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His Royal Highness, the Omega Prince Alexander of Texas, son of His Majesty, the Alpha King Oscar I of Texas, and Her Highness, the Omega Queen Consort Ellen of Texas, has known fear before.
*
He has known fear when his elder brother, His Royal Highness, the Alpha Crown Prince Catalino Jude, though Jude was what he always insisted on being called, locked him in an abandoned storage room within the vast palace because Alex wouldn’t stop pestering him with questions about one thing or another. Alex had been only eight years old then, still small enough to be dwarfed by the lavish furniture in the palace. For what had felt like an eternity, Alex had screamed and pounded on the heavy wooden door until his fists were purple with bruises. The darkness inside the room had been suffocating, pressing in on him from all sides. Eventually, his voice had grown hoarse from shouting, and his energy had waned completely.
It had taken eight agonizing hours for the palace security to find him. By then, Alex had curled into a tight ball on the cold stone floor, his body shivering uncontrollably from both fear and the chill that had seeped through the walls. When they had finally opened the door, the blinding light from the hallway had made him wince, and the rush of voices and movement around him had felt distant, as if he had been submerged in water. He had barely remembered being carried out or the frantic cries of his Ma when she had seen him, pale and trembling in the arms of a guard. The one clear memory that had lingered from that day was the sight of Jude standing in the doorway, tears streaming down his face. His strong, unflappable brother, reduced to a guilt-ridden mess, was an image that had haunted Alex to this day.
*
He has known fear when his foot had slipped while climbing the pecan tree in the palace’s garden, a tree that had stood there for generations, its branches a playground for the young princes like Alex himself. It had been a beautiful day, with the Texas sun casting a golden glow over the sprawling gardens, and Alex had been determined to reach the top, where the sweetest pecans were said to grow. But the bark had been rough under his hands, and the branches, though sturdy, had been treacherous. One moment he had been laughing, exhilarated by the height he had reached, and the next, his hand had slipped, and he had been falling.
The world had seemed to slow as he had plummeted toward the ground, the sharp branches scraping against his skin as he had tumbled through the air. The impact had been brutal; he had hit the ground with a sickening thud, pain exploding through his body. He could hear the frantic shouts of the gardeners rushing toward him, but the pain had been too much to bear. His vision had blurred, and darkness had threatened to consume him. He had awoken in the palace infirmary, bandages wrapped around his broken limbs, with his Ma’s tear-streaked face hovering above him. He had overheard the doctors murmuring to his Ma that it had been a miracle there had not been any life-threatening injury, a statement that had echoed in his mind for weeks afterward. His Pa had had the tree cut down that very same day, its ancient trunk reduced to firewood, as if destroying it could erase the memory of his son’s near-death experience.
*
He has known fear when he had heard his Pa and Ma fighting in the throne room, a place that had always seemed so majestic, so inviolable. He had been playing a game of hide and seek, darting between the towering curtains that lined the room, laughing to himself as he had found the perfect hiding spot. But then the doors had burst open, and his Pa and Ma had entered, not as the loving parents he had known, but as two people torn apart by anger and betrayal. Alex had frozen in place, unsure whether to reveal himself or stay hidden. Before he could decide, his Pa’s voice, thunderous and cold, had filled the room: “Is he even my son?”
The words had struck Alex like a physical blow. He had heard his Pa shout before, of course; anyone who had spent time in the palace had known of King Oscar’s temper, but this had been different. This had not been the voice of his Pa, the man who had bounced him on his knee and taught him how to ride a horse. This had been the voice of the Alpha King of Texas, laced with fury and suspicion. And his Ma, she had been no longer the serene and composed Queen Consort. She had been just a woman, her face streaked with tears, her hands trembling as she had faced her husband’s wrath.
Alex had wanted to be brave, to step out from behind the curtain and demand an explanation, to stand up for his Ma like he had been certain Jude would have done. But he had not been Jude. He had been just Alex, and so he had stayed hidden, his small body pressed against the cold stone wall, listening to every painful word. He had heard how his Ma had been in love with another man, Sir Leo, the Chief of Palace Security, the same Sir Leo who had always greeted Alex with a warm smile and a respectful bow. He had heard his Pa deliver an ultimatum that had shattered his world: either his Ma would die as a disgraced Omega, or Sir Leo as a disgraced knight.
His Ma had chosen herself that day, a decision Alex had desperately wanted to believe was made for the sake of her children. Sir Leo had been hanged the very next day, accused of leaking secrets to a neighbouring country. The official story had spread through the kingdom like wildfire, but Alex had known the truth. He had seen it in his Ma’s haunted eyes, in the way she had glanced at the empty spot where Sir Leo once stood, and in the way she had blinked away tears when she had thought no one was watching.
It had also been the day Alex’s heart had broken for the first time, not because of a lost love, but because his Pa, the man he had idolized, who had always seemed so strong, so infallible, had been revealed to be just as flawed, just as capable of cruelty, as anyone else.
For Oscar had only ever loved Ellen; the Alpha King of Texas had only ever loved his Omega Queen with a devotion that had been both fierce and tender. Ellen, too, had loved deeply, but her heart had not belonged solely to Oscar. She had given her affections to another man, a knight, and a beta at that. For an Alpha, there had been no greater shame than knowing that his Omega had chosen someone else, and the fact that Ellen’s love had strayed to a beta, a man considered beneath an Alpha in the rigid hierarchy of their world, had been a humiliation too great to bear.
The betrayal had cut deep. It had not been just a personal affront; it had been a public disgrace, a blow to the very foundation of the Alpha King’s pride and authority. Oscar’s anger, fuelled by hurt and betrayal, had demanded retribution. Ten-year-old Alex, hiding behind the curtains, could not have comprehended the full extent of the anguish that must have wracked his Pa’s heart as he had uttered those fateful words, demanding that Ellen choose between her own life and the life of the man she had loved. Alex of now understands.
*
He has known fear when, in the middle of his 16th birthday gathering, he had felt a strong ache in his stomach and something wet between his legs. Alex had slept fitfully the night before, tossing and turning beneath the heavy silk covers that had felt more stifling than comforting. Tomorrow, he would turn sixteen, a milestone that had loomed over him for months. It had been the day he would finally present as an Alpha, just like every other royal male in the world.
It hadn’t been the presentation itself that had worried Alex. He had been confident, and everyone had been confident, that he would present as an Alpha. His Pa, King Oscar, and his brother Jude had both presented as Alphas, strong and dominant, as was expected of men in their lineage. Alex had been no different, or so he had always believed. His broad shoulders, his commanding presence, even at a young age, had all pointed to the inevitable. What had gnawed at him had been what came after.
Once he had presented, he would have officially taken on the responsibilities of the spare heir, the second in line to the throne. It had been a role he had been groomed for, but it had also meant something far more personal and daunting: he would be considered an Alpha ready for an Omega. This had been the part that had filled him with dread. Tradition had dictated that once he had presented, a series of grand balls would be held in his honor, designed to parade eligible Omegas before him. By the time he turned seventeen, it had been expected that he would already be engaged, and on his eighteenth birthday, he would be married. The thought of it had made Alex’s stomach twist with anxiety.
Marriage, for people like him, hadn’t been about love or choice. It had been about duty, alliances, and ensuring the continuation of their noble bloodline. He had seen it happen to his brother, Jude, who at seventeen had married Her Royal Princess, the Omega Princess Nora of Washington, now known as Her Royal Highness, the Omega Princess Consort Nora of Texas. Jude had met Nora at the very first ball after his presentation. Alex had remembered it vividly; Jude had taken one look at Nora, standing graceful and poised in her shimmering gown, and had declared in front of the entire court that she would be his wife. The engagement had been sealed within three days, and their wedding date had been set for Jude’s seventeenth birthday.
Nora had been only fifteen then, and by tradition, they had waited a year before trying for an heir. It hadn’t taken long before the royal announcement had been made about the impending arrival of a future prince or princess. Jude had been utterly besotted with his mate, his affection for Nora evident in every glance, every touch. But Alex had known that Nora’s feelings hadn’t mirrored Jude’s passion. She, like every other woman, had presented as an Omega on her fifteenth birthday and, as had been customary, had married the Alpha who had chosen her with the approval of her parents. It had been a matter of duty, not love. It had simply been how their world worked.
But Alex hadn’t wanted that for himself. He hadn’t wanted to be paired off like a chess piece in a game of power and politics. He had yearned for something more, something that had seemed hopelessly out of reach in his world. He had wanted his future bride to choose him as he would choose her, to build a relationship based on mutual affection and respect. But deep down, Alex had known that his desires had been nothing more than wishful thinking. His life, like Jude’s, would have been dictated by the needs of the crown and the expectations of their society. Jude couldn’t have married Nora if she hadn’t been the daughter of the King of Washington, no matter how much he had loved her, and Alex had known that his fate would be the same.
But all these worries, all the fear of what lay ahead, had been for naught, because Alex hadn’t presented as an Alpha. When the day had finally come, and the ceremony had been conducted in front of the highest-ranking members of the court, the impossible had happened. Alex had presented as an Omega. An Omega’s sweet scent had spread through the hall, instead of the expected masculine scent of an Alpha, and everyone had known who it had come from. He had been the first male to present as an Omega in the past six centuries and the first ever in the continent of America.
It had been an anomaly, something that shouldn’t have happened but did. From that moment on, Alex’s life had been no longer his own. The path he had feared had been replaced by something far worse. Everything he had dreaded for his future as an Omega, being paraded, inspected, and ultimately chosen by an Alpha, had come back to him tenfold. The court had been thrown into chaos. Whispers of curses and omens had filled the halls, and Alex, who had once feared losing his autonomy as an Alpha, had found himself completely stripped of any control over his own destiny. Any happiness or freedom he had once yearned for had been a distant memory, replaced by a future he could neither predict nor escape.
*
But the amount of fear Alex has felt in his entire life combined couldn’t have compared to the fear he felt at that very moment. The royal entourage from the Kingdom of Britain had arrived, bringing with them a royal decree from His Majesty, the Alpha King James III of Great Britain. The order had been: His Royal Highness, the Omega Prince Alexander of Texas, would marry His Royal Highness, the High Alpha Crown Prince Henry of Britain. The marriage was to take place in two ceremonies, first a smaller, private ceremony in Texas, followed by a grand celebration in Britain.
The aftermath of Alex’s presentation had been a whirlwind of chaos and confusion. Following the disastrous turn of events, where the gathering had ended abruptly, the palace had been thrown into disarray. Alex’s Pa had assembled an urgent royal meeting, calling advisors from various regions of America to discuss the unprecedented situation.
Neither his parents nor his brother had looked at Alex since the party had been hastily cut short. In the midst of a crowded room full of Alphas who would have been driven to frenzy by Alex’s full heat, his Pa and Jude had taken swift action. His Ma and Nora had rushed him to his room, laying him gently on his bed. Within minutes, a doctor had arrived and had administered several powerful medications to suppress Alex’s heat. These drugs had normally been illegal to use without the explicit permission of the Omega’s Alpha, in Alex’s case, that would have been his Pa, and had never been meant to be administered during the first heat. But Alex had become a special case.
The next morning, Alex had been summoned to the throne room, which had been filled with advisors and dignitaries from all sides. The throne room, usually a place of ceremony and splendour, had become a stage for the harsh realities of royal duty. King Oscar had called for order and had addressed the assembly, presenting the situation of Alex’s second gender to a crowd that had seemed already informed.
Oscar had announced in a somber voice that a male Omega had never been born on American soil before, and there had been no established laws or precedents for handling such a situation. The rigid gender laws of their society had been clear: Alphas married Omegas, Betas married Betas, and marriages between men or women of the same gender had been forbidden and punishable by death. Alex’s predicament had placed him in a legal and social limbo. No Alpha could marry him due to the nature of his gender, and no Omega would have been available for marriage as it would have contravened societal norms.
Alex had wanted nothing more than to escape the scrutiny, to retreat to the sanctuary of his room where he could have hidden from the world’s gaze. He had felt utterly humiliated, standing there while decisions about his future had been made without his input. His presence had seemed like a mere formality, an act of cruelty that would not have been inflicted upon an Alpha.
