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If it were entirely up to Crowley, he would be anywhere but here. Surrounded by false smiles and laughter that rang too loud in the enclosed space of a ballroom. But due to a society that constantly sought to make his life more difficult, it wasn’t up to him. His inheritance was on the line, and in turn his freedom. He supposed he should be grateful that the law about omega’s inheriting titles and wealth had been changed just before his birth. Previously, it had been completely forbidden for an omega to hold anything of their own, and they certainly couldn’t hold the title of Lord. The new law allowed it, so long as they were the sole heir and the previous Lord had it in writing that they wished for the omega to be the inheritor. And, much to Crowley’s fury, so long as they were married.
That’s where Crowley’s problem arose. As his alpha mother’s only living child, she had agreed to make him her heir. But the law stated that if he were unmarried, it would instead pass to some distant relative over him. So, as much as he despised the idea of being married and allowing some brute of an alpha near him, if he wished to keep some of his freedom upon the death of his mother, he needed to marry.
That was how he’d found himself in the home of some Duke he’d never met. Duke Fell was reclusive. It was a miracle that this ball was even happening, according to all the gossip Crowley tried so hard to avoid. The ball itself was said to be the grandest of the season, and every available alpha would be in attendance. Crowley had done a fantastic job of avoiding all this until now, but he was here now, thanks to his meddling friend Anathema. And it wasn’t like she was wrong, not that he’d admit as much to her. He didn’t want to marry, but if he did, he’d rather have his choice of the lot. Not that the available choices were appetizing.
His gaze slid across the room, barely lingering on the alphas. His experience with them over the last twenty-five years of his life had left much to be desired. His mother was the only one he’d been able to stand. Well, her and Anathema. Ah, and speak of the devil.
“You know, that look of disgust really works for you. Looking like you despise their existence is a great way to find an alpha.”
Crowley snorted and took a sip of wine. “That’s not too far off from the truth.”
She bumped his shoulder. “Oh, come on. We aren’t all so bad.”
“No, not you. But the rest of them? Yeah, they’ve never given me reason to think otherwise.”
“Well, you aren’t going to be very happy if you marry someone you hate.”
He let out a heavy sigh. “I don’t have much of a choice. Our ridiculous laws saw to that. With any luck, I’ll find an alpha who’s indifferent to me. That way I can live most of the time in my own home with only occasional visits from them.”
Anathema turned fully to look at him. “How romantic.”
“Hey, don’t judge me,” he said, waving his glass of wine in her face. “I don’t have time for romance. This will be a business arrangement. It was the same for my parents and yours as well. Find someone who isn’t the absolute worst, pop out a few heirs with them, then go on with our lives as best we can. At least I’ll have my own money and won’t be entirely reliant on them.”
Anathema hummed, as if she wasn’t fully buying what he said. “If I recall, when we were young, you were always caught up in majestic romances and ideas of grandeur. What happened to that?”
A frown tugged at Crowley’s mouth. “I grew up and learned the way of the world. Very few alphas have a taste for romance, especially in high society. They want a pretty bauble to show off to the rest of their rich friends and a few children to carry on their name. And when it comes to me, I already know their greedy eyes will be all over my inheritance.”
“God, you’re maudlin,” she said, taking a sip of wine. “I for one haven’t given up on romance. I know there’s a perfect omega out there for me, just waiting to be swept off their feet.”
Crowley snorted and rolled his eyes. “It’s easy to say that when you’re an alpha.”
“Oh, would you stop being self-pitying for one night? You can at least talk to some of the alphas in attendance. See if any of them catch your fancy. It’s not as if anyone is forcing you to choose by morning. You have time, so use it.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he grumbled. He knew she was right, but he didn’t have to like it. None of what she said made any of this any more fair. “You should take your own advice. You’re not going to meet your other half standing here, talking to me. For all you know, it could be that guy over there.”
He pointed, with a hint of sarcasm, to a young omega standing near the drinks table. He resembled a newborn foal; with the way he nervously glanced around the room and held his arms close to his body, as if he were afraid to be noticed. Completely opposite of Anathema. Which was why Crowley was surprised when Anathema hummed with what seemed like interest.
“You know, Crowley, you might actually be on to something.”
