The insistent chirping of my alarm sliced through the pre-dawn quiet, dragging me from the hazy comfort of a dream where I soared above the clouds, unbound and utterly free. I groaned, swatting blindly until my hand connected with the buzzing phone. 6:30 AM. Too early. Always too early. Another day. Another school day. I sighed, the sound barely audible, and slowly pushed myself up from the warmth of my bed. My room, a cozy space filled with textbooks and a slightly-too-large desk crammed with half-finished sketches, was still dim, the blinds drawn against the encroaching light. I craved the anonymity the darkness provided.
My morning routine was a practiced rhythm, each movement almost automatic. A quick shower, the lukewarm water doing little to truly awaken me, followed by brushing my teeth and running a comb through my perpetually messy brown hair that always seemed to defy gravity. I pulled on a simple t-shirt and jeans, trying to choose clothes that would make me blend in, disappear into the crowd. That was always the goal. To be invisible. To be overlooked.
I descended the stairs, the inviting scent of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee already filling the air, a small comfort in the burgeoning anxiety of the day. My mom, Elara, a slender woman with kind eyes that mirrored my own, and a perpetually worried frown etched between her brows, was already bustling around the kitchen. She was a Beta, steady and dependable, like most of the population. A pillar of quiet strength and unwavering affection. I, however, hadn't been so fortunate. I was an Omega, a truth I guarded more fiercely than any precious jewel. It was a secondary gender I'd never wanted, a destiny I actively fought against with every fiber of my being. All I'd ever dreamed of was being an Alpha, strong enough to protect myself, to stand tall against the world, to command respect instead of inviting pity or, worse, predatory attention.
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In this world, beyond the biological male and female, a second layer of gender intricately defined society, dictating roles, status, and even destiny from birth.
At the apex stood the Alphas. They were the undisputed leaders, the protectors, often blessed with imposing physiques, sharp minds, and an innate charisma that drew others to them like moths to a flame. Their pheromones were potent, a raw force capable of influencing those around them, inspiring fierce loyalty in their packs, or instilling immediate, instinctual fear in their rivals. They possessed an inherent dominance, a primal urge to lead, to protect what was theirs, and to carve out their place at the top of the hierarchy. Alphas were the ones who built empires, commanded armies, and drove progress. Their physical prowess and mental fortitude were often unmatched.
Below them were the Betas, the vast, adaptable backbone of society. They were the most numerous, stable and rational, fitting into almost any role and excelling through sheer hard work and dedication. They lacked the raw, dominating power of Alphas and the unique vulnerabilities and captivating allure of Omegas, existing as the steady, reliable foundation upon which everything else was built. Their pheromones were subtle, often serving to calm tense situations, promote harmony, or simply create a sense of normalcy and stability within groups. Betas were the scientists, the engineers, the teachers, the artists—the unsung heroes who kept the world running efficiently. They were the glue.
And then, at the bottom of the hierarchy, in a position that was both revered and reviled, were the Omegas. They were the rarest, often smaller in stature, with heightened senses and a natural, profound empathy that allowed them to connect with others on a deeper level. Their pheromones were unique, inherently sweet, intoxicating, designed to attract Alphas, especially during their heat cycles—a period of intense fertility and heightened vulnerability. While often unfairly depicted as fragile and delicate, Omegas also possessed a deep-seated resilience, a quiet, almost spiritual strength born from navigating a world that often sought to control them, to reduce them to their biological functions. They were prized for their ability to foster calm and nurture life, but often seen as objects to be owned and protected. Male Omegas, like me, were an even rarer subset, considered exceptionally precious and, tragically, often sought after for their rarity, making them even more vulnerable to exploitation. Our existence was a paradox: cherished for our rarity, yet often stripped of our autonomy.
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"Morning, honey. Slept well? You were tossing and turning a bit," Mom greeted me warmly, a gentle smile on her lips.
"As well as I could," I muttered, pushing a piece of bacon around my plate. "I had that dream again."
Mom's movements paused for a fleeting moment as she flipped bacon on the griddle, a tiny sigh escaping her lips. She knew exactly which dream I meant. It was a recurring lament, a wish whispered into the fabric of my sleep.