One by one, the advisors had spoken, and decisions had been made that had sealed Alex’s fate. The first and most obvious change had been that Alex would no longer be the spare prince. Instead, the title would pass directly to Jude’s future child, should that child be male. The second decision had been that Alex would now be addressed as Omega Prince rather than simply Prince. The third ruling had been that Alex would be forbidden from marrying anyone within America. He would remain unmarried and unmated until a more suitable solution could have been found. Finally, and most damning of all, Alex would now be treated as an Omega in every respect. Activities such as fighting, archery, and fencing would have been discontinued, and he would be trained to behave according to the norms expected of an Omega.
As the court had finally dispersed, Alex had been left alone with his Pa. King Oscar, sitting atop his throne, had called Alex forward. Alex had climbed the steps to stand just a few feet in front of the throne, his head bowed in submission as had been customary for an Omega.
“Alex, come here,” Oscar’s voice had been heavy with a mixture of sorrow and authority. As Alex had approached, he could have seen the strain etched into his Pa’s face. “I am sorry this happened,” Oscar had begun, his tone softer than usual. “This was not something we expected, and I have been at a loss. I have wished for happiness for you, but it seems that it is not meant to be. I will do my best to see you content, but you must keep your head down and follow the instructions given. Once the immediate concerns die down, I will look for another solution.”
Alex had nodded once, his head still bowed. He had barely mustered the energy to process his Pa’s words. Oscar had cleared his throat, his voice taking on a more personal, less regal tone. “Alex, I just want you to know that this life will not be easy. You are feisty and a fighter, just like your brother, but unlike him, your fight and feistiness will not be appreciated, not anymore. The sooner you accept your situation, the easier it will be for you to endure.”
Alex had nodded again, his resolve faltering. He had quickly left the room, feeling the weight of his Pa’s words heavy on his shoulders. He had heard more than enough for one lifetime.
His conversation with his Ma had been equally devastating. Her tears had flowed freely as she had apologized repeatedly, blaming herself for the circumstances that had led to her son’s predicament. She had spoken as if her own actions had caused Alex’s situation, as though something had been fundamentally wrong with her for giving birth to an Omega son. Alex had been too exhausted to comfort her. His own world had crumbled, leaving him devoid of the energy to offer solace.
Once her tears had subsided, his Ma had begun explaining the changes Alex would need to make as an Omega. He would no longer be allowed to wear pants and shirts; his wardrobe would consist only of dresses, like those worn by his Ma, Nora, and every other Omega. His hair would be allowed to grow long, in accordance with Omega tradition. She had detailed other modifications to his daily life, including the manner in which he should present himself and the behaviours expected of him as an Omega.
By the time his Ma had finished, Alex could have only thought of how much better it would have been to be a Beta like commoners, or even to remain unpresented. Anything would have been preferable to the reality of being an Omega.
*
Two months have passed since the day everything changed, and Alex’s life has been turned upside down. The carefree days of his youth seem like a distant memory, replaced by a rigid routine that has suffocated him in ways he never imagined. Every aspect of his life has been meticulously altered to fit the mold of what is expected of an Omega. He has been stripped of his freedom, his autonomy, and even the simple joys that once brought him solace. The palace, his home, has become nothing but a golden cage.
He has been forced to learn how to submit, to lower his gaze, to bow his head, and to obey without question. The lessons have been harsh, and the consequences for failure have been even harsher. He has been trained to act as an Omega should, to embody the virtues of meekness and compliance, and to erase any trace of the spirited boy he once was. His days have been filled with lessons on etiquette, posture, and how to speak only when spoken to. Even his wardrobe has been altered, his once-practical attire replaced with flowing gowns that remind him with every swish of fabric of his diminished status. His hair, which he has always kept short, has been grown out, styled in a way that makes him feel like a doll rather than a prince.
Acceptance has come slowly, painfully, as he has realized that resistance would only bring more suffering. He has had no choice but to adapt, to play the role that has been forced upon him. And yet, even as he has tried to come to terms with his new reality, a sense of dread has lingered in the back of his mind, a fear that this has only been the beginning of his downfall.
*
Today was different. There was a tension in the air that Alex could not ignore, a feeling that something was about to happen, something that would once again topple his world. The palace buzzed with a frenetic energy, servants rushing to and fro with an urgency that set Alex on edge. He asked around, tried to glean some information from the whispers in the halls, but no one gave him a straight answer. Even Nora, who had become his closest confidante since his presentation, was unusually tight-lipped, her usual warmth replaced by a strained silence.
The unease deepened when, during lunch, a messenger burst into the dining hall, breathless and wide-eyed, announcing that a royal entourage from Britain had arrived at the palace gates. The words hung in the air like a death sentence, sending a chill down Alex’s spine. The room fell silent, all eyes turning to him as the weight of the announcement settled over them, as if the visit had something to do with Alex himself.
Lunch was abruptly cut short, the once-lively conversation dying out as plates were cleared and the room emptied in a rush. Alex was left standing there, the pit in his stomach growing heavier with each passing second. Everyone was asked to gather in the throne room to welcome the new guests. The atmosphere was charged with a tension, as if the very walls of the palace were holding their breath.
Alex’s Ma sent a new gown for the occasion, one unlike anything he had ever worn before. The icy blue fabric shimmered like frost kissed by the first light of dawn, catching the light in a way that made it seem almost alive. It was ethereal and delicate, and when Alex touched it, the fabric felt impossibly soft. As his attendants helped him into the gown, Alex caught sight of himself in the mirror, and for a moment, he did not recognize the figure staring back at him. The gown accentuated his form in ways that made him feel almost otherworldly, and for the first time, he felt a flicker of something unfamiliar stir within him. He looked pretty, he looked beautiful. Like the Omega he had been supposed to be.
When he was ready, his attendants ushered him out of his chambers and through the winding corridors of the palace. The halls were alive with the quiet rustle of servants, their movements quick and deliberate, but no one dared to speak above a whisper. There was a charge in the air, a sense of anticipation that seemed to tighten around Alex’s chest as they neared the throne room. By the time they arrived, the room was already filled with people, their eyes turned expectantly toward the massive double doors at the far end. The atmosphere was thick with expectation, as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for something or someone important to arrive.
Alex slipped into his place beside Nora, who offered him a small, reassuring smile, but the gesture did little to ease the nervous flutter in his stomach. Then, with a deep, resonant creak, the heavy doors swung open. The room fell into a hushed silence as the herald stepped forward, his voice clear and commanding as he announced the arrival of their guest. “Presenting His Royal Highness, the High Alpha Crown Prince Henry of Britain.”
*
Prince Henry entered the room with the quiet authority of someone who had long commanded respect. He was flanked by at least two dozen guards, their armor gleaming under the grand chandeliers, but even they seemed to pale in comparison to the presence of the young man they protected. Henry moved with deliberate grace, each step echoing through the silent hall, his expression a mask of regal composure. His blond hair was neatly styled, and his piercing blue eyes swept over the room with an air of detachment, as though he was already weighing each person’s worth. His scent, potent and commanding, filled the room effortlessly, reminding Alex of the perfume Jude gifted him on his 15th birthday.
He stood directly before King Oscar, who, with a deep sense of reverence, bowed low. One by one, the rest of the room followed suit, their heads bowed in unison, a sea of submission before their superior. Alex, too, found himself lowering his head, his heart pounding in his chest as the reality of the situation settled over him. It was a well-known fact, a story passed down in hushed tones and awed whispers, that Prince Henry presented as a High Alpha at the astonishingly young age of ten, the youngest ever in recorded history. He was a legend in his own right, the strongest of all Alphas, one with a scent so powerful it could bend entire armies to his will, a scent that marked him as the undisputed ruler even before he spoke.
As a High Alpha, Henry held an unprecedented level of power, so much so that he could have claimed the throne from his grandfather at any time, and no one would have dared to oppose him. Yet, he chose to bide his time, allowing his grandfather to continue ruling. No one protested when Henry was named Crown Prince, bypassing his older brother, Alpha Prince Philip, who was a full decade his senior. It was Henry’s right, as the High Alpha, to lead, and while he might have bowed to his grandfather out of respect, to everyone else, Henry was the supreme power in the land. Even during Alex’s history lessons, the first thing his teacher emphasized, above all else, was the importance of bowing to Henry, a rule ingrained in every Omega, every Alpha, and every Beta across the realm. Now, standing in the throne room, Alex fully understood why.
The silence in the room was almost deafening as Henry took his place before the throne, his gaze sweeping over the bowing courtiers with an air of quiet authority. No one dared to move, speak, or even breathe too loudly, as the reality of the situation settled over them. This was not just another formal visit, not just another day in the life of the palace. This was something more, something that would change everything. And as Alex stood there, his head bowed, the weight of that realization pressed down on him, heavy and insistent.
“Rise,” Henry commanded in a low voice that held more authority than any shouted order Alex’s Pa ever gave. The single word reverberated through the throne room, and though it was softly spoken, it carried a weight that demanded immediate obedience. As everyone rose, Henry tilted his head slightly, his gaze locking directly onto Alex’s, and in that moment, the world seemed to narrow to just the two of them.
Alex’s heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing in his ears, yet he could not look away. There was something magnetic about Henry’s stare, something that sent a shiver down Alex’s spine and twisted his stomach in a confusing mix of fear and something else. He felt a blush creep up his cheeks, even as his mind screamed of the danger standing before him.
Henry began to move, taking a few measured steps closer to the throne. To Alex, it felt as if each step brought Henry closer to him, invading his personal space with an intensity that left him breathless. He was frozen in place, his eyes locked on Henry’s, unable to do anything but stare into those icy blue eyes. It was then, as Henry’s gaze swept over him, that Alex realized the colour of Henry’s eyes matched the icy blue of his gown, a perfect, chilling match that sent another shiver down his spine. Henry seemed to notice the similarity as well, for his eyes lingered on Alex’s form, taking in every detail with a sharp, almost hungry focus. When he finally looked up, a sly smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, a knowing expression that deepened Alex’s blush. Alex felt exposed, vulnerable in a way he never felt before.
With a smooth turn, Henry redirected his attention to King Oscar and, with a steady voice, addressed the room. "King Oscar, I thank you for welcoming me into your lovely kingdom. My grandfather, the king, received your letter regarding the situation you find yourself in.” His words were polite and measured, but there was a hint of something darker beneath the surface, a subtle edge that drained all the warmth from Alex’s cheeks, leaving him cold and anxious. As Henry spoke, his eyes flicked back to Alex, and the meaning behind his words became clear. Of course, Alex was the situation, the problem for which no solution was found in America. And now, his Pa was forced with no other solution but to reach out to Britain, seeking help, seeking something that made Alex’s heart sink.
“My grandfather proposes a solution for your situation and issues a royal decree for the following,” Henry continued, his tone carrying a finality that left no room for argument.
*
And that was how Alex found himself thrust back into the center of attention, once again the focus of the entire court’s gaze. As Henry read the royal decree aloud, the room buzzed with whispered conversations, the nobles’ voices a murmur of speculation and surprise. Alex felt as though the ground was pulled out from under him. He had just begun to accept his new life, to reconcile with the idea that he would never marry, never have a family of his own, and that he would remain a lonely Omega haunting the halls of this palace until the end of his days. It wasn’t an ideal life, but it was one he started to make peace with. And now, that faint glimmer of peace was being ripped away, replaced by a new, terrifying reality.
To be married to Henry, no, to be married to High Alpha Henry, was a fate far worse than anything Alex ever imagined. Britain was a country where Omegas were nothing more than broodmares, their value tied solely to their ability to bear strong heirs. It wasn’t as if America was vastly different, but at least here, Omegas were still considered people, still afforded some semblance of dignity. In Britain, that wouldn’t be the case.
