Chapter Text
October
Ivan expected maybe three or four applicants for the job. He ended up with just one. It was a little disappointing, but not all that surprising. Filling a winterkeeper job at the national park was extremely challenging, primarily because of all the requirements.
They had to be strong; there was a lot of physical labor involved, after all. They had to be okay with isolation; nearly five months would be spent cut off from towns due to the snow. They also had to be alphas. And very few alphas were okay with the second requirement unless they were already paired up, which Ivan was not. But he was the exception. He was good at being alone.
The young twenty-something sitting in front of him looked like he had never been alone in his life.
Ivan looked down at the resume. His name was Alfred F. Jones, and sure enough, he was twenty-two. Originally from the Midwest, so he was “super cool (pun intended)” with snow. Ivan barely raised an eyebrow as he skimmed over that sentence.
Alfred went to a series of alpha-only schools, including his college. The latter of which was a little odd, as there weren’t many anymore, but not a reason to give Ivan a reason to turn him down. Unfortunately, it was probably the opposite. It was maybe the only argument as to why he would be a good fit.
But Ivan still had his doubts. BIG doubts about him.
“Soooo,” Alfred drawled, leaning forward in his chair. His eyes were sky blue behind the glasses. “Are you the only guy up here?”
Ivan glanced at him shortly before turning his attention back to the paper. “No, there are four others.”
“Four, huh? That’s more than I thought,” Alfred whistled, reaching for a pen on the desk.
Ivan snatched it first and brought it into his lap. “Only two of them work as winterkeepers. The other two are omegas.”
A strange and very fleeting expression passed over Alfred’s face. If Ivan had to describe it, he would say it was panic.
But it disappeared within a second, replaced by a large grin. “You’re kidding. I know I don’t read much, but I swore that being an alpha was a requirement for this job.”
Ivan let the paper fall to the desk and folded his arms on top. “They’re paired with the other two winterkeepers,” he explained, watching how Alfred’s shoulders sagged. “Which brings me to your application.”
Alfred sat up and adjusted his glasses. “Yeah?”
“Denied,” Ivan smiled.
“Huh?” Alfred’s grin shrank and suddenly he was gesturing emphatically to his chest. “Why? I, well, not to brag, but I think I’m perfect for the job!”
“You’re not,” Ivan replied coolly. His gaze swept over the golden tan of Alfred’s sunny face and the young muscular frame poking through the white t-shirt and jeans. “You’re a very normal alpha. And that’s not what I’m looking for.”
Alfred blinked. “Why do you think I’m normal?”
“Because I’m different.”
“Why can’t I be different? I think I am, ya know.”
Ivan shrugged and pulled out a book from a drawer in his desk. “Because as I already said, you’re normal.” He pretended to read, hoping that would drive the point home: I don’t want you here.
A silence fell between them.
Then, Alfred was leaning forward again, settling his elbows on the edge of Ivan’s desk with a familiarity that was frankly alarming. “Do you always talk like this?” he asked.
Ivan didn’t spare him a glance. “Yes,” he said, turning a page. “If that’s a problem with you, then that’s another reason you shouldn’t take the job. We would live in the same house.”
“Oh, I don’t mind that,” Alfred laughed, sounding vibrant again. “I’ve always lived with alphas.”
“How very interesting. I’m not changing my mind,” Ivan said flatly.
This time, his tone seemed to trigger something in Alfred.
“Seriously? I’m in a really tough spot,” he groaned, throwing himself back in the chair again. “I literally have nowhere else to go if you turn me down.”
“I don’t remember telling you that I care,” Ivan said, looking up from his book. He watched Alfred spin around in the rolling chair and pursed his lips disapprovingly. “And anyway, I find that hard to believe. An alpha like you should be somewhere with people. Where you can frolic with omegas and…” Ivan capped the sentence by rolling his eyes.
“Dude, that’s my worst nightmare,” Alfred cried, taking another turn in the chair.
“Aw, too much attention?” Ivan teased. He had no sympathy. “I promise that you would go crazy here within a month, maybe less. And I don’t have the energy to watch over you and do my job.”
Alfred kept spinning in the chair for a while, not saying anything.
Ivan didn’t want to indulge him any further, but eventually, his patience ran out. “Can you please stop?”
Alfred made one last turn before pausing in front of Ivan. He was blushing. And for the first time since he stepped into the wooden house, he averted Ivan’s gaze, preferring to stare at the floor. “Look,” he started awkwardly, “I can give you a reason why I’m not a normal alpha, but you have to promise not to laugh.”
Ivan’s curiosity was piqued, so he closed his book. “Do I look like I enjoy laughing?”
Alfred still didn’t lift his eyes. He also looked redder than before. “You also have to give me this job if I tell you.”
“We’ll see,” Ivan replied.
His vague answer didn’t appear to deter Alfred, who was busy worrying his bottom lip.
“Okay, so,” he brought his hands underneath his glasses and massaged his eyes. “When I say I’ve always lived with alphas, I really did mean always. Like not just school. Even when I was still with my family.”
“That’s unusual,” Ivan mused.
“I know,” Alfred grumbled. He removed his hands and returned to glaring at the floor. “And I don’t know if it’s because of that or because I’m just—I dunno, weird. But I, uh. Well, I’m very…sensitive.” His voice dropped to a hush.
