Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Oliver knew from a young age what he wanted in life, he wanted to live without counting every penny, without living paycheck to paycheck. He didn’t want to have to worry about how much something cost and give it up in order for something more practical. He wanted to live freely, to spend his days with people serving him, lounging by a pool or out on a sundeck with nothing to worry him except which outfit to wear for the evening dinner. He wanted a house filled with people who tried to hide their jealousy for everything he had, tried to hide the envy they felt when he showed off some ostentatious new artwork he’d hung on a wall and never bothered looking at again. When he was very young he thought that this lifestyle would be his when he came of age and his grandfather finally passed on, he would be left with it all as the sole grandchild. This was Oliver’s first lesson though, plans can become very quickly obsolete with the twists and turns of life. His grandfather passed when Oliver was only 5 and instead of him receiving the inheritance it was split between his parents and aunties and uncles. With the new found wealth though it did allow Oliver the chance to go to more prestigious schools, his classmates from wealthy families that owned houses four times the size of his.

When all the other children in school wanted to be a lawyer, a doctor or a pilot, Oliver knew he wanted something different. He’d snuck down to watch a movie his parents had on in the living room one night, tucked into the staircase he watched as a beautiful Omega stood in front of a priest saying her vows to the very old and frail man across from her. Throughout the movie the women put things in the man’s drink and cursed when he didn’t drink it. She spilt oil on the staircase and watched in anger as the butler cleared it away before the old man could slip and fall. He mimicked her facial expressions as she quickly cooled the anger and her face morphed into horror as she wailed loudly at how dangerous that could have been. His eyes got sleepy as he watched the Omega on the screen smashed things in the house one night, breaking a window before plunging a knife into her husband's chest over and over. Just before he nodded off he watched her new and lavish wedding to the gardener be interrupted by police swarming the place, putting her in handcuffs.

The few days that followed it was all Oliver could think about, his mind piecing together the understanding that the woman wanted the old man’s money and with his death she receive it. That was Oliver’s new plan, if his money didn’t come from his grandfather then it would come from some other old and frail man. He would marry them and wait until they died and he could receive the life he had always wanted. Of course he was much too smart to reveal that to anyone, he’d asked his mother about the movie and she’d turned her nose up when she spoke of how evil the woman was, how she had heartlessly married the man and taken his life just for the money. That was all Oliver needed to know his secret plans were to be kept hidden away.

It wasn’t hard even at a young age to guess how others would present, the way they grew, their general demeanor and Oliver played this to his advantage. He played the submissive, gentle, sweet Omega he knew everyone expected Omega’s to be. In the first few years of school he would smile sweetly at his teachers in the classroom while he pitted future Alphas against each other, making them fight for his attention, in the schoolyard. The smile crept across his face as he watched the future Alpha’s scratch, hit and bite one another all to get the privilege to sit next to him. Oliver was lavished with gifts and toys from his classmates and each day he would judge the offerings before deciding who to play on the playground with. Sometimes he would throw a gift in the rubbish and observe the way the child who gave it to him would react, filing away the information. The early school years continued like this for Oliver and it became easier and easier to play the Alphas and even the Omega’s against each other. He felt so powerful as he walked through the schoolyard with whoever he decided to grace with his presence that day, knowing that so many others were envious of him. A new plan formed with the many childish offers of marriage he had in the playground, perhaps he didn’t need to marry an old man in his future, maybe it could be one of his classmates.

As Oliver soon learned, plans had a way of changing and learning to adapt rather than falling into a panic was crucial. The money from the inheritance, while used for his school, was running out fast as his father became increasingly erratic, empty bottles scattered around the living room and his father never able to focus on a conversation for long. With the dreaded news his mother was pregnant Oliver learnt what it felt like to be frugal, as his mother would put it. The last of the inheritance squirrelled away until the birth of his twin sisters. His quality of life decreased quickly as fancy toys and beautiful furniture were taken away in big trucks as his mother sold off what they could. 

Oliver stewed on it for a few days before emerging with his sweet innocent mask back in place. He doted on his mother and played the oh so happy big brother in order to gain favour from those around him. He happily accepted the downgrade in social status, smiled sweetly when his big house was sold and they moved to a smaller country town with more affordable housing. He told his mother everything would be okay as he hugged her before bed when she sobbed and apologised profusely for the move and the new school. Although Oliver never showed it, each time he forced down his initial reaction, morphing his expression like the lady in the movie to what he knew would be favoured by his parents, dark and poisonous hatred grew stronger inside him.

The fake tear slipped down his cheek as he waved to his mother and boarded the bus to his new school. Thoroughly unimpressed he walked through the halls to the office. Swallowing the bile in his throat at the hideous new school, he opened the door to the reception like he was instructed to and slipped on the meek shy mask he so often wore. The older lady at the desk took pity on him, as he knew she would and handed him a candy. He sucked on the lollipop and tried to hide his disgust as she walked him to his new classroom.

The mask never faltered from that moment on, only slipping in the hour before bed as he tried to conjure up a new plan, a way to endure where he currently was and eventually get him to where he knew he deserved to be. He’d lay in the dark staring at the ceiling running through different ideas, in disgust and anger falling back to the original plan, waiting out the death of his older husband. His mind now focusing more on the failed plans the lady in the movie so long ago had implemented. Hope blossomed inside him that maybe if he planned it right, he really wouldn't have to wait too long for the old man to die.

Years continued on and Oliver kept the mask firmly in place. The older he got the more of his peers presented, the more he understood through observation exactly how people treated Omegas. He watched meticulously to understand which behaviors were favorable and which weren’t. It confirmed all his assumptions that in the eyes of society Omega’s were more favorable the weaker they presented. He sulked in the background, in the shadows as the power he used to hold became less and less. When he was younger he understood how to play the perfect Omega unlike any of the others and this gave him the advantage. As he aged unfortunately more and more Omega’s presented in his school and although most were doing it from instinct rather than a carefully curated façade, the competition was far greater.

After tweaking his mask slightly based on his observation and the desire to receive more attention he learned to appear more frightened, flinching at a loud sound in the classroom and watching as the hungry eyes of the Alphas around him stared, their instincts telling them to protect. It became a game then for Oliver, he’d create small little tests with the ones around him to figure out exactly what they responded best to. Most were the typical, they responded to the shy poor Omega that needed saving, for some though a little mystery was what they wanted more. His little tests continued and soon his book of detailed observations and data was filling up. He catalogue it all, studied his classmates through observation and recorded all his findings, vital information in understanding the best mask to show in each situation.

By the last year of high school, Oliver finally presented. He’d waited patiently for the moment, the slight fear in the back of his mind that he may present Beta always weighing on him. It was perfect though, exactly what he wanted and he smiled all the way through his painful presentation. He didn’t care too much about the aspects of presenting Omega like others did, bearing children and such was never part of the plan.

The Omega part was crucial though; Omega’s had an ability to control their Alpha, once mated Omega’s emotions and needs became more important to an Alpha. Normally an Omega wouldn’t be able to control their Alpha fully, there was still free will, but Oliver knew with careful planning and the right manipulation he could come very close to it. The Omega’s hormones played havoc on the Alpha’s instincts. Alpha’s were driven to fight and fuck, once mated though the instincts became about protection and procreation with the mated Omega. Mating was crucial to Oliver’s plan, without it he couldn’t rely on the added bonus of biology to help him reach his ultimate goal. It could be possible with just his intelligence but even Oliver knew that it would be dumb to disregard the importance of their biology and just how much dumber it could make an Alpha. He tossed and turned as he thought through all the faults, all the possible setbacks. Mating could only occur during an Omega’s heat and the Alpha needed to be in rut. Naturally this would happen over time, after consistent sexual encounters with someone, the heats and ruts would become closer until eventually they would sync up. In nature this was the only way a claiming bite mark would truly tie the two together, Oliver knew he would need to take nature into his own hands.

****

Oliver learnt quickly that contingency plans were just as important. When his acceptance letter to Oxford came in the mail just after graduation, he fumbled for ideas. If he didn’t get his hands into a young Alpha at Oxford, maybe one of the older teachers would do just fine. For any of this to work though he needed to perfectly craft his new mask. He couldn’t be immediately spotted as poor, but he also didn’t want to come off as rich. It niggled in his brain the moments throughout school where he was teased by others for his older clothing, for the holes in his sweater and his beaten up shoes. If he wanted to attract an Alpha at Oxford he needed to be presentable. He could play to the fact he wasn’t outrageously rich but he also couldn’t risk being immediately brushed off by his rich classmates that looked down on those without money.

His fingers tumbled across the keyboard as he replied to some of Alphas in the recent chatroom. During his investigative digging, a new part of the plan started to form. He didn’t want to deal with the Alphas promising to mate him if they didn’t clearly have the type of money he needed. That’s when he came across the notion that some Omega’s sold their first heat. A small part of Oliver’s mind feared the idea of experiencing his first heat with a complete stranger but the other part rejoiced in the idea. If they had the money to pay for a heat then maybe he could entice them to stick around and claim him. If that fell through the contingency plans were still in place to lure someone in from Oxford. Anyway the plan went there was finally some light at the end of the tunnel, Oliver could feel that hope blossom again at the knowing that in a few short years he could be part of the higher society he knew he deserved to be in. 

The site’s he researched touted the great prices some Omega’s had gotten for their first heat and after careful consideration Oliver joined them all. He wasn’t going to go through it without getting the highest possible price, he wasn’t going to miss any single opportunity. With the meagre money he had saved away he went all out on some expensive lingerie. The research he gathered showed that in order for male Omega’s to receive higher pricing they needed to play up their femininity. He didn’t care too much for any of it, but he knew he needed to play whatever part was required of him to achieve the end goal. If it meant wearing tight lace underwear that offered no coverage or comfort, he would do it for the end goal. The black lace panties arrived in the mail, he rubbed them against his skin, reveling in the expensive feel. The more he thought about the more the idea appealed to him, wandering the halls of his future mansion in underwear that cost more than an average person’s rent was beyond exciting.

He sat and watched auction after auction and noted down all the details, how much each Omega made, what details stood out for the ones that made more. It all came down to the bio, that small paragraph or two could make or break the sale. The Omega’s who got more were the ones who had a sob story, the ones who begged a big strong Alpha to please whisk them off their feet so they could get ahead in life. Dumb disgusting Alpha’s were so incredibly predictable, it sometimes was more boring then Oliver could handle, with such vast wealth and status the idiots fell for the same thing over and over. Oliver scoffed as he read through some of the bio’s, knowing exactly what mask he needed in place for this plan to work perfectly.

C hris, 18 and hoping to make some money to finish the end of my schooling. All I’ve ever wanted was to be a parent and look after a home properly but without the right class I get so worried I’ll muck it up.  I’ve never done anything like this before and I’m a bit frightened if i'm honest but I’m trying really hard to be the best Omega I can. I’m quite shy and haven’t really had a boyfriend yet, but I’ll try hard to be a good partner through my heat. Sorry if the pictures aren’t very good, I’ve never taken ones like this before.

Oliver spent the time to ensure the bio hit every mark he knew would appeal to any Alpha that thought he was at the top of the food chain. Quick mention of all things people wanted Omega’s to be, society viewed them as weak and helpless, caring only about getting knocked up and keeping a home. Just enough self depreciation and desire to be good that any Alpha would jump at the chance.  The photos were a little harder, pretending to be self-conscious in interactions was a lot easier then pretending to be that in a picture. Oliver spent hours that night in his room taking shot after shot in the mirror, trying to replicate the Omega’s photos that got the highest price.

