’d find the tabloids of our scandal on his own and put two and two together, but it looks like I’ll need to bend the rules a little and just tell him. Now that Jaimie is fixated with Chet, Knox has to believe me that he’s mine, not his.

I knock on his door, listening for any sounds from the other side. A moment of silence stretches, and I become fidgety where I stand. It’s possible that he’s in his observatory and didn’t hear me. That’s where he was hiding yesterday too. As per his request, I didn’t bother him.

It’s also possible that he wandered off and is completely lost somewhere in this giant building. I glance down the hall, wondering if I should begin searching, but then I see light stream in from under the door. As I try to make sense of it, the whir of a machine can be heard from within his office. Someone is definitely in there messing with something.

I twist the knob and help myself inside. The lights are dim and it’s empty aside from the strong scent of Alpha.

“Knox?” I whisper his name, walking in aimlessly.

My foot crunches something near the sofas making my shoulders jump. Glancing down, I lift my shoe to find scattered pieces of plastic that look like someone smashed something on the ground. My heart races, pumping loudly in my ears as I assess the scene.

Once more, my attention is pulled elsewhere as more light streams through the observatory. Carefully, I approach the door, scanning my badge for it to open. I step into the gray mechanical wonderland of high-end technology and yellow striped tape forming a walk path.

“Knox?” I try again, greeted by silence.

Another machine begins to sing with a series of beeping noises. I follow the sound as if I’m in a haunted house attraction, cautious of what lurks around each corner. I enter a threshold, stepping through until I’m faced with the mechanics of Knox’s prized possession. A telescope worth more than every car in the executive parking ramp combined. It’s pointing up at the sky through a circular test window as big as the sun. It casts a shadow on me as evening approaches.

In front of it, Knox is moving around like a mad scientist, fumbling with buttons and tools.

“Knox,” I say his name softly, trying not to startle him as I enter the space.

He whips his head toward me.

“Hey, come look at this.”

He waves me over, returning his attention to the focus knob of the scope.

“Oh, um. Okay,” I join him with uncertainty in every step.

I thought he’d be mad seeing me again after the rumors Jaimie spread to him.

“Listen, I need to talk to you about something. I don’t want you to be mad, but you need to know the truth,” I begin, leaning next to him while he fusses with the scope. His eyes look like he’s half-listening, constantly drifting toward the window.

“Okay, sure. Just look at this real quick. I reprogrammed my focal point and discovered what I believe is a red giant, just north of the supernova we found three years ago in Aquarius.”

He spit-fires the information, and I’ll admit it’s an interesting discovery, but so is the discovery developing in my belly at the moment.

“Knox. We need to talk about us. It’s serious. I thought you’d uncover everything on your own, but things are getting out of hand, so I just need to tell you everything. There’s plenty of proof, too, so you’ll know I’m not lying. Jaimie said some pretty messed up– wait,” I stop myself abruptly. Looking up at Knox with my brows drawn together, I assess his face closely, “Three years ago? Did you say three years ago?”

“Yeah. I suppose you weren’t here for it, but when Comet XI released the processed photos, they reminded me of you. It was exactly the type of thing you would’ve hung on your bedroom wall,” he shakes his head with an attractive smile.     

I stare at him in shock for so long that he clears his throat to speak again.

“Anyway, what were you saying? Is Jaimie bothering you again?”

It takes effort to shake the numbness out of my mouth to speak.

“Knox?! You got your memory back?!”

He hums in contemplation, absorbing the weight of my words.

“Was it gone?” he asks innocently.

With a laugh, I fling myself at him, wrapping my arms around his neck and inhaling his scent. He’s startled by my excitement but accepts me into his arms with a chuckle as I attack his face with my lips.

“So, you remember? You remember me?” I beg as he holds me tightly.

“How could I forget you?” he caresses the back of my head, “What were you saying before? You wanted to talk about us?”

I lean back, though he makes no move to unlatch his hands from my waist. Gazing into his eyes, I pull one of his hands to my stomach, pressing it there with a smile. Knox lifts a hopeful eyebrow and I nod.

“I’m pregnant, Knox! We’re having a baby!”

His galactic eyes say more than words ever could. I never thought I’d get mated in an observatory of all places, but now that we’re here and the pheromones are in the air, I wouldn’t want it any other way.     

Chapter XXII

There’s no greater moment in an Alpha’s life than finding out their Omega is expecting. The thought of him carrying proof of our love alters my brain chemistry. I tackle Ari to the ground, he rejoices with laughter, letting me maul him until he’s nude. The sun sets above us, casting us in darkness with only the small glow of electronics around us.

Kissing him deeply, I intertwine our fingers and press our hands above his head. His hips thrust upward, rutting against my bulge and making me groan.

“I missed you,” Ari whispers against my mouth.

“I knew something was off with the transfer bed, but everything between that is a blur. How long was I…not present?” I ask, breathing heavily on top of him.

His shining, eloquent irises sparkle with an enamored sheen as he looks back at me. Even in the dark there’s no concealing his beauty.

“Too long, Knox. Too long.” A tear falls as he reaches up and caresses my cheek.

My heart aches with frustration. How dare the universe take me from my Omega for even a second. I have no clue where my mind has been since the experiment. It’s like there’s a gap in my memory, but something tells me that Ari can fill me in later. Clearly, he’s been suffering without me.

“I’m here now,” I reassure him, maneuvering his legs on our pile of clothes.

With a whimper, he presents to me, compliant and needy. I waste no time pressing into him with just the tip. He clenches his teeth at the sudden invasion but waits patiently with me until his slick begins to pool, allowing us to connect deeper.

Our breaths become labored and ragged by the warm bolts of electric love our bodies generate. It’s a feedback loop of pleasure, powered by each thrust, producing unsurmountable energy. Arius wraps his legs around my waist as I grind into him torturously slow and intimate. His gasps develop into moans. The stars glitter above us. It feels like we’re exactly where we’re meant to be.

Folding Ari in half, I give him deep strokes as I graze his neck with my teeth.

“I think I’ve always loved you,” I mutter my revelation against his hot skin.

“You think?” Ari bites, shuddering from anticipation.

Chuckling, I place a tender kiss where I’ve decided he’ll wear my mark for the rest of his days.

“I love you, Arius. Always have, and I think you know that. We just make sense together.”

“I love you, too, Knox,” he whispers sweetly, turning to sprinkle kisses on my cheek.

“Hold on to me.”

Trapping me in the grip of his legs, Ari wraps his arms around my head, tucking his face into my neck.

“Ready?” I ask against his skin, picking up my rhythm.

He licks the spot between my neck and shoulder in response.

“I’m ready, Knox. Bite me. Make me yours.”

With a groan, I drive into him with everything I’ve got. His cock is trapped in the grinding friction between us, leaking precum to make it slide easily against my abs. It takes no time at all to bring us both to the edge, and once we’re there together, we bite down and let ourselves fall into forever with one another.

I sink my teeth into him, cumming with force as he does the same to me. Our bites send us into something similar to a mini heat and rut. A lot of warm wetness gushes from his hole and between our bodies. The base of my cock expands like a balloon when I ram myself inside him as deep as I can go. Ari moans into my shoulder, teeth still imprinting on my skin. Each vein in my body comes alive, pulsing with his love in every blood cell.

Locked together, I slouch on top of him and his fingers tangle aimlessly in my hair. Now that we’re so close, I can’t wrap my mind around how I went so long without him all those years. How did I not go mad? How did I go about my career and my life without Arius by my side?

It makes no sense, but I have him now. He’s mine forever. We’ll never be apart again.

“What are you going to name our son or daughter?” Arius mutters after several long minutes in which I’ve nearly drifted asleep on top of him.

It’s customary for any respectable Alpha to name their first-born, though the question stumps me. I didn’t know I’d be a father so soon.

“What do you think of Luna?” I mumble tiredly, kissing the spot where I marked him while the moon casts a blanket of soft light over our connected bodies.

“And if it’s a boy?” Ari nuzzles into me, unbothered by his contorted position as he presses his lips against the new mark on my neck. My knot is already receding slowly, so it won’t be too much longer before I can dismount him.

“I feel like it’ll be a girl, but if I had to pick… Triton.”

“Luna or Triton,” Arius repeats, feeling the names on his tongue. “I like those.”

“Luna and Triton,” I correct him. “We’ll be making more than one.”

I’ve never seen Dr. Ritza smile, but the corner of her mouth lifts when Ari and I walk in holding hands and freshly mated. Both of us are wearing informal shirts that show off our bite marks so there’s no doubt we belong to each other.

“I’m assuming you’re aware of your prognosis, Omega?” she shakes her head at Arius with amusement, and I unintentionally bare my teeth at her.

We’d been cooped up in my office for a few days, but I’m still not sure if I’m ready for other Alphas to be near my mate.

“Yes, we’re so excited,” Ari says softly, but keeps his attention on me, leaning heavily into my side.

Mine.

“Congrats. Both of you are overdue for a checkup,” she scolds us, situating supplies around the exam room.

“Why me?” I wonder aloud as Ari props himself up on the bed. I stay glued to his side, rubbing his back with one hand and interlocking our fingers with the other.

“You lost your memory for days, Mr. Beckett. I’ve already been monitoring your brain activity with the chip we installed before the transfer bed project, as well as,” she walks around me, yanks my shirt aside, and rips off a patch I didn’t notice was on my shoulder blade, “monitoring your physical recovery, which is…going quite well.”

Ari stifles his laughter. We’ve been very physically active. I’m disturbed by the invasive knowledge that Ritza has been monitoring all my physical energy levels on that damn tablet of hers for the last few days.

“What went wrong with the transfer bed? How come I was affected so badly but not Ari?” I change the topic.

Dr. Ritza carefully attaches her beloved blood-pressure cuff to my arm and allows me to attach one to Arius.

“That’s yet to be determined, but on a broader horizon, both operations were technically successful. You both said that you saw similar things.”

“The rocks,” Arius whispers reminiscently.

“I didn’t actually see anything,” I point out. “It was like a sixth sense entirely the way I remember it, but…”

“It was beautiful,” Ari and I say in unison.

Dr. Ritza raises a thrilled eyebrow while assessing our vitals and being careful not to touch my new mate directly.

“It’s interesting that Arius was able to see it, but you were only able to feel it.”

Ari’s back straightens and he holds his chin up.

“It’s amazing what Omegas are capable of, isn’t it? You’d be surprised what else we can do.”

Dr. Ritza looks taken aback for a second before resuming her stern expression. I grin, gazing at my mate with adoration because he’s fucking right. And fucking adorable. This whole experiment would have been nearly useless without an Omega involved. I didn’t see shit while I was under.

“What else did you see, baby?” I ask, having been mentally absent to know how the operation went for him.

“Rocks. Grainy rocks. They were coated in an unusual violet substance.”

“It remains a mystery, but my team has written up a report on our findings. The article has gotten quite popular,” Ritza adds, finishing up with her tests.

Before I can ask more, the door opens.

“That’s right. The interview quotes from Arius have surpassed the popularity of the elevator scandal. Omegas everywhere are inspired by him,” Gomez enters brightly, relaying the good news.

“Wow, so the scandal and my reputation are fixed?” Arius huffs.

“That’s right,” Gomez smiles, “and congrats, you two! It’s good to have you back, Sir.”

“Glad to see you, too, Gomez,” I pat his back.

“Could we see an ultrasound while we’re here?” Arius speaks up, rubbing his belly.

My dick twitches with pride, but Dr. Ritza laughs.

“Honey, I’m not that kind of doctor. You’ll need a pregnancy specialist.”

My jaw clenches with hormonal anger when Ari pouts lightly. He begins to hop down from the bed, but I put an arm to his chest to keep him there.

“Gomez,” my voice is dark and stern. Luckily, he knows me well enough.