Ivan didn’t really understand though. “Sensitive?” he repeated. “To…”
“Omegas,” Alfred winced. “And scents in general.” He turned his gaze to Ivan and clasped his hands together. “And it’s gotten me into some reeeeallly embarrassing situations. I kind of got this re—it doesn't matter. I just seriously need this job. I can’t be in a city. Or a town. Or anywhere.” He cracked a lopsided smile. “Well, anywhere but here, I think.”
Ivan raised a brow. “This is all very vague, and not nearly as embarrassing as I hoped.”
“Trust me, it’s plenty embarrassing,” Alfred pouted. He rubbed his palms over his jeans nervously. “So, do I get the job? Please, please tell me I got it.”
Ivan didn’t want to say yes, but he also should get this position filled while it was still the fall season. And he had no other options.
Tragically.
“To be clear, you would have to live here. In this house. With me. For months on end.” He smiled, hoping it was a chilling one.
But Alfred lit up, completely unfazed. “Yeah, that’s cool! I get along great with alphas.”
“You’ve established that,” Ivan replied dryly, his smile falling away. He drummed the desk with his fingers. “So, my scent doesn’t bother you? You don’t seem very…sensitive to it.”
“Nah, it’s fine. You’re super calm. It’s kind of delicate, actually.”
It was what? The declaration startled Ivan, but he tried not to show it. Anyway, there was another thing he had to mention. Which he meant to bring up if they progressed this far. “You don’t have much of a scent at all. Are you on scent blockers?”
Alfred gave a reluctant nod. “I didn’t really know what I was going to walk into.”
“You don’t have to take them here. Not on my account.” Ivan paused. “There will be omegas here sometimes. It’s not quite winter and even we have visitors. How much of a problem is that going to be for you?”
“Um,” Alfred rubbed the back of his neck. “Is there somewhere for me to hide?”
Ivan pressed his lips together. So, this was going to be a problem. Actually, it was even worse, because Ivan didn’t know what the problem was, though he could make an educated guess. He should really say no. He should.
Yet, somehow…
“Very well,” Ivan sighed. “You’re hired.”
“Yes!” Alfred stood up from the chair, hands raised in the air. He released a long relieved laugh. “Oh god, thanks, man—Ivan, right? You’re really saving me in a jam. You have no idea.” Alfred moved around the table.
Ivan watched him with wide eyes. “What are you doing?”
Alfred froze with his arms extended. “I, uh, well I was going to give you a hug.” He waited for a response. When none came, he added, “That okay?”
“No,” Ivan smiled. He rose to his full height and pointed to the door. “Bring your things in before I change my mind.”
“Yessir,” Alfred saluted. He smirked and poked Ivan’s side quickly. “See, I told you I’m great with other alphas. This will work out great!” With that, he took off for the door.
And Ivan cradled his face in his palm, worried about what he was getting himself into.
Not even forty-eight hours after he moved into the cabin, Alfred smelled like overripe apples and fields of grass.
So, basically, it was disgusting.
“Do you have to grimace every time I walk into the room?” Alfred chuckled.
It was morning and barely light out. However, Alfred seemed to spring to life as soon as he opened his eyes. So, he waltzed into the shared kitchen shirtless and in his pajama bottoms as radiant as the day Ivan met him.
It was quite irritating.
“Your scent is very offputting,” Ivan supplied over his cup of coffee. He turned his attention back to the book he was reading.
“Hey! I’ve been told I smell great. And by lots of alphas, by the way,” Alfred replied with an easy grin. He grabbed a bowl of cereal and settled at the same table Ivan was trying to ignore him.
The room was filled only with the occasional sounds of Ivan turning the page and Alfred’s slurping. Was he just staring at Ivan? Either way, Ivan wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of noticing. He had the feeling Alfred was noticed everywhere he went, and that was something Ivan wanted to break as soon as he could.
“So, I’m getting the feeling it’s been a while since you lived with another alpha,” Alfred said between spoonfuls. A pause. “I’m right, aren’t I?”
He was right. Which only irked Ivan more.
“I’m taking that as a yes,” Alfred continued just as easily. “But don’t worry. I grow on all of my roommates. You’ll be no different.”
Ivan wasn’t going to talk. He really wasn’t. But he was just so annoyed. “And what makes you so sure?” He taunted with a smile. When he looked up he saw Alfred was still staring at him, eyes blue and bold.
“Because I’m pretty likable, I think,” Alfred boasted proudly.
“Care to bet?”
“Nah, that would be unfair to you,” Alfred said. He got up to place the empty bowl in the sink. “But don’t worry, I’ll remember this conversation when this happens. I love to brag.”
Ivan’s hands clenched into fists while a very disingenuous smile spread over his face.
Oh, he hated Alfred. How he hated him. This arrogant, childish alpha with the world at his feet wanting to win Ivan over too? Well, that wasn’t going to happen. Ivan had no patience for people like him. He was going to live and work with Alfred, but that was it.
Fortunately, Ivan was very good at being alone. He had nothing to worry about.
Part of getting Alfred settled in was getting him acquainted with the area that they would be taking care of once the winter set in. So they piled into the ATV and headed down the trail.