Bending and presenting in different positions in the mirror hoping to find the right angle that made his body look exposed and awkward. Ensuring his face was hidden in the photos made it harder to convey the perfect submissive self-conscious image he was going for but eventually he found it. Cock just visible enough through the fabric of the lace but looking as if it was trying to be hidden by his forearm. It was the perfect shot, at first glance it wouldn’t have been visible but Oliver knew no one viewing the picture would take only one glance, he knew they would all be dumb enough to assume it was a mistake the silly little Omega didn’t realize how much they’d shown. 

His first heat was fast approaching and everything was falling into place. He’d added his picture and bio and played every single person that responded. New chats constantly streamed in and it was easy to tell from each profile what mask he had to wear, what aspects he had to play up. Some wanted details of whether he’d ever had a heat before, to ensure not only would they take his first heat but his virginity as well. He’d shyly admit to things even if untrue just to confirm whatever was clear the Alpha wanted. He’d repeat the phrase ‘ I don’t talk about it much, but you seem really nice'' whenever an Alpha would ask him about his sex life. Alpha’s lost all politeness as he strung them along, eventually reeling them in and talking about how his slick would slide down his thighs when he played with his small Omega cock, how he wished so greatly to be filled up by a big strong Alpha. He’d play up his circumstances, sticking to the same basic truth but exaggerating when needed. Telling some his father was abusive, telling others his parents were drug addicts, for some he spouted a web of lives of wanting so badly to have a family and children and tend to the home. 

Oliver spent hours in the evenings buttering up Alpha’s online and getting them hyped for the auction date. The power Oliver held so long ago returned to him and he relished in the feeling. He loved how easily manipulated dumb rich Alpha’s were in general but how their hormones and instincts amplified their idiocy. None of them ever question what he said, none ever catching on to what he was doing. 

Pictures started filing in and Oliver sat in the dark of his room his face illuminated by the glow of the screen, rubbing his cock at the thought of just how much money would soon hit his bank account from these stupid bruts, heaving and huffing in videos of them shooting loads of cum on counters and across their own stomachs, while grunting Oliver’s fake name. Oliver reached his own climax at the thought of the power he held over so many already and just how much power he would have soon. 

Chapter Text

Oliver tightened the tie he was wearing as he got out of the taxi, moving to grab the suitcase that had been left to the side. Fears threatened to bubble up inside, fears of being instantly spotted or noticed for what he was, or what he used to be, poor. With a painful swallow the lump catching in his throat was gone and Oliver could move forward, foot in front of foot without the fear of tears threatening to spill from his eyes. He couldn’t show weakness, not now or the hungry vultures would descend and everything he’d done to get here would be pointless. It all needed to be locked up and hidden away, with each step closer to his boarding house it became slightly easier to breathe it all away.

Oliver stumbled backwards as a loud ringing bell sounded. His eyes flicked up immediately as the man on his bicycle rode past him. He heard the laughter behind him before he felt the cold damp feeling of the muddy puddle of water splashed onto his pants as it started seeping through. Throwing his head backward he watched as the kids huddled together continued to laugh even as he faced them and made eye contact. That’s the moment he spotted him, spotted his target, spotted the final target. Amongst the laughing group, there stood a tall Adonis of an Alpha giggling through hushed shushing while swatting his hands at his friends. Just a peak of a sympathetic smile directed toward Oliver before it was gone from his face. It took all his strength to swallow down the anger that came from that god damn fucking sympathy he was just offered. Forcing himself to cool his expression he turned and continued forward toward the housing, his brain ticking through how that reaction could be used to his advantage.

*

Oliver nodded along as his new roommate spoke in a constant stream about being a Math major, about how he was a genius and just how smart he was. It bore Oliver to death but he noticed the twitch in his roommates movements, voice straining to not erupt into full blown yelling and how it was always followed with needing confirmation that Oliver was listening to him. It piqued more interest to Oliver than anything the guy had to say, Oliver carefully filed the information away for later. A self-conscious, self absorbed Beta with unbridled rage simmering underneath, ready at a moment's notice to be unleashed, most certainly could be helpful.

It was hard to concentrate on the words being spoken at him, easier to fall back to his general way of communication. So practised at humming when needed, at unconsciously reading the other person’s body language to indicate when Oliver’s input was needed, it was second nature. It made it easier to retreat to the only thing that ever interested him, his own mind. It was dancing with the thoughts of the tall Alpha, clearly he’d grown up rich, most likely the type of rich no one could achieve without inherited wealth from generations. The way he lacked the basic human decency that most people wore so clearly, those social niceties that came from living a life that required you to be on people’s good sides at all times. The entire group lacked the skill, but he supposed if he had the wealth they did he could drop this act he’d played his entire life as well. Thankfully one day he could, he knew an opening when he saw one and that small barely there smile that held so much pity was the perfect in.

An Alpha that clearly had immense wealth that had a penchant or at least enough guilt from being so out of touch with the large lower class that he offered sympathy to another human, true sympathy that left his face almost as soon as it came was a vulnerability that Oliver would happily exploit. Years of observing humans, devouring books on psychology, communication and societal norms gave Oliver the ability to read inside a person so easily, like they were an opened book. That small smile, filled with sympathy and guilt offered so quickly while he continued to follow along with the actions of the group was so much more than it seemed at face value. Exploiting this would be part of the fun, these were the only games Oliver enjoyed playing. It made Oliver giddy with joy and anticipation as his mind continued to come up with potential plans. What a perfect Alpha, he’d fall easy enough, happily be spun around Oliver’s little finger while he enjoyed the ride until it would all end and Oliver’s final goal would be enjoyed.

Oliver snapped back, bringing his awareness back to the room he was in with the aggravated huff from his roommate, his eyes focused on the tight set jaw and the vein struggling not to pop out of his roommate's throat. It was rare to see such untapped rage like that from a Beta, typical of an Alpha, but it made Oliver’s heart jump with happiness as more blessings fell into place. Oliver sighed out his happiness gently and returned his attention to his roommate, a gentle smile full of syrupy sweetness directed straight at the bomb in front of him. It was almost laughable how quickly it diffused the situation, so hilariously embarrassing for the now calm Beta that stood in front of him.

“Oliver, please listen to me when I am speaking. As I said I have an issue with germs so if you could please refrain from touching my things then I think we can live together fine.” His voice had lowered considerably and his speed had also slowed down. As if the smile Oliver had beamed at him to diffuse the situation had made the Beta rethink his action, made him view Oliver as the typical idea of a dumb Omega unable to grasp simple concepts. That assumption was fine with Oliver, the less people could see the real him the better.

*

The first few weeks of semester went on like normal, his mask was well and truly accepted by everyone he came into contact with. They all believed him to be some lesser creature, something delicate and gentle, a well of emotions ready to lap over the edge at the tiniest inconvenience. Some days when the sympathy from others got too much Oliver had to breathe out the building venom inside him in order not to poison himself and his carefully laid out plan.

Oliver spent his free time accumulating more information about his mystery adonis, which really was much simpler than he expected. Befriending some other Omega’s was the easiest way to get the gossip, as they called it. Felix, the name sounded perfect in his mouth as he spoke it for the first time. Felix the wild Alpha who threw parties and got away with any rule he broke because his parent’s owned about half the school. Felix who floated through life without a care, charm leaking out from every pore, no person was immune. Every teacher adored him, every administrator laughed and blushed furiously as Felix sneaked in his just past late assignment. He was untouchable and to some degree Oliver felt he knew that, but more than that Felix seemed to expect it, felt it was as simple of a truth as the sky is blue.

Oliver assumed that nearly anyone who grew up the way Felix had would most likely feel the same, feel that the world is full of only good things when that is all that he received. Felix though, was almost disappointedly common with his penchant to rebel against the way he had grown up, rebel against his world as almost every young adult did. That ‘coming of age’ moment when every character in every book defies the ideals they grew up with and fight’s against generally nothing, in order to become who they think they truly are. Oliver laughed as he mused about how utterly simple Felix is, when he learned of the Alpha’s fondness for taking in strays. For finding friendship with someone from a lower class and viewing them as some oddity whilst telling himself he was offering honest and true friendship and not what it clearly is, a chance to cling to the absurdity of normalcy.

As if completely unaware of what he was truly doing Felix would predictably take a new, usually scholarship student under his wing. He’d play with his new toy, watch in fascination at their reaction to his life as if the life he lived was nothing all that special. He’d dress his toy up, buy them clothes and treat them to thing’s he couldn’t grasp were incredibly special moments to any normal person. Oliver learned that this was a yearly thing for Felix, he’d play with his stray until it felt comfortable enough inside that it thought it could stay, then Felix would toss it back to the street whining that it was suffocating and beginning to feel entitled to his time.

The very plain cruelty behind Felix’s actions was something that initially took Oliver by slight surprise. Of all that he had heard of Felix he was embarrassed that he had, he’d known that type of rich, he’d studied them his entire life, cruelty was part of everything they did. Oliver didn’t blame them for it, understood they were just born missing something, missing an integral piece of humanness that everyone else possessed. Oliver felt it too, knew inside himself that something was missing or more likely other’s had something extra, something that made them more real but was wholly unneeded. It was just unfortunate Oliver was born like this into a life that required that part, that humanness that he didn’t possess and therefore had to live his life in a perpetual state of faking it. If he had been born into the life he was created for then he would never have been expected to have it, if he were born with it, living an ostentatious life would have squashed that part out of him.

Cruelty, although shown in different forms, manifested in different ways was what Oliver felt was intrinsically linked between them. Others would never be able to understand, never truly grasp the idea of what it was like to have such a view on humans, to watch them with fascination, to be separate to them and try to understand their motivations and intentions behind the things they did. Oliver did it less from fascination and more from the necessity it was in order to function in society and get what he was owed, what he was born for. Felix seemed to do it from a place of boredom, as if others were a rare oddity, each so unique that he needed to observe many, to force them into situations and see how it played out. Like creating his own entertainment by watching these alien humans try to exist in his world for only a moment, only until they felt stable enough before Felix made this false reality crash all around them.

That was the connection Oliver held too, he understood more and more of Felix’s weaknesses and was creating many situations that would get him to his end goal. That sympathetic smile, that desire to understand normalcy, to observe human’s as if he would one day be able to finally grasp what it was they had that he didn’t. The ever present guilt bubbling away inside making him reach out, be charitable while only ever thinking about what it did for him. All these little parts of Felix could be used against him to Oliver’s advantage.

*

Oliver had planned the first one quite well, quite proud of himself for how quickly the games formed in his mind when he was excited about winning. He sat near a table of Felix and his friends in a coffee shop near campus. After weeks of observation he knew the schedule, knew how long the group would sit here and order cakes and espresso. He’d sat off to the side, playing the meek Omega, as if trying to hide from anyone’s view. Purposely he’d chosen his outfits for the day, a small hole on the chest of his sweater, his older pair of glasses that were the cheapest possible and lacked any type of aesthetic design.