“On it, Sir,” he taps on his phone quickly before holding it to his ear. “I need a pregnancy doctor sent up to Mr. Beckett immediately,” he rallies off the room location to whoever is on the line.

“Knox, it’s fine,” Arius whispers, tugging my arm.

“No. You deserve the best doctor in the universe. I want you and my daughter to be healthy.”

He gazes into my eyes, seeing my care and sincerity about giving him the best treatment. With a nod, he cups my chin and I engulf his mouth with passion. Dr. Ritza grunts at us, packing her shit and leaving while Gomez wraps up the call.

“They found someone. I’ll go get them and bring them here shortly.”

I release my lips from Ari only long enough to mutter, “Take your time.”

Chapter XXIII

Cheek pressed to the exam bed; Knox eats me out until I’m soaked and whimpering. Slick drips down my taint, making me squirm until Knox laps it up with his devious tongue. A light knock on the door pisses me off and ruins the moment, but I don’t relent.

“Don’t you dare fucking stop,” I whisper in a raunchy tone. “Finish what you started, Alpha.”

Knox chuckles against my hole and reaches under me to stroke my cock fast. I struggle to stay quiet.

“I’m so close!” I squirm harder, holding on to the edges of the exam bed for dear life.

Knox adds to the overstimulation by slipping a few fingers inside me and shoving them in and out at a rough pace. I feel my body cream around them as I cry out with pleasure. Knox continues fingering, licking, and stroking me until I burst. Trembling and twitching, I ejaculate across the thin paper covering the exam bed, soaking it thoroughly. The floor is far more ruined.

My legs shake and I can’t repress the filthy moan of sweet release.

Breathing hard, I straighten from the bed, standing in a puddle of my own slick and juices. Still kneeling in it, Knox pats my leg affectionately while I catch my breath.

“I’ll clean it up, don’t worry,” he says, biting my ass cheek.

“I can’t face the doctor like this!” I complain while scrambling for a wad of paper towels near the small cabinets.

“It’s fine, baby. They’ll understand.”

“Understand what? That I’m a whore just like the tabloids say I am?” I bite back while wiping myself dry.

Knox doesn’t respond right away. He closes in on me like a predator and I shiver hard.

“No. That you’re freshly mated, pregnant with my daughter, and that comes with changes to your mood and sex drive,” he grips my chin and steals a few kisses until I nod in understanding. “And that you belong to an Alpha who’s going to fuck you whenever and wherever you need it.”

My eyes bulge at his crudeness. It’s strange hearing Knox switch from talking professionally to filthy…but gosh I love it.

“You’re really convinced that it’ll be a girl,” I tone down the conversation before we get carried away again. “Will you be upset if you don’t get what you want?”

“I already got what I want,” he assures me while placing his hand to my stomach. “Boy or girl, Alpha or Omega, I’m glad we’re having a baby. But I think it’s a girl, and she’s going to be cuter than anyone else’s baby.”

I laugh abruptly at his competitiveness because I know he’s hardly joking. Someone knocks on the door again and Knox helps me quickly change into a hospital gown so that I’m decent. I climb back onto the fresh paper on the exam bed, cheeks flaming because it’s still obvious that we messed around in here.

“Doctor. Please, come in,” Knox greets the Beta who enters shyly.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Feel free to call me Raul.”

I smile politely at the doctor, thankful that he ignores the potent scent of arousal and sex in the small room. Knox returns to my side, looking over me as the doctor settles in. Raul begins explaining to us some typical procedures and tests he’d like to conduct for the beginning of my term. Knox allows him to perform a basic physical without a single glare or growl. Raul grins knowingly as I constantly eye my mate with worry.

“I’m mated to an Alpha,” the doctor explains. “I was Omega-presenting as a child but didn’t fully develop. Still, to most Alphas, I’m basically recognized as an Omega to their senses and never seen as a threat.”

That explains it.

“Wow, that’s fascinating,” I whisper, relaxing my tension. I know how Knox’s temper can be, especially where I’m concerned. “You know, I’m an advocate for Omega’s rights. I want them to have access to these kinds of positions being doctors and scientists like you. Isn’t it so unfair that you wouldn’t be here right now if you’d developed into an Omega?”

“It is, and I support your cause. You’re actually becoming quite the celebrity around here. There’s talk that Comet XI has a lot of potential to change the world’s views on Omegas in science.”

Knox clears his throat, pulling Raul and me away from our bonding moment.

“Sorry. That’s awesome, and I plan on advocating right alongside my intelligent, beautiful Omega, but, um, could we see an ultrasound now?”

Raul and I chuckle at his giddiness, and I gently swat Knox’s eager shoulder.

“Right away, Mr. Beckett,” Raul hustles to get the monitor set up.

“He’s really excited to be a father,” I explain as Knox stands jittery beside me.

“They’re always like that with the first…and the second. And the third,” Raul grins.

I giggle and lie back on the exam bed while Knox squeezes my hand. He lifts my gown without being prompted and kisses my belly. I roll my eyes but pat his head affectionately. Big, happy Alpha.

“Alright, we’re almost set. Just go ahead and rub this gel on his stomach,” Raul hands the bottle to Knox who excitedly accepts the task, zoning in on my stomach with unnecessary precision.

“Ooo, that’s cold,” I mutter as he applies it gently.

“I’ll warm you up later, baby.”

“Knox!” I warn him to behave, but Raul is smiling fondly at our interaction.

“That looks good. Now, if you look up at the screen, I’ll guide this camera across his abdomen until we find where the little one is hiding.”

Knox and I nod at the instructions, eyes glued to the black and white monitor. It’s so weird that that’s the inside of my stomach!

“It’s dark in there,” I frown dramatically. “Poor baby.”

Raul chuckles, focusing on dragging the camera around the goo on my belly until he lands on the perfect spot.

“Oh! There it is!”

“Holy shit,” Knox mutters in complete awe. “That’s our baby!”

Tears of joy burn our eyes as we observe the curled figure sitting in a pouch that contracts with the rhythm of my heartbeat.

“I can’t believe we made that,” I whisper with gratitude.

My whole life I’ve been conditioned to think that I can either be a traditional Omega or a rebellious one who wants to work. Now look at me balancing both lifestyles! A few weeks ago, I was a participant in a world-changing space project, and now I’m mated and pregnant with my first child. Omegas can do fucking anything!

The stage lights are burning my retinas, but I try to hold my composure. Now is not the time to make Omegas look bad. I wish my pregnancy symptoms would chill out a little and give me a break. At least while I’m at work, addressing an audience. The nausea has eased up tremendously, but now I’ve been rather irritable in place of it.

Yesterday, Knox made one comment after work about his back hurting, and I had snapped at him. He said he understood, but I cried in his arms anyway, muttering my apologies. He’s been so patient and resilient through this whole pregnancy. I haven’t been. My stomach is big and heavy. My lab coat doesn’t fit. I want this thing out.

Knox swears that it’s sexy seeing me waddle around, sweating down to my ankles, but I think he’s only saying that so I don’t cry. Which I do a lot.

Like when I saw a stray dog eat a butterfly last week and couldn’t handle it. The dog was so cute and hungry, but the butterfly was so pretty and dead. Life is so fragile.

Standing beside me on stage, Knox reaches over to squeeze my hand in encouragement, sensing my discomfort through our bond. I try to focus on his touch and not the overwhelming scent of the damn carpet in the large conference room. It’s like I can smell every nasty, stained fiber. Whose fucking feet made it smell so bad?

Forcing a smile, I gaze across the audience, listening to the speaker wrap up the conference. I still can’t believe that Comet XI is engineering an Omega program. Not only are we getting an Omega section in the library, but there will also be a new job opportunity for Omegas to work in the cleanrooms as entry-level assembly operators.

Again, it’s not the highest position, but it’s one step above cleaners and assistants, which is huge progress. Inspired by my innovation on the TIS telescope, the board of Comet XI decided that educated Omegas will be suitable operators due to our quick and tiny hands. Pretty soon, they’ll be able to see that some of us could become technicians, and then engineers.

I’m so proud of Knox for being a part of that meeting and giving Omegas a voice. I may have also been able to weasel my way into the board meeting for a few minutes. With Knox looking them in the eye with a dangerous threat in his gaze, they were each willing to listen to me and my opinion on the matter. We agreed that I will be like a supervisor for the first wave of Omega operators to give them a warm welcome to Comet XI, unlike the cold welcome I received on my first day.

One of the board members questioned how my pregnancy status will interrupt my work. I pointed out that I was already standing there on the top floor talking to her whilst pregnant. What difference would it make if I was standing on the bottom floor, talking to a group of Omegas while pregnant?

“We now open the floor for questions,” the speaker announces, stepping away from the podium.

Knox nudges me encouragingly. I glance at him over my shoulder. He wants me to be the one taking questions? Reading my gaze, he gives me a sharp nod, eyes shining with love and respect. Smiling at my mate, I take the mic as cameras flash like a lightning storm. The warmth of Knox hovering over my shoulders gives me encouragement.

Hands shoot into the air, begging for me to pick them. My cheeks heat, faced with such an odd sensation of authority.

“Um, you may begin,” I point to a friendly-looking Alpha up front. The room quiets and a microphone is shoved in her face.

“Is it wise to open an Omega department knowing that all of you will need to go on leave every time you…y’know, do as nature intended?”

Laughter and murmurs erupt and I swallow nausea. Her chubby cheeks and floral blouse fooled me. That wasn’t a very nice question at all. I open my mouth to answer, but Knox leans forward and snatches the arm of the mic.

“No personal questions for Arius. Let’s remain professional, and not be derogatory to an Omega’s basic anatomy,” he scolds her swiftly, being the bigger person.

The crowd hushes, and she sits back down with embarrassment as she now looks like the immature fool.

“Next question, please,” I mutter softly into the mic, wishing I had the grit to bark out orders like Knox. Nothing makes me hornier than the way he runs his business meetings with his commanding, no nonsense presence.

“Alphas and Omegas in the same setting are going to be a bad mix, as you’ve already proved,” another Alpha with a suave demeanor speaks up without being called on.

The laughter picks up again as everyone remembers the elevator incident that we thought we buried. I try my damned hardest not to cry. My fists clench on the podium as I take deep breaths through my nose.

“That wasn’t a question,” I manage the words, earning my own set of “Ooo’s” in the room for talking back to an Alpha.

“If I should be so crass, what’s the procedure when Omegas start going into heat and bonding with our most important Alphas?” he bites back.

Murmurs of agreement pick up. Knox tugs at my elbow, but my pregnancy irritation kicks in and I brush him off. I’ve fucking got this. This is my time to be heard. If these are their honest questions, then I’ll give them the damn answers.

“Exactly as nature intended,” I respond boldly, hushing the crowd. “Get mated, have a baby, and then get right back to work carrying Comet XI to the top. It has always been me and Knox’s dream to come here and study the universe. Together. Alpha or Omega, our son or daughter will work here right beside us someday because we want them to achieve anything they set their mind to regardless of oppressive doubters.”

I can see Gomez turn pale as a ghost on the edge of the crowd. From one headline right into the next. Uproar ensues as Knox ushers me off the stage, proud of me, but worried for my safety now that an angry crowd is shouting at us.

Chapter XXIV

As I ease into conversation with my father across the dinner table, Ari gets up to help my mom grab the final dishes.

“Oh, honey, you don’t need to do that. You stay right where you are,” Mom stops him, setting a hot bowl of mashed potatoes on the table. “It’s not good for Omegas to be…running around while pregnant.”

That’s the second jab tonight. My parents don’t like that Ari is choosing to work through his pregnancy. Half of the media doesn’t like it either. They think he’s harming the baby by simply walking around and sitting in meetings all day at Comet XI. Do they think he’s doing jumping jacks and front flips or something?