“Have I mentioned how pretty it is here?” Alfred whistled as they passed by a lake on one side with the forest still stretching on the other.
Ivan just focused on the road. “You get used to it.”
Alfred shook his head and continued swinging his head around the surroundings. “Doubt it. You’re just being cute with me.”
This was another thing that unsettled Ivan. He knew that Alfred was friendly, but at times, his amiability was unnerving. And not normal.
So, apparently, Alfred was telling the truth about that.
“This is the cabin of Ludwig and Feliciano,” Ivan explained as they passed a modest wooden dwelling. “Ludwig is one of the other winterkeepers. Feliciano is his partner, who you’ll probably meet soon since he will run several trips for supplies before the snow falls.”
Alfred had tensed by his side, hands gripping the faux-leather seat.
“Why is your scent spiking?” Ivan asked, peering to the side.
Alfred was slightly flushed and focusing forward very intently. “Uh, I think there’s an omega in there.”
Ivan raised a brow. “Yes, Feliciano,” he said very slowly as if speaking to a child. “But he’s paired up. You shouldn’t be able to smell him.” That’s how it was. Ivan wasn’t able to detect Feliciano’s scent at all, even when they were in close proximity.
“Then there’s another in there,” Alfred replied shortly. Catching Ivan’s stare, he added, “I can tell, okay?”
Ivan narrowed his eyes, taking in Alfred’s red face and white knuckles. “I don’t want to admit it,” he said after a while, “But I have to say, you’re piquing my interest. What more is there to this embarrassing past of yours?”
Alfred shifted his very blue eyes over. They were bright with…something. “I don’t wanna tell you,” he laughed, “But if this becomes a regular thing, you might find out.”
Ivan really didn’t want to become invested in Alfred anymore than he would with a regular coworker, but he couldn’t deny that the mystery was pushing into his thoughts. That could only mean that he had to expand his book collection to fill that craving.
They continued in silence until they reached the other cabin. As they drove further away from Ludwig and Feliciano, Alfred appeared to calm down some, but he wasn’t completely back to normal either. His pheromones were still pumping out like crazy, nearly giving Ivan a headache. So disgusting.
“Berwald and Tino live here,” Ivan explained stiffly and he waved a hand to the other cabin. “You’ll meet them too. Berwald is the fourth winterkeeper.”
“Cool, cool,” Alfred replied. He moved one arm behind the seat, grazing Ivan’s shoulder as he did so. “So, uh, can we stop for lunch soon?”
Ivan rolled his eyes. “It’s barely 11, you must be able to hold out for a little longer.”
“Not unless you want me to chew your arm.”
Ivan had to look at him again. Alfred was grinning.
This was so bizarre. Alphas didn’t normally act so comfortable around each other. Ivan, at least, was distinctly uncomfortable with Alfred’s increasingly strong scent, but he didn’t get the impression that Alfred was off-put by his presence at all. If anything, Ivan had the feeling that Alfred was actively trying to get close to him.
Did he think that he had to? As part of the job? Ivan decided to chalk it up to Alfred’s history at alpha-only schools. What else could it be?
“So you gonna stop or should I start biting?” Alfred joked.
Or at least, Ivan hoped it was a joke.
“I’ll stop, but if you keep talking like that you’ll be giving me all the more reason to start reading murder mysteries. That will give me all sorts of ideas for you,” he said pleasantly.
Alfred didn’t seem deterred. He actually laughed.
So Ivan gave in and pulled the ATV over so they could have lunch.
It would take a while to show Alfred all that he needed to know, so Ivan had the foresight to prepare lunch for them both. Alfred didn’t say thank you, but he did inhale his sandwich in record time, which Ivan supposed he could take as a compliment. It didn’t make him any less annoyed, though.
As Ivan was still finishing up his meal, Alfred leaned forward, his scent wrapping around Ivan like a snake.
“You look pretty strong,” he began, eyes drifting over Ivan’s torso. “Even for an alpha.”
Ivan knew he was on the larger side, but it wasn’t something he was particularly proud of. Rather the opposite. He decided to ignore Alfred’s gaze and continue eating. “I’m probably stronger than you,” he taunted.
It got the reaction he thought it would.
“Oh yeah? Let’s do an arm wrestle. I challenge ya,” Alfred exclaimed.
Ivan lifted his violet eyes to see Alfred, grinning like a madman, ready to duel. It was so childish. Hardly worth Ivan’s time at all.
“Unless you’re scared, huh? Big alpha,” Alfred added, with a prod to Ivan’s shoulder. He was so touchy-feely.
Ivan threw him a glare. And that was the last that was said while they cleared the ATV of the foot items and made enough space for them to both place their arms on the back seat.
Alfred was nearly panting with excitement. A fact that Ivan added to his list of curiosities about the young alpha. But he wasn’t about to let it distract him from the contest.
“All right, you ready? We can go on three?” Alfred declared excitedly.
Ivan hummed his reply, feigning very casual. He could tell that Alfred was strong. After all, he wouldn’t have hired him if he thought that he wasn’t. But Ivan had never met an alpha as large or as powerful as he was, so he had plenty of confidence on his side, too.
“Okay,” Alfred said, “One, two, three!”