Alex had heard horror stories from Nora after she had returned from a royal visit to Britain with Jude. She had taken intensive classes for two weeks, learning everything there was to know about how to behave as an Omega in Britain. Alex had thought it unfair then that Jude hadn’t been subjected to the same rigorous training. Nora had confided in him about how she was expected to remain silent the entire time, even if a question was directed at her—it was Jude who was to answer, not her. She had been forbidden from looking anyone in the eyes, and she was required to bare her neck to any Alpha ranked higher than Jude in station. Thankfully, only three people fell into that category: King James, Prince Henry, and Prince Philip. But still, the idea of baring her neck—an act considered sacred, something to be done only for her Alpha—had left Nora shaken. Her wardrobe had also been altered; a veil was added to every outfit, a constant reminder of her subservience, and she was required to wear it at all times.
“The only happy Omega I saw in that godforsaken country was Princess Beatrice,” Nora had whispered to Alex upon her return. “But that was only because she was so high on drugs, she couldn’t even tell the difference between her right hand and her left.”
Now, that horrifying reality was set to become Alex’s own. Alex was going to be one of those miserable Omegas, trapped in a gilded cage with no hope of escape, married to a man whose very presence made the air around him feel suffocating. It was a fate he wouldn’t wish on anyone, let alone himself, and yet it was the future that now loomed before him, inevitable and inescapable.
*
“Your Royal Highness,” his Pa spoke, his voice steady yet carrying a note of reluctance, “the letter we sent to His Majesty was to inform him of this occurrence. The court of Texas has already decided that Omega Prince Alex is to remain unwed for the rest of his time, as the laws of America state.” Even though his Pa’s tone was deferential, it was clear to all present that this was not the outcome he had desired. Alex felt a wave of gratitude toward his Pa, thankful that, at the very least, his Pa didn’t hate him enough to send him directly into the lion’s den.
Henry’s eyes remained fixed on King Oscar, his expression unreadable as he responded, “King Oscar, do you remember the treaty your ancestors signed with mine, granting them the right to rule the largest land in America?”
“Yes,” his Pa replied through gritted teeth. The tension in the room thickened, and Alex had a sinking feeling that whatever Prince Henry was about to reveal wouldn’t be in his favour. He knew of the treaty, of course; everyone did. It was a cornerstone of Texan history. His ancestors had sought aid from the then-King of Britain in exchange for gold, horses, and coin. The British King had agreed, but under specific conditions: Texas would never raise arms against Britain, a certain tax must be paid to the British monarchy every five years, and several other stipulations that were less commonly known. Most people, including Alex, only knew the gist of the treaty. But now, as he glanced at Jude and saw how his brother’s face had paled considerably, it was clear that whatever was in that treaty was far worse than he had imagined.
“So, you must know,” Henry continued, his voice calm and measured, “that every single wedding of a Texan prince or princess must be sanctioned by the British monarchy.”
A collective gasp echoed through the room, the weight of Henry’s words settling over the court like a dark cloud. Alex’s breath caught in his throat, his pulse quickening as he processed the implications.
“Yes,” his Pa said again, this time with a hint of resignation, as if he were at a loss for words.
Henry’s gaze never wavered as he spoke, his tone as cold and unyielding as steel. “The world’s first and only male Omega, until Prince Alexander himself, was born in Britain. My several-times-great-grandfather, King George I, married him because the only person above the law of the land was the King himself. Britain follows a law similar to that regarding secondary gender pairing, but there is a slight difference. In the case of a special occurrence, like a male Omega, a marriage between the Omega and the highest-ranking Alpha must take place.”
Henry paused, and for the briefest of moments, his lips twitched as if he were trying to soften the blow with a jest. “My grandmother wouldn’t be too happy with sharing her husband, so this duty falls on my shoulders.”
But if Henry hoped to lighten the mood with that comment, it was for naught. Alex didn’t find it funny. Not in the slightest. The room remained oppressively silent; the air thick with a sense of inevitability. Alex’s eyes darted to his Pa and Jude, and the look on their faces, pale, strained, helpless, told him everything he needed to know. There was nothing that could be done. No loophole, no escape.
Alex would marry Crown Prince Henry, and that was that.
*
Before anyone could react or voice their thoughts, Prince Henry spoke up once more, his voice commanding the attention of every soul in the room. “I would also like to present my first betrothal gift to my betrothed.” With that, he began to walk toward Alex. The room fell into a hushed silence, every eye following Henry’s movement, but no one dared to intervene or interrupt.
Alex stood rooted to the spot, utterly stunned. He noticed how his Ma and Nora subtly shifted away, leaving him standing alone near the steps of the throne, exposed and vulnerable under the intense gaze of the British prince.
“Omega Alexander,” Henry said, his British accent making Alex’s name sound more beautiful and refined than ever before. “As the tradition of my country dictates, once the betrothal is fixed, the bride and groom are not to see each other until the wedding. The first gift that an Alpha gives to his Omega is a veil. It is to ensure that if the intended Alpha cannot see his Omega’s face, no one else does either.”
A guard stepped forward, carrying a large, ornately decorated box. As Henry opened it, Alex’s breath caught in his throat. The veil inside was a shade of icy blue, matching the colour of Alex’s dress, the very same colour as Henry’s piercing eyes. It was ethereal, shimmering as though it had been woven from the finest, most delicate threads, and it complemented Alex’s dress so perfectly that it was as if they had been crafted as a set.
In that moment, Alex realized with a shock that the dress was not from his Ma, but from Henry himself. The realization sent a shiver down his spine. How did Henry manage to get this dress to him? How long had he been planning this?
Henry picked up the veil with a grace that belied his imposing presence and walked closer to Alex. Gently, ever so carefully, he placed the veil over Alex’s face, his touch featherlight as he adjusted it so that it didn’t catch on Alex’s curls. The room seemed to hold its breath, the air thick with anticipation and unspoken tension. Once the veil was in place, Henry took a step back and gave Alex a slow, deliberate once-over, his icy blue eyes scanning him from head to toe.
“You are the most breathtaking sight I have ever witnessed,” Henry murmured, his voice low and intimate, meant only for Alex to hear. “And I cannot wait to make you mine.”
Before Alex could process the weight of those words, Henry took Alex’s hand in his and, with a touch as light as a feather, pressed a kiss to it. The contact was brief, but it sent a jolt of electricity through Alex’s entire being. His heart pounded in his chest, his mind reeling. And then, as if nothing happened, as if he hadn’t just committed the most scandalous act ever witnessed in the court of Texas, Henry turned and walked back to his original position, his expression calm and composed, utterly unfazed by the gasps and murmurs that erupted around him.
The moment hung heavy in the air, teetering on the edge of awkwardness. Alex’s heart beat frantically as if it were racing at a hundred miles per hour. Prince Henry just kissed his hand. His future husband and mate just kissed his hand. Alex was so utterly, completely gone, lost in a whirlwind of emotions he couldn’t begin to untangle.
King Oscar, sensing the rising tension and the potential for the situation to spiral out of control, quickly intervened. He ordered everyone to be escorted out of the room, his voice authoritative as he commanded several servants to assist the British delegation to their rooms within the palace. The King himself approached Crown Prince Henry, engaging him in conversation as they walked toward the door, leaving Alex standing alone, still reeling from what had just transpired.
It wasn’t until he felt the gentle but insistent pull of his Ma’s hand on his own, the very hand that Henry had kissed, that Alex snapped out of his daze. She began to lead him through another door, away from the throne room and back to her apartments. As they walked, Alex couldn’t help but glance back over his shoulder, his eyes lingering on the spot where Henry had stood, where he had spoken those words, where he had kissed his hand. It hadn’t been just a kiss; it had been a claim, a promise of what was to come. The memory of it sent a shiver down his spine, making his heart race anew. His breath caught in his throat, and a flush crept up his neck as he recalled the way Henry had looked at him, as if Alex were already his.
*
As soon as they reached his Ma’s room, she turned to him with a barely contained agitation. “Where did you get this dress, Alex?” she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of confusion and frustration. “This is not the one I chose for you. I clearly remember all the dresses I’ve selected for you recently. This is not one of them. The fabric isn’t even from America; it’s from Britain. It’s the same kind Queen Mary is known for wearing. How did you come by this? Tell me.”
By the end of her question, her words came out in a rapid, frantic blur, making it difficult for Alex to fully grasp what she was saying. But he understood the gist of her concern. “Ma, I thought you had given me this dress. The servants brought it to me, so I wore it. I don’t know where it came from,” he explained, trying to keep his voice steady.
“There’s not much we can do about it right now,” she said, her tone shifting to a more resigned note, “but what we need to talk about is the marriage.”
Alex’s heart sank. “Yes, Ma, I don’t want to marry Henry. Please do something. I don’t want to be one of those Omegas from Britain. Please,” he pleaded, his voice breaking with emotion.
His Ma’s expression mirrored that of Jude and his Pa, hopelessness mingled with a deep, aching pity. “Alex, nothing can be done. You will marry Prince Henry by the week’s end. Your Pa tried, but he is powerless when it comes to the British. We cannot start a war with them over something as mundane as—”
Her voice faltered, and Alex, already on edge, filled in the silence with his own bitter words. “Something as mundane as an Omega. That’s what you want to say, right? I’m just an Omega. No one will fight for me. I’m too worthless for that,” he whispered, tears streaming down his cheeks.
With that, he spun on his heel and fled the room, his footsteps echoing down the corridor. As he ran, the cool air of the palace seemed to close in around him, and he couldn’t escape the overwhelming sense of despair that accompanied each step.
*
The days leading up to the wedding were a torment unlike anything Alex had ever known. Each morning, he awoke with the feeling of inevitability pressing down on his chest, a reminder of the future that awaited him. Alex had always known that his life would be dedicated to duty, that his choices would never truly be his, but he had never imagined it would come to this. The thought of being handed off like a prized possession, of being sold to the highest bidder, filled him with a terror that clawed at his very soul. It wasn’t just fear that consumed him; it was the loss of everything that had once made him feel alive. What remained was an Omega, betrothed and soon to be mated. Everyone around him was busy with wedding preparations, every corner he turned, there were decorations being placed, garlands of flowers draped over doorways, curtains being changed to match the chosen colour scheme of the event. It was as if the entire world had conspired to remind him of his looming fate.
The silence of his family was the cruelest cut of all. His Pa, it seemed, had given up on him completely, as if it had been Alex who had brought the British delegate, as if he were the one who had planned this all. His Ma had retreated into her role as queen and Omega of the palace, overseeing all the arrangements with a detached efficiency that was more painful than any words she could have spoken. His brother had withdrawn into himself, avoiding Alex's gaze as if he were ashamed, only offering guilty looks from time to time, leaving Alex alone with his thoughts, his fears, and his mounting anger. Even Nora, who had been his confidante, had distanced herself. He had hoped she would tell him something about what he should expect, or at the very least offer some comfort, but she had started using her pregnancy as a shield to avoid any conversations with him. There was no one to turn to, no one who understood the depths of his misery.
On the day of the wedding, Alex awoke to the sound of birds chirping outside his window, their cheerful song a stark contrast to the heaviness that weighed down on him. His Ma had come earlier to talk about what to expect for his wedding night. She had left after delivering a meticulous speech on what he should and should not do, a conversation similar to the one Nora had given him the night before. It was the only time he had spoken with either of them since that day in the throne room. The servants then bustled about with quiet efficiency; their hands deft as they dressed him in the traditional garb of an Omega about to be mated. The gown was a work of art—pure white and adorned with diamonds, pearls, and white gems that caught the light and reflected it in a thousand different directions. The makeup they applied was subtle but effective, enhancing his features in a way that made him almost unrecognizable to himself. Then came the veil, Henry’s gift—the one he had been wearing every time he went out in public, and even in front of most of the servants. The icy blue colour of the veil surprisingly complemented the gown, as if it too had been made with consideration of the dress. He could barely breathe beneath its folds, even though he had been wearing it for days. The sight of himself in the mirror, a figure clad in white with his face obscured by the veil, was almost too much to bear. He turned away, unable to look at the stranger who stared back at him.
There was a soft knock on the door, pulling Alex from his spiralling thoughts. The door creaked open, and his Pa stepped into the room, dressed in the traditional attire befitting both the King of Texas and the Pa of the bride. “It’s time to go,” his Pa said, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of deep sorrow. The words hung in the air between them. It was only then that his Pa seemed to truly see him. His gaze swept over Alex, taking in the delicate white gown, the intricate veil, the way his son stood, every line of his body betraying the mayhem within. His Pa’s eyes softened, and for a moment, he looked as though he might say something more, something that would undo all the pain and fear that had been building in Alex’s heart. But the words didn’t come.