The most exercise he gets is when we have sex. Even then, he just kind of lies there, too swollen to move. I’m the one who gets a workout.

“Actually, Dr. Raul said he needs more exercise,” I grin at my mate, pinching his chubby cheeks. “Pacing the executive hallways isn’t cutting it.”

“Well, I’m sure he has his work cut out for him assembling a nursery at your house,” Mom takes her seat, eyeing us with a hint of a question in her words.

“We’ve both been working on it in our free time. It’s coming together nicely,” Ari responds as I glare at my mother. I thought when they invited us to dinner, it was because they approved of us finally sealing the deal. Who knew an Alpha and an Omega getting happily mated would become everyone else’s worst nightmare?

“I’m surprised Knox has any time to be involved with that,” my dad snorts. “Just wait until he installs a shelf too high for you to reach. Then you won’t want him in there, right Hun?” he nudges Mom who chuckles at the memories.

Neither Ari nor I join their forced humor. We let their degrading chuckles fall to an awkward silence. Under the table, I reach for my mate's thigh only to clash hands with his reaching for mine. It’s a challenge not to smile wide as we intertwine our fingers.

“We’re exactly where we’ve always dreamed of being and that’s all that matters,” I remind my parents while gazing deeply into Ari’s eyes.

Finally understanding that we’re not following anyone’s lifestyle other than our own, they concede and focus on the food. Dad eases into small talk about some house renovations he has planned. I can tell the baby is giving Ari hell when he settles his fork and remains politely quiet. Rubbing his back while Dad talks my ear off, I try to tell him through our bond that he doesn’t need to suffer in silence.

He doubles down, picking up his utensils to try and clear his plate.

“You feeling alright?” I pat his back with worry, making him pause with the fork raised.

“Of course! The food is wonderful by the way. I’ve always appreciated meals here when I was a kid.” He smiles kindly at my mom.

Mom beams, but I can see the sweat dripping across Ari’s forehead.

“Come with me for a minute,” I demand, unable to keep an edge of dominance out of my voice.

Sensing my agitation, my parents don’t intervene as we excuse ourselves and I guide Ari upstairs.

“Knox, I’m fine,” he whispers at my back while I tug him up the steps to the bathroom.

I usher him in and close the door before leaning against it with my arms crossed over my chest. Defiant and in denial Ari faces me with a glare. I raise an eyebrow. He stares me down, but before he can utter a word of argument, his eyes bug and he dives down to hurl up his meal.

I knew it.

“You don’t need to prove anything to anyone.” I step forward and kneel down to comfort him through it.

“I do, though!” Arius argues between heaves, “I need to prove that I deserve a place by your side!”

He stands, and I acquire a damp cloth to clean him up with.

“You prove that every day, Ari,” I tilt his chin to dab at his mouth with the rag, “You’ll show them all what Omegas are capable of but take it easy before you stress yourself into an early labor.”

Shoulders dropping, he lets his eyes flutter closed with a deep breath of relaxation.

“I love you,” he whispers.

Tossing the cloth aside, I peck his lips.

“I love you, too. Come on.” I reach for his hand, guiding us back to the hallway.

A few steps out, Ari pauses. I glance over my shoulder, finding a reminiscent expression on his face as he peers into the ajar door of my childhood bedroom. My expression changes too as memories flood my mind. I grin tenderly at the square sign on the door that says, “Alphas Only” but right below it, the scribble of permanent marker reads, “+ Mom” and “+ Arius.”

Taking the sign’s permission, Ari steps in and I follow, flipping the light on which illuminates a flurry of stars painted across the ceiling.

“Hasn’t changed too much, has it,” I comment, glancing around at all my childhood keepsakes and a few patched dents in the walls from teenage tantrums.

“I don’t remember this.” Ari picks up a handmade wooden bowl from a shelf.

My heart thuds and my jaw tightens as he flips it over, reading the engraving from five years ago.

“Who is Juan?” Arius looks up at me for an explanation. I can’t help but chuckle at his immediate jealousy.

“An Omega I met a while back. Rumors were going around that I was an Alpha-lover, so I had to pick an Omega to crush on to prove them wrong,” I shrug my shoulder, plucking the misshapen bowl from his hands. Arts and crafts weren’t my strongest skill, and it shows.

“You never gave it to him?” Ari questions, less jealous and more inquisitive.

“I did. And he gave it back when we broke up.”

“Aw... Have you ever experimented with Alphas?” The question falls out of nowhere. Ari sounds genuine, but I snort, assuming he’s teasing.

“Hell no. Have you ever experimented with Omegas?” My question is rhetorical just to show how silly his was, but Ari answers honestly.

“Of course.”

I stare at my mate for a second, a little perplexed.

“Oh…”

He rolls his eyes and swats my chest.

“Stop picturing it, pervert!”

Grinning with guilt, I feign innocence. He did spend a lot of time cooped up with a ton of Omegas for years. Now I can’t not picture it. Ari shakes his head in amusement, scouring my bedroom for more things to reminisce about.

“What about other Alphas?” I ask, taking a seat on my old bed as he looks around. “Have you been with someone before me?”

“I’ve been with a Beta.”

“Brock?!” I growl his name.

“No, Knox! I meant, like, back in my boarding school days. He was sweet and always made me laugh when I left campus to get a sandwich from his family’s shop. We weren’t dating, but we were both young and eager to explore.” Ari fidgets with periodic table magnets on the wall, absentmindedly sticking them into place by memory.

“What’s with you and all these Betas?” I grumble.

Arius sighs.

“I guess I fell into the same old societal bullshit about purity and waiting to do it with the right Alpha.”

His shoulders slump as if he’s embarrassed of that, but the realization hits me like a jacuzzi jet. And it feels damn good. The words are merely a whisper on my lips.

“I’m the only Alpha you’ve been with…”

Ari lets the silence answer for him and my ego skyrockets. I like that. I like that a lot. Nobody has ever gotten their knot inside my Omega except for me.

“Proud of that?” he lifts an amused eyebrow, feeling my immense pride through our bond as I bask in it.

“Mine,” I mutter to myself, and Ari giggles.

Sneaking up on us, my mom knocks on the open door, shielding her eyes with her other hand.

“Do you two want leftovers to bring home?” she asks carefully.

“Mom, we’re not doing anything. You can open your eyes,” I sigh, sounding like my teenage self.

“Yeah, we’re decent. I’d love some of the mashed potatoes if there are any left,” Ari adds and my mom drops her hand, dramatically relieved to see us clothed and on opposite sides of the room.

She disappears back into the kitchen. While Ari finishes the periodic table, I relax on my old bed, dozing off a little. Dr. Raul warned us to take advantage of sleep while we still have it. Too comfortable, I let my lids close and my mind drift.

I ease into a weightless dreamland where everything is familiar, yet new, flashing quickly from scene to scene. I see Arius painting a wall. I see our daughter with a frog-shaped pacifier. And I see something about a meeting table.

Like some important thing had just been finalized, though I’m not sure what. I try to focus on the odd air about this meeting and figure out who it was with, but the strain causes me to wake up.

I blink and lift my head, worried that it’ll be morning.

But Ari is just finishing the final elements.

“Ta-da!” he steps aside, jazzing his fingers at the board. “Care to check my work?”

I snort, rising from the bed.

“No need. You’ve had it memorized since you were nine.”

“I could’ve gotten rusty since then.”

“I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Chapter XXV

The hallways of Comet XI seem longer the more swollen I get. I feel greasy and winded by the time I reach the West wing where I’ll be greeting the first batch of Omega operators and a few more cleaners.

Ignoring my incessant craving for pineapple juice, I pause near a vending machine, contemplating grabbing a snack now before I’m stuck in work-mode. Preppy laughter fills my ears and my eyes drift to a window facing the gardens outside.

It looks like Chet and Jaimie are out there having a romantic picnic. I watch the Alpha sensually pop cubed cheese into the Omega’s awaiting mouth before they lean into a slow kiss. The moment they share is so intimate that I almost feel perverse for watching. But I can’t look away. My chest aches, not with heartburn, but for some alone time with my mate like that.

Knox and I haven’t seen much of each other all week. With the new changes at Comet XI, I’ve mostly been on the bottom floors while he’s stuck in meetings at the top. Even after work there’s hardly any time for cute dates. I’ve been working on the nursery and Knox has been baby-proofing the rest of the house, overly cautious of everything that is a potential hazard.

Don’t even get me started on the shopping. We’ve got three different strollers now. A durable one for extracurriculars, one for every day, and a stylish one for nice events.

We’re excited to have our first baby, but we need some time with just the two of us. It’s hard watching Jaimie and Chet stroll around aimlessly in love, doing all sorts of cute stuff together.

Jealousy follows me like a shadow as I head outside to wait for the onboarding crew. Knox and I used to be the hottest couple here. I know it’s wrong of me to be envious when we initially hated all the attention. But now that the paparazzi doesn’t care about us at all, I’m bitter that we’ve been forgotten.

Distracting me of my emotions, I straighten my posture as the bus enters the parking lot. Ignoring the way I can’t button my lab coat over my baby bump, I smile professionally as it stops with a hiss in front of me and a few Betas I work with. It feels like I’m glimpsing the past from the perspective of my future self. The sensation of full-circle resolution.

The bus door slides open and the first of the wide-eyed and eager Omegas step off, mirroring the same look I had on my first day.

“Good morning, everyone!” I greet them, feeling fuzzy.

Knox’s pride and love for me fills my heart in waves as he senses my big moment. It’s surreal living in the future that I once could only dream of.

The Omegas tilt their necks and mutter polite greetings, doing their best to prove themselves and their worthiness. One of my colleagues goes over some basics with a brief introduction and then we head inside. I help with handing out lab coats and badges to each Omega. The new pink ones are for my operators.

I’ve got six pink badges total, and the rest will be for cleaners and assistants. As I glance at the last badge in my hand, my heart stutters at the sight of a purple boarder. I look around the room, searching for who hasn’t gotten theirs yet. Walking around my group of pink badges who are already becoming friends, I approach a quiet Omega in her own world, studying her embroidered name on the lab coat in her hands.

“You must be Mai?”

Timid gray eyes meet mine and she nods shyly.

Something I didn’t know when I started working here and received a badge different from everyone else’s, was that it symbolized my potential. There was never meant to be a purple badge, but my test exam scores were far too elite for them to ignore. They knew I’d be genuinely useful.

The other cleaners will be wiping tables and vacuuming floors, as I’ve learned. The purple badge is for Omegas who already know not to dump acetone down the sink drains, and to dry the glass beakers with lint-free paper towels. I smile warmly at the timid, yet determined Omega, and proudly hand her the symbolic badge.

“This one is for you. Be sure to check out the new Omega section in the library if you get the chance.” I wink and Mai nods, tucking a long strand of sleek black hair behind her ear. She has no clue how monumental this moment is for me, but I have faith that she’ll fill my old shoes well in her new role.

A Beta gathers everyone’s attention to begin the orientation. I should stick around, but they’ll probably be a while. This might be my only chance to sneak up to Knox’s office and indulge in a nice cold juice before I need to bring my crew to the room they’ll be working in. Mind made up, I haul my pregnant belly out into the hallway and waddle to the executive elevator.

I arrive there just as Chet and Jaimie climb on sporting gushy smiles for each other.

“Hey, guys,” I catch the door before it slides shut and then squeeze between them while out of breath. “Going up?”

They frown down at me as it closes us in.

“Yeah…why are you all sweaty?”

“Because I’m pregnant, Jaimie,” I roll my eyes, “just wait till it’s your turn.”

“Oh, no. No, no, no, I’m not doing that to my body.”

“Wait, what?” Chet sounds hurt as he glances over my head at the Omega. I’m not surprised at all at Jaimie’s admission. He’s a clean freak. Having a baby is just about the messiest thing one can do.

