AT THE SAME TIME
XAVIER'S POINT OF VIEW:
Jaxon doesn't waste time. He's already plucking more clothes off the racks, soft sweaters in deep blues, button downs that feel like silk, even a pair of dark jeans that look way too tight for comfort.
"Try these." He said, shoving them into my arms before I can protest.
Michael laughed, lounging against the nearest wall with his arms crossed.
"Don't worry, we'll wait." His grin is pure mischief. "And we expect a full show."
I roll my eyes but duck back into the changing room, heart hammering in my chest. The fabric slides over my skin, smoother and more comfortable than anything I've ever worn. I glance in the mirror and almost don't recognize myself. The jeans are snug, hugging my hips and legs in a way that feels... different. Not bad, just... noticeable. And the sweater? It clings to my frame, soft and warm, like it was made just for me. I take a breath and step out, cheeks already heating up. Michael whistles low, his grin widened a bit.
"Look at you. Didn't know you had that in you, omega."He said.
Jaxon stepped forward, hands brushing down my arms, lingering just a little too long.
"Perfect fit." He murmured, voice dropping an octave. "You look... ready."
I don't know what I'm supposed to be ready for, but the way he's staring at me makes my heart trip over itself.
Michael laughs again, softer this time.
"Maybe we should try one more thing. You know, just to make sure he's properly suited."He said.
"Congratulations. Task complete. Reward: Nightwear selected for optimal comfort and aesthetic."System said.
A shimmering light flickers in the corner of the room, and I blink as something materializes on the rack: a thin, silken nightgown barely more than a whisper of fabric. It's a pale silver, soft and delicate, and I swear my face goes crimson just looking at it. Jaxon raised an eyebrow, stepping forward to finger the edge of the material.
"Well, well." He grinned, eyes glinting with amusement. "Didn't know the system had such good taste."
Michael chuckled darkly.
"You gonna try it on, Xavier? Or should we help you?"He asked.
I shake my head, backing up a step.
"N-No way. I'm not-'I said.
Michael's grin widened, and he crossed his arms.
"Oh, come on. We picked out everything else. Might as well see this through."He said.
Jaxon smirked, holding it up in front of me.
"Think of it as... bonding."He said.
My heart's in my throat, and I'm sure my face is about to catch fire. But the way they're looking at me... there's no way out of this, is there? Soon, I am still red, trying not to make eye contact as Jaxon paid for the bags of clothes, the silky nightgown stuffed in one of them like it's not the most humiliating thing I've ever seen.
As we head out of the store, I finally catch my breath, the cool air hitting my cheeks. But then I see her. She's stunning, long dark hair, sharp green eyes, dressed in something that looks both comfortable and elegant. She's laughing with a few others, her voice bright and clear. My eyes can't help but follow her, questions piling up in my head until I can't hold it anymore.
"Hey." I said, pausing in the middle of the street. Jaxon and Michael both stop, turning to look at me. "Why... why can't she do it? Make kids, I mean. Why is it... why is it me?"
For a moment, there's only silence. Michael rubs the back of his neck, glancing at Jaxon. Jaxon sighed, crossing his arms.
"You don't know?"Michael asked.
I shake my head, my throat tightening.
"I mean... it just seems like... like she'd be better for it, right? I'm not... I'm not even-"I started.
"You're an omega." Jaxon interrupted, his voice firm but not unkind. "And omegas are... rare. In this world, at least. It's not about preference. It's biology."
"Biology?" I asked, not quite getting it.
Michael steps forward, leaning against a lamppost with a lazy grin.
"You've seen the ratio out here, right? Maybe one female for every fifty men. And most of them... well, they're not compatible for carrying."Michael explained.
My stomach sinked a bit.
"Compatible?"I asked.
Jaxon nodded.
"Alphas and omegas are the only ones with stable compatibility. The rest... it's risky. Dangerous. Sometimes fatal."He said.
I glance back at the woman, still laughing with her friends.
"But... she looks fine. Strong."I hesistated.
"She is." Michael agreed, voice softening. "But that's not the issue. The world... it's different here. Omegas are prized because you can... you can handle it. Your body can adjust."He said.
I swallowed hard, the words settling uncomfortably in my mind. Handle it. Adjust. Like I'm some kind of... tool. Jaxon must have seen the look on my face because he steps closer, voice dropping to something almost gentle.
"It's not just about survival, Xavier. It's about thriving. Your... ability to bond, to carry, it's stronger. It's why the system brought you here."He said.
I stared at them, heart thudding in my chest. This whole world, the hierarchy, the roles, it's all mapped out, and I'm stuck in the middle of it.
"So... I'm just supposed to accept it?" I whisper.
Michael's grin faded, and he nodded slowly.
"More than accept it. Embrace it."Michael said.
"We'll help you understand. But first... let's get you home."Jaxon said and smiled.