Instead, his Pa swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he struggled to maintain his composure. “You look beautiful,” he managed, his voice thick with emotion. The words were simple, almost expected, yet they carried a weight that neither of them could ignore. Alex had never seen his Pa cry. Why was he crying? Alex wondered. Why now, when it was too late to change anything? This was the man who had left him to his fate, who had not spoken a word of comfort or reassurance during the long, agonizing days leading up to this moment. Yet, here he was, choking on emotions that had no place in this ceremony. Alex wanted to ask him why, wanted to demand an explanation, but couldn’t. Without a word, his Pa extended his arm, and Alex hesitated for only a moment before taking it. The touch was warm, grounding, and as much as he wanted to pull away, to run as far from this place as he could, he knew that there was no escape. They began the slow, measured walk towards their dreaded destination. As they neared the palace door, which opened into the main palace gardens where the wedding was to be held, his Pa suddenly stopped. Alex turned to look at him, confused.
“Alex,” his Pa began, his voice barely above a whisper, “I’m sorry for what is happening. I’ve tried everything to stop this wedding, but nothing short of giving up the whole of Texas itself to the British monarchy will stop it. And as your Pa, I would have given up anything. But as the King of this nation, I can’t do that. I am so sorry, mijo.”
Alex’s heart clenched at his Pa’s words, the sincerity in his voice seeping through the numbness that had settled over him. “I understand, Pa,” Alex replied, his voice quaking. “But what I don’t understand is why you wouldn’t look at me all these days. I was so alone, and no one wanted to talk to me. It felt as if you all had already given me up, as if since that day in the throne room, the Alex you all loved was already dead. Why, Pa? Why, do you not love me anymore?” His voice broke, the tears he had been holding back finally spilling over.
His Pa’s face crumpled, and for a moment, it seemed as though the weight of his own guilt might crush him. “Alex,” he whispered, “I love you so much. But how could I look at you? Until you are mated, I am your Alpha, and it is my duty to protect you. But I cannot protect you from this fate. That shame, it broke me, mijo. Every time I looked at you, all I could see was what I had failed to do. I couldn’t bear to face you, knowing that I had let you down. But please believe me when I say that I never stopped loving you, and I never will.”
The raw pain in his Pa’s voice cut through Alex, and he believed every word. “Let’s not cry now,” his Pa continued, as if trying to soothe the wounds that his words had opened. “It’s time. Just know that you will always have a home here, with me, no matter what happens.” Alex wiped his tears quickly, taking a deep, shuddering breath as he clung to his Pa’s arm. The words, the emotions behind them, were a small comfort, but a comfort nonetheless. He couldn’t change what was about to happen, couldn’t stop the tide of fate that was carrying him towards the ceremony, but he could hold onto this moment to anchor him when the current of despair tried to sweep him away.
*
With a final, steadying breath, Alex straightened his back and stepped forward, arm in arm with his Pa, as they finally entered the gardens. The sun was shining brightly overhead, casting a golden hue over the scene, as if mocking the darkness that loomed over Alex’s heart. Traditional Texan folk music began to play, its notes warm and familiar, reminding him of the world he was about to leave behind. The open field was bathed in sunlight, every blade of grass glowing with a vibrant green that seemed almost too bright to be real. As Alex walked toward his future husband, the guests showered him with flowers from all sides. The delicate petals rained down on him, brushing against his skin like whispers of a life he could never recover. He tried to keep his eyes down as he walked, focusing on the path ahead, but his curiosity got the better of him. He looked up, and there he was Alex’s future.
Henry stood tall at the end of the aisle, embodying the Alpha he was born to be. Dressed in traditional British robes richly embroidered with the finest threads, he looked strikingly handsome, the sunlight turning his blond hair into a golden crown that made him appear almost otherworldly. His eyes were locked on Alex with a reverent expression, but beneath that, there was something else—triumph—as if he were about to claim a prize he had fought long and hard to win. And perhaps that was the truth.
The Texan wedding, for all its beauty and ancient customs, was in the end like every other wedding ceremony between an Alpha and an Omega. It might not be held in the grandiose chapels of Europe or the ornate temples of the East, but it still carried the same underlying meaning: an Alpha taking an Omega home, purchased with his wealth from the Omega's family. Alex knew this all too well. Every step of the ceremony was a carefully orchestrated humiliation, a reminder to the Omega of the life he was stepping into a life where he was no longer his own. There were no priests or officiants to sanctify the union with blessings or prayers. There was no need for such formalities; the contracts had already been sealed and signed by both the Alpha and the Omega's family. This public display was merely a formality, a spectacle for the people around them. The ceremony was held in an open field, with the forces of nature as the supreme witnesses to the transaction. It was said that while people may lie, nature never does.
The Omega was to be handed over to his new Alpha by the highest-ranking Alpha in his family, in Alex's case, his Pa who would formally transfer ownership of Alex to Henry. As they reached the stage, his Pa took his place standing behind the couple, with Alex and Henry facing each other. His Pa spoke, his voice echoing across the garden, "Today, we gather under the open sky, before the forces of nature, to witness the union of Omega Alexander to High Alpha Henry." The words were cold, almost ritualistic. Alex was surprised at how quickly his Pa had transformed from the man who had been crying just minutes ago into this hard, unyielding Alpha.
As tradition dictated, the ceremony began with the presentation of the ‘Omega Price.’ This was not merely a symbolic exchange, but a public declaration of the Alpha's power and wealth, a statement of his ability to provide for and control the Omega and any heirs that the Omega might bear. It was a declaration of worth, both of the Omega and the Alpha. His Pa continued, his voice unwavering, "I, Alpha Oscar, Alpha of the unmated Omega who is to be mated, hereby declare the ceremony open by asking the intended Alpha to present the first Omega Price. In return, you shall be granted the right to look upon the Omega for the rest of your life."
Henry stepped forward, his voice steady, "I, High Alpha Henry, the intended Alpha of unmated Omega Alexander, present the first Omega Price, in the form of gold, its amount equal to the Omega's weight."
The crowd erupted into cheers, the sound more like the roar of a frenzied market than a wedding. No one had ever offered such a high Omega Price before; it was a statement of Henry's immense power and wealth. The cheers were not just for the wealth displayed but for the control it represented. The ritual was not about love or union; it was about possession. It was said that the higher the Omega Price, the greater the Omega’s compliance.
"The first Omega Price is accepted," Oscar declared, his tone betraying no emotion. "You may remove the Omega's veil."
Henry’s hands moved with deliberate slowness as he removed the blue veil that had hidden Alex’s face for the past week. The action was symbolic, a public unveiling that marked the beginning of Alex’s complete exposure to the world as Henry’s property. A servant quickly stepped forward to take the veil, as if to erase any remnants of Alex’s previous life. Alex’s heart raced under the scrutiny, and when Henry finally spoke, his voice was low and possessive. "Exquisite."
Oscar’s voice rang out again, “I, Alpha Oscar, Alpha of the unmated Omega who is to be mated, hereby ask the intended Alpha to present the second Omega Price. In turn, you will be given the right to touch the Omega for the rest of your life.”
“I, High Alpha Henry, the intended Alpha of unmated Omega Alexander, present the second Omega Price, in the form of private jets for the nation of Texas, their number equal to the Omega’s age.”
The crowd's reaction was almost feral, a collective roar that echoed across the field. The second Omega Price was even more extravagant, further cementing the idea that this was not a union of equals but a purchase, a transaction where Henry had secured the ultimate prize. The cheers were more than just approval; they were a recognition of the power dynamics at play, of the fact that Henry had paid a price so high that it could never be questioned.
“The second Omega Price is accepted,” Oscar intoned. “You may claim the Omega’s lips and body.”
Alex had known this was coming, but nothing could have prepared him for the reality of it. Henry’s eyes locked onto his, a destructive shine in their depths. His warm, firm hands cupped Alex’s cheeks, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. “Let it be known that High Alpha Henry has claimed Omega Alexander’s lips and body as his own,” Oscar announced, the words landing the killing blow.
The kiss began gently, but it quickly escalated as Henry’s tongue forced its way into Alex’s mouth, claiming him before everyone. Henry’s hands slid down to Alex’s waist, pulling him closer, asserting his ownership over every inch of Alex’s body. Alex stood there, numb, allowing his Alpha—his owner—to do as he wished. His body, his lips, now belonged to Henry, to be used as he saw fit.
A small cough interrupted them, and Alex instinctively tried to pull away, but Henry’s grip tightened, refusing to release him. “The sweetest pair of lips I have ever tasted,” Henry declared, loud enough for all to hear. The crowd laughed, a dark, mocking sound that only deepened Alex’s sense of humiliation.
Oscar continued, pretending to be unfazed by the display. “I, Alpha Oscar, Alpha of the unmated Omega who is to be mated, hereby ask the intended Alpha to present the third and final Omega Price. In turn, you will be given the right to own the Omega for the rest of your life.”
“I, High Alpha Henry, the intended Alpha of unmated Omega Alexander, present the third and final Omega Price, in the form of an exemption from all taxes on Texas, for as long as the Omega lives.”
The third and final price was the most significant, and even Alex couldn’t stop a gasp from escaping as Henry spoke. This was more than anyone had ever paid for an Omega. The taxes that Texas would have paid to the British for the entirety of Alex's life would have amounted to billions of dollars. Such a heavy price for a single Omega was astonishing. It was as if Henry wanted to leave no chance that the Omega Price could be rejected, ensuring that Alex wouldn’t be taken away from him. But it seemed Alex was the only one with questions.
“The third and final Omega Price is accepted, and the union is complete,” Oscar announced, his voice carrying the finality of a judge’s verdict. “From this moment forward, Omega Prince Alexander of Texas will be known as Omega Prince Consort Alexander of Britain.”
Alex knew his part in the ritual, the words he was required to say, the final act that would seal his fate. “I, Omega Prince Consort Alexander of Britain, vow my life to my Alpha, High Alpha Crown Prince Henry of Britain, till my dying breath. I shall love only my Alpha, submit to him, and do my duty in providing him with heirs. This I promise, with nature and the people of Texas as my witnesses.”
Henry’s chest swelled with pride as Alex spoke, the words confirming his victory. “I, High Alpha Crown Prince Henry of Britain, vow to take Omega Prince Consort Alexander of Britain as my Omega till my dying breath. With these words, I place the veil on the Omega’s head, declaring him mated in the eyes of everyone.”
A servant stepped forward, presenting a new veil, pure white and adorned with intricate needlework that matched Alex’s gown perfectly. Henry placed it on Alex’s head with deliberate care, but the gesture felt more like the final tightening of the chains that now bound Alex to him. The crowd erupted into applause, the sound echoing across the open field, as if the very earth itself was celebrating the conclusion of the sale. Alex stood there, his face hidden beneath the veil, the cheers of the crowd ringing in his ears, knowing that he was now, and forever would be, Henry’s property.
*
Alex was surrounded by white flowers. Roses, lilies, jasmine, magnolias, gardenias, and other blooms he didn’t even know the names of filled the room, their scent thick in the air, almost suffocating. He was in his new bedroom in the east wing of the palace, a space reserved for housing VIP guests and no one was more VIP than Crown Prince Henry. The bedroom was large, larger than Alex’s own room in the palace, and decorated more grandly. The high ceiling, adorned with intricate patterns, the walls draped with rich crème-coloured fabrics, made the room feel even more imposing, yet at this moment, every surface was covered with white flowers, transforming the space into a delicate and fragrant prison. A massive four poster bed was placed in the middle of the room, draped in luxurious white silk. A thick canopy was above the bed with even more white flowers. It was so dense that it blocked much of the light and casted a soft and muted glow over the bed.
As soon as the ceremony had finished, maids had come to take Alex to his new room. They moved silently, their faces serene, as if this were just another day, another task to be completed. They redid his makeup, carefully applying soft touches of blush to his cheeks, a hint of colour to his lips, and a subtle shimmer to his eyelids. The effect was natural, enhancing his features without making him look overly made-up. They brought him a light snack, small and delicate pastries filled with cream and fruit, but Alex barely tasted them. His mind was too preoccupied, his thoughts too tangled to focus on anything else.