Their clasped hands locked tightly. Ivan was mildly surprised that Alfred was holding his own so well. He could feel Alfred’s strength pushing him backward.
But, it didn’t take long for Ivan to inch Alfred’s hand and arm backward until it ultimately hit the ATV with a thud.
“Aw, too bad,” Ivan teased in a light voice. He removed his hand from Alfred’s grip and rose to his full height again. “Not quite the dominant alpha you thought you were, hm?” He looked down at Alfred, expecting a frown or optimistically, tears, but strangely, saw none of that.
Alfred was smiling.
Not only that but his gaze was turned up to Ivan like he was…like he was…Ivan didn’t want to say it, because he was surely wrong. But it was not an angry look. Quite the opposite. If Ivan was being quite honest, it looked heated. Even Alfred’s blue eyes were simmering like warm rocks in a fire. It was beyond bizarre.
“You really are strong,” Alfred admitted. “I’m man enough to admit it. You’re way stronger than I am.”
Ivan pursed his lips. It wasn’t half as satisfying to hear those words as he thought it’d be.
It was easy to lose track of time in the near wilderness, and time passed by easily as Ivan showed Alfred the ins and outs of the area. For the most part, it was uneventful, but on occasion, Ivan still had the feeling that there was something off about his new housemate.
He was just too friendly.
Alphas weren’t supposed to get along well together. Ivan was a bit of an exception, but usually, it was remarkably difficult. Alfred had no problem at all, and actually, as time went by, seem to become more and more amicable to Ivan. He wanted to hug, arm wrestle, and generally touch at an alarming frequency.
Ivan was a bit at a loss because he was used to being offputting to everyone, much less other alphas. He didn’t know what to make of all this attention.
“So, how old are you, Ivan?” Alfred asked one day while they were going over different tools of the trade.
Ivan lowered the saw and smiled as coldly as he could. “I’m old enough to punch you. Is that good enough? Do you think you can pay attention, now?”
Alfred looked up thoughtfully. “I get the feeling you’re quite a bit older than me. I’m guessing over thirty?”
He was not far off. But Ivan didn’t feel like indulging him either. “Are you planning on writing my biography while you’re here?”
Alfred’s arm snuck around Ivan’s middle again, giving it a squeeze. “Hey, I’m just trying to get to know ya. No need to get so suspicious. Age means nothing to me.”
Ivan threw Alfred’s hand off hurriedly and raised the saw. “We’re quite different then. Age matters a great deal to me, and the fact that you’re twenty-two is very bothersome.”
Alfred flashed another grin. It was like a compulsion. “If I could get older now, I would. But I’m much older on the inside, I promise!”
“I very much doubt that,” Ivan said with a frown.
There was a buzz on the dirt road that stretched from the forest to the cabin and both Ivan and Alfred turned toward it.
At once, Ivan sensed Alfred’s scent spike. And not like it had before—this time it was overwhelming. His pheromones pumped out like crazy, making Ivan equally nauseous and uncomfortable.
“Can you please reign it in?” Ivan glowered, pressing one hand to his temple.
Alfred’s eyes were glued to the road and the tiny dot that was slowly coming closer. “I—I need to hide. Now.”
Ivan alternated a look between Alfred and the road. “This is your sensitivity again? What’s the problem?”
“The omega I smelled before. They’re coming now,” Alfred bit out. He backed away, knocking over supplies as he did.
Ivan gave him a long once-over. “What’s wrong with you? I smell nothing. And even if I did, it wouldn’t affect me this much unless the omega was in heat. Which I highly doubt.”
“I told you, I’m sensitive!” Alfred rushed out. He pulled open the door. “I need to go inside, I’m sorry. Just—tell them I’m sick!” He dashed away before Ivan could reply.
Sick was certainly one word for what Alfred was. Ivan had plenty of others ready at the tip of his tongue.
When the ATV finally neared Ivan’s cabin it was Feliciano who waved from the driver’s seat. But Alfred’s keen sense of smell wasn’t wrong. There was a passenger and not one that Ivan recognized. He looked very much like Feliciano, but with a tanner complexion and darker hair. He was also not chipper in the slightest. If anything, he looked downright angry.
“Hello, Ivan!” Feliciano cheered happily. He bounced out of the vehicle with catlike grace. “It’s been a while, huh? Where’s your new alpha?”
Ivan swallowed a smart comment and tried to put on a pleasant expression instead. “Oh, he’s taken ill,” he explained. Seeing Feliciano’s face fall in disappointment, however, he added, “I’m sure you’ll meet him soon. He’s very friendly.”
Feliciano quickly brightened. “Really? Well, that will be a nice change. We have so many boring alphas here, already. Not you though! But Luddy and Berwald are both such statues. I need someone young and cheerful!”
“Then, he’s certainly what you’re looking for,” Ivan replied with growing bitterness. He watched the other omega slowly climb out of the vehicle.
Feliciano gestured to him. “Oh! Of course, this is my brother, Lovino! I’ve told you about him, right? Well, he’s visiting for a little while before the winter comes.” Feliciano stepped forward, a sparkle in his eye. “He’s also single in case your alpha is looking for someone.”
Lovino slapped his brother’s head in a swift movement. His dark eyes shot to Ivan. “Don’t listen to him. I’m not looking for anyone. I’m not some housewife like this one.”