He focused on his work, purposely getting up when the counter was busy and shrinking back as he let person after person push in front of him to order. Finally when it was his turn he smiled weakly at the barista, fishing in his pocket for change. Counting out the few coins he had and slid them over the counter. Sweeping glance around as if to figure out where to stand to wait for his coffee, he checked to see where the group in the corner’s attention was. Felix was facing outward to the opened cafe, his eyes on Oliver.

Hiding the smile threatening to creep onto his face Oliver moved back to his table. Now was a waiting game, situating himself so he seemed hidden and buried behind his laptop. His foot nudged his bag out from under the table just enough that it would be a slight obstruction. He breathed for a few moments waiting, the server came out with a tray full of mugs and a few plates of food. As if on cue she tripped and fell, tray tumbling to the floor and everything crashing loudly to the ground, mugs and plates shattering and food everywhere. Oliver screeched at the high pitched noise, making a low whining sound that he knew signalled Omega in distress. He backed himself in the corner of his table, wedging against the wall. Hands covering his face, blushing furiously and forcing his eyes to water. Oliver had practised this numerous times in various situations and knew exactly how to change his scent pheromones voluntarily and ensured he was emitting the most frightened scent he could.

Every Alpha in the room involuntarily stared at the ‘frightened, distressed’ Omega in the corner, Oliver shrunk his body to appear as small as possible. He scanned the room, forcing his face to appear more and more frightened as he clocked every extra set of eyes staring down at him. He waited just a moment so everyone in the cafe was clear that everyone was staring at Oliver and he was aware of just how many eyes were on him. Risking a look at Felix, their eyes locked onto one another and as if blessed by the gods an Alpha stood and rumbled loudly toward the Omega. Oliver thanked the heavens; it couldn't have been more perfect if he planned it, he forced a stray tear to fall down his cheek as he visibly shook at the Alpha’s response. With shaking hands he reached and grabbed his laptop, snapping it shut and grabbing his bag practically racing out the door after half sobbing the word sorry over and over toward the server. He rushed out the door, shaking off the residual energy from the moment, acting always took its toll on him. Oliver sighed in relief, the smile grew wider on his face as he got further away from his audience. Executed perfectly, it was clear Felix responded well to the scared and timid Omega routine, more information to be filed away.

Chapter Text

It was a few days later, a few days of ensuring he had Felix’s routine down pat before he put his next plan into action. He knew exactly what time Felix finished his last class on a Wednesday and he was waiting for the weather to catch up with his plan. Just before 5pm Oliver took a ride around the campus and waited under a tree at the furthest corner of campus from Felix’s class. He stopped in at the grocery store there and picked up the cheapest, clearly marked down items he could. The sky started rumbling and that was the cue to put the plan in action. Oliver fumbled around his pocket until he produced the thumb tack he’d been looking for. He punctured the back tire of his bike and threw the thumb tack to the side. The tire deflated quickly and Oliver proceeded to walk back across campus, pushing his bike, rain now pouring down hard he allowed just enough water in the bag before hiding it under his jacket.

Everything was in motion, crackles of lightning broke overhead and everyone rushed to get under cover. Just outside the classroom he knew Felix would be stepping out from any moment he rushed to huddle under a tree, just enough light from the above lamp to be directly sighted by the classroom of students about to be let out. He heard the classroom chairs scraping against the floor and he got himself into position. Bent over slightly to seem as if he were trying to fix the flat tire of his bike.

He’d specifically chosen the yellow sweater from a few days before to ensure he would be recognized by Felix. He’d made a few adjustments though, purposely snagging the knit sweater on a nail and creating a quite obvious tear and pull in the sweater. He fumbled around intently with the tire until he could hear the footsteps behind him. He didn’t react to them though, instead hunching down closer to the ground at another crack of lightning hoping he portrayed a frightened animal.

“Hi” the voice was as soft as possible, like the speaker was trying to be as intentionally soothing to not spook Oliver.

He turned from his crouched position looking up at the tall Alpha huddle under the tree “Hi” Oliver spoke, a timid voice, purposely swallowing hard as if to swallow fear.

“What are you doing out here mate, it’s terrible weather” Felix spoke gently still, but more relaxed now that Oliver hadn’t run away.

“My” hard swallow “My bike, I think it’s the tire” He spoke as he turned back to the bike.

He felt the warmth as Felix crouched down next to him, staring at the soaking wet Omega. His eyes tracked Oliver’s body, his face, his sweater, his soaking wet clothes.

“Your soaking wet mate” Felix said

“It’s raining” Oliver supplied trying not to let his tone convey how utterly stupid he thought the Alpha was, what an observation, idiot.

Oliver watched as Felix’s eyes flicked down to the plastic shopping bag, without asking Felix scooped it up. “Can’t let this get wet” he peered into the bag, looking at the soaked packages of food, noticing the bright ‘marked down’ stickers on everything. “Oh” is all he could come up with.

Oliver snatched the bag back and dropped his head down, taking a quick peek into the bag full of soggy food before slamming it down to the wet ground. Immediately after the action he turned to Felix “Sorry” he said, meek smile on his face, as if apologizing for losing his decorum.

“Is that all you’re eating” Felix asked

“Well not now” Oliver said in a flat voice

“Why don’t you eat in the hall?” Felix questioned as if it were ridiculous not too

“Free food doesn’t come with the scholarship” Oliver spoke, ensuring there was just a little bite to the tone. As if to really ensure Felix thought he’d struck a nerve, Oliver stood then, gathering his bag and grabbing the bike handles, making it clear he was about to leave.

Felix mimicked the movement and as if sensing he’d done something wrong he rushed out his next words, sheepishly asking if Oliver wanted to have dinner with him.

Oliver looked at Felix for a moment, as if he were considering before shaking his head and answering ‘No’, shy and gentle tone, tacking on a ‘thankyou’ at the end. He couldn’t resist looking to see the way the words seem to puncture Felix, how the Alpha seemed deflated by the rejection rather than angered.

Oliver started to push the bike out from under the tree when another crack of lightning came from overhead. He smiled to himself as it seemed the weather really was on board with his plan. He visibly flinched closer to the bike, hunching down at the sound before coughing out and seemingly shaking off his moment of weakness. And Felix, sweet dumb Felix was just so damn predictable.

“Let me walk you then” Felix stepped forward like any chivalrous Alpha would and took the handles of the bike
“Okay” Oliver replied with a small smile.

The walk wasn’t far, only 5 minutes but the rain continued hard. After about a minute Felix offered his jacket, Oliver politely refused , Felix insisted as predicted and said his mother would never forgive him if he didn’t do what he could to look after an Omega. Oliver tried not to scoff at the language, god these Alpha’s were ridiculous, especially the rich one, like they were knights in shining armor and should be rewarded for everything they do. Acting all prim and proper but Oliver knew what they really were underneath, fucking animals. Animals could be tamed but they would always be animals.

Oliver took the jacket, offering a small smile again, shyly scenting the collar and visibly relaxing at the comforting smell of an Alpha when he knew Felix was watching him. The smug look on Felix's face made Oliver feel smug too, the plan could not have gone more perfectly.

They rested the broken bike against the railing of the steps toward the boarding rooms. Felix followed as he walked up the steps, finally undercover and light. Oliver stood awkwardly as he watched the Alpha take in every part of his soaking wet appearance, watched as he eyes caught for just a few moments longer on the tears in his sweater. After clearing his throat loudly Oliver pulled off the jacket he was wearing, handing it back to Felix with a thankyou, pulling his scarf closer around his neck as he faked a shiver.

Felix made no effort to leave, in fact just lit up a cigarette instead. Oliver pulled back the sleeve of his jumper and tapped a few times on the watch he knew had never worked.

“Do you know the time?” Oliver asked

Felix cocked his head to the side, glanced down at Oliver’s wrist then at his own watch.

“6.15”

“Oh, okay” Oliver replied and awkwardly looked around

“You’re wet mate, you should go inside, warm up” Felix smiled at the awkward drenched Omega, heart tugging at the need to look after him

“Yeah” Oliver nodded “Yeah I will soon, just not yet” head facing down, scuffing the front of his shoe at the non existent dirt.

“Why?” Felix questioned

“Thanks for walking me, and the jacket” Oliver smiled up at the Alpha, intentionally avoiding the question. “Im Oliver” he held out his hand

Felix switched the hand he was holding his cigarette in to take the small Omega’s hand in his, shaking it as he replied “Felix” a moment passed before he continued “Why don’t you just go inside Ollie?” A smile breaking across his face as he spoke, noticing the large difference between his hand a the small one he was still holding

“Soon” Oliver smiled, reluctantly withdrawing his hand “Just not yet” He smiled again. To Felix the smile seemed forced, strained like it took every ounce of energy to pull up the corners of Oliver's mouth. The life he’d lived was full of so much lying and deceit it was easy to tell that the Omega was frightened of something, avoiding something and avoiding his questions too.

Felix couldn’t resist when he reached out and squeezed the Omega’s forearm, “You’re cold to the bone and your clothes are soaking”. He always loved Omega’s like this, small and gentle, it made him feel more like an Alpha, helped ease that pit inside himself. The part of him that knew he was no real Alpha, sure his body had the stature of one but he wasn’t able to be the solid rock, the one guiding others forward, he was a useless excuse for what a real Alpha was. At least when something so small and gentle needed something little from him, a little comfort, something he could easily provide, it helped him feel better about the parts of him that lacked.

“Exactly, I’m dirty” Oliver let his eyes fill with tears before peering up at Felix
“He’ll be gone soon, I’ll go up then”

He could smell the Alpha’s scent change, anger flaring up inside him, perfect time to strike.

“He ah” audibly swallowed before continuing , “He doesn’t like Omega’s, said none of us are truly clean” letting a tear slip down his cheek, quickly wiping it away as if betrayed his body let it slip. As he faced up to the Alpha, glistening eyes, lip slightly quivering and wrapping his arms tightly around himself just for good measure.

Felix's face shifted through the entire wheel of emotions before settling on pity veiled as concern.

“When does your roommate leave?” Felix asked, not able to resist settling his hands on Oliver’s arms and rubbing up and down a few times, trying to warm the Omega up.

“Soon”

“When?” Felix pried

“Not long, you can go Felix, thank you again” Oliver smiled before taking a step away from the Alpha

“When does he leave Ollie?” Felix asked, tone edging to an Alpha command, small zing running down his spine to his cock when the small Omega in front of him reacted to it, finally answering

“He’s got class at 7”

Felix felt that pull again, that desire and need to protect, that instinct inside himself to save this little damsel. He handed his coat over again and watched with contentment when it was shucked back over Ollie’s shoulders. He couldn’t help the little flutter in his heart, warmth blooming throughout his body, commending himself for being a good Alpha.

“Sit” Felix said as he pointed to the little bench. Smiling to himself as Ollie sat, he walked just inside to the vending machine, feeding cash into the slot and pulling out drinks, chips, candy and anything else the machine had to offer. Felix walked back, happy to see Ollie still in place before dumping his haul between them. He was filled with that familiar warmth, the one he always got when he was looking after someone. Contently he watched as the Omega ate a bag of chips and drank from his juice box. His heart fluttered at the thought of looking after him, it’d been so long since he had someone to care for, it just never seemed to work out for long enough.