“No, Ana, I didn’t—”
She bounced off before he could finish his sentence. He watched as she approached the young man and couldn’t help but chuckle at the wide-eyed look he gave Anathema when she began speaking to him. That was typically the response people had to Anathema. Crowley himself had often likened her to a hurricane.
But now that he was alone, he couldn’t really put off what needed to be done. He had to, ugh, mingle. Which he normally wouldn’t have an issue with. He was good at talking and using words to get what he wanted. Only now the problem lied in that he did not want the thing he needed to find. It was a horrible paradox.
Slowly, and with care, he made his way around the room. His eyes darted from person to person, sizing each alpha up. Were they attractive? How did the hold themself? Did they seem to have good manners? He finally found himself near a group of eight, with both alphas and omegas alike, in conversation. Though once he joined them, it became clear that only the alphas were actually speaking. One alpha in particular, actually. He was tall, with dark hair and a chiseled jaw, and eyes that were purple. He was handsome enough, though not really Crowley’s type, and clearly very wealthy.
“And I told him that I didn’t think his manners were fit for his station. He didn’t like that, but someone had to tell him!”
The group, besides Crowley, chuckled at this. It wasn’t particularly funny, but that wasn’t out of the ordinary. Rich alphas were used to getting what they didn’t deserve. Crowley cast his eyes around, looking for a better target, but before he could the dark-haired alpha addressed him.
“Mr. Crowley, isn’t it?”
Crowley looked back to him and faked a smile. “Indeed. I don’t believe we’ve been acquainted.”
“No, we haven’t,” the alpha said, taking a step closer and waving a hand to disperse the rest of the group. They did so without question, slithering away and melting into the rest of the party.
The alpha took Crowley’s hand and lifted it to press a kiss against the back. Crowley fought to not make a face.
“I’m Lord Gabriel Archer, though you likely already knew that.”
He hadn’t. “Ah, yes, of course. I do believe I’ve heard your name.”
“Of course you have,” he said with condescending chuckle that made Crowley’s stomach turn. “And I’ve heard all about you. An omega who’s set to inherit both a title and a fortune? You’ve been quite the talk in many circles.”
Crowley raised an eyebrow. “Is that so?”
“Of course. It’s a rare occurrence. But luckily the law ensures you’ll have to be married for that to happen. We wouldn’t want an unclaimed omega with that much power. It sets a bad example.”
A low growl worked its way up from the back of Crowley’s throat, but it was drowned out by the music and chatter around them. Gabriel continued to smile that ridiculous grin as if he hadn’t just said something horribly demeaning. Crowley’s face had gone tight, and he knew if he didn’t escape from the conversation soon, he was going to do something that was sure to start a scandal.
He brought his glass to his mouth and took a small sip. “Oh, I don’t know about that. There isn’t anything I couldn’t do that an alpha could.”
Gabriel actually broke out into laughter at that. It grated on every one of Crowley’s nerves. “That’s a good one. I like an omega with a sense of humor. Speaking of which.”
Gabriel took a step closer, invading Crowley’s personal space. He only managed to not step away by pure force of will, but when Gabriel actually leaned in to speak close to his ear, Crowley let his lip curl into a sneer.
“I know why you sought me out tonight. It makes sense, as I’m surely the best match in this room. And make no mistake, I’m very interested. I’ll be sure to stop by your home this week for a meeting with your mother.”
Crowley finally jerked away at that, taking several steps back. “There is no need, Lord Archer. I have interests elsewhere.”
Something flashed in those sharp purple eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous. There’s no one in this room better suited to inherit your fortune than me.”
Anger and disgust twisted in Crowley’s gut, making him take another step away. “I know this concept might be foreign to you, but I have no interest in being property. My fortune shall remain my own. Now, I suggest you find someone who is actually interested to accompany you for the night. Do not bother calling on me in my home.”
Without waiting for a response, Crowley spun away and slipped through the crowd. His skin crawled at the sensation of eyes following him. See, this was exactly what he’d meant. Alphas were terrible brutes, only interested in him for his money and what he could do for them. Well, he wouldn’t have it. He’d rather die poor than live in a gilded cage with a monster like that.
He snatched another glass of wine from a passing tray and took a sip. Several party goers cast him concerned glances as he made his way to the corner of the room. He knew his scent reeked of anger and dejection. Not that he cared. He was no longer in any mood to talk to another alpha tonight. He settled himself in the corner, away from everyone else, and decided he’d wait an hour before making his escape. There was no way he was going to meet someone he could imagine settling down with tonight, not with the mood he was in. Several alphas attempted to approach, and each time his scornful gaze sent them scurrying away.