Ivan really didn’t care either way. He just wanted them to leave so he could investigate what happened to Alfred. Even so, he tried to smile.
“Is there a reason for your visit or—”
“Man, your smile is creepy,” Lovino interrupted with a scowl. “Please don’t try on my account. I’m not a ball of sunshine myself. I’m only here because Feli kept pestering,” Lovino muttered, his glare circling the entire surroundings. “I’m not much for nature. Not the American kind anyway. It’s really just way too wild.”
Another annoying visitor. Just Ivan’s luck.
“Don’t listen to him,” Feliciano laughed, his voice like a bell. “He’s just lonely. Please do mention him to your alpha. I really think he needs one.”
“FELI! Say that again and I’ll skin you alive!”
“Anyway,” Feliciano drawled, one slender hand reaching up to twirl his silky hair. “I’m really here to ask about any supply lists. We were thinking of going in tomorrow, so we’re happy to pick up anything. DVDs, books, food…just let us know!”
Ivan put the saw away and glanced back. “I appreciate it,” he replied slowly. He could smell Alfred’s scent in the distance. He wondered if they could yet. “Is it okay if I call you tonight?”
Feliciano bobbed his head. “Oh, sure! We’ll be there. I just wanted to give Lovi a tour since it’s such a wonderful day.”
“It’s all right,” Lovino sighed, turning back to the ATV. Clearly, he didn’t agree.
“You want to go already?” Feliciano turned toward his brother with big eyes. “But we just got here!”
Ivan decided to seize the opportunity. “Actually, I think I may need to get going as well,” Ivan explained calmly. “I just want to make sure Alfred is doing all right. With his...food poisoning.”
“Oh, food poisoning?” Feliciano gasped. “That’s so sad. And he just arrived too. I need to teach you how to cook, Ivan. I can’t believe I haven’t done that already.”
“I’m WAITING, Feli,” Lovino snapped.
Feliciano’s shoulders sagged. “Okay, I guess I need to go. But I’ll be back to meet the new alpha—Alfred, you said? I can’t wait!” He trotted off to the ATV hurriedly. After he turned on the ignition he gave another wave. “Please give us a call tonight!”
Ivan waved without saying anything more. As soon as they were halfway down the road, he marched into the house.
“Alfred?” he called. He hoped he sounded angry, or at the very least disappointed, but it definitely came out as concerned to his ears.
It didn’t matter. The pheromones emanating from Alfred’s closed door were disgusting. The sweetest, earthiest smell Ivan could imagine. His hackles were raised—an instinct he couldn’t help—and his heartbeat thrummed in his chest. But Ivan was good at feigning calm, so he approached the bedroom.
“Alfred?” Ivan’s knuckles rapped on the wooden door twice.
There was no response. Ivan could leave. He should leave. But for some inexplicable reason, he pushed in.
“Alfred, they’re gone now. Do you think you make yourself useful again?” he snapped, wandering into the room. Ivan’s hand closed over his mouth and nose. If it was foul outside, it reeked inside. What was this? Well, he knew what it was. It was an alpha scent. And pheromones, which were supposed to be unappealing to other alphas. They were, of course. Ivan felt completely on edge.
It’s not possible that Alfred went into rut, was it?
“Alfred, your smell,” Ivan grumbled as he took note of the rumpled sheets on the bed and the clothes on the floor. He turned toward the adjoining bathroom, which was slightly ajar.
Ivan’s free hand flexed at his side; the other one remained pressed over his face. He really shouldn’t be in here much longer, otherwise, he was only going to start getting more aggravated himself. So, swallowing the last of his hesitation, he moved to the bathroom and swung open the door.
Ivan took one look at the scene in front of him and let out a guttural groan. “Ugh, you’re repulsive. This is what you’ve been doing?”
Alfred was naked. That was the first thing Ivan noticed. His golden skin glistened with sweat, highlighting the muscular contours of his body. He was also leaning over the bathroom counter, one hand with a vice grip on the tile, the other furiously jerking off his very hard, very flushed cock.
He didn’t even stop what he was doing when Ivan walked in. “I told you,” Alfred panted, “I have a problem!”
“Yes, you do,” Ivan replied. “One whiff of an omega who is not even in heat and you end up like this? What are you, a child?” It was even worse than that. Of course, some alphas were more sensitive than others, but this just seemed extreme.
Alfred swung his head in Ivan’s direction. His blue eyes were hazy behind his glasses. “I need help.”
“I won’t argue with you there,” Ivan snapped. He grimaced when more of Alfred’s pheromones hit his nose. It was starting to make Ivan a little flushed too. Not from arousal though. No. He was just so damn uncomfortable.
But he could tell, even through narrow eyes, that his dig was lost on Alfred. If anything, Alfred looked at him with hunger now.
“You can help me,” he breathed, lips curling at the corners. “A big alpha like you can definitely help me.”
Ivan took a step back automatically, but he forgot where he was and ended up bumping into the doorframe. In his confusion, Alfred rushed until he was standing just in front of Ivan, hands locked on either side of Ivan’s torso.
“Come on, please?” Alfred begged. He craned his neck over Ivan’s shoulder, releasing more of his scent into the air. Apples. Fields of grass. There was something else, too.