Every single time he found someone new like this, someone who’s life could be improved so greatly by having him in it, it made his inside’s all warm and gooey. It made it so much better that Ollie didn’t seem to want his help at all, god that made it even more addicting. Watching him now, eating away at the vending machine snacks like he hadn’t eaten all day, like it was a treat for him to eat this junk food, knowing only an hour earlier he’d declined the offer for dinner. It was just such a delicious feeling to watch someone so vehemently refuse help and then so greatly relax when the help was just given. Poor little Ollie didn’t even know how shit his life was and God Felix couldn’t wait to watch the way he reacted when he fixed it all. His mind danced with all the things he could quickly and easily obtain that would improve Ollie’s life drastically. Felix knew he was getting too far ahead of himself but he just couldn’t help it, Ollie would be so thankful when he saved him from such a dreadful life.

Oliver happily ate the offered food, contributing to the small conversations Felix would bring up. Shying away from questions about his roommate, but confirming who he was when Felix guessed right, complaining about how highly strung Michael was, a freak he’d called him. It confirmed for Oliver that Felix had been keeping an eye on him too, if he’d seen Oliver with Michael together before. Oliver’s heart warmed too, knowing how perfectly the night had gone, how Felix was playing his part just as he’d hoped, better actually. He rejoiced at just how fun this would be, not necessarily easy, but he’d learnt time and time again that nothing worth having came easily. Owning Felix though would be worth it all, worth every single plan he set in motion.

When it was time to go, Oliver offered the jacket back to Felix, not missing the way his eyes went straight to the tear in his sweater. It was the meticulous details that Oliver felt most proud of and when they were picked up on, it was like a cherry on top, a little bonus for working so hard. Oliver fell asleep that night, tucked in warm in his bed, hope blossoming inside him at just how perfectly the night had gone, at just how many seeds he had planted in the empty field of Felix’s mind.

Chapter Text

Felix couldn’t get Oliver out of his head as he walked back to the dorm. This poor little Omega, drenched wet and then forcing himself to stay out of the rain because his roommate was a misogynistic prick. It was so infuriating, Felix never understood that way of thinking, everyone did it, they all looked down on Omega’s. Even his friends had these views and made jokes about Omegas as if they were nothing more than to produce pups and cook. He hated that he was expected to see them like this too, it was part of being an Alpha, everyone expected him to jump in on the jokes, to make fun of these other humans until they expected him to settle down with one. 

To everyone else Felix was playing the Alpha that fucked around, chased tail and just didn’t want to settle. It’s what he felt was expected of him, he knew people saw him as a young virile Alpha who was having fun and he played that part well. He never treated his flings too badly or hoped he didn’t but he knew deep down it was mostly to keep up appearances. If he looked like he was using Omega’s for sex then the other Alpha qualities he felt he lacked could at least be made up for by that. It was just hard to view Omega’s as these lesser humans, these things that were there solely for producing babies and keeping a home.

Felix felt maybe it had to do with growing up with such a strong Omega presence in his life with his mother and sister, daddy rarely home so his mother taking on both parent duties. Elspeth was smart, organized and structured and she could keep everyone in line and on task and fell so naturally into the leadership role. How on earth could he view Omega’s as nothing more than a womb when he’d watched the way his mother commanded a room, organized and then was a perfect host to every single event at Saltburn. Elspeth was the one Felix called if there was ever any trouble because he knew she would be able to fix it. 

It was easy to fall into his usual depressive slump if he thought too much about it all, if he allowed his thoughts to linger on what was expected of him as an Alpha, versus what he actually envisioned his life to be. He tried to shake the thoughts from his mind and instead replace them with the intriguing new person in his life. 

Oliver was stuck in his head, he was different then the scholarship friends he’d made in the past, firstly he was Omega, which was not usual for scholarship students. Secondly Oliver seemed wholly uninterested in him which although slightly frustrating, a twinge of rejection, it made Oliver even more interesting. The way he gulped down that vending machine food after refusing dinner. God it just felt like a bit of a challenge really. Felix never in his life encountered a challenge, it was all so easy, even passing classes he did no work for wasn’t a challenge. Making friends certainly wasn’t everybody wanting to be his friend, Felix Catton, no one ever turned him down. 

Farleigh had told him once that he was a sucker for a sob story, implying that Felix wasn’t smart enough to understand that people just wanted to use him. It was a bit rich coming from Farleigh, when he considered what their family was always doing for him. The words often echoed in his head, adding fuel to the fire that he wasn’t a good enough Alpha, something his father often told him. Felix couldn’t help it though, couldn’t help wanting to fix things for others, the joy he felt from improving their lives was a rush no drug, even the most expensive ones, could ever give him. 

Even laying in his bed he couldn’t get the image of the shivering little Omega out of his mind, the way he’d scented Felix’s jacket and revealed it in the comfort of an Alpha. It sent a little zing through his body, he’d get Oliver, he’d win him over as he always did. He fell asleep that night thinking of all the ways he could wow the Omega into friendship, all the ways he could easily improve Oliver’s life without having to really extend himself. 

*

It wasn’t hard to get Oliver’s schedule, just a few flirty compliments to the administration lady, a little oh I just want to keep an eye on him, throw in a charming smile and it was done. He had it now and he’d use the information to ensure Oliver would eventually accept his friendship. 

He tucked the timetable in his backpack as he rounded the corner, watching Oliver walk out of the classroom, books tucked in front of him, large backpack looking like it was weighing him down. Felix moved in front of the Omega’s line of sight, waited a moment until his presence was known and then threw a smile at him. His heart was beating so fast as he waited to see the Omega’s response, every moment slowly crushing him as Oliver barely acknowledged his presence. The Omega just slightly met his eyes before hurriedly walking through the corridor, passing Felix. It was heartbreaking really, but that emotion soon gave way for the overwhelming frustration. How dare he just ignore Felix like that after that rainy night only a few days ago. He continued though, seeming to pop up at most of the Omega’s classes, just happening to be in the same hallway at the same time. Oliver ever gave him more than a nod, once even a small tight lipped smile but that was it. Never the gratitude Felix wanted, the acknowledgment that they knew each other, that they’d spent time together. 

Felix found himself often choosing to sit at one of the garden tables near Oliver’s dorm building just to see if he could catch a glimpse of the Omega. He’d smoke cigarettes and pretend he was studying while he watched to see if Oliver ever arrived. He just couldn’t help this part of him that was so intent on ensuring Oliver was safe. So many feelings surrounded it, frustration at what he was perceiving as rejection coupled with the memories seared in his brain of Oliver standing meekly just on those steps, avoiding going upstairs for fear of his roommate. 

A few days later Felix had deciphered the Omega’s personal schedule even more. The poor little thing rarely spent any time in his room, basically just for sleep and then spent the entire day in classes or holed up in the library. Felix realized it was likely to do with that freak Michael, the one who yelled at another student so loudly in the middle of dinner that the entire room stopped to look, Michael not even registering the commotion he’d caused, so intent on the student asking him a fucking math question. He was a bastard, a mean, self absorbed snob without the money to back him. Felix never liked the guy but his hatred had slowly festered after that night meeting Ollie, watching the way the small guy seemed to crush into himself, shaking with fright at the idea of upsetting Michael. No wonder Oliver spent so much time in the library. 

Felix couldn’t help but sit and watch the Omega, sitting quietly by himself in the library, a table far away from others tucked into the corner. It reminded Felix of that day in the café, when the poor thing was so terrified by the attention drawn toward him, visibly shaken by the rough growl the Alpha gave to him in response to those overwhelming distressing pheromones he was suffocating the small café with. Felix was reminded of just how hard it was to not run and protect, to comfort the poor thing as he mumbled out a string of sorry’s before running out of the café without even his coffee. 

Felix knew he wasn’t like other Alpha’s, he never felt drawn to the fighting, to the structure and the order. He was good at comfort though, his sister always told him he gave the best hugs. Protection was a bit of a touchy subject because although he knew his stature and status alone would put off any Alpha from what Felix was protecting, if it came to fighting he really didn’t know if he was capable of it. Maybe he wasn’t born with it, that innate aggression that came with presenting as an Alpha. It was never there and it made Felix constantly feel inadequate, like he wouldn’t be able to protect a mated partner the way they should be, like he was wrong, his biology was wrong and really he should have been a Beta. Fucks sake, Micheal even had more aggression then he did. 

*

Felix couldn’t help but seem to take note of the amount of food Oliver ate either. He supposed maybe he was eating in the dorm room, but he never saw the Omega eating any other time and it just didn’t seem healthy. He’d lived through enough of his mother’s diet phases to grasp the knowledge that eating throughout the day was important, even if it was a few small things, a body needed fuel. He’d be held up in the library hidden behind a book under the precedence he was studying but secretly he was watching Oliver in the corner. The small shy thing tucked away, every few days pulling out a small crumbly granola bar, eating it slowly as if to savor it. 

It seemed utterly inhuman for a scholarship to not include meals. Every other student on campus had free food available to them at all times, but someone like Oliver had to last on what was a marked down sandwich every few days. His blood boiled at the idea that Oliver, maybe other students as well but mostly Oliver, had to ration his food intake just so he could utilize the scholarship. Where was his parents for god sake, could they not spare him 20 quid for some food through the week. Stuck in his thoughts he imagined the poor Omega living off 2 minute noodles or a can of tuna a day just to survive. 

The weeks of surveillance continued and it only made Felix madder and madder, his anger bubbled away every time he’d watch the poor little Omega get shoulder barged in a crowded hallway, or eat crushed up granola crumbs, tipping the packaging backward to get everything from it he could. He couldn’t take it one day and before Oliver’s regularly scheduled 5 hour long library session, Felix stopped in at the local campus café. He brought out what he could, unsure of what Oliver might like but hopeful there was something that would appeal to him. With a bag full of sandwiches, cakes and cookies Felix strode through the campus, smiling brightly as he walked to the library. 

There he was his favorite little thing, sat in his usual spot in the corner, face buried in a book, hunched so far over the desk Felix worried his back must be sore. Felix couldn’t contain his enjoyment at the prospect of what he was about to do, sweet little Oliver wouldn’t be hungry today. 

He tried to be casual and calm as he ventured over to Oliver, tried to not act as if he’d watched him intently for weeks. 

“Ollie, hey mate” Felix tried to dial back the enthralling excitement from his voice 

Oliver peered up from his desk, eyelashes fluttering as he took in Felix, as recognition slowly blossomed on his face. Felix almost died on the spot, so god damn thrilled that Oliver seemed more enthusiastic about seeing him then every time they’d passed in the hallway. 

“Felix?” Oliver’s voice was quiet but inflected at the end as if so surprised Felix would be even speaking to him. 

Felix sat across from him, taking in the tired look of the Omega, the rumpled hair, the tired eyes and that same outfit he’d seen him in a few times a week. Ratty looking crochet scarf wrapped tightly around his slender neck that jumper he knew had a few holes and rips in it and the simple black slacks without any tailoring or shape. Oliver just looked like a blob of yarn, sure he looked cute and cosy but it worried Felix how little clothing he had that he’d chosen a jumper that would hold such little warmth so often. He tried to hide the disgust from his face as he noticed the hole in the sweater near Oliver's chest had gotten wider. 

 “Felix” Oliver asked again, tone gentle, almost apprehensive like he was slightly frightened by Felix’s presence. 