“I do want kids, but they’ll need to be acquired through adoption or surrogacy. I don’t want to be sweaty and big…no offense.”

“None taken,” I mutter flatly, accustomed to his jabs.

“But Cookie…” Chet sulks with despair and I raise an eyebrow at Jaimie. He’s not sweet enough for such a pet name. Face going red, he ignores my expression and stands his ground.

“You’re not going to change my mind on this, Chet. Heats are messy, babies are messy, birth is messy. I can’t- I can’t do it.”

My heart jumps with sympathy as he averts his gaze, sounding utterly defeated at the last part of his sentence. I guess it’s not like he chooses his obsessive compulsions. He’s basically a hostage to his cleanliness. But isn’t that what makes him better than the rest of us? He wouldn’t be a respectable, top-floor Omega if it weren’t for his picky attitude about everything.

“Let’s be real here,” I interrupt, “you would make pregnancy look far more tidy and graceful than I do, Jaimie. I could easily be lounging upstairs all day, sweat-free, but that’s not who I am. I’m a messy Omega, with even more messy plans ahead. You’re different,” I shrug, fanning my face.

Jaimie looks baffled by my pep-talk but doesn’t argue. He swallows and fumbles for words to say, but the door opens before he can find them. Straightening his coat, he rushes out, freeing himself from my undeserved compliments to him. I glance at Chet as we step into the hall and watch him go.

“Hey, I warned you that some of us Omegas are freethinkers,” I aim for light humor, but the Alpha still looks sad.

“Don’t get me wrong, I can look past him having a job, but…no kids? I want kids, Arius. I never thought that would even be out of the question. Think he’ll come around?”

I don’t know what to say. I shouldn’t feel as bad as I do for either of them, but my pregnancy has been such a gift. I would never wish for them to not experience this for themselves.

“Maybe remind him that he can be asleep for the entire extraction process? No need to sweat profusely and scream in agony like I probably will.”

Chet nods sharply and takes off with a look of determination. I didn’t mean right this second, but I guess he took it that way. Not my circus, not my monkies. Blowing out a breath, I continue to Knox’s office.

“He’s in a meeting until four,” Gomez tells me in passing.

I nod and thank him before letting myself into his office. I’m stunned to see pineapple juice already sitting on the drink counter for me. How the hell did he know? Can he sense my cravings?

It’s fresh and cold, too!

I only meant to take a short break on the sofa, but the quiet room and delicious beverage quickly send me to sleep in the dimly lit space. Relaxation is heavy in each limb, allowing me to drift off deeply within seconds.

“Baby, wake up,” Knox’s voice sounds like it’s in front of me.

I jolt awake, looking around the room only to find it as empty as when I came in.

“Knox?” I call out anyway. With concentration, I focus on our bond, not sensing anything. He’s still preoccupied in his meeting.

That was weird. Very weird. It was like he’d whispered right to my ear. As if he knew I needed to be somewhere within a few minutes and that I don’t have time for a nap.

Rubbing the sleep from my eyes, I get up and leave, pausing by Gomez on my way.

“Hey, quick question. And be honest.”

“Of course. What is it?”

“Does Knox have cameras in his office?” I whisper, glancing around for any hidden contraptions that might be spying on us. Gomez’s eyebrows pinch together.

“No, not that I know of.”

“Alright… Thanks.”

He sounds sincere so maybe I am just sleep-deprived. Without further explanation, I head back down to the Omegas who are just beginning to walk to their departments when I arrive.

Within a few hours, I’ve got my crew settled onto the production floor, introducing each of them to the various stations where they’ll be operating.

I notice that one of my operators is mated with a mark on his neck that appears to be healing still, indicating that it’s fresh. He’s learning fast, already fitting glass panels into the metal pendants for whichever space craft they’ll be a part of. He moves with careful precision and inspects his work with a keen eye under the microscope.

I greet him with a friendly smile, unsure if I’m breaking conduct with what I’m about to ask.

“Hi, there. Mateo, right?”

“That’s me,” he pushes up his safety glasses with a shy but friendly smile.

“I noticed you’re recently mated like I am. Could I ask you something Omega to Omega?”

“Of course. I love talking about my Alpha.”

We share a light laugh, and I keep my volume between the two of us when I speak.

“Does your bond allow you to…speak to each other? And like see what he’s doing when he’s not around?”

Unprepared for the odd question, Mateo thinks hard about it for a moment.

“Um, no. Not speak, but I can feel that he’s safe and happy. He’s probably eating lunch right about now or working out with his friends.” His smile widens as he focuses on his bond with his mate.

“Ah, okay. I was just curious about how much to expect our bond to develop. Thanks for your answer.”

“No problem.”

Leaving him to his work, I walk around the room, overseeing the trainers and operators.

Maybe it was just a part of a dream. Or my own brain reminding me to get up but using my mate’s voice for some reason. The mind is a mysterious place.

Chapter XXVI

As soon as I pulled out a chair at the meeting table, I’ve had an odd sensation tingling throughout my body. Something familiar, yet brand new. Something that tells me I’ve done this already, but I haven’t. I’ve never met Alpha Dan and his Alpha mate Kelly. They’re both new board members who have climbed some impressive roles within the company as quickly as I did.

But I can’t shake the distracting sensation in my veins throughout our meeting regarding the upcoming changes within certain departments at Comet XI.

“So as we shift away from the old StarPoint software, we’re trying to invest in a new and improved application that utilizes three-dimensional rendering which will help us mitigate all the wasteful materials and open up space for testing beta equipment,” Kelly explains, pointing to data projected on a screen.

It really is an impressive plan they’ve laid out before me, and I agree with their projections. Cutting back on physical equipment to use three-D models is a cost-efficient upgrade.

“And if I can add on to that,” Dan interjects, “Phasing out these smaller, entry-level departments will open the job market to some of the most highly skilled Alphas in search of working in these fields. It’s a short-term loss for long-term intellectual growth for Comet XI.”

My mind drifts in and out of their presentation. Most of it is information that has already been discussed over the phone. My colleagues are already aware of Dan and Kelly’s innovation skills, and it all checks out so far. I see no reason to turn down their plans to implement these minor changes for the benefit of the company.

As they slide some paperwork in front of me, smiling wide since they already know they’ve got my signature, the weird sensation within me intensifies. I cough to clear my throat and reach for a glass of water on the table. My other colleagues mutter amongst themselves, asking Dan and Kelly questions while signing the plan into place for the next fiscal year.

I wonder if something is wrong with Ari? Is that why I feel this odd sense of dread?

While pretending to read through the paperwork, I focus on my bond to him. He still has a pulse, so does our daughter. He’s somewhere upstairs, though. Not on the lower level with the onboarding crew. Is he looking for me?

Concentrating harder, I get a strong whiff of pineapple juice, and suddenly I can see the picture as clear as day. The corner of my mouth lifts as I imagine it. He had a craving and sourced out the juice I left for him in my office. I can see it perfectly.

The weight of his belly making him sweat. His sense of relief when he walks into my office and sees the cold drink. Taking a seat to rest for a minute after realizing just how tired he is from walking around all day. I can imagine him falling asleep, and I think I can even feel through our bond his slow and steady pulse, but I know he’s got important work to do right now.

Baby, wake up, I think to myself before pushing away my daydreaming about my mate and resuming my paperwork.

I sign the deal for Dan and Kelly to go through with their changes. They’re a smart couple and have a keen sense of detail. By the time the day is over, I’m ready to go home and vent about it with Arius. I’m curious to know how his day went, too.

After a shower and one last business phone call, I meet him in the nursery of our home. Wearing one of my shirts because none of his fit, he’s standing indecisively, staring at the wall in deep thought. My arm wraps around his waist and I kiss the top of his head.

“Which color should the walls be?” he holds out a few small cards with different shades of purples and greens.

Familiarity rocks through me with a prickling sensation up my arms. With ease, I pick the lilac purple shade.

“This one.”

Arius blinks at my selection.

“Yeah, but… What about the other ones? You can’t just pick a random one, Knox, I want an honest answer.”

“It is my honest answer.” I stare at the card, slowly remembering where I’ve seen this color.

“You don’t think a pastel green would be more fitting? I like the purple, too, but I was also thinking of painting some animals and stuff so green seemed like it would represent grass?”

I see the vision, but I know it’s not what either of us wants. And I know he doesn’t have time for painting extra stuff like animals when he looks like he’s about to burst any second now.

“I think I had a dream where you were painting the wall purple,” I tell him. “Seemed pretty happy about it, too.”

Arius looks up at me with deep assessment, opening his mouth but closing it again as if searching for words.

“I had a weird dream about you, too, today,” he whispers. “Don’t you feel like our bond is stronger than most couples’?”

“Of course it is,” I wrap my arms around him from behind, resting my hands on his baby bump, “We’ve known each other since forever, and no one could ever love their Omega as much as I love mine.”

With a soft smile, he accepts my color choice. It takes some convincing to pull him away from housework and into our bedroom.

“It’s early, Knox.”

“I just want to lay with you. Tell me how onboarding went.”

We climb into bed together, cuddled close in my house that is slowly acquiring more of his personal touches next to mine. His breath tickles my neck when he speaks.

“It was good. They’re a smart group and I know the company will appreciate their skills. I got to learn some new things myself. Those StarPoint systems are tricky to get the hang of with all the complicated buttons and knobs.”

“StarPoint?” my heart thuds in my chest, eyelids popping open wide, erasing any ounce of sleep that beckoned me closer.

“Yeah. It’s the main software our department uses throughout the assembly process. It’s how they operate any machinery at each station,” Ari explains casually through a yawn.

Shit.

I didn’t even realize which departments would be directly affected by the change. If we phase out StarPoint, that means Ari’s new operators might lose their positions. The new software within Dan and Kelly’s plan will require a degree that only Alphas can attain.

This might be the biggest mistake I’ve ever made.

“What’s wrong?” Arius whispers before pressing kisses to my cheek and lips.

Swallowing the emotions fast, I kiss him back deeply, keeping it in the back of my mind that I’ll need to fix this as soon as possible. If I can.

Early in the morning, I slip away to the balcony for a phone call while Ari is getting ready for work.

“Mr. Beckett…” my colleague’s tone is not light.

“I know it’s a lot to ask, but you have to understand, this is not the right move for the company.”

“Is that so? Or is it not the right choice for you? Personal affairs aside, Dan and Kelly have shown us every reason why this is the most suitable route for the company. There’s no backing out because of a handful of Omegas.”

The phone beeps with the tone of being hung up on before I can argue.

“Fuck!” I grunt under my breath, unable to appreciate the glorious sunrise as I pace anxiously. Ari is going to kill me.

“Knox!” he shrieks my name and my heart drops heavily.

Does he already know? Did someone tell him?

I rush inside, ready to apologize profusely, but I freeze, staring at my mate clutching his stomach with an agonized expression.

“Knox! I think the baby is coming!” he cries, breaths rampant as he curls in on himself.

I panic, left paralyzed by those daunting words.

My mouth goes dry. My stress levels rupture the scale. I forget every single thing that I had tenaciously studied for this exact moment. Hands splayed out uselessly, I stumble around him, unsure how to help in this situation.

“Uh, right now? Are you sure?”

He grips the edge of the bed and bares his teeth at me, evading my touch.

“Call Raul!” he yells.

“Oh, right! Yes, I’ll call him right now, just, hold it in for a minute,” I pull out my phone, only to realize it’s very much still in my hand which is trembling as I locate the doctor’s number.

“Knox, you did not just tell me to hold the baby in! Aaah!” he cries out again as the contractions heighten.

“Here, get up on the bed,” I move to help him with one hand while pressing the phone to my ear.