Then, they had guided him to the center of the large bed, positioning him carefully, arranging his gown so that it spread out in perfect folds around him. His new veil, with its delicately embroidery and numerous white pearls had been placed gently on his head and spread around his gown like a shroud. The maids had then drawn back the canopy of flowers around the bed, revealing the full display of the barrier made of petals and stems. The sight had taken Alex’s breath away, the sheer number of flowers, the way they were arranged so meticulously, was overwhelming. The maids had left him there, alone, after one final adjustment to his veil, their footsteps barely audible as they left the room.
Alex had been sitting there in that same position, staring at the flowers, for at least half an hour now. His hands rested in his lap, fingers twisting nervously around the edge of his veil. His heart pounded in his chest; each beat a reminder of what was to come. He was scared. He knew what was going to happen—his ma had told him about it in hushed tones this morning, and even Nora, who had always been blunter, had sat him down the night before the wedding and explained what he should and shouldn’t do. The words had echoed in his mind ever since, each piece of advice like a stone weighing on his chest.
Alex had made a list he needed to follow:
- Keep your eyes down. Never meet his gaze unless he asks you to.
- Let your Alpha take the lead. He is in control now.
- Do not make any unwanted noise. Silence is expected, appreciated.
- Be calm. Panic will only make things worse.
- And most importantly, do not RUN.
His Ma had been especially firm on that last point, her voice trembling slightly as she explained. If an Omega tries to fight or flee, the Alpha’s instincts will take over, she had said. It wouldn’t be a husband chasing his wife, but an Alpha pursuing his Omega, a predator after its prey. And it wouldn’t be a fight the prey would win. Her words had terrified Alex, making his heart pound so hard he could hear it in his ears. He had tried to reassure her, tried to tell her that he would do his best to comply, but the fear in her eyes had told him that she knew as well as he did how difficult it would be.
Now, sitting alone in the flower-filled room, the full force of her words crashed down upon him. What would happen if he failed? What if he couldn’t do what was expected of him? The dread was petrifying, making it hard to breathe, hard to think clearly.
*
So lost in his thoughts, Alex didn’t notice the door opening. It was only when the canopy of flowers shifted slightly, letting in a sliver of light, that he realized Henry was already in the room. His breath caught in his throat, and his stomach dropped as he saw Henry had discarded his coat and tie. The prince stood there, his shirt half-unbuttoned, revealing the strong lines of his chest, and his pants slightly wrinkled, as though he had hurried to remove the more formal layers. He was every bit the Alpha, ready to claim his Omega. But there was also an air of casualness about him, as if being in this situation was the most natural thing in the world. Well, Alex thinks maybe for Alpha Henry it was. But certainly not for Omega Alex who hadn’t been allowed to be in an Alpha’s company unattended since his presentation.
“Hello, Omega,” Henry’s voice was close, smooth, and low, and Alex’s heart raced, a wild fluttering in his chest. It was happening. It was finally happening, and Alex was helpless to stop it. His mind scrambled for a response, something that wouldn’t show just how scared he was, something that would make him seem calm, and composed.
“Hello, Alpha,” Alex found himself replying, the words slipping from his lips almost without his consent. He was surprised at himself, at how natural the response felt, even though his voice trembled slightly. He felt a blush rise to his cheeks, hot and uncomfortable, and he quickly looked down, his gaze fixing on the folds of his gown. The fabric felt as heavy and oppressive as the weight of his new reality.
Alex could hear the rustling of the sheets as Henry climbed inside the canopy and crawled towards him. Though Alex kept his head down, he felt both of Henry’s hands come up to remove the veil from his face. There was no urgency in Henry’s movements, as if he had all the time in the world. For a few minutes, Henry simply observed Alex, and Alex could feel the heat rising to his cheeks. He then removed the veil ever so gently from around his gown and, in a move that surprised Alex, tossed it out of the bed.
A finger then came up to his chin, tilting it slightly upward, and Alex gasped softly. Henry’s eyes were glowing with an intensity that stunned Alex. Henry’s Alpha was here, present and undeniable, and Alex could feel his own Omega stirring in response. It was a primal reaction, one he couldn’t control, no matter how much he tried. He attempted to fight it, to look away, to regain some semblance of control, but Henry’s single finger kept him locked in place, the touch gentle yet unyielding. Alex was helpless to stop his Omega from coming to the front too, the instinctual part of him responding to the Alpha’s presence with a longing he couldn’t deny. But he was fighting, still fighting with all his might.
Henry tilted his head slightly, and from his scent gland came the most intoxicating scent Alex had ever smelled. It enveloped him, warm and heady, and he felt it seep into his very being, clouding his thoughts, making it impossible to focus on anything other than the man before him. It was similar to the one he’d noticed earlier in the day, but with something added to it, something darker, more intense. The realization sent a thrill of fear and something else, something dangerously close to desire, through him, and that thought was all it took for the Omega inside Alex to come forward, the instinctual part of him surrendering to the inevitable.
Alex’s breath quickened as the realization set in. His Omega was responding, the pull undeniable, and he felt his resistance crumbling, bit by bit. Henry’s scent, his touch, everything about him was designed to break down Alex’s defenses, to make him submit. And it was working.
Henry’s lips curled into a slow, predatory smile, as if he could sense Alex’s submission, as if he knew that the battle was already won. He leaned in closer, his breath warm against Alex’s ear, and whispered, “You’re mine now, Alex.” The words were a promise, a declaration, a threat combined, spoken in a rumble “There’s no going back.”
The words reverberated in Alex’s mind. He was scared but he was also expectant, he felt fear but he also felt anticipation. He knew Henry was right. There was no going back. This was his reality now, and he had no choice but to face it. His heart raced, pounding furiously as the tension in the room swelled as Henry released more and more of his scent. Henry’s hand moved from Alex’s chin to his neck, fingers brushing lightly over his scent gland. The touch was electrifying, a jolt of sensation that sent a trickle-down Alex's stomach. He could feel Henry’s thumb resting just above his collarbone, the pressure light yet firm, as if he were testing, feeling the rapid beat of Alex’s pulse beneath his skin. The touch was both possessive and tender, a reminder of the power Henry held over him.
An Omega’s scent gland is one of the most delicate parts of the Omega. A touch of an Alpha was all it took for an Omega to become putty in his hand. There were even instances that Omegas went into heat from just slight scenting from their bonded Alpha. And Alex, no matter how much he wanted to avoid it, felt his body respond, a warmth spreading through him that he couldn’t ignore. His Omega wanted this, needed this, and Alex felt himself leaning into the touch despite his fear, despite the panic that still lingered in the back of his mind.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment,” Henry continued, his breath hot against Alex’s skin. “To finally have you, to claim you, to leave a mark on your neck for everyone to see and know that you are mine.”
*
Just as Alex felt himself fully surrender to his Alpha, to his mate, it felt as if Henry gave up any pretenses of being a gentleman, not as if he had been behaving like one till now. Henry’s hand now slid down to Alex’s waist, pulling him closer until there was just a tiny gap between their bodies. Alex had never been this close to anyone, and he felt his body heating up at the close proximity and he also felt a growing wetness between his legs. “Don’t be afraid,” Henry murmured, his lips brushing against Alex’s cheek. “This is where you belong, with me.”
Alex swallowed hard, but deep down, he knew Henry was right. This was where he belonged. And as much as he wanted to fight it, to hold on to some semblance of control, he knew it was a battle he couldn’t win. With a shuddering breath, Alex finally let go, surrendering to the inevitable. His Omega surged forward, and he felt himself leaning into Henry’s touch, his body relaxing as he accepted his fate. There was no going back now, no escaping what was to come. Henry’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he sensed Alex’s submission. He pulled Alex closer, his grip firm yet gentle, and whispered into his ear, “Good Omega.”
The words sent a thrill through Alex, and he closed his eyes, letting himself be carried away by the moment. This was his reality now, and as terrifying as it was, there was a strange comfort in knowing he didn’t have to fight anymore. His Alpha would take care of him.
And then finally, for the second time today, Alex felt a pair of lips crash against his. Unlike the first time on the stage when the kiss had begun slow and gentle, this one was all heat and passion. This was a kiss that was sealing the bond between them. He felt a tear slip down his cheek, a symbol of his giving up, of his surrender, of his submission. This tear was for his Alpha, like everything that belonged to Alex now was – for his Alpha.
As Henry deepened the kiss, his hand sliding up to tangle in Alex’s hair, Alex found himself responding, his body moving on instinct, guided by the pull of his Omega. Alex gasped against Henry’s lips, his breath hitching as the sensation coursed through him, igniting every nerve. The wetness between his legs grew more pronounced, a reminder of his Omega’s need, a need that was now inextricably tied to Henry.
Henry's fingers found the zipper at the back of Alex's dress. The sound of it being slowly pulled down mixed with the sound of heavy breathing from both of them. With each inch the zipper descended, Alex felt the cool air brush against his exposed skin, leaving goosebumps in its wake. This was a stark contrast to the warmth radiating from Henry's body. The straps slid down his shoulders, past his still-developing breasts, and Alex's breath hitched as he felt the fabric fall away and pool at his waist, leaving his upper body vulnerable under Henry's gaze.
Alex's hand instinctively came up to his chest, a futile attempt to shield himself, but Henry’s attention wasn’t on that. Not yet. Henry was too focused on ridding his Omega of the dress that clung to his trembling form. A slight pull was all it took for the delicate fabric to fall away, leaving Alex in nothing but his white lace panties. The fabric, now almost translucent with the slick Alex was producing, did nothing to hide his arousal. The once-pristine dress lay in a crumpled, ruined heap at Alex’s feet, exposing his soft, golden-brown skin to the gaze of his Alpha.
Constellations of freckles and moles dotted Alex’s skin, each one standing out starkly against the dim light of the room. Henry’s eyes darkened as they roved over every inch of exposed flesh, taking in the sight of his Omega. Like he had done with the veil, Henry wasted no time in throwing the dress to the floor before returning his gaze to Alex. He looked at his Omega, laid bare before him, completely exposed except for the flimsy fabric covering his cunt, a fabric that, in reality, hid nothing.
Alex’s breaths came in heavy, ragged gasps. His entire body was flushed a deep red, his chest rising and falling rapidly as if he were prey caught in the sights of a predator. And Henry, Henry looked every bit the hunter who had been starving for ages, now had finally found his long-awaited meal. Henry's eyes, like molten metal, pinned Alex in place. His first instinct was to close his legs, a last-ditch effort to hide himself, but Henry was having none of it. “You are not allowed to hide from me, Omega,” Henry growled, his voice dripping with authority. The sound sent a jolt of fear and reluctant arousal through Alex, his body betraying him as it responded to the command. With a slightly rough shove, Henry forced Alex’s legs apart, exposing every inch of his trembling Omega to his hungry eyes. Henry leaned in, his lips brushing against Alex’s collarbone, right over his scent gland, before biting down hard enough to draw blood. The sharp bite of Henry’s teeth was a painful contrast to the slick heat pooling between Alex’s thighs. Alex gasped, a choked sound that was quickly swallowed by the overwhelming tide of sensations crashing over him. Henry’s mouth moved down to one of Alex’s nipples, his teeth nipping at the sensitive flesh before his tongue flicked over it, sending another wave of shivers coursing through Alex’s body. The sound of his own voice, high-pitched and needy, reached his ears, and it took a moment for Alex to realize it was him whimpering, a sound he couldn’t hold back.