“Sorry Olls, just spotted you here and thought I’d say hello, bit packed in here and I wanted to eat some lunch before I started” Felix tried for casual and calm, tried to hide the fluttering excitement from his tone. 

Oliver’s face turned to survey the library, barely twenty students scattered throughout. 

“Okay” Oliver nodded before returning to his book 

“God, they buggered my order, this is way too much” Felix exclaimed, huffing and puffing as he pulled out three, no four, sandwiches onto the table. Felix rejoiced as he watched Oliver’s pupils almost blow out at the copious amounts of food now scattering the table. 

“Can you help me get through this please Olls, there’s way too much here” 

“Are you sure?” Oliver’s voice sounded a mix between joy and worry 

“Please do Ollie, I always hate to eat alone” Felix didn’t give him a chance to second guess it and instead thrust a chicken and cheese sandwich toward him. “Please Ollie” throwing that sad puppy dog look his sister always teased him about. He tried to contain the cheek stretching smile that wanted to take over his whole face when Oliver returned a tentative smile and took the sandwich. 

They ate in silence for a while, Felix so pleasantly happy that Oliver was eating he couldn’t hardly swallow any of his own food. 

“You in here a lot Ollie?” Felix couldn’t help but break the silence that was stretching on for too long. 

Ollie huffed a laugh, “Yeah, pretty much everyday, you ?” 

“Not much, just sometimes when I really need to study” 

“Where’s your books?” Oliver deadpanned 

Felix's brain short circuited for a moment, looking down he didn’t even have his back pack, not that he had any school books anyway. The sound of paper tearing caught Felix’s attention and he looked up. 

“Here” Oliver passed across some paper “Something to write on” 

Felix smiled as he grabbed the loose sheet of paper, looking back at Oliver who had a pen spare, holding it out to him. 

“Thank’s Ollie” He looked around the library “Can you borrow textbooks here” 

Oliver giggled, shaking his head “Yes, it’s a library Felix” 

“Oh, alright mate, no need for that” Felix shot back a little affronted that Oliver would state something like to him, he wasn’t dumb, just not used to library etiquette. 

Oliver’s smile seemed to grow at the response, it made Felix soften a little. It was a bit of a silly question. He got up and searched for someone wearing a name badge so they could walk him through the process of borrowing a book. 

He came to sit back at the desk, borrowed textbook in hand, looking at the way Oliver’s eyes would flit to the still half full bag. Sweet little thing would probably never ask,

“Alright Ollie, time to study but first” He ruffled through the bag and pulled out some bags of assorted slices of “some dessert” , his smile beaming out of him as Oliver slowly and seemingly reluctantly took a bag from his hand. 

The next few hours went along like that, a small break to eat something from the bag of endless food, then study. Felix had literally no idea what he was doing but he couldn’t bring himself to leave Oliver just yet. He wanted to know he’d eaten, wanted to pester him and see the way his little face squished up, annoyed at Felix’s insistent need to fill silence every 10 minutes. 

“Olls, you don’t take Classic Literature do you ?” 

“I do” Oliver nodded, eyes still focused on the book, hand scribbling notes, not even bothering to look up to Felix. 

“Do you think you could help me with this” He held the textbook up, shaking it from side to side. 

Oliver cocked his head to the side “The whole thing” he laughed 

“Please Olls, Daddy would absolutely wallop me if I don’t pass” Felix put those puppy dog eyes to work “Please” he brightened immediately as he watched Oliver’s resolve crumble.

“Have you started the first chapter”

Felix face morphed into a guilty grimace “Not yet” 

Oliver rolled his eyes “Well start there”

The next hour had Felix trying to focus on the textbook he was trying to read, every time he tried to start a conversation, Oliver would give him a pointed look and shush him. It felt like a fun little game but Felix did as he was told, finally getting through the first chapter, god it was a bore, he wondered why an earth he would choose this class, then his mind reminded him of the lecture his father had given before he left for first semester, reminding Felix the importance of understanding the classics. 

Oliver was slowly packing away his things when Felix checked his watch, noticing it was just after 5. They’d been at it for hours. 

“Alright Olls, same time tomorrow?” Felix beamed at him, hoping for a yes. Sure it’d be good to get some extra tutoring but mostly it would give him more chances to ensure Oliver was eating at least a few times a week. 

Oliver stared at him, blue eyes cold before warming as he sighed, resolving himself to his fate “Sure Felix” he smiled. 

Before leaving Felix thrust the bag of the few items of food left, insisting Oliver take it home with him, replying to the polite rejection by insisting he had to meet friends for dinner in the hall so it’d just go to waste. 

Oliver smiled gently at him, quietly thanking Felix for the food before finishing packing his bag. 

“See you tomorrow Ollie, you’re a lifesaver mate” Felix smiled, reaching out to squeeze the Omega’s arm, just needing to touch. 

Oliver offered a small wave as he walked off. Felix was just overflowing with joy, so incredibly high off the feeling of starting his journey to save the poor little Omega. He felt drunk the rest of the night, reminiscing on the way Oliver shyly ate all the food that was offered. It was because of him that Oliver would go to bed tonight with plenty of food in his stomach and tomorrow he’d have more. 

*

Oliver packed the leftover food into the fridge in his dorm room. What a day, finally the culmination of weeks of Felix following him around, trying so hard to be subtle but seemingly unaware he was a 6 foot giant Adonis that the sun seemed to follow. He wasn’t at all inconspicuous especially when everyone seemed to part ways and huddle into groups as he walked the halls as if he was some god, Oliver could understand that though. 

He laid down on his bed, belly finally full after a week of rushed eating in toilet stalls and resisting the urge to eat anything other than a crumbled granola bar when he was out on the mostly high chance that Felix would be following and watching him again. Playing up the poor card seemed to work wonders he thought as he pulled off the ratty and rather overdue for a wash jumper he’d worn as often as he could through the week, just to play on those heart strings. Poor little Omega that doesn’t have the money to eat let alone buy new clothes and has to avoid his roommate, simple really and it was working better than Oliver hoped. He’d been planning his next move, just trying to figure out where Felix’s stalking would go. It was vastly better and much faster then Oliver could have planned it, they were already on a weekly or possibly more often hangout to ‘study’, although Oliver thought he might need to adjust his own schedule to ensure he didn’t fall behind if he was to be helping Felix now. 

Thankfully Oliver could drop some of his act for a bit thanks to Felix’s incessant need to be seen as the knight in shining armor but Oliver wasn’t one to look a gift horse in the mouth, especially one that he could see straight through anyway.

Chapter Text

Oliver was greatly surprised and just a little smug when he turned up to the library about 10 minutes after his usual time to see Felix set out at his table. A brand new notebook and a pencil case with the Oxford logo on the front. The table was also set with more food, a little lunchtime spread from the same cafe. Oliver had hoped that if Felix did show up and he was just a little late it might give Felix just a little anxiety, his hope was confirmed when Felix spotted him, dropped what he was holding to the desk and waved Oliver over. 

“Ollie, gosh, was wondering where you go to mate?” Felix sighed relief as he spoke 

“Sorry Felix, just had to stay a little late to speak with the professor” 

“Which one?” 

“Professor Thorn” 

“Prickly old bastard isn’t he” Felix laughed, gesturing to the seat across from him “Always comes in to complain when were too loud at the peer classes” 

Oliver laughed, more information to file away, “He is a bit of a beast” 

Felix honked out a loud laugh, giggling widely when Oliver tried to shush him. 

“A beast, oh Ollie that is exactly what he is, bloody old bastard shouldn’t be teaching when he wasn’t even born this century”  

The conversation flowed quite easily, Oliver helping where he could, mostly it was keeping Felix focused. The other man seemed to not quite grasp the concept of study and then study breaks, preferring to skim a few sentences and then try talking for a bit. Oliver was a little shocked though by the food spread that Felix insisted they eat after about 45 minutes of studying. He had expected Felix to keep up the routine but he hadn’t expected that much food again, he’d have to get a deep freezer to store all the excess food he’d be bringing home constantly. 

Felix kept the conversation rather shallow, although it didn’t bother Oliver too much, He preferred conversations about favourite music and hobbies rather than deeper things, especially emotional topics. Oliver could handle them if the situation called for it but it was very exhausting to pretend to care so much about something that makes a person emotional. It felt like an awkward first date really, not that Oliver had really experienced that before, but it did feel odd. He supposed maybe this was what making friends might feel like. He’d been alone his entire life really, sure he’d observed conversations and human interactions but he wasn’t often a participant in them. It felt a little awkward to know what to say or what to ask, none of it really mattered much to Oliver, who Felix was, what his interests were, anything beyond what he could exploit wasn’t really of any use. Felix though continued the chatter frequently and somehow Oliver felt himself relax, he wasn’t really comfortable with it, still couldn’t really grasp why any of it mattered but he felt like maybe acting as if the friendship was progressing might be helpful down the track. 

Phrasing it in his mind as a recon mission made it a little easier, he was just collecting useful data on Felix he could use at a later date to pretend that part of humanity he wasn’t born with, wasn’t an empty void. Felix really didn’t seem to have a filter, chattering away about his cousin and friends, the people he’d fucked and the life he’d lived. Oliver didn’t particularly need to be an active part of the conversation, apart from answering the small simple, polite questions Felix asked, it seemed that after time that politeness fell away and Felix would ramble on, like his own voice was the best thing he could ever hear. 

Oliver noted about 4 just how tired the entire social interaction had made him, he was happy of course that Felix had taken a liking to him and that the plans so far hard worked well enough, Felix had responded as hypothesised. The weak, scared Omega thing seems to really illicit that nurturing nature some Alphas had. Felix had it in spades though, Oliver observed the way he spoke of his mother and sister, of his cousins and friends and noticed that Alpha aggression most had, Felix seemed to lack it. Another thing that made him feel much more connected to Felix, they both lacked some of the naturally presenting features of their secondary gender. Of course Oliver couldn’t be sure but a few plans were unfolding in his brain to test the theory, unbridled Alpha rage was something so powerful but as it was mostly instinctual, little to nothing to do with the frontal lobe and that also made it malleable. 

After the first study session Felix seemed to be beaming for another, asking Oliver for his number and when he might be free next for another study session. Oliver laughed to himself, sure that Felix had memorised his schedule if the light stalking he’d displayed over the past few weeks was anything to go by. He of course, after relenting gently, finally gave in. 

After that it seemed quite often through the week Oliver would receive a message like “Study sesh tonight Olls?” or “I’m in the library, got too much food again”. It felt a little nice, if that’s what Oliver could understand the emotion to be, to have someone consistently show up for him, to think about him when he wasn’t around and to care about his physical wellbeing. He had to remind himself often though that he couldn’t get too distracted from the plan. He’d meticulously created it really for his whole life, taking the time and effort to figure out people just enough to know how to elicit what he wanted from them. Years of time, effort and observation had gone into this. 

Sure, if it wasn’t Felix it could be someone else, but at least Felix was attractive. Yes he was dim sometimes, like there was nothing but air between his ears, maybe his brain was starved of oxygen as he choked on that silver spoon when he came out of the womb. For Oliver though he’d much prefer dumb to aggressive, or dumb over the classic power tripping Alpha energy. Dumb was easy to work with, aggressive a little less so, more risk involved of course. The plan was always the plan, the actor playing his main character changed often but he was growing to like Felix in the position.  