I don’t know how we missed all the signs. His due date is right around the corner, and he was tossing and turning uncomfortably last night. It’s strange being so focused on this one moment for months and then, bam! Here we are and it’s somehow still surprising.

Raul answers with a yawn, and I quickly explain to him our predicament. Following his instructions, I fetch some clean towels, and he promises to be here shortly.

Lying on his back with his knees up, Ari breathes through the pain.

“You got this, baby. The doctor will be here soon, okay?” I drop to his side, holding his hand tightly. He nods stiffly, crushing my larger fingers in his.

Thick, molten hot guilt churns in my gut for the duration of his labor. We’ll be on paternity leave soon. Both of us. And before we get back to Comet XI, I’ll need to look him in the eye and explain to him how badly I fucked up his career.

Unless there’s still time to fix it.

Chapter XXVII

“It’s a female Alpha!” Dr. Raul cheers, being the first to hold my baby and welcome her into the world.

Another doctor quickly stitches my stomach closed as I struggle not to pass out.

They warned me that it’s perfectly fine to let go and be unconscious during the extraction and clean up, but I can’t let myself miss this moment. It’s too beautiful. They’ve numbed my lower belly, so I power through the exhaustion no matter how blurry my vision is.

“Yes! I fucking knew it!” Knox’s cheer is muffled as he pops up beside me with uncontained excitement, “Can I hold her?”

I watch the doctor carefully transfer the precious bundle to my mate’s arms. He gazes down at her, unblinking and smiling wide with joy. The picture is one that I commit to memory, and I know it will live at the forefront of my mind for the rest of my life, the way he’s cradling our baby for the first time. The emotions strike us and I can feel the overwhelming gratitude across our bond as a third one solidifies within our souls. My heart swells with love for my new family. I feel as complete as the day Knox and I became mated.

“Hi, Luna,” he sniffles through a broken whisper as she starts to cry with him.

My gratification soars, and I’ve never been prouder to be an Omega. I feel so accomplished seeing my mate holding my greatest victory in his hands.

Knox’s pink, watery eyes raise to mine.

“Thank you,” he mutters with deep sincerity, trying hard to contain himself during the tender moment. Rocking back and forth, he holds her closely, fueling her bond with fatherly love. Without much energy, all I can do is smile back, converting my words into feelings and then pouring them into our family bond.

Knox has a hard time letting her go once I’m stable enough to connect with her against my chest. I can hardly wrap my mind around how small she is. Just a soft, tiny bundle tucked beneath my chin. It’s crazy to think that my little Alpha is going to be bigger than me when she’s older.

I accept her warm weight on my skin, funneling love into our fresh bond to strengthen it. Her tie to us thrums and vibrates with life, immediately becoming familiar with us.

Wiping his eyes, Raul eventually leaves me and my daughter to rest, while Knox sits beside me to place a hand on both of us as I drift to sleep with my baby. He stays by our side for hours. My protector. My love. My everything.             

“Thank you guys so much,” I say for the thousandth time as my mom and Knox’s mom quickly put together the necessities for the nursery. Our dads are downstairs with Luna, attempting to capture some of her first baby pictures. At this age, she mostly just sleeps and eats, but every breath she takes is adorable and photo-worthy. She’s a beautiful baby with one big blue eye and one big brown one. A unique and perfect mix of me and Knox.

“It’s nice getting together with everyone,” my mom says while filling the crib with bedding. “We should do this every weekend.”

“Now that would be fun,” Knox’s mom agrees with a chuckle, situating the reading corner and clearing out empty packaging.

My mate pops in a second later. He’s been disappearing to the balcony for business calls a lot lately since our leave came earlier than expected. His stress heightens as he sees me standing in my white lab coat instead of resting in bed.

“What are you doing up?” he whispers, joining my side.

“I’m just going to stop by work to wrap up a few things and check in with everyone.”

“I already called and told them you were in labor.”

“I know. I just want to go in person, make sure everything is situated before I’m gone for a few months.”

“You don’t need to go in for that. They’ve got everything under control.”

I stare at him with my brows dipped, unsure why he’s so antsy. Our moms eavesdrop, but don’t comment on our argument. Closing the nursery door, I usher my mate to the hallway.

“I wasn’t asking for your permission, Knox. I’m not going in to do work; I just want to update my operators and say bye to everyone. That’s all.”

“Gomez is already handling it.”

“Knox.”

“They’re running business as normal. Everything is fine and they all know you had the baby so– “

“Knox!” I interject, reaching up to hold his face with worry, “What is going on with you? Why are you so jittery?”

He avoids my gaze, buzzing like he had too much caffeine. Even if we weren’t mated, I would recognize his emotions immediately to know that he’s hiding something. It’s how he was the week before our tenth birthday, trying his hardest not to tell me that he got me a gift and spoil the surprise. Fidgeting with his hands, rocking on his feet as if there’s a tac in his shoe, and casting his eyes down to the left like a sad puppy.

I know him better than he knows himself.

“The baby,” he confesses, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s just…making me anxious.”

If my arms could cross any tighter, they’d morph into one. My tone is deceitfully calm when I speak, my jaw set tight as I look him in the eye.

“Knox Beckett do you honestly think I wouldn’t know if you were lying to me?” I whisper low and threatening.

Eyes wide with a surprising amount of genuine fear for an Alpha, Knox licks the nervousness from his lips.

“Ari…”

“Knox.”

He exhales with distress.

“Look, there have been some messy things going on at work with really bad timing. I’m trying to handle it without stressing you out. You don’t need to deal with that right now.”

That’s it? A work problem? We handle stressful company setbacks all the damn time. That’s like our main job!

“It involves me?” I ask, probing for more information. I’ve never seen him like this over a work-related hiccup. His face pales and he scratches his chin.

“A little bit. Maybe. But I’m handling it.”

“What is it?” I push, reaching to grab both of his hands in mine, “Knox, whatever is going on we’ll handle it together. You can tell me.”

Finally, he meets my gaze, though he looks defeated rather than confident.

“I signed a deal recently, not realizing that…it phases out StarPoint production.”

My eyes pop at the admission, understanding the weight of that bomb. I stare into Knox’s sorrowfully flustered gaze, waiting for the part where he tells me that it won’t affect my Omegas. That they’ll still be employed. That I won’t lose the department I worked so damn hard for.

But he doesn’t say anything more.

Zero reassurances.

I toss his hands away as if they stung me, offended by the sour news. He gives me a hurt expression, but I’m the one who got burned here.

“How could you do that?” my voice is hoarse with betrayal.

“I’m going to fix it.”

“Are you?” I ask doubtfully.

“Yes! I won’t let them take out the department,” he brushes a hand through his hair, pacing in front of me, “I’ll fix it, Ari, I promise. I just need to figure some things out.”

“See to it that you do.”

I brush past him and head downstairs, hot with anger inside. How will I be able to relax at home with the baby knowing that my operators could be fired before I even return? Knox doesn’t make hasty or stupid decisions, otherwise he wouldn’t be an engineering executive, so how the hell did he manage to overlook something so crucial?

Chapter XXVIII

“Shh, it’s okay,” I mutter to my daughter as she shrieks incessantly in my ear.

Arius is upstairs, finally painting the wall. We haven’t had a chance to leave the house in days as the first few baby scares hit us hard. Luna sounded like she was having trouble breathing. Raul rushed over, only to tell us she was a little congested which is normal.

We installed a few humidifiers around the house and that seemed to help her sleep better. After that, we noticed a rash on her leg. I thought the absolute worse, and Ari stressed himself into nesting which I couldn’t even join him for. It was agonizing for both of us. While Ari stayed home to handle himself, careful of his healing body, I rushed over to Raul with the baby.

He said the rash was common and recommended gentle laundry detergent. After giving Luna some soothing ointment, the rash cleared up within days, and everything was fine for what felt like minutes.

Then, she was crying more than usual, and we thought something was wrong. That maybe she was in pain. Again, Raul was here in a flash, giving her a check-up and reminding us that sometimes babies cry for the hell of it.

Cradling her in my arms looking worse for wear with my tattered pajamas and messy hair, I try every toy and pacifier before giving up and bringing her upstairs. As she wails, I poke my head into the nursery, getting a whiff of paint as Ari rolls the purple liquid up and down the wall.

“Babe, I think she’s hungry.”

His shoulders slump and he turns to me with an exhausted sigh. Milk stains the front of his shirt, seeping through from his agitated nipples.

“Please, no, I’m so fucking sore. Is she ready for formula yet?”

I shake my head, “Couple more weeks.”

“It wouldn’t kill us to try it now,” he grumbles, setting down the roller.

“Yeah, but…it’s healthier if it comes from you for as long as possible.”

“That’s a myth, Knox.”

“Okay, but it sounds healthier.”

Looking unconvinced, he scoops our wailing infant into his arms.

“What time is it?” he yawns through the sentence, walking her to our room.

“It’s got to be like eleven? Maybe twelve?” I scratch the stubble on my chin as he places her in the bassinet beside our bed, resting her next to the stuffed bear my mom bought her.

Peeling our eyes off the baby for one second, we both glance at the alarm clock on the nightstand.

“Damn,” I mutter as the red letters display four in the morning. “Is that correct?”

“I don’t even know what day it is, babe,” Ari mumbles, stretching his neck. “Oh! Here!” he picks up a bottle of milk we must’ve forgotten about beside the alarm clock.

“It’s only half full,” I point out over Luna’s hungry whines.

With an irritable whine, Ari sits on the bed with his back against the headboard. He reaches for his breast pump, pouting through the demanding task as he peels off his shirt, handing it to me so I can fetch him a clean one.

Would it be weird to say that I like the smell of it? Nobody warned me that lactating is oddly hot, but I’ve kept the thought to myself since I know Arius finds it absolutely taxing on his healing body.

His tired eyes fall closed as he attaches the mechanisms to his nipples, letting the pump milk him repetitively. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I quietly watch the white liquid seep into the tubes and slowly fill the bottle while I massage his legs.

I could just lean forward and lap up the warm drops from his puffy nipples, but I know it wouldn’t taste as good as it looks. At least, not for a grown ass Alpha. I’ll keep fantasizing about it, though.

He wakes up once it’s done, moving to get up and warm the fresh drink for our picky daughter, but I lightly push him back down and help him detach the pump.

“Let me go warm it up. You get some rest,” I hand him a fresh shirt, accepting the bottle from him and a kiss.

He nods with a wide yawn and crawls under the covers while Luna sputters and whines. If he saw my erection, he doesn’t call me out on it. Not like we can do anything about it anyway.

By the time I return from the kitchen, my mate is sleeping heavily. Very quietly, I pick up Luna and let her drink, deeply relieved when it calms her down. Even more blessed when she doesn’t spit it up for once. The sun is already crawling up behind the clouds as I lay her to bed in the bassinet and tuck her in. Growing tired after her meal, she drifts off, wiggling in a cozy pile of baby blankets.

Sleep would be paradise beside my mate, but I also haven’t showered in two days. Taking the opportunity, I step into the bathroom and clean myself up. I take my time shaving, scrubbing, and then situating my hair. Hands braced on the vanity, water drips from my face as I lift my head to look myself in the eye.

I keep having weird visions. I keep seeing strange things. Things I shouldn’t see, but they’re not by coincidence.

Every night, Arius dreams of draining my wallet and starting his own Omega engineering business. A rivalry to Comet XI. It would be tiny but mighty and I’d be expected to help him achieve it by any means as payback for ruining his current career. He hasn’t told me about it yet, but when we fall asleep together, my brain drops me off in his dream and that’s what I find.

Sucking my teeth in thought, I wipe a hand across my face before standing tall in the mirror. Lifting my fingers, I gently touch the sensitive mating mark on my skin, reflecting on everything it stands for.