"The one where you're flying? Soaring above everything? Or the one where you're… stronger? Unstoppable?" she asked softly, turning to face me fully, her expression laced with tenderness.
"Stronger. Like an Alpha. Able to… to stand up for myself. Not have to hide," I replied, looking down at my plate, tracing the rim with my finger.
Mom hummed, then came over to the table and placed the plate laden with eggs, bacon, and toast in front of me. She ruffled my hair affectionately, her touch light and comforting. "You're strong in your own way, my boy. You're brave, and kind, and incredibly smart. Those are strengths too. Eat up. Big day today, right? You have that big history project due? The one about the ancient civilizations?"
I nodded, picking up my fork, a small smile finally gracing my lips. I knew my mom understood, even if she couldn't change my reality. Our bond was a silent language of support and fierce protection, woven from years of shared secrets and quiet anxieties. I looked at her, truly looked, and saw the faint circles under her eyes, the way she still looked tired even after a full night's sleep. She carried my burden alongside me.
Just as I took a bite of toast, my phone buzzed. A text from Hailey. My heart gave a little flutter, a welcome distraction from the heavy thoughts.
Hailey: Hey! I'm already at our spot. See ya soon! Got something cool to tell you! And I thinkl I saw that new coffee place opening up next door. We should check it out after school!
I smiled, a genuine, unforced smile that reached my eyes, brightening my whole face. Hailey was a ray of sunshine, always finding something exciting, something new to explore.
"Hailey's waiting for me at the coffee shop," I told Mom, my voice lighter. "She says she has something cool to tell me. And she wants to try that new coffee place after school."
Mom's eyes softened, a fleeting shadow of worry still lingering but tempered by the sight of my happiness. She knew Hailey was good for me, a grounding force in my often-anxious life.
"That's nice, sweetheart. Make sure you listen to all her stories. She always has the best ones. And just... be careful, okay? The campus can be… unpredictable. Keep your head down," Mom said softly, a small, knowing smile.
Her protectiveness wasn't just typical motherly concern. Only Mom knew my secret. Only she knew that I, her only son, was a male Omega. The rarest kind. She knew what people did to Omegas, how they were objectified, controlled, even hunted. And a male Omega? The thought sent a cold shiver down her spine, and by extension, through me. It was a secret we both guarded with our lives, a silent pact forged in fear and love. Mom had moved us from our bustling city life to this quiet town, to this smaller, seemingly more innocuous school, hoping to keep me hidden, safe, invisible to the hungry eyes that often sought out Omegas.
---
As I finished my breakfast, Mom brought me a small, unmarked bottle from a hidden compartment in the pantry, her movements quick and discreet. The pills inside were a pale blue, unassuming, yet they held the power to keep my secret safe.
"Don't forget your suppressants, sweetie. All of them. Take them with water. And please, be safe. Text me when you get to school. And if anything, anything at all, feels off, call me. Immediately. Don't hesitate. You hear me?" Mom urged, her voice barely a whisper, urgent and low.
I nodded, my expression serious. I knew the drill. The suppressants were my invisible shield, a chemical barrier against the world discovering my scent, my very being. They were the only thing that allowed me to walk among Alphas and Betas without fear of being exposed. I swallowed the pills quickly, washing them down with a gulp of water, the bitterness a familiar taste on my tongue. They were a constant reminder of my hidden nature, a secret that weighed heavy on my young shoulders.
"I will, Mom. I promise. I'll text you as soon as I get there. Love you," I said sincerely, looking into her eyes.
"Love you more, my brave boy. Now go on, you don't want to keep Hailey waiting. She sounds excited," Mom responded tenderly, reaching out to cup my cheek, her thumb stroking my skin.
With a final hug, a tighter squeeze than usual from Mom, as if she could physically absorb some of my vulnerability, I grabbed my backpack. I hesitated for a moment at the door, catching her gaze, seeing the unspoken worries in her eyes. I offered her a reassuring smile, then slipped out into the morning air.
The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming jasmine from Mrs. Rodriguez's garden next door and the distant promise of a sunny day. I walked briskly, my eyes scanning the familiar street, appreciating the quiet normalcy of the suburban neighborhood, until I spotted her.