It didn’t really matter too much though, the goal was the lifestyle, the goal was the money, the status and the power and if Felix could give him that then anything else was just icing really. He’d play the character he needed to play to get what he deserved, what he was owed in this lifetime and then none of it mattered, he could finally let the act go, finally he could release the breath he’d been holding his life for fear that the mask would slip when it wasn’t supposed to. 

As they walked out of their 5th study session, Felix asked if Oliver wanted to join him for a cigarette. They stood in the garden area outside the library, the sun had just set and the dim light from dusk was settling in. Felix passed over a cigarette and Oliver took it. They smoked in relative silence for a while, Felix worrying himself over the recent test, mentioning he’d never actually tried before and that if this was how people usually felt waiting on results maybe he wouldn’t ever try again. 

“Yeah Felix, it’s called stress, maybe a little anxiety, everyone feels it” 

“Oh, but Olls how does anyone get anything done with this feeling? It’s like I’ve eaten runny eggs. Like I'm eating myself from the inside outside” He said as he gnawed on the skin around his thumb nail between long deep drags of his cigarette. 

Oliver swatted his hand away from his face, “You’ll survive Felix, promise. You studied and you handed it on time, that's all new for you” 

Felix looked almost dumb from the compliment, Oliver supposed it might be the first time he’d been complimented for something he’d actually tried to achieve. He dropped his cigarette to the ground and slid off the garden table, crushing the cherry under his foot. 

“Where’s your bike mate?” Felix asked cocking his head to check out the bike racks that were completely empty. 

“Where we left it, haven’t got around to fixing it yet” Oliver smiled shyly and looked down at his feet, that’s right he told himself, poor little Omega. 

“Ohhh” like the sound just tumbled out of Felix’s mouth, like he couldn't grasp that it had been weeks and Oliver had yet to fix the bike, then it struck, the poor little thing had been walking all over campus all this time. Without eating for most of it too, he was reminded briefly of that stage Venetica went through, where she’d be constantly exercising when she’d be forced to stay at the table after eating. After passing out in the gym room once , that’s when mummy had made the rule that no one was to mention anything when Venetica left the table, ‘lest we have a repeat of that’ she’d said in response to the question of why. His heart jumped a little at the thought of Ollie passing out one day along his walk between classes for the same reason. He could not have that happening to the poor thing, no he’d have to fix this, like he’d started fixing the food situation, he’d fix this too. 

“... anyway, Bye Felix” Felix only caught the back end of what Oliver was saying, watching as the smaller man waved at him as he walked off, all rugged up in that ratty old sweater and scarf, plastic bag of leftover food from the cafe swinging by his side as he walked. 

*

Just the next day Oliver was relaxing in his dorm room around midday, spread out on his bed reading a book for class. He was trying hard to keep his personal study up when most of the time spent studying with Felix was basically spent keeping him on track. Oliver didn't mind though, felt like the more he spent time with Felix, the closer the bond would grow, the more plans he’d be able to come up with that were rooted in a deeper understanding of Felix so they should hit closer to home. 

A few little plans had been playing in his mind as Oliver started to piece together the understanding that Felix, although a giant in stature seemed to be more passive then most Alpha’s he knew, it wasn’t a bad thing, Oliver never wanted one solely for protection anyway. Felix didn’t seem to lose his cool, no one ever mentioning him becoming aggressive, bothering to fight off other Alphas if they tried chatting up one of his flings. The group of girls he’d befriended just spoke of Felix as such a gentleman, but they also spoke about his tendency to flit between women, never really settling down or promising any type of future. It seemed that everyone just accepted that he was like this, pretty party boy and regardless of the well known outcome, women still flocked to have just a moment with him. 

It was just interesting though, from the way Felix spoke it seemed as if his interactions with other Omega’s were more superficial, never seeming to verge on Alpha instinctual behaviour unless it was hitting that need to nurture and care. He wondered to himself about just how much tighter the bond might become if Felix were to be part of some situation with Oliver that forced him into Alpha protection, maybe even a little aggression, he wondered if that might strengthen their tentatively forming bond quicker. If it was something Felix rarely experienced it might make the bond to Oliver that much deeper, something that hit many parts of his personality and secondary gendered behaviours, really tie them together.

Thinking back to the situation in the cafe when the Alpha had growled at him, in his haste Oliver hadn’t really taken too much time to properly catalogue Felix’s reaction. Although his memory couldn’t be completely trusted he did think that maybe he’d noticed the oncoming aggression taking over Felix’s usually calm features. He thought back to the time in the rain outside the dorm room and how quick to anger Felix was at the idea of Oliver’s roommate being just so judgemental and dismissive of the Omega gender in general. His brain placed a red string from one side to the other, deciphering the information he’d gathered so far from Felix.

He pondered if maybe the life Felix had led, the status even an Omega in his family or those around him would hold, was why Felix presented so passive. Maybe the aggressive nature of the Alpha’s in his high school came more from the fact that aggression and therefore protection was one of the only things they could offer and Omega, in the world Felix lived in, he could offer so much more that finding a mate wasn’t something he really even needed to try for. That could be why he never felt the need to flaunt and fight, to hand stand offs with others because really what would that accomplish, in his world, in the world where money backed everything the societal norms would of course be different. 

Little plans started to piece together, plans to bring out and test Felix reaction in situations where Oliver needed protection. The more different masks Oliver presented to Felix, the more data he had to compile, the greater the chance he would find just the right combination that would have Felix begging on his knees to mate Oliver. He’d craft the perfectly intricate stories needed to ensure Felix would stay interested, just long enough for them to mate and then, finally Oliver could finally relax. 

* 

Felix could barely contain his excitement all day at the thought of Oliver’s little face scrunching up and politely declining Felix’s gift before accepting finally after a little push. He was waiting eagerly for his 5pm class to finish so he could head over to Ollie’s to show him his gift. Finally, after what felt like forever Felix’s class was dismissed. He had even more good news to show Ollie, he’d passed his paper, the one he actually put effort into, the one Oliver had helped him with for so many hours. A bright red B circled in the top corner, he was just so damn chuffed, sure it wasn’t his usual marks but it was a B he had actually earnt and it made him flutter with excitement. Today was going to be a good day. 

His paper was tucked neatly into his backpack, he was considering getting it framed as he wandered over to the burger place on campus. He wondered for a moment if Oliver might like burgers or if he should have chosen the Chinese place just a few doors down but burgers were at least a safe bet to start with. Ollie always enjoyed those sandwiches he’d bring to study sessions and it wasn’t too different to that so yeah, safe bet really. He waited in line for what felt like forever, weight shifting from foot to foot as his excitement built and built. 

Plastic bag of burgers in hand Felix paused for a moment to send Ollie a message. He was sure from what he knew of his schedule that he’d be home for most of the day, he didn’t usually study on Thursdays so it was a safe bet he’d be there. Message sent, Felix headed toward the dorms, bag swinging off the handle bar of his old bike he was going to gift to Oliver. He was absolutely cuffed when he’d thought of the idea the night before, fretting over Oliver walking around campus all day everyday, it would be much easier now. Felix had his newer bike, chained to the bike rack outside his dorm but this one was his spare, the older one he’d basically forgotten about when the new semester had started. 

He set himself up downstairs with the bike resting against Oliver’s old one, he checked the time and 10 minutes had passed since he’d messaged Oliver and no reply. He wanted to go up but more than anything the image that had played in his mind all day was Oliver rushing down the stairs to meet him, face growing bright with a blush as Felix held out the bike, smiling wildly. Another 5 minutes had passed and still no reply. He set himself down on a step and smoked a cigarette, another 5 minutes had passed and he was growing increasingly more frustrated, he just wanted Oliver to come down now, to be surprised so Felix could feel that god damn addictive rush he got whenever he helped someone out, helped someone who really needed it, helped someone who never expected it. 

He was a little pissed when he finally decided to just call Oliver, a few rings passed and he tried to squash the irritation bubbling away at his skin. The call finally connected 

“Ollie, where are you?” Felix rushed the words out, irritation in his voice

No reply, just the faint sounds of someone in the background, he couldn’t make out all the words 

“....disgusting Oliver ……..   many times …….. tell you. ……… germs ……… hate your germs…….. Everything is filthy ……… it's your fault……… Oliver…….. fucking disgusting” 

Immediately Felix’s heart rate shot up, his breathing increased and he could feel the adrenaline pumping through his body. That was Michael, his shrill fucking voice screaming at Oliver, that untapped rage just boiling over. God was Oliver, okay? Was he safe? What was happening? 

Felix’s mind supplied question after question before his brain could command his feet to move. Finally he was running inside and up the stairs, he knew Oliver was on the second floor but just didn’t know which room. It was like everything switched off the moment his feet landed on the second floor. His brain was empty, his ears perking up to listen to the sound of yelling, his eyes skittering from door to door. He stalked through the halls, the sound became louder and louder as did the blood pumping through his body. He could feel it, like those cartoons when a character got so mad that steam huffed from their noses. That’s what it felt like now as he edged closer and closer to the room the sound was coming from. He vaguely noticed the people scattering from his path, seemingly trying to meld into the walls of the hallway. One heavy push of the door, thankfully it was opened, it took a moment for the scene in front of him to register. 

Oliver was sitting on the edge of his bed, feet tucked up to shield his body, Michael towering over his shaking body screaming down at him, holding a towel in one hand and waving it around as he shouted. 

“What the fuck is wrong with you Oliver. One fucking thing I asked you and you couldn’t even do that. It’s fucking disgusting Oliver, your filth is on everything now. How could you” Michael screeched “I’ll have to burn it all now, no way it can be clean now, not after you’ve touched it” Michael leaned forward, towering over Oliver. The Omega was clearly in distress, shaking like a leaf, rocking himself slightly on the edge of the bed in an effort to self-soothe. The room was a mess, things scattered all over, like the contents of a desk wiped completely onto the floor. 

Felix felt himself go hot all over, like his body couldn’t contain a fiery rage inside him. He’d never felt like this before, never felt like his brain had shut off, like his body was running off its own accord. Instincts had taken over and any logical part of the mind was shut down for the moment. In one quick movement he was in between Oliver and Micheal, one arm reaching behind him to shield Oliver closer to his back, the other arm pushing Michael hard to the ground. 

Oliver’s arms snaked around Felix’s waist, trying to attach himself to his back, certain he’d get left behind. Michael stumbled then fell with a crash, hitting the solid wooden floor hard. His eyes popped out of his head behind his glasses, looking frightened and small on the ground, staring up at what Felix can imagine to be quite a terrifying sight. He let out what can only be described as a snarl, this low and rumbling growl from somewhere in the back of his throat as he stared down at Michael, maintaining eye contact and watching with glee as the pitiful little Beta on the ground huddled closer into himself, sliding backward on the floor to get as far from Felix as possible. 

Felix’s instincts told him Michael was no longer a threat, his body finally allowed his other senses to take in information again. He could hear the pained whining from behind him, smell the intense fear and distress from Oliver. He didn’t hesitate for a moment, turning around and scooping up Oliver in one go, holding him against his chest, one arm securing Ollie’s legs around him, the other cradling his face into his neck. It was a protective hold and he continued to pull Oliver as close as possible against himself as he walked down the corridor. Shielding Oliver away from anyone looking their way as they made quite the scene through the dorm hallways. Felix resisted the urge to snarl again but that constant low rumbling from the back of his throat seemed to warm people away anyway. 