Ivan didn’t remove his palm from his mouth and nose, but he did throw the darkest glare possible. “Alphas don’t sleep with alphas. And your smell—it’s,” he swallowed thickly, “It’s making me sick.”
Alfred retreated a bit, enough so that Ivan could see the playful grin on his face. He looked like a man that knew he was going to get what he wanted. Ivan detested that.
“I’m kinda surprised. You seemed like the type to me,” Alfred continued, eyes traveling up Ivan’s body like it was a piece of meat. “You’ve really never slept with an alpha before?”
Alfred thought he was…gay? Ivan actually gave off that impression? No one had ever assumed that about him. He was always the biggest alpha in the room. He never wanted to be, really, and he always tried to make his presence smaller, but that didn’t change facts. Ivan was an intimidating man.
But clearly, Alfred didn’t think so. Actually, if Ivan learned anything in the short time they’ve known each other is that Alfred was not willfully or consciously afraid of anything.
“I haven’t,” Ivan managed eventually. He used his free hand to grab the back of Alfred’s hair, tugging down mercilessly. He wanted to wipe that grin off of Alfred’s face, but it just wouldn’t go away. Ivan pulled harder. “And I’m not interested in fucking you.”
A laugh drifted out of Alfred’s lips. “That’s not what I’m asking. You know as well as I do that rut goes away faster if I can fuck someone.”
“You’re not in a rut. You’re plenty lucid right now. This is just…I don’t know what’s wrong with you, but it doesn’t mean I have to help.” Ivan used both hands to keep Alfred an arms-width away, but that also meant he had to deal with the scent in full force. He forced a smirk anyway. “Maybe suffering through this would be good for you.”
A little bit of panic set on Alfred’s face. “If you don’t help me, I really will go into rut.” Seeing Ivan’s expression, Alfred added, “I’m serious. This is a real problem for me! Please have sex with me. I swear I’m good at it. I’ll make it good for you too.”
Ivan was starting to put the pieces together. “You’ve had sex with an alpha before…”
Alfred relaxed a little in his hold. He tilted his head in what was surely meant to be a seductive expression. “Yeah, ‘course. Lots of times.” He wrapped his fingers around Ivan’s forearms, which were tense just trying to keep Alfred away.
Ivan’s breath hitched. Why? He wasn’t attracted to Alfred. He wanted to be as far away as possible. Every alpha instinct in him was telling him to leave. Instead, he just kept talking. “More than once?”
“I told you. My problem is really embarrassing. I…” Alfred trailed off with a groan. He was probably getting impatient. One glance down informed Ivan that Alfred’s cock was still very hard and completely unattended to.
“You smell an omega, become like…this and then seek out an alpha to have sex with?” Ivan shifted uncomfortably. He wasn’t turned on, was he? These pheromones were just so hard to ignore. “That’s not normal, you know.” Ivan stared at Alfred’s cock again.
He must have loosened his grip too because Alfred closed the distance in one swift movement, pressing their chests together as he did so. His hands roamed up Ivan’s back.
“I don’t want to hurt an omega,” Alfred confessed. The soft tone did not match the practically devilish glint in his eyes. “And you can’t hurt an alpha. Especially not one like you.”
Ivan was starting to wonder if Alfred had been measuring him up this whole time. He thought back to all of those casual touches, the appalling friendliness, the arm wrestle—had he been interested in Ivan from the start?
“So what you’re telling me is that you’re a whore,” Ivan smiled, happy for the first time since he entered this pheromone-filled room. “That is embarrassing.” Somehow, his palms settled on Alfred’s waist. He wasn’t interested. He just wanted to hold on—and hopefully, bruise him.
“Don’t say it like that. I don’t want to be. I just…can’t help it,” Alfred said, lips ghosting over Ivan’s neck. It was covered by a turtleneck, but it really felt like he wanted to scent mark Ivan. That would be— “And it’s not like alphas don’t like it,” Alfred purred.
“I’m sure your boyish charms had something to do with it,” Ivan sighed.
It was a sarcastic comment, but Alfred either couldn’t tell the difference or didn’t care. He nipped at Ivan’s jaw. “See? I’m warmin’ up on ya. Now, come on. While I can still think straight.” He tugged at the hem of Ivan’s sweater, trying to tear it off.
And something must have happened to Ivan during their exchange because he was suddenly letting Alfred undress him. Each article of clothing fell to the ground like leaves, creating a trail all the way to the bed. Oh god. Ivan was in Alfred’s bed. And naked.
His face felt hot. Not from embarrassment. Or maybe it was? He just couldn’t believe that this twenty-something alpha was going to get his way again. Did it say more about Ivan or Alfred? Because Ivan certainly wasn’t trying to stop him anymore. He told himself it was because he didn’t want this situation to get worse.
Eventually, they would have to deal with each other’s ruts. It was inevitable, really. If they were going to inhabit the same cabin. But…but…
“Your smell is disgusting,” Ivan grunted, head shifting in the sheets. It was even stronger here. So overwhelming it made Ivan’s head spin.
Alfred laughed. He was between Ivan’s legs biting and licking every inch of skin available to him. “That’s what makes it fun, right? That it’s wrong.”
This was not fun.