As Henry’s attention remained fixed on his chest, Alex’s body continued to betray him. He could feel the slick, sticky wetness gathering between his thighs, a mortifying sign of his arousal that he couldn’t control. The scent of his heat thickened the air, cloying and sweet, mingling with the scent of Henry’s dominance until it became an intoxicating mix that filled his senses. His Omega instincts surged, drowning out any last remnants of rational thought, leaving only the overwhelming need to be taken, to be claimed. Desperation clawed at Alex as his hands fumbled for the buttons on Henry’s shirt. He needed to touch him, to feel the warmth of his Alpha’s body beneath his fingertips. He wasn’t sure where the sudden surge of confidence came from, but soon he had managed to remove the offending garment. His eyes roamed over Henry’s exposed chest, marvelling at the sight before him. Henry’s body was like that of a Greek statue, every muscle perfectly sculpted, every inch of skin flawless. Meanwhile, Henry continued to feast on Alex’s nipples as if he could coax something more from them if he just sucked hard enough.
“I can’t wait for them to grow full of milk,” Henry whispered against Alex’s chest, his breath hot against the sensitive skin. “I’ll spend my days just sucking them.” The words sent another jolt of arousal coursing through Alex, the thought filling his mind with vivid images of what Henry had just promised. The only way Alex’s breasts would be filled with milk was if he were pregnant, and the thought alone made Alex’s Omega howl with need. To be full of his Alpha’s pups was the ultimate reward any Omega could hope for. And while Alex might not have wanted it, his Omega craved it with a desperation that left him breathless.
Henry’s mouth continued its journey down Alex’s body, leaving a trail of bruises and bites in its wake. Each mark was evidence to Henry’s claim, a reminder that Alex belonged to him and no one else. When Henry reached Alex’s stomach, he paused, his lips brushing against the skin just above his womb. “I’m going to fill you so full, Alexander,” Henry growled, his voice low and dangerous, the words sending a thrill of anticipation through Alex’s body.
“Yes… please,” Alex whimpered, the words slipping out before he could stop them, his voice trembling with urgency and need.
Without warning, both of Henry’s hands came up to Alex’s panties. In a swift motion, the fabric tore apart, the sound of the ripping lace echoing through the room. Alex was left panting, completely naked, as exposed as the day he was born. He was a sight to behold, the most enticing sight Henry had ever seen. Alex’s mouth hung open, his lips swollen from countless kisses, his eyes hazy as if he weren’t fully present. His once untouched body was now covered in red and purple marks. The bite mark on his scent gland looked raw and painful, but there was no trace of discomfort on Alex’s face, only a desperate, all-consuming need. His nipples were pebbled and glistening with Henry’s saliva, sensitive to the point of pain. But the most beautiful part of Alex, the part that drove Henry wild, was his cunt, pink, wet, and impossibly inviting. The scent of Alex’s arousal was thick in the air, a scent that called to Henry’s Alpha instincts, urging him to claim what was rightfully his.
Alex was a mess, a beautiful, intoxicating mess, and Henry couldn’t wait to destroy him even more.
Henry reached out, his hands rough as they gripped Alex’s thighs, spreading them even wider. Alex gasped, his body arching off the bed, his hands scrabbling for purchase on the sheets as Henry’s touch sent sparks of electricity shooting through him. Henry’s hands roamed over Alex’s thighs, his fingers pressing into the soft flesh as he marvelled at the perfection of his Omega. His touch was rough, and possessive, as if he were imprinting his claim into Alex’s very skin. With a low growl, he leaned down, his breath hot against Alex’s inner thigh, before he pressed a kiss to the sensitive skin, eliciting a sharp gasp from Alex.
Henry’s lips trailed up, leaving a path of burning kisses in their wake until he reached Alex’s entrance. He paused, his eyes locked on Alex’s, watching as his Omega’s breath hitched in anticipation. The scent of Alex’s arousal was intoxicating, the sweet, heady aroma filling Henry’s senses and driving him to the brink of madness. He could feel his own control slipping, his Alpha instincts taking over as he buried his face between Alex’s thighs, his tongue lapping at the slickness gathered there.
“Look at you trembling for just one lick of my tongue. How desperate will be you for my cock, Omega?” Henry mumbled against Alex’s cunt.
Alex cried out, his hands flying to Henry’s hair, his fingers tangling in the strands as he tugged, pulling Henry closer. The sensation of Henry’s tongue against him was overwhelming, a wave of pleasure that crashed over him, leaving him gasping for air. The pleasure was so intense, that it was nearly unbearable, and it felt like his body was being pulled apart by the sheer force of it. His mind was a haze, filled with nothing but the need for more, for the Alpha to take him completely. Henry growled low in his throat, the sound vibrating against Alex’s sensitive flesh, sending another wave of shivers coursing through his body. He was relentless, his tongue flicking over Alex’s entrance before plunging inside, tasting the slick sweetness of his Omega. Alex’s cries grew louder, his body trembling with the force of his arousal, his hands gripping Henry’s hair so tightly it hurt.
Henry’s hands tightened on Alex’s thighs, holding him in place as he feasted on his Omega, drawing out every moan, every whimper, every desperate plea. The taste of Alex was addictive, the sweet tang of his slick driving Henry wild. He could feel his own arousal straining against his pants, his need to claim Alex growing stronger with each passing second. Henry’s ministrations were merciless, his tongue working in deep, rough strokes that had Alex’s hips bucking against his mouth. The Omega’s mind was lost in a haze of pleasure, the overwhelming need to be filled, to be claimed, overriding any coherent thought. When Henry finally pulled away, Alex was a trembling mess, his body aching for more, for the completion of the bond that had already begun to take root in his mind.
Henry stood, his hands moving to unbuckle his belt, his eyes never leaving Alex’s. The sound of the buckle clinking echoed through the room, the anticipation building between them like a palpable force. Alex’s eyes were wide, his gaze fixed on Henry’s hands as they worked to free him from his clothes. There was a hunger in Alex’s eyes, a desperate, pleading need that sent a shiver of satisfaction through Henry. With a slow, deliberate motion, Henry removed his belt, letting it fall to the floor with a heavy thud. His hands moved to the waistband of his pants, pushing them down along with his boxers until he was as bare as Alex, his arousal standing proud and ready. Alex’s eyes widened further at the sight, his lips parting in awe and trepidation. Henry could see the conflicting emotions in Alex’s gaze, the fear, the desire, the overwhelming need to be claimed.
Henry climbed back onto the bed, his body hovering over Alex’s, his hands braced on either side of his Omega’s head. He could feel Alex’s breath coming in short, sharp gasps, his body trembling beneath him. Without warning, Henry’s lips claimed Alex’s in a harsh, demanding kiss. There was nothing gentle or loving in it, only raw, primal hunger. Their tongues clashed in a battle for dominance that Alex knew he would lose, and he could barely keep up as Henry ravaged his mouth. Henry positioned himself between Alex’s legs, his gaze locked onto his Omega with a rapacious hunger. Gripping his cock, Henry began to stroke himself with deliberate slowness, as he prepared to claim what was rightfully his. The sight of his Alpha, so large and powerful, sent a wave of arousal mixed with fear coursing through Alex. His heart pounded in his chest as he tried to process the sheer size of Henry’s cock, it was intimidating, impossibly large, and Alex’s mind struggled to comprehend how he could possibly take it all.
Panic began to set in, his thoughts racing as he realized just how out of control he felt. There was no way he could handle Henry inside him, no way it could fit without breaking him. The thought terrified him, and his instincts kicked in, telling him to flee, to escape before it was too late. His body tensed, and without thinking, he tried to move, to run. But Henry was faster. Before Alex could even make a single move, Henry caught him, his grip like iron around his wrist. The gentleness that had been in Henry’s eyes moments before vanished, replaced by something darker, more primal. The animal within Henry had been awakened, and the look in his eyes made it clear that there would be no escape.
The voice that emerged from Henry’s lips was not his own, but that of the beast inside him, a low, dangerous growl that sent chills down Alex’s spine. “I was trying to be gentle, Omega, for this would be your first time. But it seems I made a mistake, thinking you would behave. Omegas like you don’t know how to behave, do they? They need to be taught, to be educated properly. Don’t worry, I’m going to teach you how to be the best Omega ever, but first, you deserve a punishment, don’t you agree? For trying to run from your Alpha. I’m going to ruin you completely and utterly, and what will be left of you once I do that will be a submissive little Omega who knows his place.”
With those chilling words, Henry lined himself up with Alex’s entrance, his grip on Alex’s hips tightening to the point of pain as he pushed forward without hesitation. The stretch was immediate, sharp, and excruciating, as Henry’s cock filled him with a searing heat that almost drowned out the discomfort. Alex’s eyes widened in shock, his breath caught in his throat as he felt himself being impaled, his body forced to accommodate the sheer size of his Alpha.
"You will take my cock, Alexander, and then you will take my knot, and then you will thank me for it," Henry spoke with a loud moan as he finally settled himself inside Alex to the hilt.
Henry showed no mercy, giving Alex no time to adjust to the brutal invasion. He began to move, his thrusts powerful and unyielding, driving himself deeper into Alex’s body with each movement. The pain mixed with pleasure in a way that had Alex’s mind reeling, his body trembling as it struggled to process the overwhelming sensations. There was no escape from the feeling of being completely filled, completely claimed, and Alex knew that he was lost, there would be no going back from this.
Alex’s hands desperately clung to Henry’s shoulders, his fingers digging into the hard muscle as he tried to hold on, to ground himself against the onslaught of sensation. But Henry’s pace was relentless, each snap of his hips driving him deeper, hitting spots within Alex that made him cry out, his voice breaking with the intensity of it all. His body responded instinctively, his hips moving to meet each thrust, leaving him a moaning, writhing mess beneath his Alpha.
“Alpha, please,” Alex cried out, his voice a mix of desperation and apology as he tried to get Henry to slow down, to show some semblance of mercy. But Henry was beyond listening now. Their coupling was rough, desperate, a primal dance that had no room for tenderness or reprieve. The sound of skin slapping against skin, the mingled scent of sweat and slick, the guttural sounds of pleasure, everything combined into a chaotic harmony that echoed through the room. Tears streamed down Alex’s cheeks, his mouth drooling as he gasped for breath, his body overwhelmed by the force of Henry’s thrusts. The bed creaked beneath them, adding to the cacophony of sounds as Henry drove into him with unrelenting force. Every thrust brought Henry deeper, hitting a spot inside Alex that made him see stars, that made him cry out Henry’s name like a prayer, though he wasn’t sure if he was praying for it to stop or for it to continue.
“You’re mine, Omega,” Henry growled, his voice rough and dripping with lust, his words punctuated by each powerful thrust. “Say it. Say you’re mine.”
“I’m yours,” Alex panted, his voice cracking with need, with the overwhelming desire to be claimed in every possible way. “I’m yours, Alpha. Only yours.”
Henry’s heart pounded in his chest, his Alpha instincts roaring with satisfaction at the sound of Alex’s submission. He leaned down, capturing Alex’s lips in a bruising kiss, his tongue plunging into his mouth with the same intensity as his thrusts. Alex’s hands clung to Henry’s shoulders, his nails digging into his skin, leaving marks that would later turn into bruises, a physical reminder of their brutal union. Henry broke the kiss, his lips trailing down Alex’s neck to the spot where he had already bitten him, where his scent gland throbbed with the need to be marked again. Without hesitation, Henry bit down hard, sinking his teeth into Alex’s flesh, deepening the bond between them. The sharp pain mixed with the pleasure, sending Alex over the edge, his body convulsing as he cried out Henry’s name, his orgasm crashing over him like a tidal wave.
Alex had never felt anything like this before. This was bliss, utter bliss. It was as if every nerve in his body had ignited with a fierce, electric pleasure, leaving him trembling in the afterglow. The sensation was all-consuming, a wave of heat and ecstasy that surged through him, washing away every thought, every doubt, until there was nothing left but pure, unadulterated sensation. His mind went blank, consumed by the overwhelming intensity, the sheer force of being claimed so completely, so entirely. He could feel the bond between them strengthening, tightening like a cord wrapped around his heart, binding him to Henry for eternity. The world around him faded away, every sound, every sight, every sensation outside of Henry’s touch and presence blurred into nothingness.
