Chapter 32: Another Omega
Eliàn;
Swollen shut.
My left eye.
I should have known. It’s been hours, and I still can’t see out of it.
There are blue and purple patches all over my face, neck, and disappearing into my vest.
I look like I went through a proper thrashing. No, I look like I survived a rogue science experiment.
Anger floods my veins as I stare at my reflection... at my red, bulging, shut eye, and at the evidence of how insignificant I am in this place.
"The marks should clear out by tomorrow," Alana says from the corner of the room where she’s stood watching me for the past three minutes.
I turn to her and force a smile.
"I know," I reply, and she mirrors my smile before taking a step forward.
"You don’t have to be strong in front of me, Master Eliàn. You’re upset. It’s okay. Your feelings are something nothing should ever take away from you," she says, and my smile falters.
I look back at my reflection, and I feel a crack. A crack in the dam of emotions, I have compiled and kept for so many years.
I step closer to the mirror and touch my face. I remember the cold and hatred in his eyes, and a shiver runs down my spine.
"Why does he hate omegas?" I question, and there’s silence for a few seconds.
"I don’t know... I don’t think a lot of people do."She says, and I sigh.
Of course, there isn’t a reason.
"Personally, I feel he sees us Omegas as filthy, beneath him... unworthy of his presence. I don’t think he’s had any past with an omega. In fact, all his past lovers have always been betas. He’s repulsed by Omegas." She says, and confusion swallows me.
"Why then did he buy me with his brothers??"
"He had no choice," Alana replies with a shrug, and I stare at her, waiting for an explanation.
"Since you belong to all five brothers..." She begins slowly, like she’s trying to find the right words.
"He doesn’t necessarily have to touch or be with you. Any of the other Alphas can get you pregnant. If the brothers didn’t do this, the King was going to get each of them an omega they must impregnate before the year ends." She explains, and my jaw drops.
Five Omegas? Aren’t Omegas supposed to be rare??
" Alpha Koda is the only one interested in having an heir and taking over from the King, so all the brothers decided to buy you... just to avoid the other option. They all technically ’own’ you, but only Alpha Koda is actually meant to claim you..." She explains, and I pause.
Is that why Koda was the only one I saw when I woke up? He’s the only one who’s actively approached me. I bumped into the other brothers by chance... Does that mean I actually belong to just one Alpha?
"So... What you mean to say is... they bought me for Alpha Koda?" I reply, and she nods.
I think back to Zephan and the events of last night. The way he looked at me... touched me... he even went to fight with Rhydian for my sake... It doesn’t make sense.
"It doesn’t seem that way!" I exclaim, and Alana smiles. One of those genuine ones that makes her small, freckled nose crunch.
"I noticed that, too. I think the other Alphas are starting to like you. After buying you... I think you captivated them. Even Alpha Lioran couldn’t stop watching you all through last night’s dinner." She says, and I freeze.
"Mr. Soup?" I question, and her brows crease.
"Who?" She questions, and I wave my hand dismissively.
"It’s nothing," I reply as I look away from her.
Lioran was watching me last night? I couldn’t feel his eyes on me. In fact, I could almost swear he didn’t give a shit about whatever was happening at the table...
Now that I know the other brothers only bought me to save face... does it mean I only have to worry about Koda? He’s the only one who’d try to breed me... But what about Zephan?
He seemed so bold last night. If he has no interest in me, why did he...?
I also can’t forget what Elien said. One of the brothers has a past with me...
Wait. What if it was Alpha Rhydian?? What if Rhydian is the one Elien had issues with... I... Elien can’t be the reason Rhydian hates omegas, right?
Ay, shit. This place is going to fuck my mind over with this much thinking...
"Master Elian?" Alana’s soft voice suddenly crashes through my thoughts, and I turn back to her.
"Huh?"
"I... want to say something. I know it’s not my place, and it’s a bit inconsiderate... but it’s for your good." She says as she takes a few steps towards me, and I raise a brow.
"What... is it?"
"You should have dinner with the Alphas tonight." She whispers, and I step back in shock.
"Pardon!?" I demand in alarm, and she bites her lips.
"Can you see the state I’m in?!" I demand further, and she sighs and holds out her hands.
"Let me explain." She begs, and I raise a brow.
"Okay," I reply as I cross my arms over my chest.
This better be good. Koda said I could sit out a few dinners till I’m properly healed, and I fully intend to do that. Plus, I don’t want to see that rabid dog Rhydian anytime soon. So why is she asking me to have dinner with them tonight?
"You know the main reason you’re here is because of the king, right?" She questions, but I don’t see the point.
"Yes. And?"
"Nothing matters more to the King right now than having an heir. He wants a healthy, perfect grandchild, and he has and still will go to great lengths to get one." She continues, and I raise a brow.
Too bad for the fool. His sons bought the WRONG Omega.
"Your healing rate is concerningly low. No one will let you know now, but that information is going to bother the king. He will either ask that you be returned or that the Alphas get another Omega if they refuse to drop you." She says, and I take a moment to process her words.
"The second option doesn’t sound bad. Let them get another Omega. I can even act weaker than I actually..."
"No!" She suddenly scolds, and I jump a bit in shock.
"Sorry for yelling. That... That isn’t a good idea, Master Elian. The Alphas getting another Omega is the LAST thing you need. In fact, it should never happen." She says, and I blink in confusion.
"Why?"
"If another omega comes to this estate and gets pregnant for any of the Alphas, that Omega becomes more important. They’ll prioritise them. Their every word would be worshipped by the Alphas. That will come back for you. Omegas are quite territorial of their Alphas. They won’t want any competition around. And you... You’re a mountain of competition. You are what any Alpha would want. Another omega in this picture wouldn’t like that." She explains, and suddenly I feel like a concubine in some C-drama.
So the only thing keeping me safe in this place is the one thing I do not want... Attention from the Alphas.
"Back to my initial point. We don’t want the King to see reason to demand that you be cast out, or that another Omega be brought in... so attend the dinner. Despite the pain, despite the wounds... it will be labelled as strong in front of the King. You need that. From the only other Omega in this estate... I want you to blossom here. Don’t let anything ruin your chances at that." She concludes, and I blink in silence.