We’re a partnership, Arius and I, but the limitations for Omegas are what keep us so far apart. They shouldn’t need their own spaces when we could share ours with them. There shouldn’t be Omega sections. There should only be one world for all of us, Betas, Alphas, and Omegas alike.

Instead of joining my mate in bed, I push through my fatigue and get dressed in a suit. Each of my arms weigh a ton as I struggle through the mechanics of my necktie, but my exhaustion now is nothing compared to what Arius experiences as an Omega trying to navigate through an Alpha’s world. He’s always fighting on the frontlines for himself. It’s time for me to step up and be the one advocating for him.

I call Gomez on the ride to Comet XI, letting him know that I need a meeting scheduled ASAP. My colleagues should be available for a minute just before their shifts officially start, and as executives, I know they’re already at their desks early per usual.

Parking in my reserved space, I march into the building, up to the same meeting room in which I made the worst mistake of my career.

Within the hour, I’ve gathered Mr. Muendo, who I would consider to be my boss. Dan and Kelly are here with stern faces, looking anxious about what I’ve called them here for since I didn’t specify. And a few others who were part of signing their plan into action have joined as well.

Once everyone is seated and waiting for an explanation, I stand at the head of the table.

“As you all know, I should be on leave right now.”

“Mr. Beckett,” Muendo speaks up. “If this is about the deal, I already told you it cannot be undone. We’re in contract with Dan and Kelly.”

Everyone nods in agreeance and I clear my throat.

“I’m not asking you to break the contract. But I am going to tell you to make it more inclusive. We just hired a group of Omega operators for the affected department. Instead of hiring new Alphas, train the Omegas on the new system.”

“But the degree required– “ Kelly speaks up.

“I don’t care. Make it happen.”

“Mr. Beckett,” Dan tries to level with me, sitting straighter in his chair. “We need operators who learn quickly and efficiently. There’s a reason this program is only for certified Alphas within this field, and labor costs are through the roof this year as it is.”

“Exactly. The Omegas we already have get paid significantly less, leaving room in our budget. We’ll take a bad publicity hit if we fire them all right after shaking the world from opening their unique department.”

Remaining tentatively quiet, Mr. Muendo watches us closely.

“But the work itself, Mr. Beckett,” Dan argues. “It’s best done by an Alpha.”

“Wrong. You don’t know that. Nobody knows that. Because Omegas have never been given a damn chance to try.”

A gravitational tension weighs the room down until the only thing in motion is the hand on the clock, ticking quietly with every second. The world needs to accept that not every Omega wants to be pampered and spoiled by Alphas. Some of them want to live with a little more purpose.

My mate is an exceptional parent as much as he is an extraordinary astronomer.

“What exactly are you proposing, Alpha?” another colleague breaks the tension with an impatient yawn.

It’s a challenge not to snap at them and lose my temper. I’m tired, cranky, and stressed. But I will not continue to work here without Arius. Never again. For the sake of his career, I need to tread carefully while remaining clear on where I stand, otherwise... Goodbye, Comet XI.

“I’m not proposing anything. We are going to train the current Omegas on the same criteria as the Alphas, and if they fail, if they’re unable to perform tasks on the new system, then by all means you can fire them and hire your precious Alphas for the job. But if they succeed…then maybe you’ll reconsider doubting their capabilities going forward.”

“Confident, are you?” Dan challenges, looking up at me with smugness.

“I don’t need to be. The Omegas we have are confident in themselves. Give them a chance.”

Staring him down, I make sure he understands that this isn’t up for negotiation until Mr. Muendo cuts through our standoff.

“We’ll start with one,” he says calmly and I glance at his commanding expression. “Pick an Omega. Train them quickly on an accelerated course of what the Alphas take. If you train one successfully, they can teach the rest.” He stands from his seat with finality, “Choose wisely, Mr. Beckett, or we will revert to the original plan.”

With that, he clasps me on the shoulder and nods to Dan and Kelly before strolling out of the room.

Chapter XXIX

Knox’s betrayal hasn’t escaped me. I’m already planning on creating my own legacy with my Omega operators once they get fired. I’m sick of compromise. I don’t want him to find some sort of petty loophole in which they demote my Omegas to cleaners or something.

They’re capable of more and I’m going to make sure that they secure successful roles in science. Even if I have to create those roles from scratch.

But right now, the baby comes first.

“Hey,” I announce my arrival to Knox as he plays with Luna in the living room.

“Looking good,” he comments, standing with a smile.

I showered and dressed nice in a knitted sweater and navy-blue pants. It’s great having a flat stomach again, allowing me to see my own zipper.

“Where are we going?” I finally ask, unsure what he had planned for us when he told me to get ready.

“Date night.”

“Knox.”

“What? It’ll be good for us.”

“It’s going to take a lot more than a nice dinner to make up for what you’ve done.”

He looks hesitant for a second, like he wants to say something but is deciding to wait.

“Just trust me, will you?” he begs, leaning down for a kiss that I hardly accept.

If only he knew how much of a challenge it is being mad at him. With each passing day confined in this house together, I just want to ravish him until I’m pregnant again. Cheeks growing warm, slick begins to pool down below as he leans in and nibbles beneath my ear, catching the scent.

The doorbell saves me and I snap out of it. Hands on his chest, I push myself away to answer it.

“Arius!” my mom cheers. “Hi, honey! Where’s that precious baby?!” She invites herself inside, scoping out the living room and gasping when she sees Luna in the baby swing.

“Are you here to watch her?” I ask, grabbing my rain jacket from the entryway. The light pitter-patter against the tall windows sets the mood for a dreary, indoor evening.

“I sure am! You two go have fun. Me and Luna are going to read some books and play with blocks!”

I smile softly, recognizing some of my childhood books in her arms as she settles on the sofa. As moody as I am about this “date,” it’s nice to have someone else watch the baby for a minute and set aside all my irrational fears as a new parent.

“We might be back sooner than expected, but thanks for coming over,” I warn her as Knox guides me to the door with a scoff.

“I told you I would handle things, baby. You’re being hard on me,” he complains as we step outside where a chauffeur is already waiting in Knox’s car.

“Maybe I don’t want you to handle it! Maybe I don’t want to be fucked over by Alphas to begin with!”

I climb in the backseat with our argument, meeting the driver’s concerned eyes in the rearview mirror.

“Let’s just get to the restaurant and then hear me out. Please. I know you’re…” Knox pauses as if he were about to reveal something but changes course, “already planning to handle things yourself, but I want you to trust me as your Alpha that I can provide for you. Stop doubting that I have your best interest in mind. You know I always have.”

“Except for when you signed that plan,” I grumble, crossing my arms and facing the city lights through the rain-splattered window.

Knox gives up with a sigh and remains quiet, squeezing my thigh with his strong hand and leaving it there until we get to the restaurant. I only allow it because it’s chilly tonight and he’s warm. At least, that’s what I tell myself.

The restaurant is a chic, inner city spot that probably takes months to get a reservation for. The driver drops us off at the door where a few workers take our coats.

With his hand drifting far too close to my ass, Knox leads me inside with chivalry. The host brings us to a private section in the dark romantic space that smells like cilantro and smoked red meats. My steps falter when I spy two familiar faces sitting across from two empty seats that we appear to be heading toward.

“Knox,” I whisper through gritted teeth. “Did you know Chet and Jaimie were going to be here?”

“That’s part of the surprise! It’s a double date,” he confirms naively. “I thought it would be fun since we don’t get to see our work friends for a while and I know you miss them.”

If he’s trying to make me stop being mad as fuck at him, he’s doing a terrible job.

“Jaimie and I aren’t exactly friends, Knox. He fucking hates me, and I certainly didn’t miss him.”

My oblivious mate blinks down at me like he truly had no clue.

“Hey, guys!” Chet smiles wide as we approach, “Glad you could make it!”

Pulling my politest fake smile, I slide into the booth while Knox shakes his hand and the two of them catch up.

“Hi, Jaimie. How are you?” I try to be social and make the best of this.

The Omega smiles lightly at me, a little less snotty than I expected, but it drops when his eyes land on my sleeve. There’s a hole in my sweater. Great. Of course, the universe would never let me look like I have my shit together in front of him, but for once, he doesn’t comment on it.

“I’m well, thank you, Arius,” he mutters into a glass of water.

I guess he’s in a good mood today. Avoiding conversation, I study the menu while the Alphas gush about baby talk. Knox is very proud of being correct about the gender reveal. Eventually, our waitress arrives, ready to collect our orders without a pen and paper it seems. Very classy, though I find myself hiding the hole in my sleeve out of shame.

“I’ll have the ribeye cooked medium-well, please. Garlic sauce on the side,” I order.

“Oh, that sounds good,” Jaimie’s voice has my eyes snapping to him with surprise. “I’ll have that, too,” he says while handing off his menu.

I’m not sure why, but this feels like a truce of sorts. Is it just because I’m a new parent that he’s being nice?

“Okay,” Knox blows out a breath after our orders are in. “Now that we’re here, a few of us have some exciting news, and we wanted to wait until this dinner to share it.”

Both Chet and I share a look of confusion.

“I’ll go first,” Knox continues, turning to face me beside him. “Baby, I know I fucked up, but I told you I would fix it. And I did.”

“Knox,” my shoulders sag with depletion, tired of this argument, but he has the audacity to bring his finger to my lips to silence me. My eyes become as dangerous as an owl spotting a mouse while I listen to what he thinks he can possibly say to fix what he did.

“I spoke with my colleagues, and they not only agreed to keep your Omegas, but we’re going to train them on the new production software instead of hiring Alphas.”

My jaw drops fast and my back straightens as he finally spills the news. The information is like a bucket of cold water falling on my head, washing away my sizzling anger at him.

“But how would they… It’s only for Alphas, right?”

“Not anymore. I told them they’re going to give you guys a chance to prove yourselves first. But only under the condition that they start with one Omega, someone very smart, and intelligent to learn the new software fast and then teach the others if they succeed.”

I stare into Knox’s deep, genuine eyes, sharp enough to cut through steak. Biting my lip, I think hard about it. I haven’t seen my operators in a while to know who the best choice for this would be.

“Maybe Mateo? He’s caught on pretty fast, but also Mai might have the same potential even though she’s just a cleaner.”

Knox tilts my chin up with his finger while shaking his head.

“No, I’m talking about you, Ari. They’re going to train you on the new system and you’re going to show them that Omegas can do anything.”

A slow smile spreads across my lips. I doubted him heavily, not trusting that he’d come up with a legitimate solution, but this sounds amazing.

“I’m basically getting a promotion,” I whisper with amazement, tongue tingling on the words.

Knox convinced Comet XI to hire Omegas to do an Alpha’s job?!

Check-fucking-mate!

“Am I allowed to kiss you now?” Knox asks, feeling my ecstatic energy through our bond.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I pull him in and kiss him hard. I’m glad I don’t need to be angry at him anymore. I missed these lips on mine. It goes on far too long to be appropriate, even at a date-night restaurant. Pulling back, we find Jaimie and Chet sporting cheeky grins at us, which reminds me.

“You said someone else has news?” I ask around the table, pulling back from Knox. “What else is going on?”

Jaimie clears his throat, sitting a little taller with a blush across his cheeks.

“Well…as much as I’d love to share a bottle of wine to celebrate us Omegas dominating the workplace… I can’t because I’m pregnant!”

My mouth drops with a stunned gasp. Chet’s eyes pop and glow with awestruck amazement. Knox chuckles and raises his glass, proud for his friend.

“Oh my gosh, how exciting!” I squeal, “You should’ve led with that, Jaimie, that’s a thousand times more important than my little promotion! Congratulations!”

“We’re having a baby?” Chet whispers in disbelief.