The sight of his Omega coming undone just from his bite, from the mark of his teeth on Alex's scent gland, sent a surge of pride and possessiveness through Henry. He could feel the bond between them solidifying, an unbreakable connection that tethered Alex to him, body and soul. It would have been so easy to let go, to give in to the primal urge to knot his Omega and fill him with his seed, but Henry refrained. He wanted more, more of the desperate cries, more of the trembling flesh beneath him, more of the helpless surrender in Alex's eyes. He wanted to drive his Omega to the brink of madness, to a point where the only thing Alex could think about, the only thing he could feel, was the relentless thrusting of his Alpha’s cock inside him. So, Henry kept moving, his hips snapping forward with bruising force, uncaring of the almost unconscious Omega below him. The tight heat of Alex's body clamped around him was too intoxicating to resist, too pleasurable to stop, and Henry was determined to take every ounce of pleasure he could from the pliant form beneath him.
"Alpha, please, it's too much," Alex whimpered, his voice barely more than a broken whisper as he came down from his high, only to realize that Henry was still inside him, still thrusting with ruthless precision. His entire body was hypersensitive, every nerve ending raw and exposed, and each thrust sent sharp spikes of pain and pleasure shooting through him. He was teetering on the edge of agony, his body unable to take much more, yet at the same time, the overwhelming sensation felt so unbearably good. “Please, Alpha, it hurts," he cried again, his voice cracking with desperation as tears welled up in his eyes. He hoped, prayed that Henry would show him some mercy, that he would ease up and allow Alex a moment to breathe. But his pleas went unanswered, and Henry continued his unrelenting pace, driving deeper into him, pushing Alex further into the abyss of sensation.
Henry’s laugh echoed in the room, an almost mocking sound. “It’s not much, my Omega, this is just the beginning,” Henry teased. As he spoke, his body tensed, his breath hitching as Alex’s walls instinctively tightened around his cock, reacting to the sound of his Alpha’s voice. “Would you look at that,” Henry continued, his tone shifting to something more sinister, hungrier. “While you’re begging me to stop, your body is saying something else. It wants its Alpha’s cock, doesn’t it? My Omega knows exactly what he wants, such a good Omega…knowing what he needs.”
Hearing those words, Alex felt the familiar heat coiling in his stomach, the tight knot of pleasure building once more, dangerously close to unravelling. He was helpless against it, helpless to do anything but surrender to the onslaught of sensations that Henry was forcing upon him. Each word from his Alpha, each thrust of his hips, pushed Alex closer to the edge, closer to that inevitable fall into pure, mind-numbing ecstasy. As the pressure mounted within him, as the pleasure built to an almost unbearable intensity, Alex clung to the one thought that grounded him, the hope that when he finally fell, when he was consumed by the fire raging inside him, his Alpha would be there to catch him, to make him whole once more.
The sensation of Alex tightening around him again, his body trembling with pleasure, was more than Henry could withstand. The knot at the base of his cock began to swell, signalling the final act that would bind them together in the most primal way possible. Henry’s thrusts grew more frantic, his growls deepening with each movement as he chased his own release, pulling Alex even closer.
“What do you want, Alexander?” Henry panted, his voice rough and strained, his eyes burning with an almost untamed need as he gazed down at Alex, continuing to drive into him with a force that left Alex breathless, his body quivering.
“I—ah! I want your… Aah!” Alex struggled to form words, his voice breaking with each thrust, his body teetering on the edge of a pleasure so intense it threatened to shatter him. The words he needed to say were caught in his throat, choked off by the overwhelming sensations coursing through him.
“Do you want my knot, my sweet Omega?” Henry murmured against Alex’s ear, his voice dark and filled with a promise of total domination. “Do you want me to keep you stretched wide, fill you with my pups until there’s nothing left but my mark on you? Is that what you crave, to be bred like the needy little thing you are?”
“Yes, yes!” Alex’s response was a desperate, pleading cry, his entire body trembling violently as he hovered on the brink of a second, devastating climax. The orgasm built within him like a relentless storm, the intensity growing so fierce it felt as if his very soul was on fire. The pressure inside him mounted rapidly, so intense it bordered on pain as Henry’s knot swelled even further, locking them together in a primal bond that neither could escape. Henry’s cock stretched him to the brink, filling every inch of him, and Alex could feel the molten heat of Henry’s cum flooding him, pouring into him until it felt like he might burst from the sheer volume. When the second orgasm hit, it was like a violent explosion, detonating within him with a force that ripped the breath from his lungs. His vision went blinding white, the world around him dissolving into nothingness as his body convulsed violently around Henry’s cock. The pleasure was so intense, so raw, that it felt like agony, every wave of ecstasy crashing over him with brutal, unrelenting power. His mouth opened in a silent scream; his voice lost to the overwhelming sensation that consumed him utterly. It was as if every fibre of his being had been reduced to pure, raw sensation, his consciousness clinging to the edge as his body surrendered completely to the overwhelming pleasure. Finally, the world around him faded into darkness, unconsciousness claiming him as his body went limp, utterly spent in the aftermath of their savage, primal mating.
Henry’s movements slowed, his thrusts becoming deliberate, calculated, each one a final, ruthless claim of his power. He remained buried deep inside Alex, their bodies still joined in the most intimate way, and he took a moment to admire the sight of his Omega, now unconscious and utterly ravaged beneath him. Alex looked like he had been thoroughly and completely claimed, his body marked with the evidence of Henry’s brutal desire. Every inch of his skin was marred with bruises and bite marks, the physical proof of Henry’s ownership. Henry’s gaze drifted to Alex’s slightly swollen stomach, where his cock remained lodged deep inside. The sight of Alex’s belly, distended and tight from the sheer amount of cum he had been filled with, sent a fresh surge of dark satisfaction through Henry. Just one knot had been enough to make Alex’s belly swell, a clear sign of the potent breeding he’d just endured. The thought of filling him even more, of seeing Alex’s body swell and round with his pups, was intoxicating. How many more knots would it take to have Alex swollen to the point of no return? Or would his Omega be one of those rare Omegas who got knocked up from just a single, thorough knotting? The image of his Omega, waddling around swollen with his pups for all to see, sent a shiver of primal desire through Henry. His cock twitched and hardened even more, the knot inside Alex growing to an almost painful size.
As the pleasure began to mount again, Henry’s movements grew frantic, almost feral, his thrusts becoming harder, more punishing. He had no intention of stopping, not until he had wrung every last ounce of pleasure from the body beneath him, not until Alex was left utterly ruined and marked beyond recognition. The night was far from over, and Henry was determined to use his Omega to the fullest, to push him beyond his limits until there was no doubt in Alex’s mind who he belonged to. The steady, relentless pace of his thrusts echoed through the darkened room, a brutal rhythm that promised a night of unyielding, savage desire that neither of them would soon forget.
*
Alex’s consciousness slowly began to drift back, the haze of exhaustion lifting as he became acutely aware of the relentless, rhythmic motion deep inside him. His eyes fluttered open, heavy with the remnants of sleep, and the first thing he felt was the heat spreading through his lower abdomen. The sensation was overpowering, more intense, more overwhelming than anything he had felt before. As his mind began to piece together what was happening, a soft, involuntary moan escaped his lips. Henry was still buried deep within him, his knot fully engorged and locked in place, pumping yet another thick load of cum into Alex’s already stretched and swollen belly. The pressure was immense, almost unbearable, as his body strained to contain the sheer volume of Henry’s seed. Alex’s hands instinctively moved to his stomach, and a gasp of disbelief escaped him as he felt how taut and rounded it had become. His belly was tight, distended, pushing the limits of his skin as it strained to accommodate the relentless breeding of his Alpha.
“Awake already, my little Omega?” Henry’s voice was a low, predatory purr, dripping with cruel delight. He didn’t stop, his thrusts slow and deliberate, each one sending another wave of his cum deeper into Alex. “Look at you,” he murmured, his gaze fixed on Alex’s bloated stomach, eyes gleaming with pride. “So full of me, so swollen with my seed. You’re going to be such a slutty little mommy, aren’t you? My perfect, obedient Omega, bred to the brim and begging for more.”
Alex whimpered at Henry’s filthy words, his body trembling with a heady mix of shame and arousal. His Alpha’s words sent a jolt of heat straight to his core, igniting a fresh wave of desire despite the exhaustion and soreness weighing down his limbs. His stomach felt impossibly full, the sheer weight of it pressing down on him, making it hard to breathe. But instead of discomfort, it only heightened the intensity of the moment. Henry’s hands gripped his hips, holding him firmly in place as he continued to breed him, the sensation of being so completely owned and utterly claimed pushing Alex to the brink.
“Look how round you are,” Henry growled, his voice dripping with possessiveness as he leaned down to nip at Alex’s ear. “You’re going to look so fucking beautiful when you’re carrying my pups, waddling around with your belly swollen and heavy with my seed. Your breasts will grow heavy with milk, and I will spend hours sucking on them. Everyone will see what a good little Omega you are, how well you’ve been bred. They’ll know you’re mine, that your body is mine to use, to fill, to fuck whenever I want.”
Henry’s hands roamed over Alex’s bloated belly, his fingers pressing down just enough to make Alex whimper in response. “Such a perfect little Omega, taking all of me so well,” Henry continued, his voice a husky growl filled with pride and lust. Alex’s mind was a whirlwind of sensations, the overwhelming pressure in his belly, the thick heat of Henry’s cock buried deep inside him, the way his Alpha’s words wrapped around him like a possessive, suffocating embrace. He was no longer his own person; he was Henry’s, claimed and marked in every way possible. The thought was terrifying and exhilarating all at once, sending a shiver down his spine as Henry continued to murmur filthy, possessive words into his ear, weaving a spell that left Alex quavering with need.
Henry leaned down, his lips brushing against Alex’s ear as he growled, “You’ll beg for more, won’t you? Beg me to fuck you until you’re so full you can’t even walk. You were made for this, Alex. Made to be bred, made to carry my pups. And I’m going to make sure you never forget it.”
“You want this, don’t you, my sweet Omega?” Henry’s voice was a silken whisper as he thrust deeper, his knot swelling even more inside Alex, stretching him to the point of near pain. “You crave this, being filled up with my cum, being bred until you’re nothing but a swollen, slutty mommy. Tell me, Alex, tell me how much you want it. Tell me how much you love being my little breeding bitch.”
Alex’s breath hitched, his thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Fear, shame, and a strange, intoxicating pleasure tangled together, leaving him dizzy and disoriented. A part of him wanted to resist, to deny the words being spoken to him, but his body betrayed him. The heat that coiled low in his belly, the way his muscles tightened around Henry’s knot—these things told a different story, one that terrified him. “I… I want it,” Alex gasped, his voice trembling as he struggled to find the words, his mind foggy with pleasure and submission. He hated how weak he sounded, how desperate. “I want it so much, Alpha… Please, don’t stop. Fill me more, make me your slut.”
“Good boy,” Henry purred, his lips curling into a predatory smile as he quickened his pace, thrusting into Alex with renewed vigor. “I’m going to fill you up until you can’t take anymore, until your belly is so fucking round and tight that you’ll be begging me to stop. But you won’t, will you? You’ll beg for more, because you’re mine, and you love being my perfect, slutty little Omega.”
Alex could only moan in response, his body quivering and convulsing as Henry drove him to the edge once more. The sensation of being so utterly claimed, of being filled again and again with no mercy, was intoxicating. The pleasure was sharp and biting, like a drug that he couldn’t get enough of, no matter how much it scared him. As his Alpha continued to use him, the only thing Alex could do was hold on, lost in the sea of overwhelming pleasure and complete submission that Henry had created.
It was morning by the time Henry finally stilled. They were both left panting, their bodies tangled together, sweat cooling on their skin and mixing with their spent. A knot still kept them locked together, Henry’s cock still deep inside Alex’s slick heat. Alex’s body was vibrating, his muscles quivering as he tried to process the intensity of what had just happened. The reality of being knotted numerous times, of being completely filled by his Alpha to the point of appearing pregnant, of being used as nothing but a pleasure tool for his Alpha, was terrifying yet inescapable. Henry’s breath was hot against Alex’s neck as he whispered, “You’re mine now, Alexander. Completely mine.” His voice held a note of finality; it was a declaration, a statement of ownership that left no room for doubt.