Ivan still couldn’t figure out why he was helping his weirdly sensitive and very punchable coworker out, but he was not enjoying it.
“You have a really big dick,” Alfred whistled. His hand wrapped around Ivan's length and began stroking. “It’s too bad it won’t get any use…” His lips quirked in a smile. “But it’s nice to know you kinda like me too.”
Ivan sucked in a breath. He was actually hard? Because of Alfred? Because of his touch or his scent?
Alfred let go of Ivan’s cock uncaringly and stretched across the bed to reach the nightstand. He returned to a sitting position with a bottle of lube.
“You know, if you fucked omegas like you’re supposed to, you wouldn’t need to go to such an effort,” Ivan remarked. It distracted him from the fact that he was on his back with his legs spread. Like he was an omega himself. His ears burned.
Alfred chuckled as he squeezed lube onto his fingers. “I can’t.”
“I think we both know that you can.”
“Fine.” Alfred dropped the bottle somewhere on the bed and crouched forward, one elbow pressing into Ivan’s stomach. “I don’t want to,” he smirked.
Before Ivan could retort, he felt fingers probing at his entrance. It shouldn’t be an entrance though, should it? Not for an alpha. But Alfred was trying anyway. His finger circled around the tight ring of flesh knowledgeably, spreading lubricant all around Ivan's ass.
“You’ve really never done this?” Alfred asked.
Ivan had his face turned into the rumpled sheets. He would take the smell of apples and grass over looking at Alfred’s smug face. “I’m an alpha. Of course not.”
Alfred didn’t reply. Instead, Ivan felt one finger enter his hole. It was…a truly bizarre feeling. And that paired well with everything else going on. The pheromones, the young virile alpha on top of him—all of it set Ivan’s teeth on edge. His fingers raked the sheets when Alfred started moving in and out, stroking Ivan’s insides and places that have never been touched before. Then, there were two fingers.
“I think you’re really hot, by the way,” Alfred said. He moved back on his heels to work, one warm hand brushing over Ivan’s thigh repetitively. “I probably should have said that before, but I was kinda attracted to you as soon as I saw ya.”
Ivan scoffed. “That’s not normal.”
“I told you from the start that I wasn’t a normal alpha.”
“Well, I believe you now,” Ivan grumbled. His teeth sank into his lip when Alfred added a third finger inside. They were reaching so deep. But now that he had been working for a while, Ivan was actually starting to feel…well, not bad.
It kept going. The room wasn’t silent any longer. There were whimpers and moans filling the air.
They were Ivan’s.
“You like it more than I thought you would,” Alfred teased. He bit down on the soft flesh of Ivan’s thigh.
“You—” Ivan gasped and immediately grabbed fistfuls of Alfred’s hair, lifting him completely off. “No biting. Otherwise, I stop helping you.”
Alfred’s glasses were crooked on his face, just like his grin. He had the audacity to wink at Ivan. “Got it. No biting,” he wheezed.
Ivan let go. Not because he wanted to, or even that he believed Alfred would stop, but he was reminded of the fingers (plural) still inside of him, curled at an uncomfortable angle. “Can we get on with this?”
“Don’t have to tell me twice,” Alfred laughed. He removed his fingers from Ivan’s ass. It felt weirdly empty now. Or it did until Alfred’s cockhead nudged at the softened hole. “Um, you’re going to have to tell me if…if I…”
“Are you seriously having second thoughts? I’m only doing this because you insisted it was the only way to stop you from going into rut,” Ivan said exasperated. He didn’t mention that he was fully erect or that his thoughts were fuzzy from overstimulation.
Alfred pushed Ivan’s legs apart, spreading him fully open on the bed. “No way. Like I said, I’ve wanted to fuck you from the start,” he declared.
Ivan sank back into the sheets. “Then, what’s the delay?”
“I don’t want to hurt you,” Alfred blurted, that nervous waver returning to his voice. “That’s why I sleep with alphas, but you’ve never done this before, so I’m just worried…”
Ivan reached up to wrap a hand around Alfred’s throat. He saw Alfred’s pupils dilate at the firm touch. “I’m a much stronger alpha than you are,” Ivan replied testily. He wasn’t about to let Alfred go soft on him now. “You can try to hurt me and you still won’t be able to.”
Alfred bobbed his head in a furious nod. “Okay.”
Ivan let go and settled back on the bed.
Alfred pushed his cock inside without delay. Or tried to. It was bigger than Ivan expected, much thicker than three fingers. But Ivan wasn’t going to reveal any weakness, for his sake more than Alfred’s.
“You’re really tight,” Alfred bit out. He wasn’t even fully inside yet.
Ivan squirmed on the bed. “Why are you stopping?” The longer this was drawn out the more he would feel it.
“Ugh, fine. Big tough alpha,” Alfred grunted. His hips thrust forward, burying the rest of his length inside Ivan’s hole.
Ivan nearly arched off the bed. His mouth fell open in a long, drawn-out moan as his body accommodated a dick inside a place that had never taken one before. Was he still going to be an alpha after this?
“Time to see what you’re made of, right?”
Ivan unscrewed his eyes—he hadn’t even realized he closed them—and saw Alfred looming over him, a wide grin on his face.