“Yes!” Jaimie grabs his hand, clutching it tightly in his own. “I stopped my suppressants a while ago. It was challenging to break my routine, but in a good way. I figured if I could push myself to do that, and survive the messiness of a heat with you, then maybe I’d be ready to handle this, too.”

My eyes water for them, and I lean into Knox with an empathetic sniffle. What a positive outcome to this dinner I had dreaded moments ago.

“And you feel ready?” Chet asks, “You’ll keep it?”

“Of course! I’ll be working with a therapist throughout my term for my perfectionism and compulsions, and she’s really great. But honestly, when we connected for the first time, it just felt natural, Chet. It felt right. It’s like my love for you overturns my obsessiveness.”

“I love you too, Cookie.”

On the verge of tears, they share a passionate kiss as I lean in for a few more from Knox as well. The love is so potent in the air that I can taste it.

“To family,” my mate raises his water glass, and the four of us clink them together just as the food arrives.

Chapter XXX

Today is the big day. Arius has been training for weeks, ending his leave prematurely to get started. Now, it’s time for the certification test designed for Alphas who have studied for positions like this for a minimum of two years.

Ari did an accelerated version of the course in a few months.

I don’t doubt that some of the questions on the exam will be entirely guess-work, but if anyone can pull it off, it’s Arius.

I’ve also been his study partner, helping him prepare and giving him pop quizzes while we took Luna on walks and spoon-fed her a million different mushy baby foods to see what she likes. Peas, carrots, and bananas for the win. Mango and sweet potato are her personal nemesis.

Nervously, I step onto the concrete production floor where we have a beta model of the new software set up along with the complex machinery for assembling parts. Gone is StarPoint, replaced with something similar, but intimidatingly modern. Hands clasped behind my back, I stroll around the small lineup, testing my own knowledge, noting the safety levers, conveyors, ventilated enclosures, touch screens, calibration tools, measurement spectacles.

It’s a lot to take in.

My skin heats, and a shiver skips up the back of my neck. I glance to my right, finding two stern scientists strolling toward me with my mate strutting behind them confidently. One is holding a clip board, ready to assess Arius’ knowledge on the advanced machinery before us.

With a nod, I step back, remaining politely out of the way, but close enough to observe the proceedings. It seemed necessary that I be present for the unconventional plans I set into motion. Arius locks eyes with me and nods once. The Alpha with a clipboard, Dr. Eliza, kicks things off with a brief overview of how this will go.

She’ll ask a few key questions and allow Ari to present and demonstrate his understanding of the operating processes. He needs to score one hundred percent on the proceedings to pass. Straightening his lab coat, my courageous mate stands tall, ready for the task that determines his future.

Forehead cascading sweat down to my eyebrows, a tense cramp of anxiety forms in my shoulder blades as the test begins.

“Can you show us the tools required at each station?” Dr. Eliza asks and Arius answers.

Moving efficiently, he points out every item by the correct name and confirms that they are all appropriately placed for the beginning of production. I can tell that the two judges are just waiting for him to mess up, but we’re prepared for any questions they might throw at him. During study sessions, we figured that they would throw curve balls at him.

Dr. Eliza interrupts him constantly with rapid-fire questions. Undeterred, Arius answers them with speed and clarity. Until he draws a blank.

“If the system undergoes a reboot, what is the process for restarting the machines?”

I swallow heavily, annoyed that the question isn’t directly related to operating the stations. Specific scenarios and troubleshooting aren’t typically exam criteria, but I suppose, it’s something Ari would need to excel in if he’s expected to oversee production on this equipment. He takes in a deep breath, thinking hard on the question as the judges stare him down with unimpressed expressions, waiting for him to fail.

His nerves grow through our bond. Reflecting on the question, I try to recount it myself.

Restarting the systems after a reboot is slightly different than restarting them in general. I remember reading this section of our study documents while Luna had decided to drop her frog-shaped pacifier directly into Air’s coffee cup. I laughed and he groaned with disgust. He was too distracted by that to pay much attention to his studies.

But I wasn’t.

After a reboot, turn on the main power switch, then start the program on the computer monitors. It won’t start up on its own, that’s the difference. Once it’s loaded, verify that the station ID number is correct and that the status is in operation mode. I believe that’s all.

Arius takes another deep breath, beginning to fidget with his hands as he searches for the answer. His eyes drift to me with a pleading sheen of desperation and disappointment in himself. Then they widen. I stare into his dark-blue eyes, confused by his sudden expression of shock. Like he’s seeing a ghost in the place that I stand.

Within a second, he snaps his gaze away, facing the judges once more. He clears his throat.

“After a reboot, I would turn on the main power switch,” he begins with far more confidence. “Then, I would start the program manually, because it won’t start up on its own. Once it’s loaded, verify that the station ID is correct and that the status is in operation mode.”

Heart slowing to a heavy thud, I hardly believe my own ears. How the fuck did he do that? Did I just… Did I just tell him the answer? I didn’t say that out loud, did I?

The judges nod, visibly annoyed that he got it right while I stand here, struggling to reign in my shock. They move on and Arius performs the rest of the exam with ease. But I can hardly celebrate by the time we’re heading up to my office with his brand-new certification and the secured future for his Omega operators.

“Baby?”

“I know,” he mutters as we walk the halls, but he turns down a different corridor than I expected.

“Where are you going?”

“To Dr. Ritza! Why on earth are we seeing into each other’s minds, Knox?! That doesn’t happen through normal bonds!”

“You think it had something to do with the quantum transfer beds?” I scan my badge at a pair of white double doors, allowing us through the exclusive area.

“I think it had everything to do with the transfer beds!”

Before I can respond, a tantalizing smell reaches my nose, and it makes my dick twitch with interest. Stunned by the sudden scent of my mate's incoming heat after it’s been gone for a while due to the baby, I hardly register someone else entering the hall.

“Knox and his Omega. How are you?” Dr. Ritza’s impersonal voice greets us as we clash in the hallway. Tablet in hand, hair wound up in a tight bun, she peers at us over the rim of her glasses.

“Knox made me cheat on my test,” Ari throws me under the bus immediately and I look at him with betrayal.

“I didn’t do it on purpose! You looked right at me and read my thoughts, Arius.”

Dr. Ritza looks intrigued, eyes bouncing between us with a sharp eyebrow raised high.

“No I didn’t! He’s been sneaking into my dreams, too! This is impossible!”

“Wasn’t trying to. I just ended up there. And you kept dreaming about the same thing.”

Ceasing the argument, we both turn to Dr. Ritza, waiting for her expertise on our odd predicament.

“Fascinating,” she mutters before turning on her heels. “Follow me to my office.”

Heels clicking away, I share a look with Ari and then we trail after her.

Using advanced technology, she pulls up images across a display of monitors reflecting brain scans from both of us. Current scans, and scans from before the transfer beds. My mate sits in my lap, and I hold him close while she assesses the imagery, trying to determine why we’ve been experiencing telepathic communications that shouldn’t be possible.

“And this only began after your trip to space?” she asks while pacing along the displays.

“Yeah,” I respond, kissing my mate on the cheek.

“Not after you were mated?”

I think about it for a minute, so does Ari.

“Not immediately. It began after we were mated and after I had my memory back,” I answer.

Dr. Ritza hums in thought.

“Well, the scans are normal. No discrepancies.” She turns around to face us, “It’s not your brain. It’s your bond,” she concludes.

“Really? But why?” Ari mumbles, nestling into my neck. “And how?”

“I don’t know. I guess you’re just one of the lucky few.”

She powers off the monitors, done with her research on us it seems.

“There are other couples like us?” I ask.

“Oh, please,” Ritza rolls her eyes. “Haven’t you heard the fables of true mates and whatnot? Some believe it isn’t a matter science. It’s fate.”

My body tingles at the spiritual word.

There’s beautiful irony in the idea of two scientists being hit with such an inexplicable force of nature. A telepathic bond destined to us because our souls were always meant to be together. I’m sure there’s a scientific explanation, but regardless, our strange abilities are here to stay as they are whether we can make sense of them or not.

Relaxing our shoulders a little, we try to accept it for what it is and focus on the major achievement from earlier. With the help of our magical bond, Ari nailed that exam. Back in my office, we pop a bottle of champagne and lock the door, so that Jaimie won’t interrupt. Not that he would. He’s plenty preoccupied with his therapy sessions and Chet sessions.

I’m glad Luna will have a friend soon. And maybe a little brother or sister too.

Wearing nothing but his lab coat with the new pin of achievement he earned for it, Arius bobs his tight lips around my cock, driving me wild. Legs open for him as I sit back and take his gorgeous mouth, I run my fingers through his hair, matching each swallow with a shallow thrust.

Those midnight-blue eyes stare up at me the entire time, glazed over in ecstasy and I can sense through our bond just how far away he is. His heat returned out of nowhere with ferocity, but we decided not to go home for it, staying in my office for old time’s sake.

Humming around my dick, his eyes roll back as he reaches down to ease his throbbing erection. His scent permeates the air between us, telling me he’s close, and I pull myself out quickly so that I don’t accidently knot his mouth. Squeezing the base of my cock with ragged breaths, I watch him jolt through a quick, but powerful orgasm on the floor, thighs trembling as he squirms on his knees.

“F-fuck, Alpha!” he shudders hard before me, lips glossy with saliva and precum while I reach down to stroke his messy hair, massaging him until he recuperates.

Nowhere near fully satisfied, Ari lurches forward, spitting on my dick before sucking it into his hot, wet lips again. A deep and raw sound of pleasure vibrates through my chest, overstimulated by my mate’s ravenous appetite. Ari in heat is something I’ve only ever dreamed about.

My deepest, darkest secret of always wanting to take him like this is coming true. I was upset with him for not coming back to me, but beyond that, I was also holding back from going after him and hunting him down myself. It’s no secret that Omegas go to boarding school to experience their first heats safely. I didn’t deserve him back them, but it was worth the wait to have him now.

It’s almost too much. I almost pull him off me until he lifts up with a pop and climbs onto my lap to take me for a ride on the sofa. Throw pillows discarded on the floor, his tight hole squeezes my shaft up and down in an overwhelming rhythm while I grip onto his waist. Grunting and sucking in air through my teeth, I thrust through the hot slick flowing like lava between us.

“Oh, yes, Knox! I need it!” Ari begs beautifully as I give him every inch. But I know what he really wants. My knot is already beginning to swell.

“I’m so proud of you, baby,” I rasp, choked up by the emotional impact of both his heat, his success, and just the fact that he’s back in my life again.

The stench of our lovemaking in the air heightens my arousal, turning me into a primal beast as I breed my Omega. His face is twisted with pleasure, a deep blush spreading as his hands trail up his body to toy with his pointed nipples. Head tossed back with a moan; he quivers as I grab his dick. With deliberate strokes, I work him to the edge, teasing the underside of the crown with my thumb until he’s panting and jerking uncontrollably above me.

I can’t believe this Omega is mine. All mine. I already won in life the second we met in the sandbox as toddlers. I’ll do anything to keep him by my side forever and ever.

My body takes that statement literally and my knot begins to expand fast. Ready to lock us together for as long as possible. The first inflation has Arius crying out and cumming hard across my fist and my abs. I lose it when he locks eyes with me through the peak of his orgasm.

With a long groan, I drive up into him and plant my seed, knot blooming to its full girth which draws a continuous orgasm out of my mate. It becomes a battle of sensations with his convulsing muscles and my expanding knot, both our bodies chasing the final twitch of pleasure.

Connected like a puzzle, Ari drops onto my chest, breathing with me until our heart beats match one steady pace. It’s poetic almost. A metaphor for the life we share.

You have no idea how much I love you; I say the words passionately in my mind while caressing the dip of his back.

“Oh yes I do, Alpha,” Ari mutters quietly, his breath tickling my chest.