Alex’s mind was hazy, still reeling from the numerous orgasms that had wracked his body in just one night. The knot inside him pulsed with every slight movement, keeping him painfully aware of his Alpha’s presence and the bond that had been forced upon him. A part of him wanted to resist, to pull away from the reality of his submission, but it was too late. His body had betrayed him, yielding to the primal need to be claimed, to be possessed. As the knot began to slowly deflate, the tension between them eased, but the connection remained. Alex could feel Henry’s seed seeping from his entrance, a physical reminder of the bond they now shared. When Henry finally slipped free, Alex felt a strange emptiness, a sense of loss that he couldn’t quite comprehend. The Alpha’s cum began to spill from him in large gushes, leaving a sticky trail that only served to reinforce the reality of what had just occurred.
Henry shifted, pulling Alex into his arms and holding him close. There was a slight tenderness in the embrace, a softness that contrasted sharply with the dominance he had displayed just moments before. But even this tenderness served as a reminder that Alex now belonged to him in every possible way. The Omega’s body was still trembling, the aftershocks of their rough coupling leaving him weak and pliant in Henry’s grip.
“You’ll learn to love this, Alexander,” Henry murmured against his ear, his voice low and dangerous. “You’ll learn to crave it, to need it as much as you need to breathe.”
Alex closed his eyes, his breath hitching as he tried to reconcile the conflicting emotions raging inside him. There was fear, yes, but also a thrill, a perverse sense of satisfaction in knowing that he was now claimed, that he had been taken so thoroughly by his Alpha. It was a bond that couldn’t be broken, a connection that would only deepen with time. As he lay there, cradled in Henry’s arms, Alex couldn’t help but wonder what his life would become now that he had surrendered so completely. The future was uncertain, a murky and warped path that stretched out before him, but one thing was clear: he was Henry’s now, body and soul. The thought echoed in his mind, a mantra that both terrified and comforted him, and as he drifted into an uneasy sleep, he knew that this was only the beginning of his new life. A life where pleasure and pain were intertwined, where submission was both a curse and a release.
And maybe, just maybe, that wasn’t really a bad thing.
*
As Alex stepped onto the Royal Aircraft behind his Alpha, he felt as if he was leaving everything, he had ever been behind. The little boy who wanted to be a strong Alpha like his Pa, the young boy who dreamed of being a capable prince like his older brother, and the newly presented Omega who just wanted to spend his days hidden from the judgmental gazes of everyone around him. All of these identities seemed to fall away with each step he took, as though he were shedding an old skin that no longer fit. He remembered the days when he would watch hidden behind one of the throne room pillars, his Pa, tall and commanding, giving orders with a voice that brooked no argument. Alex had idolized him, wanted to be just like him, strong, authoritative, and respected. But that dream had been crushed the day his body betrayed him, presenting as an Omega. The disappointment in his Pa's eyes, though never spoken aloud, had been a wound that never quite healed. His brother had tried to comfort him, but even his reassurances couldn't drown out the whispers that followed Alex everywhere he went. A prince, yes, but one who would never lead, never command.
Now, as he followed Henry onto the aircraft, he realized that he was leaving Omega Prince Alexander of Texas behind as well. In his place was someone entirely different: Omega Prince Consort Alexander of Britain, mate of High Alpha Crown Prince Henry of Britain. His name would forever be linked to his Alpha’s, his identity now bound to Henry’s will. The thought, which had once filled him with dread, no longer seemed as terrifying. After all, he had spent the last week learning exactly what it meant to belong to Henry.
That week had been a descent into a world where his only purpose was to be the perfect body for his Alpha’s pleasure. Henry had taken him in every conceivable way, leaving no part of the room untouched by their coupling. The bed had been their primary battlefield, sheets tangled and damp with sweat as Henry claimed him again and again. But it hadn’t stopped there. The cold, hard floor had been a place of submission, where Alex had been made to kneel and take his Alpha, the rough surface bruising his knees and adding to the humiliation. Pressed against the door, Alex had felt the weight of Henry’s dominion, the antique wood hard against his back as Henry thrust into him, each movement a reminder of his place. The windows had offered no escape, only a reflection of his debauchery as Henry took him from behind, forcing Alex to watch his own degradation. The showers and bathtub, places meant for cleansing, had become sites of the filthiest carnal pleasures. And while the water washed away the evidence of their acts, it could not wash away the shame.
There had been no reprieve, not even when the servants came with food. Alex’s face burned with the memory of that particular indignity. A flurry of servants had entered the room, bearing trays of dinner, their eyes downcast yet inevitably drawn to the sight before them. Henry had propped Alex up in his lap, his cock buried deep inside Alex’s slick hole, bouncing him up and down with one hand while the other squeezed Alex’s breasts. Alex had wanted to stop, to hide, but there had been no escape. These were the servants who had seen him his entire life, who had once bowed to him as their prince, and now they were witnesses to his ruin. Henry hadn’t cared. In fact, the presence of the servants had seemed to spur him on, his movements growing more energetic, more ruthless, as he bounced Alex with an inhuman speed. Alex had done nothing but moan, his body reacting in ways that shamed him deeply. His mind had been a haze of humiliation and reluctant pleasure, the sounds of his own debasement filling his ears, making it impossible to think of anything else.
As Alex stood at the door of the aircraft, he blushed at the reminder of the acts of depravity he had partaken in with his Alpha. He wasn’t just leaving behind his old life; he was leaving behind the last remnants of who he had been, the innocent prince who had once dreamed of a different future. “Omega, how long will you keep standing at the door, and what are you thinking that has you turning red as a beetroot?” Henry’s voice interrupted his thoughts, smooth and commanding, pulling Alex back to the present. He turned even redder, embarrassed by how easily his Alpha could affect him, how even a simple word from Henry could make his heart race and his thoughts scatter.
“Nothing… nothing, Alpha. I’m coming,” Alex stammered, his voice trembling slightly as he hurried to catch up. He didn’t turn back to look at where his family stood on the airport runway, their faces a blur in his memory. They were part of his past now, a past that no longer had any claim on him. His future was with Henry, and as he walked up to the seat next to his Alpha, he knew there was no turning back.
This was his new life, a life where his identity was no longer his own, where he was Henry’s Omega, and that thought, while still terrifying, was also strangely comforting. Because in this new life, there were no more dreams to chase, no more expectations to fail. There was only submission, and in that submission, Alex found a dark, twisted kind of peace.
*
Henry glanced down at the Omega nestled against his shoulder, his lips curving into a soft smile as he noticed the little traces of drool that had begun to seep into his shirt. This small, delicate creature had no idea of the role he was intended to play in Henry’s life, nor the plans that had been precisely laid out for him. But that was fine, Henry knew exactly what needed to be done. He would protect this Omega, care for him in a way that no one else could, and teach him everything he needed to know. After all, this Omega was the only one in the entire world capable of bearing his heirs.
Just as Henry was lost in thought, his equerry and head guard, Shaan, approached with a respectful bow. "Your Royal Highness," he said, breaking the silence that had settled over the cabin. "The guards have completed their search through the Omega consort’s belongings."
Henry didn't look up as he asked, "Have they found what I was looking for?"
"Yes, Your Royal Highness," Shaan confirmed. "It appears there was a letter hidden among the Omega consort’s nightclothes."
"And what did it say?" Henry’s voice remained calm, but the way he stroked Alex’s hair, with a little more force, revealed a simmering anger that only someone who knew him for years, like Shaan, could detect.
"It was as we suspected, Your Royal Highness," Shaan replied cautiously. "Prince Jude has finally realized that as the wedding is complete, he has lost all leverage over you."
A cold, almost amused smile played on Henry’s lips as he absorbed the news. “Good,” he murmured, his tone icy. “At least he’s not entirely stupid. I was beginning to question how Texas would survive under the rule of a king willing to trade his ten-year-old brother to the most dangerous Alpha in the world, all for the chance to marry a girl he’d met just a day before.”
Henry’s gaze shifted from the Omega in his arms to Shaan, who was clearly struggling to keep his composure. “Go on, Shaan,” Henry prompted, his voice softening ever so slightly. “I know you have questions. I’ll indulge you today. After all, I’m in a rather good mood, I have everything I’ve ever desired right here.”
Shaan hesitated for a moment, choosing his words with the utmost care. “Your Royal Highness, throughout the years as the plans for your wedding were being set in motion, I’ve formed my own conclusions. But there are still things I don’t fully understand. How did you know that the Omega consort would be an Omega? How were you able to have the royal decree for your wedding prepared even before King Oscar sent word? And why him, of all people? You could have chosen anyone—why did you choose him?”
“It seems, Shaan, that you’ve been pondering these questions for quite some time,” Henry observed, his eyes narrowing slightly as if he were measuring how much to reveal.
"There’s a secret within British history," Henry began, his tone growing more serious, "known only to a select few members of the royal family. A secret that explains why only a male Omega can carry the pups of a high Alpha. Anyone else who attempts it would die within the first four months of pregnancy. The first high Alpha ever recorded was King George I. Before him, no one knew of high Alphas, or even if they existed. But then there was a 13-year-old in Britain who could command the entire kingdom to bow with just a word. By the time he was 14, he had grown into a man and was married off to a princess from a neighbouring nation. Within three months, she was dead, the heir still inside her womb. Six other princesses followed, and each one met the same fate. No one could give him an heir. By the time King George was 18, there were 18 deaths, eight wives and ten concubines, all from healthy, fertile families. But not a single one could bear his child."
"A shaman was called, as the Queen Mother feared her son was cursed. The shaman told a tale of an Alpha blessed by the gods, but cursed so that only a male Omega could bear his children. Male Omegas were thought to be a myth; no male royal or commoner had ever been born an Omega. But the shaman claimed they weren’t born, they were made. No one believed him, but King George was desperate. A young male, just 14 and of royal blood, was procured. For two years, he was surrounded by the king’s scent, without the boy’s knowledge. The boy grew so accustomed to the scent that it became a part of him. On his 16th birthday, instead of entering a rut, the boy went into heat, sealing his fate as the first male Omega."
Shaan’s eyes widened slightly as he took in the story. "Your Royal Highness, then how did Prince Alex—"
"Let me finish, Shaan," Henry interrupted, holding up a hand. "You know I’ve known Jude since I was 10 and he was 11. As heirs to our respective thrones, we’ve had numerous meetings over the years. What isn’t widely known is that I was present at Jude’s 16th birthday celebration. I attended in disguise, while you were off enjoying your honeymoon with Zahra. I witnessed Jude’s declaration of his desire to marry Nora. But what he didn’t know was that Nora’s younger brother, Prince Antonio, was intended to be my Omega. The King of Washington didn’t want to send his children so far away, but he couldn’t prevent Antonio’s betrothal. However, he could marry Nora to someone closer to home, certainly not as far as Texas."
"Jude was desperate," Henry continued, his tone colder. "He came to me after hearing about my engagement, begging me to cancel it so he could marry Nora. He didn’t care why I was set to marry a man, who he believed was an Alpha. All that mattered to him was Nora and how quickly he could have her. So, I told him who I was truly going to marry. I needed someone young, at least 14 or younger. He didn’t ask any more questions and offered his brother instead. A blood oath was taken, and Alexander was mine. That night, while Alexander slept, Jude brought me to his room. At just 13, he was the most beautiful sight I had ever seen. I scented him for the first time, then left. For the next two years, Jude surrounded Alexander with my scent in every form he could manage: perfumes, clothes, jewels, weapons, soaps. All that effort paid off in the end," Henry finished, his voice tinged with triumph.
Shaan, still reeling from the revelations, asked, "Your Royal Highness, then why did Prince Jude write the Omega consort a letter revealing all of this? What could he possibly gain?"
Henry chuckled softly. "Ah, Shaan, it seems that my dear friend Jude neglected to inform his parents about the arrangement he made with me. Now, he’s worried I might expose the truth. In a desperate attempt to distract me, he’s trying to sow discord in my marriage."
"Will we retaliate, sir?" Shaan inquired, ready to take action.
"No, Shaan," Henry replied, his voice softening as he looked down at his Omega. "I’ve gotten everything I wanted. Let Jude stew in his fear. I have far more important things to focus on now." With that, Henry pressed a gentle kiss to his Omega’s forehead and closed his eyes, ready to rest beside him.