Even though Ivan didn’t reply, his glare was enough to set Alfred off. He pulled back only to slam forward again, earning another wail from Ivan. While he settled into a punishing pace, his hands roamed Ivan’s legs, cupping behind the knees and pushing them into Ivan’s chest.
“I can’t even imagine you with an omega,” Alfred said between thrusts. His fingers dug into Ivan’s pale skin. “You’re so big. You’re like… meant to be with an alpha.”
Ivan felt hot. He was actually feeling good from this. “Just because you don’t trust your strength around omegas doesn’t mean other alphas can’t, I—” he clenched his jaw shut to stop another embarrassing mewl from escaping his lips.
Alfred laughed, completely unfazed. “Yeah? Well, even though you’re big, you do seem kinda soft.” He pinched the skin around Ivan’s stomach playfully.
As they continued, Alfred’s touches got bolder, harder. He manhandled Ivan onto all fours and thrust into him from behind. It felt even more animalistic that way, and Ivan had to grapple with how wrong it was all over again. A hard cock—an alpha cock—moving in and out of him, opening him up, filling him. It should be repulsive. But he was feeling it. He couldn’t even deny it. His own dick swung in tune with Alfred’s pace, heavy between Ivan’s thighs.
Alfred’s pressed his chest against Ivan’s back. His teeth grazing by Ivan’s neck. “I kinda want to knot you,” Alfred breathed.
Ivan sucked in a breath. He was having a hard time thinking clearly. “I’m drawing the line there,” he replied shakily. “Alphas—aah—aren’t meant to take another alpha’s knot.”
Alfred dragged his canines down Ivan’s shoulder, never pressing deep. Just skating over. “I swear you can. And it won’t feel bad either. Please? I really want to.”
“I don’t care what you want,” Ivan wheezed. His stomach tightened. God, he was so close now. The shame of being fucked by another alpha was overpowered by the need to orgasm. He hadn’t slept with anyone in so long. It felt good. Even if he hated it. “Do you think I’m doing this because I want to? I just don’t want to put up with your rut.”
Alfred hummed by Ivan’s ear. He sounded deliriously pleased. “You already smell like me. And you’re being fucked by me. A knot won’t change much. It can be a one-time thing.”
“It was always going to be a one-time thing,” Ivan forced out. There was no way he was making this mistake twice.
Alfred tightened his hold of Ivan’s waist and slammed forward harder than before. “In that case, I want to knot you more than ever.”
Ivan was drooling, panting against the sheets. He just wanted release. It felt like every time Alfred pushed in he was missing the place that actually felt good. He didn’t do that before. Despite his annoying face, he apparently learned fast. Ivan would get him tomorrow…
But he really just wanted to come now.
“So?” Alfred grunted. Slam. “What do you say?” Slam.
Ivan didn’t want to say yes to this little shit. This alpha who wanted everything to himself. Greedy. Selfish. Self-absorbed.
But that’s not what his voice said.
“Fine,” he gasped.
Alfred grabbed Ivan’s hips hard enough to bruise—as if they hadn’t been bruised already—and pounded harder than before. Ivan couldn’t keep himself upright, the strength had been zapped from his arms a while ago. So he took it with his head buried in the sheets. He came before Alfred, spilling onto the bed helplessly.
Then, there was another hard thrust and Ivan felt it. Alfred’s cock swelling inside of him, bigger than before—this was his knot. Ivan couldn’t escape it if he tried. It filled him up as Alfred came in hot bursts.
The pressure was unimaginable. Ivan never expected it to feel this way. But of course, it should. His body wasn’t meant to take it. Every part of this act was completely unnatural and very, very wrong.
“That’s what makes it fun, right? That it’s wrong.”
God, Alfred was so fucking annoying. That wasn’t true. This wasn’t fun. It was overwhelming. Ivan couldn’t think anymore. He could just feel. Feel Alfred. That was all he was capable of doing.
The knot settled inside Ivan, tying them together.
Alfred draped over Ivan’s back. “Fuck, that feels so good,” he said. “You take me so well.”
Ivan could hear the smile in his voice.
Alfred rearranged them on the bed so that Ivan was lying on his side and he was nestled right behind him—the knot still very much keeping them attached. Otherwise, Ivan would have left by now. But he had to stay. Trapped in Alfred’s hold, surrounded by Alfred’s scent, with Alfred’s cock still lodged inside of him.
“Never. Again,” Ivan said eventually. His voice sounded hoarse. Just how much did he moan?
Alfred chuckled. He was happy at least, but a good fuck would do that to any alpha. “Yeah, I hear ya. I’ll try to control myself from now on.” He nibbled on Ivan’s skin, and the next time he spoke, sounded much meeker. “But it’s a real problem for me, okay? I can’t be around omegas.”
Ivan sighed, and it was quiet between them for a while. “So, how many alphas have you slept with then?” he prompted.
Alfred’s glasses poked Ivan’s back. “...Not sayin’.”
“I can only imagine that it must be very many,” Ivan mused. And somehow that dragged an unwitting laugh out of his tired throat.
“Aha! You can laugh!” Alfred exclaimed excitedly. “Well, if that’s possible, then all things are. One time only, my ass. You liked it.”
Ivan shook his head tiredly. They would be like this for a while, so he closed his eyes and tried to sleep.
This was never happening again.