Hailey stood outside "The Daily Grind," a popular coffee shop, her head bent over her phone, a splash of vibrant pink hair peeking from under her worn baseball cap. She was a Beta, effortlessly cheerful and straightforward, a whirlwind of positive energy that always seemed to cut through my gloom. When she looked up and saw me, a wide smile bloomed on her face, and she waved enthusiastically, her phone quickly tucked into her pocket.
"Jules! Hey! Finally! I thought you were going to ditch me for a secret breakfast club!" Hailey exclaimed, her voice a bright melody.
I waved back, a rush of warmth spreading through me, chasing away some of the morning's anxieties. I quickened my pace, reaching her and immediately pulling her into a hug. It was our usual greeting, a comfortable embrace that spoke volumes without needing words. We weren't a couple who kissed passionately in public or engaged in overt displays of affection. I wanted to, desperately. I longed to deepen our physical intimacy, to experience the kind of passionate connection I read about in books, the kind that Omegas were supposedly destined for. But a frustrating shyness held me back, a fear of rejection or, worse, of somehow revealing my true nature. I hated this weakness in myself, this inability to push past my own reserve, to truly claim the relationship I so deeply desired.
"Took you long enough! Ready for the exciting news? I've been bursting to tell you!" Hailey said, pulling back slightly, still smiling, her eyes sparkling.
"Always ready for your news, Haikey. You know that. What is it? Did you finally convince Mr. Henderson to give us less homework?" I asked, a genuine chuckle escaping me, a nervous excitement in my voice.
Hailey was a wonderful girlfriend, even if I sometimes felt I didn't deserve her. She had approached me first when I was the new kid, a nervous transferee overwhelmed by a new school and a new city. She was smart, funny, and surprisingly perceptive, somehow always sensing my anxieties even when I tried to hide them, offering a simple hand squeeze or a comforting word.
As we started walking towards the campus, Hailey launched into a lively monologue, her words tumbling out in a joyful rush, her enthusiasm infectious.
"Okay, so guess what? Sarah actually got a date with Leo from the drama club! I told her she should just ask him out, but you know Sarah, always so shy. And then, get this, Mrs. Davison actually said my history essay was 'exceptionally well-researched'! She even used that exact phrase! Can you believe it? I mean, I did spend forever on it, but still! And then, oh my god, my mom got us tickets to that new sci-fi movie opening next week—the one with the alien invasion and the time travel? We definitely have to go! It's going to be epic!" Hailey exclaimed, gesturing with her hands.
I just listened, a quiet smile on my face, content to simply be in her company, her bright energy a comforting counterpoint to my own anxieties. I'd interject with a soft chuckle or a validating sound, enjoying the easy flow of her conversation, feeling a sense of peace I rarely experienced elsewhere.
"That's awesome, Hailey. I knew you'd ace that essay. You're always so thorough. And a movie night sounds great," I said, amused, shaking my head slightly.
"Thanks! You always say the nicest things, Jules. What about you? Anything exciting happen this morning? Besides me, of course? Spill!" Hailey beamed, nudging my arm playfully.
"Just… the usual. My mom made bacon. Extra crispy," I replied, hesitating slightly, searching for something mundane.
"Bacon is always exciting, Jules. Especially extra crispy. See? Your day's already starting out great!" Hailey giggled, a bright, melodic sound.
The walk wasn't long, and soon, the imposing, ivy-covered gates of Zavallier Academy loomed into view. Its grand architecture, designed to inspire awe and respect, instead filled me with a familiar dread. My heart, which had been light moments before, now plummeted, a heavy stone in my chest. Behind the prestigious facade of this school, a different kind of darkness resided, a shadow that stretched over my entire existence here. It was here that Maximus Zavallier, the embodiment of Satan himself, an Alpha whose very presence sent shivers down my spine, reigned. Maximus was my bully, the source of countless nightmares and quiet humiliations, and the dread of facing him again settled heavy in my stomach, souring the easy joy of the morning, replacing it with cold, creeping fear. Every step closer felt like walking into a cage.
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Author's Note:
Y'all please help, I can't use the "Author's Thoughts" But I guess it's fine T^T.
Anyways, thank you so much for checking this out. I hope you'll love this book, as much as I loved writing it! ❤🔥😔
Don't be shy to comment your thoughts or anything! I'd love to read them teehee😏👀