Felix could feel the hot wet tears pressed into his neck, could hear and feel each time Oliver’s breath hitched between sobs. He bee-lined for the bathroom on the bottom floor, kicking the door, not willing to take his hands from Oliver for even a second. The bathroom cleared out quickly as Felix barged in, kicking open a stall door, pushing the seat down with his foot before sitting. Felix stretched his legs out, keeping them pressed against the bottom of the door to ensure no one, especially not Michael, would come in and find them. He leaned back bringing Oliver with him, making soothing shushing noises as his fingers card through the back of Oliver's hair. 

The low distressing whine calms after a while and soon the energy seems to settle for them both, frontal lobes rebooting. He could feel the Omega shaking and pulled Oliver’s jacket and scarf tighter around him, before pulling Oliver back into a hug. 

Felix found it to be a rather strange feeling, to be so overcome by the need to ensure Oliver’s safety that everything switched off, he couldn’t even really remember the stairs or busting into Oliver’s dorm. Just vague memories that start more so from the moment he scooped Oliver up like he was nothing, as if the only thing that mattered to that point was Oliver’s safety and then everything else started to matter again too. Even now, knowing a large amount of time has passed, Felix still couldn’t seem to bring himself to let Oliver go. He just keeps rocking them back and forth, trying to comfort Ollie and also himself. The adrenaline seeped from his body and suddenly he was overcome with fatigue. 

He noticed now there's still the plastic bag wrapped around his wrist, burgers and fries probably rustled and rumbled together in the bag with everything that just happened. He closed his eyes for a second, slowly everything came back to him. Waiting out the front, giddy with joy at showing Oliver his new gift and the test paper he’d been so happy about. A laugh sort of tumbled it’s way out of him as the shock of everything settled. Felix was mostly shocked that he’d reacted in such a way, shocked he was capable of it, shocked and slightly frightened of what overcame him and how quickly it took over. 

“Ollie” Felix’s voice was so gentle and soft, something he didn’t think he was capable of. 

He lets the hand at the back of Oliver’s head fall to his waist as the smaller man pulled back to respond with a little affirmative noise, staring back at Felix. OIiver’s eyes wide and still frightened, red rimmed, tear stained blushed cheeks, looking just as exhausted and Felix felt. 

“I got us dinner” Felix laughs out the words as he held his arm up, jostling the plastic bag, the idea so strange considering where they are and what just happened. 

The walk back to Felix’s dorm was filled with silence, not uncomfortable in nature more just from the fact that neither really knew what to say. Felix didn’t present the bike to Oliver, more focused on getting them somewhere safe that wasn’t a dirty bathroom stall. They sat in more of the silence, soft gentle words spoken as Felix dished out the crushed and cold burgers and fries. Oliver seemed like he was barely there, like his brain hadn’t all turned back on. He couldn’t help but stare at the same spot distantly until he’d shake his awareness back to Felix when he spoke. 

Felix didn’t mind though, completely okay with it, okay with the silence, something inside him just content with the idea that Oliver was here, he was safe. His own mind was still too hazed to really comprehend what had happened, as he robotically cleared away the rubbish, barely getting it all in the bag before dumping it on the floor. 

Both men unconsciously agreed that sleep was the most important thing, tucked up side by side under the covers. Felix couldn’t help the little flutter in his heart when he observed the way Oliver was still curled into a protective ball under the blanket. Sleep came quickly, one last check on Oliver and he was out, energy completely tapped. 

* 

Oliver didn’t fall asleep as easy, he could hear the light snoring from Felix next to him but his mind was still a bit shaken. Sure he’d wanted to test his theory, test how Felix would react and if his instincts would override his brain and that was a big fat YES. What Oliver hadn’t fully accounted for was his biology, he thought he’d be able to keep it under control, he was fine with Michael yelling at him, he knew it was coming, had curated the scene that way intentionally. But the moment he’d answered the call and knew Felix was on the way up to save the day, his body seemed to betray him, the strength that he usually held sort of seeped out knowing the Alpha would bust in at any moment. 

He’d really and truly fallen into the part of damsel instead of just wearing the mask. It was the first time in his life he’d felt such overwhelming comfort from and Alpha, felt safe from one really. His instincts were telling him as he was whisked away and held to Felix’s chest to just let go, to stop trying to control and let Felix keep him safe. It was rather terrifying though if he was honest, he didn’t want to be victim to his instincts like that, didn’t want to truly rely on and then feel the comfort and protection from a safe Alpha. 

The way his body had taken over, the shaking, the crying, the whining although they were great touches to the performance were completely unintentional. That kind of pissed him off, he needed to be in control of it to ensure it would go as planned, he couldn’t be worried that his instinctual hind brain would take over and fuck up one his detail orientated plans like that.

It may have helped this time, he could take solace in that, Felix really had responded far beyond what he could have imagined. And if the fact he was currently tucked into Felix’s bed, next to the snoring Alpha was anything to go by, the plan had still come out with the same result. This would bond them, this would create a greater tie between them, it would strengthen underlying feelings and hopefully it would make what was to come just a little bit easier. As Oliver drifted off to sleep, his mind played out the plan step by step, visualising it all like a little movie. 

Chapter Text

The morning after, Oliver woke up to Felix sitting on the window sill, smoking a cigarette and watching him. It was rather awkward to be seen like that, to be watched and to know it was happening when he was so vulnerable. It irked Oliver but he tried to pass off his irritation for simple disorientation. 

“ ‘lix “ Oliver spoke as he yawned, eyes still trying to take in the surroundings 

“Ollie, mate, you’re awake?” 

“Mmm” Oliver pushed himself up from his position

“Breakfast?” Felix asked with too much energy for the first minute of being awake. 

It was a cafe on campus, when Felix suggested it Oliver morphed his expression into fear and the result was Felix stumbling over his words trying hard to make Oliver know it was a different cafe that he’d never take him to that other one. 

Oliver noticed now how much more attentive Felix was, it seemed the act from last night really had created this much deeper bond, it broke the barrier of physical touch and Felix didn’t seem to be able to resist, resting him arms around his shoulders, squeezing his bicep or just brushing some part of his body as he moved around him. It really had worked far greater than he’d imagined. Felix seemed to be so solely focused on him, even when the server came over to take the order he didn’t seem to notice the obvious flirting she was attempting. 

It was a little jarring to be out with Felix, to be seen, judged and watched by so many people when he’d spent so long of his life perfectly blending into the shadows. He was on show now and that made him feel uncomfortable, anxiously worried that someone might see his mask slip. 

Felix, as always filled any moment of silence with idle chatter. Oliver never minded this habit of his and right now actually found it be a blessing, if he was focused on whatever Felix was rambling about at least if he was being watched by others he didn't have to worry about his mask slipping. Anytime he scanned the cafe it felt a bit like the world was crushing on him, so many sets of eyes focused on him, focused on Felix really and him by association. It had never been like this tucked away in the quiet library but here, here it was evident just how well known Felix was. Every second person waving or stopping for a second by the table to say hello. 

The warmth of a large hand encircled his on the table and although slightly comforting Oliver was immediately distressed by the action. God Felix was oblivious, everyone in the cafe was speaking about them, was huddled in little groups having hushed conversations and Felix just added more fuel to the fire with the gesture. 

Little pieces of the conversations of those around them filtered by, snippets of information that Felix seemed completely oblivious too. Oliver wasn’t though, had trained himself to be so hyper aware of everything around him at all times to ensure any plan he was playing out would go off perfectly. The news had travelled fast, groups of people speaking about Felix’s outburst, about the unknown Omega that he’d saved, what a hero they all concluded with. 

Oliver let out a sigh, knowing eventually being in the spotlight would have come. His plan was to mate Felix so eventually he would have to come out from the shadows, would have to be seen but he just wasn’t really ready for it yet. His emotions were still high and he felt fragile from the lapse into hind brain behaviour from last night. Oliver could only remember once in his life crying, really and truly crying and not even his family had seen it. He’d let fake tears slip with his mother or father when it furthered his agenda but true and honest tears was something he rarely felt, something he purposely hid from everyone. It made him feel ill at the thought that in order to create that deeper bond with Felix he’d also had to be overcome by his Omega instincts. 

*

Felix was around a lot after that, really all the time. Felix would wait outside classes Oliver had and walk him to the next, study days moved from the library to Felix dorm room where he would spend hours upon hours there helping Felix stay on track and getting his own study done. 

For the most part Oliver found it quite enjoyable finally relaxing into the idea of having a friendship, something he’d never bothered with before in his life but was finding it enjoyable. Sure Felix was still a big, dumb rich Alpha who was very out of touch with the world and societal norms but Oliver didn’t mind hanging around him. His jokes were okay, never bordering on the misogynistic shit most Alphas would say. He was also rather deep, getting lost in his confessions and telling Oliver more about his upbringing and the fondness he had for his mother and sister. 

It was interesting to read between the lines and understand that a lot of what Felix did came more from the need to present a certain version of himself. Over emphasising and sometimes faking aspects of himself in order to be more accepted. It felt connecting in a way, Oliver had done this most of his life, out of necessity though. He didn’t have a trust fund and family inheritance and social standing to fall back on if he didn’t present the perfect picture of an Omega but it was comforting to know his target was also similar in that way. 

Felix still constantly insisted on buying food for their get-together, explaining that he had a food allowance per week and mostly just spent it on beer so he was happy too. When Oliver would push back, trying to ensure Felix didn’t think of him as a leech, Felix would respond that it was a sort of payment for helping him study, insisting that he needed to buy food or else he would feel bad for everything Oliver was doing. It was a little dance they played, Oliver was sure Felix didn’t understand why he had to politely refuse but it worked well into the game they were playing. 

Oliver was starting to piece together aspects of Felix, his tendency and desire to look out for Oliver's wellbeing. That nurturing instinct seemed so intense, like something Felix would have to forcibly not act on. It was just an essential part of himself and that worked well for what was planned. Most Alphas and just most people in general fell for the ‘poor little struggling Omega’ act anyway, but for Felix it seemed to be stronger. Maybe it was to do with the guilt he had for the ridiculous amount of wealth his family had, or maybe it came from this idea that when you had money you needed to seem like you cared, open a few charities in your name and such. 

It didn’t really matter the intention behind it, it was easy to exploit, what did need to be figured out though was the seemingly unintentional dance that played between accepting and declining Felix’s help. From conversations with Felix, Oliver gathered that he had a cousin Farleigh who dependant on the day Felix was either happy to help or just annoyed by Farleigh’s existence, he seemed easily swayed. A conversation with his parents and he’d change tune on how he felt about helping his cousin out financially. He was fickle and that could be exploited but it was also something to be careful of. 

*

A sunny afternoon Oliver sat on the window sill smoking while Felix was shirtless, complaining about the heat and hunched over his desk complaining also about the study he was being forced into. Oliver mulled over how to casually ask the question playing on his mind but felt that maybe being direct was the best tactic.

“Felix”

“Oh god, yes Olls, what is it?” He seemed relieved to be able to have an excuse to turn away from the empty sheet of note paper. 

“I was just, I was just wondering, actually don’t worry about it” Oliver turned away 

“Ollie no ask me, anything” Felix pushed 

“It’s just I heard that you ah, that you kind of drop friends every year. Like scholarship people, like me?”