"So... alphas, betas, and omegas. You keep saying it like it's supposed to make sense, but it doesn't. Not really."I said.
Michael chuckled, stretching his arms behind his head as we walk.
"I guess we did throw you in the deep end, huh?"He said.
Jaxon glanced at me, his gaze steady.
"It's simple, really. Alphas are the top of the chain stronger, faster, more... dominant." He said the last word with a slight smirk, and I fight the urge to roll my eyes.
"So... like leaders?" I asked.
"Exactly." Jaxon nodded. "Most of the world's powerful positions are held by alphas. Military, government... we're bred for control."
Michael jumpped in.
"Betas are the closest to what you'd probably call 'normal humans.' They're everywhere, living normal lives, but... they're limited."He said.
"Limited how?" I asked, glancing between the two of them.
"They can only have other betas kids." Michael explained, his expression darkening a little.
"Their bodies can't bond with alphas or carry omega children. If they try... it usually doesn't end well."He said.
A chill runned after those words down my spine.
"So... they're just... stuck?"I asked.
"Pretty much." Jaxon confirmed. "They can live normally, work, love... but reproduction is where it stops. No alpha bonds, no omega connections." He paused, his eyes softening just a bit. "It's just how the world is."
I let that sink in, my mind scrambling to fit the pieces together.
"And...omegas?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Jaxon's eyes darken, and Michael's smirk grows.
"Omegas." Jaxon began, his voice smooth. "Are the rarest. The most valuable. Your body can bond with alphas... you can carry life. It's not just survival, it's thriving. It's the future."
Michael stepped in closer, his eyes locked on mine.
"That's why the System pulled you here. An unbonded pmega in your world is... wasted potential."
My throat tightened, and I looked away.
"So... I'm just supposed to accept that? That I'm... some kind of breeding tool?"I asked, annoyed.
Jaxon's hand clamped down on my shoulder, firm but not harsh.
"You're not a tool, Xavier. You're... precious."Jaxon said.
Michael chuckled.
"Not just precious. Essential."He said.
I blink, my chest tight. Essential. Like I'm some kind of key to this place. Jaxon's hand doesn't move.
"It's not just about repopulation. It's about bonds. Connection. You're... the bridge between survival and something more."He said.
I shake my head, struggling to breathe.
"I don't know if I can be that."I said.
Jaxon's eyes softened.
"We'll help you. One step at a time."He said.
Michael grinned again.
"And hey, you got us to make sure you don't trip along the way."He said.
I don't know if I believe them, but for the first time... it doesn't feel impossible. At least a little bit.
"Congratulations. Essential knowledge acquired. Reward unlocked: personalized omega comfort package."System said.
I blink, glancing around.
"Uh… what does that mean?"I asked.
Michael's grin stretched wide, and Jaxon chuckled under his breath.
"You'll see." Jaxon said, nodding toward the living room.
As if on cue, a soft glow appears in the center of the room. The light solidifies, stretching and forming into tangible shapes. My eyes go wide as a luxurious nest of blankets and pillows materializes right before me. Silky fabrics in rich blues and whites, furs that look impossibly soft, and enough cushions to drown in.
"What... what is this?" I stammered, taking a step back.
Michael's voice is smooth, almost soothing.
"It's an 'omega nest'. Specially designed for comfort, relaxation... and bonding.' His eyes flashed with amusement. "The system's way of making sure you're... well taken care of."
"I don't need-"I started.
Jaxon cuts me off with a gentle nudge forward.
"Go ahead. Try it out. The system doesn't hand these out for nothing."He said.
I stare at the nest like it might bite me, but the truth is... it does look kind of comfortable. My body aches from everything, walking, the tension, the weirdness of this whole world. Maybe just... one try wouldn't hurt. I step forward, brushing my hand over the silken surface. It's softer than it looks, my fingers practically sinking into the fabric. Before I can second guess it, I settle down, pulling one of the larger blankets over me. Warmth seeps in immediately, my muscles unwinding almost on instinct.
Michael chuckled.
"Look at you, already settling in."He said.
I glare up at him, though I'm not sure how effective it is when I'm half buried in blankets.
"Shut up."I muttered.
Jaxon crouchesd next to me, his eyes sharper, focused.
"The system doesn't just give gifts, you know. This is a sign that you're progressing."Jaxom said.
"Progressing?" I asked.
Michael nodded, leaning against the doorway.
"Understanding the hierarchy, accepting your role... It's all part of the system. This is your reward." He smirked. "Guess, liked your willingness to learn."
I huffed, burying my face a little deeper into the nest.
"I wasn't... I didn't-"I whispered.
"You did." Jaxon interrupted smoothly. "And there's more to come. This is just the beginning."
I swallow, the warmth of the nest making my eyes flutter a little heavier. For once, the world feels soft like maybe I don't have to fight every second to exist here. Michael's voice dropped to a whisper, almost too soft to catch.
"Better get comfortable, omega. This is your new normal."He said.