Somehow, he made it nearly thirty minutes before the room became stifling. He cast his gaze around the room, hoping to find Anathema to escort him outside for a walk around the garden. She was nowhere to be seen. Well, he was perfectly capable of walking outside by himself. There was no need to involve an alpha in this.
Crowley slipped out a side door and onto a patio decorated with lanterns and white flowers. It smelled of Spring. He inhaled deeply, letting his lungs expand until they were full to the brim, then let it all out. All the fury and sorrow and disappointment. Spring was about new beginnings, after all. Surely this couldn’t be a lost cause. He’d met plenty of omegas who fell in love with an alpha who genuinely cared for them, so they had to exist. But then perhaps that meant Crowley was the problem. He already knew he was stubborn and proud and overly opinionated. He’d been told that enough times by enough people to know it was true. So maybe that was it. He was simply unlovable.
The gardens were lovely, even at night, as Crowley wound his way through the tall rose hedges. Sometimes, it seemed that people with too much money had never heard the word subtlety. He’d been to many gardens that were overstuffed with statues and every type of flower one could imagine. This wasn’t that. There were a few statues, exquisitely made, and more roses than Crowley could ever count. But it was nice. Peaceful, even. That is, until he caught a certain scent. Crowley smelled him several seconds before he came into view. He spun around, his entire body drawing tight as a bowstring, as Gabriel moved into view.
Crowley knew what a vulnerable position he’d put himself in, moving so far away from the party in a secluded part of the garden, where no one else had ventured. But he wasn’t about to let Gabriel know he was nervous. Surely that would only make things worse.
“Lord Archer. What are you doing out here?”
Gabriel stalked a few steps closer, his gaze predatory despite the smile he wore. “Well, when I saw you slip away, I couldn’t resist. When else will I have a chance to speak with you in such privacy?”
Crowley took a subtle step back, turning his back so he wasn’t trapped between Gabriel and a hedge, allowing himself a clear path to run. Not that he intended to run. “I don’t see why you would need to. I’m fairly certain I made myself clear that I have absolutely no interest in you.”
“Hmm, yes, but you see, that’s entirely unacceptable,” Gabriel said, his tone dripping with condescension.
“I’m sorry you feel that way. It doesn’t change anything.”
Gabriel tutted. “Anthony, it’s clear that you don’t know what’s good for you. With me as your alpha, you’d never have to worry about thinking or making decisions that are beyond you.”
Crowley gritted his teeth in a snarl, letting it roll through him. “You will never be my alpha. I will never choose you.”
“Well then,” Gabriel said, taking several steps towards him, “I’ll just have to take the choice away from you.”
Before Gabriel could get within grabbing distance, Crowley pulled his rapier from where it was hidden in his walking stick and pointed it right at Gabriel’s throat. The alpha stopped an inch away from the blade piercing his skin, his lilac eyes going comically wide before schooling his face once more.
The corner of his lip curled into a sneer. “Does your mother know you carry a weapon?”
Crowley leaned forward, letting the tip just barely brush the hollow of his throat. “I am my mothers only living heir. She ensured I would always be able to defend myself.” He flicked the blade slightly, a thin red line blooming. “She also hired the very best instructors, so that I would know what I was doing. So, I really must ask. Is taking my inheritance worth your life? Because that’s exactly what it’ll cost.”
Gabriel tightened his jaw, his eye going hard and cold. “This is not the end of this, Mr. Crowley.”
“Yes, it is. Walk away.”
It took another moment, both men glaring the other down, before Gabriel stepped back and turned away. Crowley waited until he was sure the alphas was far away and not coming back before letting out a shaky breath and lowered his weapon. Despite his feigned confidence, he hadn’t at all been sure he could take on the much larger alpha. That could have gone very bad indeed. But before he could fully relax, another nearby scent caught his attention. He’d been so focused on Gabriel that he hadn’t realized there’d been the scent of another alpha the whole time. Crowley spun around, the sword lifting once more. Did Gabriel have an accomplice?
“Come out! I can smell you! I warn you, I’m armed!”