The next wave of his heat strikes hard a moment later, igniting my desire to breed him some more. This time, I’m predicting we’ll get our son, Triton. An Omega who will have the power to be anything he wants to be in the future because success is already written in the stars for him. I can feel it.

Chapter XXXI

“I’m not cleaning this up,” Jaimie complains as soon as he gets a whiff of what occurred in Knox’s office for the last twenty-four hours.

I laugh at his wrinkled nose, already picking up pillows and tabletop items that came crashing down during my heat.

“Don’t worry, I don’t expect you to. Can you even pick things up off the ground at this stage?” I nod toward his pregnant belly wrapped in a tidy red turtleneck.

“If I do a slow squat,” he admits, clearly bored without his usual cleaning tasks. Another cleaner has been assigned to help him out during his term, and he hasn’t been easy on her.

“What are you up to? Shouldn’t your helper be coming in soon?” I ask while cleaning up most of my own mess anyway before Knox gets back. He went home to pick up Luna from the nanny. My poor mate really misses her when he’s at work and wants to try bringing her with for the rest of the day.

“Yeah, she’ll be in shortly. I’m just bored. Walking around,” Jaimie shrugs, leaning against the sofa with something suspicious about his attitude. I let silence fill the space between us until he says whatever else is on his mind. It seems like he came in here for a reason.

“You know I was just jealous, right?” he whispers with trepidation through the tension. “I never actually had feelings for Knox; I was just upset watching you have the workplace romance I wanted.”

Pausing my cleaning, I meet his vulnerable gaze, a pitiful expression forming on my face.

“I know, Jaimie. I’m willing to put it behind us and start fresh.”

He swallows and nods, hands rubbing his baby bump in a self-soothing manor that makes me miss being pregnant.

“Okay, but… I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I just thought I better apologize now while I’m hormonal and capable of saying sorry.”

I laugh lightly at his bluntness.

“If there’s anyone who understands being an emotional wreck, it’s me. That baby is going to alter the way you view the world even more once it’s in your arms.”

“Good to know,” Jaimie grins back at me. “Hey, could you open the curtains? Maybe let some light in here.”

I blink at the switch in topics, but oblige, walking over to the tall windows along the wall behind Knox’s desk. Pulling the thick fabric aside, harsh sunlight warms my skin and floods the room with golden light. The view is stunning, overlooking the front lawn of Comet XI which appears to have an event going on. Looking closer, a gasp escapes my lips when I see what’s happening on the vast yard below.

Giant heart-shaped balloons. Roses everywhere. Tables of food and space-themed attractions. And my mate standing in the center of it all with Luna in his arms, gazing up at me as if he can see right through the tinted window. He picks up our daughter’s tiny wrist to make her wave at me and I feel her joyous recognition along our family bond.

My hands float to my mouth, cupping my shock. Eyes wide, I turn to Jaimie who is smiling with excitement. Now I see why he came up here.

“Is that for me?” I whisper.

Jaimie’s eyes roll, but his smile remains.

“Who else would Knox do all that for? Come on,” he offers a hand and I accept it as we hurry down the hall. “I picked the cake design by the way. Knox wanted to do one that looked like the earth because you’re his world or something cheesy like that. But I thought my idea was better. More extravagant.”

Before I can ask what it is, we stroll out of the elevator on the bottom floor and out into the front yard where many others have already gathered. White lab coats flutter around, including my proud group of Omega operators. It’s refreshing to see them integrated in the mix.

“Surprise!” the crowd shouts in sync making me shiver under the immense affection. Music from a speaker picks up and a few confetti canons go off, creating colorful, fluttering rain.

“Wow… I don’t even know what to say,” I murmur as Jaimie walks through the party with me. The cake he mentioned is in the shape of a telescope, miraculously standing on three edible legs. I don’t even know how they did that, but it looks amazing. Like I could just go up and take a bite out of the lens. And I’m thinking I just might.

Finally, we spy Knox through the crowd, and I can hear happy babbles from Luna. My mate’s handsome smile reaches mine, and we meet between the balloons and flowers.

“Knox…what is all this?” I ask while scooping up my daughter from his arms.

He leans in for a quick kiss, whispering against my lips.

“Happy birthday, Ari.”

My eyes blow wide and I lean back to gawk at him.

“Oh my gosh…it’s our birthday!” the realization hits me and he chuckles. I thought this was about my Omegas getting a promotion, but nope. Knox and I are just another year older! My excitement falls into a pout. “I completely forgot about it, Knox. I didn’t get you anything.”

After another kiss, he leans into my ear, ignoring Luna’s hands tugging his shirt while she squeals.

“Give me another baby and we’ll call it even,” he says, low and husky for my ears only.

“I can do that,” I grin up at him with a twinkle in my eye. More babies means that no one gets to complain about me not being on suppressants while employed. And maybe a paternity leave that I’ll get to enjoy the entire duration of without my career on the line.

“Yo, happy birthday space freaks!” Chet’s playful voice reaches us.

Turning our heads, we find him holding a glass to us as he makes his way over. Knox reaches out to ruffle his hair until the Alpha shoos him away like old times. The two of them haven’t changed a bit over the years other than in height.

“Excited for the new baby?” I ask as Luna reaches out with her tiny hands, exploring all the interesting things around her.

“Stoked,” Chet grins before offering Luna one of his enticing fingers which she happily accepts, “You’re going to have a friend soon, little Alpha. And tell your daddies they owe me fifty bucks.” He boops the tip of her nose making her giggle in my arms.

My eyebrows draw together. “We owe you money on our birthday?”

“Why fifty? What the hell for?” Knox adds and Chet’s grin widens.

“I placed a bet back when we were kids that you’d have Arius back someday, and that you two would get mated. Unfortunately, fifty bucks was a lot to us back then, but still, a win is a win.”

I glance at Knox with a pointed look. No way it’s coming out of my paycheck. With a dramatic sigh, my mate reaches into his pocket, and Chet strolls away happy with his fifty dollars. Luna is upset to watch him go, so I carry her around, letting her observe the colorful party.

“Wow, look at all these gifts,” I lean toward a table stacked high with presents that make me feel like a kid again. Tilting my head, I read the tag on one of them with surprise. “Hey, this one is for me.”

“They all are,” Knox smirks beside me and I peer at him.

“Babe, please don’t tell me you bought all these. We’re saving for the cruise!”

He huffs with amusement and rubs his large hand around my back.

“Relax, we’re still getting our luxury cruise, gorgeous. I didn’t buy the presents. I just…didn’t tell anyone it was my birthday too.”

My face softens at his confession. Clever, clever Alpha. Of course he would do something so selfless after countless birthdays of only him receiving gifts.

“That was really sweet of you, Knox,” I whisper, leaning into his side.

“Don’t get too excited,” he warns before planting a kiss on my head. “I think ninety percent of it is for Luna.”

My laugh comes out as a snort.

“I wouldn’t expect anything else. We’ll need more baby stuff for the next one anyway.” I reach up for a kiss, drawn to my mate like a magnet, smushing Luna between us. Her bond to us bursts with warmth, safety, and comfort. “Happy birthday, my love,” I whisper against his lips.

Mine, Knox’s voice rumbles telepathically in my head without breaking our kiss.

“Want to know something, Alpha?”

“What’s that?” he smirks, assuming I’m going to say something flirty and lustful.

“I don’t have to read your mind to know that you want to take a bite out of the telescope cake as much as I do.”

Proving me right, low laughter escapes his chest, carefree and earnest.

“Let’s do it, Omega. That’s why I ordered a backup cake for everyone else, so we could destroy this one.”

We hurry over, finding Jaimie staring longingly at the realistic dessert. I know how it is with those pregnancy cravings, so I wave him over.

“Want to get in on this?” I ask him as me and Knox position ourselves on either side of the cake.

Chet scoops up Luna from my arms and whispers, “Go on,” to Jaimie. With a hungry smile, the Omega joins, pretending to glance through the eyepiece of the cake for pictures. A photographer manages us to get us smiling beside it for only a few seconds before Knox and I chomp down on either side of the sweet dessert.

“Mmm, marble cake!” I moan at the delicious swirl of chocolate and vanilla on my tongue.

Glancing back at Jaimie, I can see that he’s a little disturbed by the messiness of icing and crumbs smothered everywhere. I worry we might’ve upset him, but he stares at the cake with noticeable determination. Very hesitantly, very reluctantly, he reaches up to the eyepiece and wraps his hand around the fondant. As Knox and I swallow down our mouthfuls of the scope, we watch him rip it off carefully and lift it up to take a small, clean bite.

The joy that spreads on his lips from his accomplishment makes us ease back into laughter and cheers. He’s still careful not to get cake on his lab coat but has an easy time indulging in the dessert with us, even holding it out for Chet to take a bite.

“Best birthday ever,” I say while offering Luna a small dollop of icing from my finger. “Seriously, you guys. I love all of you so much,” I tell everyone around me with emotions overflowing my heart. Groaning at my sappy mood, Chet, Jaimie, and Knox close in for a cake-smothered group hug as I sniffle through my post-heat emotions. I’m just so overjoyed.

“Beckett. Arius,” the deep voice of an Alpha with high status reaches us. Breaking apart the group hug, we turn to face the man who approaches, surprised by his use of my first name instead of referring to me as Knox’s partner or just Omega.

“Mr. Muendo,” Knox straightens his posture and offers a handshake, and I sense his immense respect for this man who I believe is on the board of directors here. I stand by politely, discreetly wiping my mouth of the sweet treat I’d ravished. Mr. Muendo’s stern gaze catches me, and my eyes widen, unprepared for whatever disapproval will come my way.

“I stand corrected,” he says instead. “I look forward to seeing what else these elite types of Omegas are capable of.”

He gestures to me as if I’m a commodity, or a rare specimen. If only he knew how common we really are. Swallowing the lump in my throat, and more cake crumbs from my teeth, I accept the compliment anyway.

“Thank you, Sir,” I whisper and tilt my neck.

“Want a slice of cake?”

I snap my head up to look at Knox. That’s an inappropriately casual way to speak to a board member, even for an Alpha. But Mr. Muendo simply smiles.

“No, thanks, Knox. I’m heading off on vacation where I’m sure I’ll have plenty. I just came down to congratulate you before I leave. Take care.”

He squeezes Knox’s shoulder and heads off, weaving through the party until he’s gone. Deeply content, I lean into my mate, proud of everything we’ve become.

“Love.”

My eyebrows shoot up and I lock eyes with Knox at the unexpected voice in my head. But that wasn’t his voice. Or mine. It wasn’t really a voice at all, but a feeling. We glance down at our daughter, squeezed tightly in Uncle Chet’s arms. While he speaks with Jaimie, bouncing her on his hip, she happily licks icing off her tiny hand before reaching out to us with stubby fingers.

Taking her back into my arms, tears pour out of my eyes and Knox’s as we realize that’s the first thing our baby understands. Love. I suppose it’s the word we say the most around her. And it’s certainly the word that we feel the most around her.

Everything we think we know, everything we think we understand about our world, will always be challenged by the otherworldly, impossibly expansive reach of love.

And that’s my quote that will headline the tabloids for months and single-handedly tear down societal barriers. My legacy is cemented as the third Omega in history to be a part of a space travel project. The first Omega in history to be a supervisor on a production line of Omegas. And the only Omega in history to engineer a telescope capable of capturing Pluto at the highest resolution.

It wasn’t easy any step of the way, but my greatest success is that I’ve taught myself, and the world, that the possibilities for Omegas are endless.

Thanks for reading!

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About The Author

TJ Holiday

I'm a hobby writer of fiction, here to share my take on a genre I love to read so much! Maybe too much. I strive to broaden the MM genre with fun, intriguing characters, dark themes, and erotic scenes. From the Omegaverse to otherworldly planets, and right back down to earth again.

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