But the alpha that stepped out from behind the bush looked nothing like Gabriel. White-blonde hair sat in a practical cloud above a face that could only be described as angelic. In only the moonlight, it was impossible to tell what color his eyes were, but they were intent upon Crowley. Though where Gabriel’s gaze had been hungry and calculating, this stranger looked only mildly concerned. Full lips twisted into a smile when he saw Crowley’s blade.
“Yes, I can see that. You certainly sent that brute on his way, easy enough.”
Crowley huffed, not lowering his sword. This could still be a trap. “Yes, well, he didn’t seem capable of taking no for an answer. Sometimes, an alpha needs something a little more forceful to get it through their head.”
He knew he probably shouldn’t antagonize this alpha, but he was far too heated to care. The blonde only chuckled, sounding almost sad. “I have noticed that yes. I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have to deal with that.”
“I’ve gotten used to it.” He lowered the sword by a few inches. There were no scents of danger or aggression coming from the other man, just a constant, rolling smell of comfort. Paper and wine and chocolate. Despite himself, Crowley couldn’t help but feel calmed.
“You shouldn’t have to be, though,” he insisted. “You should be free to do as you like without some fiend harming you. It’s barbaric, and we as a society need to evolve.”
Crowley hummed, finally lowering his blade all the way. “I agree. And we have made steps forward in the last couple decades.”
“Perhaps, but not enough.”
“No,” Crowley agreed. “Not enough.”
They stared at each other for a few moments before the alpha seemed to shake himself. “Oh, terribly sorry to take up more of your time. I’ll leave you to your stroll.”
Crowley watched as the alpha began to move in the opposite direction, and before he could stop himself, he called out. “What’s your name?”
The other man stopped and turned back, a surprised smile lighting up his face before he walked back in Crowley’s direction. He stopped when he was an arm’s length away and extended his hand. “I apologize, how rude of me. I’m Aziraphale Fell.”
Crowley sucked in a breath. “You’re the Duke of Heavenshire?”
Aziraphale averted his eyes, almost bashfully. “Yes, I’m afraid so.”
“But, then, this is your party! What are you doing out here?”
“Oh, well, I imagine the same as you. I don’t actually enjoy these types of events, but I was coerced into throwing it by a dear friend. She insists that I get to know more people, otherwise I’ll never find a mate. But it all got to be a bit much. So I slipped out here for a bit of fresh air, only to hear you and that horrible Mr. Archer. I admit, I was about to step in. Fortunately, you proved that was unnecessary. Quite impressive, I must say.”
Crowley hoped it was dark enough to hide the heat that rose to his face at the compliment. “Thank you. And I understand what you mean, about these events. I use to enjoy them, when it was all new and exciting. But ever since it became clear that I would have to find a mate, it’s all lost its appeal.”
“Do you not wish to marry?” Aziraphale asked, tilting his head.
“It’s not that,” Crowley insisted. “It’s just… Well, my friend Anathema says I’m a romantic. But I’d like to marry for love. To find someone who can accept me as I am and loves me for it, not in spite of it. But often times that feels impossible. Especially now with the matter of my inheritance on the table.”
Aziraphale raised his eyebrows. “Your inheritance?”
And Crowley found himself spilling the whole truth of it, laying himself bare in a way that he hadn’t done in a very long time. “Yes, my inheritance. Even once I marry, I’ll maintain it and once my mother dies, I’ll come into quite the sum of money and land. More than many of these lords have. So how am I supposed to know if someone is marrying me for me, or for what I can give them? It’s terrifying. I often wonder if I’ll ever find someone, or if I’ll have to settle with the least horrible option.”
Aziraphale was silent for several moments, letting Crowley’s words settle between them. Crowley could find no judgement in the other man’s eyes, only genuine compassion. It made Crowley want to squirm.
“That probably sounds stupid,” Crowley said, crossing his arms over his chest.
“It doesn’t!” Aziraphale said, shaking his head. “To be honest, that’s often how I feel. I know I’m not the most fun, nor the most handsome—”
“Well now that’s just not true,” Crowley interrupted. “I mean look at you. You look like a damn angel.”
Aziraphale eyes widened. “Oh. Is… is that a good thing?”
Crowley huffed and rolled his eyes in an attempt to hide his embarrassment. “Obviously. You’ve got that pretty hair and nice lips and big hands. You’ve probably got hundreds of omega’s pounding at your door to get a piece of you.”
The way Aziraphale was smiling at him now made Crowley’s stomach flutter. “Well, I have received many propositions.”
And damn it, why did that make something that felt an awful lot like jealous twist in his chest? He didn’t even know Aziraphale! And he certainly didn’t like him. Even if he seemed kind and gentle and was probably the most handsome alpha he’d ever seem. Shit. Shit shit shit. He was not going to catch feelings for a man he barely knew.
“But,” Aziraphale continued, “I’m entirely aware that the only reason they’re interested in me is for my title and money. It’s the nature of my life, I’m afraid.”
Crowley breathed through his nose. “Well, I wouldn’t want you for either of those things.”
“No?” Aziraphale asked, a smirk pulling at his lips. “Then my dear, I must ask. What would you want me for?”
Crowley felt embarrassed for only a moment before he came to a realization. Aziraphale was flirting with him. This energy between them wasn’t one sided. And with that knowledge, he felt comfortable enough to take another step closer, so they were only a foot apart.
“Well now, angel, that remains to be seen. I barely know you.”
Aziraphale hummed. “And yet somehow, it feels as if I’ve been waiting to know you my whole life.”
Crowley sucked in a breath; his voice quiet when he spoke. “That’s quite a line. You should be careful, otherwise I’ll think you’re trying to get me into bed.”
“Oh, I would never do that,” Aziraphale said, mischief flickered in his eyes. “I wouldn’t dare dishonor my potential future mate.”
Oh, fuck. Whereas when Gabriel had made such a bold proclamation, this was entirely different. Crowley didn’t feel pressured or threatened. This wasn’t Aziraphale stating he would have Crowley no matter what. This was Aziraphale stating his intention to woo. It made Crowley feel a little lightheaded, especially when he realized he very much wasn’t opposed.
“You’re very forward, Lord Fell.”
“I’m not usually,” he said, reaching out and taking Crowley’s hand in his. Crowley held his breath as the alpha brought it to his lips and pressed a kiss. “The exception is for when I see something, or someone, that I very much want. And… am I wrong in my assumption that you feel the same way?”
Crowley licked his lips. “You’re… not wrong. But I’m not good at this. I’m not like most other omegas. I’m not soft and I don’t know how to cook. I’m bad at being gentle and I’m often too quick with my words and temper. I won’t just be a bauble for you. I won’t spend my life being silent. I’m difficult. And I like that about myself. So don’t go into this with the thought that you can, I don’t know, tame me. Make me better. Because you can’t.”
A part of Crowley was screaming at himself to shut up. This was perhaps the best chance he had to land an alpha who was at least decent, and he was going to ruin it by being far too truthful. But the rest of him knew that he could never commit to someone who didn’t agree to love all the parts of him, even the ugly. Aziraphale needed to understand that Crowley wasn’t going to change for him.
Aziraphale was silent for a while, just staring down at their still clasped hands. Crowley waited with bated breath. Finally, Aziraphale smiled.
“You know, I can’t count the number of times I’ve been told I’m a bad alpha. I’m too soft and I shouldn’t enjoy cooking as much as I do. I’m too gentle and soft spoken for someone of my title and designation. My temper is mild, and my easy-going nature doesn’t make for a strong negotiator. I’m nothing at all like what society tells me I should be.”
As Aziraphale spoke, Crowley’s heart began to beat faster and faster. “It sounds like we’re pretty much opposites.”
“Indeed. Or, perhaps, we’re both missing what the other has. Maybe you’re a terrible omega and I’m a horrible alpha. What I do know is that you smell of apples and cinnamon and whiskey, and I don’t think I’ve ever met an omega like you before. And I’m fairly certain I would regret it for the rest of my life if I didn’t at least try to court you.”
Crowley huffed out a laugh and shook head. “Like I said, you’ve certainly got a silver tongue angel.”
Aziraphale titled his head. “Is that a rejection?”
Crowley’s eyes darted to his. He smiled. “It’s not a rejection.”
“Well then,” Aziraphale said, stepping back and offering his arm. “Lord Crowley, would you care to take a stroll with me through my garden?”
And as Crowley looked over the strange, interesting alpha, he couldn’t help but grin. Anathema was going to be unbearable when she heard about this. He doubted she would ever let him live it down, if he’d really met his alpha at an event she’d forced him to attend.
He placed his hand on Aziraphale’s arm. “I would love to.”