Felix stood from his desk and walked over, wrapping his arms around Ollie and pulling his head to his sweaty chest. 

“Bloody rumours Olls”

“I just, I make friends and then they sort of get way too attached, they expect too much from me and… you know how it is people just get boring after a while. Friend’s come and go, it’s normal” Felix released Ollie and smiled down at him. 

“I like to make friend you know and then they just become boring after a while, they don’t know how to act and it’s just embarrassing to watch them try and fit in” Felix chuckled like he wasn’t some cruel being that whisked people up and then dropped then from higher then they’d ever been. It was a little unsettling really, Felix was much more fickle than he’d first thought and it added a little strain to the plans. Sure they were now a little tighter bonded because of the Michael incident but there was no surety that because of that it would mean Felix wouldn’t just drop him too. 

Felix plucked his half smoked cigarette, smiling at Ollie like his confessions weren't anything. 

“You should come meet my friends. Come hang out at the pub with us, they keep asking about you, especially after the rumours went crazy about the Michael stuff. I haven’t seen them in a while, being spending so much time with you anyway. I think they are a little jealous, but I just don’t want to share my Ollie” Felix jostled him again before heading back to the desk

Oliver just managed to respond with a ‘yeah sure’ before his mind was plunging into the new information. Anxiety spiked, firstly the possesive way Felix had spoken of him, like he was an object, a toy of Felix’s, a toy he might get bored of. Oliver already had an idea that this would be how Felix perceived him but it was a little worrying to hear it come from his mouth, like he was so close to being aware of it but still kept the truth of his behaviour hidden from himself. 

The impending pub night and meeting the new friends was also a little terrifying, sure Oliver could wear a mask and could pass in a societally expected way in interactions, but that was mostly in one on one. When there was a group of people it got a little harder to blend masks for everyone and to ensure none were contradictory. 

If it was the group from his first day that was a little more worrying, they all seemed the typical rich kid’s. Bitchy and mean and the rumours that followed them said just as much. It was going to be a real challenge, it made Oliver nervous but he knew at some point these things would have to be part of it. If he could mate Felix without any of this it would be fantastic but realistically he knew it was an off chance that could happen. 

*

“Finally we’re going to meet the famous Oliver” Farliegh spoke between a drag of his cigarette. 

“Heard he was a bit of a minger” Annabelle laughed as she took a sip of his drink

“He’s not, Ollies a good guy” 

“Jesus Felix, you say that every year, just another little pet to play with. Although you’ve never scooped one up like that and ran through a dorm growling at people” Farliegh laughed as he spoke

“God Farleigh, do you ever get tired of being such a dick” 

“Oooh is little Felix touchy about the subject” 

“Ollie is different, he just needs someone to look out for him. I mean imagine living with a freak like Michael who hates Omega’s and then being an Omega yourself” Felix tried not to get too worked up but Farleigh loved playing on his last nerve 

“Calm down Felix, we’ll play nice with the new stray” Annabelle cackled, looking toward Farleigh who joined in laughing with her

Felix was pissed, he just wanted everything to go well. He wanted everyone to see him with Oliver and know he was a good person, know he helped people in need and wasn’t just some rich asshole. 

It did terrify him, and had kept him up most nights now that the rumour mill was at full force and everyone in the school couldn’t stop talking about Felix and the Omega he’d saved. Of course he liked that everyone knew he saved Oliver but the rumours were about more than that. 

People hushed whispers about him being violent, stretching the truth to say he’d busted Michael’s face up, and spoke about him as if he were some deranged Alpha staking his claim on Oliver. It was terrifying to think people saw him like that, thought he was an asshole Alpha who could act as vicious as he wanted and got away with it because of his money. He’d tried so hard for people to not think of him like that, for people to not see him as some stereotype. 

His eyes flicked up to the door, he could smell Ollie from a mile away, shy little thing standing in the entrance looking around with wide eyes like he’d never been in a bar before. Felix's heart fluttered at that, poor little thing needed something to ease that anxiety and Felix knew he could cure it. He stood from the table and in a few small strides made it to Oliver’s side, tucking the little thing into him with an arm around his shoulder. 

*

It had taken everything inside himself to get dressed and go to the pub. He hadn’t really done this sort of stuff in his life, sure he’d made some superficial friendships here and there and was more of an afterthought when invited out but he did it anyway. It wasn’t really his scene though, groups of people were too hard to handle and then the added factors of noise and alcohol all affected his ability to predict behaviors. 

Every part of him wanted to just ignore it, to just stay home in the uncomfortable silence with Michael, who was gnawing on guilt and anger every second of every day. 

He didn’t though, Felix had been all too excited to have him along and he just knew that as uncomfortable as it made him it was still a part of the plan and quite a vital part at that. He needed to play nice to win people onto his side to some degree so Felix would feel more inclined to keep him around, to not get bored of him and toss him out. It would all be fine when they were mated, Oliver could run the show then but until then he had to give in to these requests. 

Already he’d become some sort of famous around campus, everyone spreading rumours and pointing him out to friends so they could gossip about the Omega that had gained Felix’s interest. It was nauseating to have to endure it all, to have to be seen after so long of blending in but he just kept reminding himself that it was all part of the plan, all vital parts of the plan. 

With a last deep breath in and out he rounded the corner the pub was on. People out front smoking and chatting, the place looked pretty crowded. He pushed past what he could identify as nerves and moved to the entrance, a little closed in area, glass windows surrounded it, he surveyed the room. So many god damn people, it was packed, it was loud and all that would just be added distractions while trying to curate the perfect masks for everyone around him. 

Oliver knew the odds were stacked against him anyway, Felix’s friends weren’t like him, or more so they were like Felix without the saviour complex. They didn’t feel this inherent guilt for the privilege they had, they didn’t feel the need to show others they weren’t a stereotype, they were more like the type of person Oliver knew he could be when his life situation matched what he knew he deserved. Cruel heartless creatures surrounded Felix and he knew it was like entering a battlefield. These people weren’t going to be as easy to convince.

Oliver stood with his eyes glued to the table, trying to subtly breathe out the growing need to put poison in all their drinks so he wouldn’t have to endure these stupid social normaties. He felt the warm, heavy arm around his shoulder and as much as he wished it was just for show, he found himself relaxing into Felix’s touch, comforted by it even. 

Felix led him to the table, beaming smile toward him before introducing the group. Most didn’t even bother to look at him as he was introduced, some looked past him but there were two pairs of eyes clearly taking him in, passing their judgements.

“Oliver, so lovely to meet you. The old doll got so boring, nice of Felix to bring a new one to play with” Farliegh smiled, hand reaching out to shake

Felix hissed at Farleigh while he and Annabelle giggled and continued to smile at him like they were pictures of innocence. 

“A doll, no one’s ever called me that before, what a compliment” Oliver smiled, shook Farleigh’s outstretched hand and smiled, pretending to be the stupid Omega, the silly little thing who didn’t understand a blatant insult. The girl sitting next to where he was standing, laughed so hard, almost spitting her drink across the table. Farleigh though held Oliver’s hand just a little too long, meticulously watching his face as if he could see the seamlessly hidden edges to his mask. 

Oliver resisted the smile threatening to spread across his face. Oh he did love an absolutely useless prick, a dunce who thought he was smart enough to go toe to toe with Oliver, thought that just because he had money he knew anything about the world or the way humans behaved. Oliver took a moment to let the emotions behind the mask fade before moving to sit, he’d learnt many times when he was younger not to cancel someone out so quickly. 

On the surface Farleigh was the typical rich prick, just enough in his head to think he knew it all. Maybe he’d lived enough life to understand that when something feels off about a person it usually means there was something off about them. Or maybe he and Oliver were more similar then he’d originally thought. Either way Farleigh was something to keep an eye on, someone to observe and figure out instead of immediately dismissing. 

The night went surprisingly well, Felix sat close and often Oliver found him already looking and smiling toward him. Oliver had to check himself often, worried that the rounds and rounds of alcohol would be taking effect. Occasionally he’d just look toward Felix as if having a telepathic conversation and Felix would take his shot for him before anyone would see. Well he thought no one had seen, 

“Oh is the little Omega too shy to have a few shots, Anabelle here’s going round for round but you just keep skipping out” Farleigh smiled wide, but the smile looked more like a crappy cartoon villain. 

He didn’t even bother to hide his snide remarks, his passing judgements, just laid them out like that. Oliver was becoming increasingly frustrated, pissed off that he had to hide behind these masks, pretend so often and never once had the opportunity to speak his mind like that. 

Oliver sighed to himself

“Just don’t drink often, that’s all” Oliver kept his reply curt, allowing any assumptions to be made from his reply. However they took it, it didn’t matter, a little mystery around these gossip vultures was a good strategy

“More drinks for me anyway” Felix tried to lift the tone of the table, but shot a worried look toward Oliver, his wide open brain probably filling with increasingly more dramatic scenarios about why Oliver didn’t drink 

“Well, just because you aren’t drinking, doesn’t mean you can skip out on your round little Ollie” Farleigh gestured to the empty shot glasses scattered around the table. 

Fucking prick Oliver thought, “Oh, umm yeah, of course Farls” Oliver awkwardly smiled at Farleigh and then the table, rubbing his hand’s together under the table to portray nervousness maybe a little anxiety. 

He so badly wanted to grab the curly haired fuck and maybe slam his head against the table but it was time to play nice, time now to pretend he was the meek Omega wanting and wishing for the approval of these vial portrayal of human beings around him. He allowed the joyous smirk to filter across his face as he walked to the bar, oh how sweet it will be to come up with something so deliciously beautiful to royally fuck Farleigh over. 

He made a show of fumbling in his pockets for change, inwardly cackling as he took in glimpses of the table he’d come from. Felix was becoming increasingly more worried, hush harsh words spoken to Farleigh, a few sympathetic glances from others before turning back to the table, even Anabelle was looking a bit guilty, or maybe that was just the alcohol. 

None of it mattered though, he could easily turn this into another little score for Ollie. All these pricks thought they could run the world without a care passed for those less fortunate than them, but Felix, Felix was different, his need to be seen as a saviour would outweigh it in the end. That could be used to Oliver’s advantage, play it up, let Felix become increasingly more frustrated with how his friend’s treat him. 

Oliver had the cash in notes but chose to painstakingly count the change across the counter, making the bartender more frustrated and prolonging the agony of those at the table. Eventually he brought the shot’s back to those at the, Felix cheering and forcing the others to sheepishly thank Oliver for the round. Farleigh the only one not feeling a single ounce of guilt. 

“Where’s your’s Ollie” Farleigh pouted as he lifted his shot ready to tink glasses with everyone at the table. 

“I can’t get too sloppy Farleigh, otherwise I’d take your place” Oliver smirked, he probably shouldn’t have, should have replied with something a little more mysterious, a little more begging for friendship and acceptance but sometimes he just couldn’t help himself. 

Thankfully he was rewarded for the slight slip of the meek shy mask with a clap around his shoulder and Felix dragging him closer. 

“Ollie, you didn’t. He might be a match for you Farls” Felix laughed loudly, bright wide smile on his face after the shock had passed

Oliver watched Farleigh then, watched the way his face tried hard to stay in place, tried hard to keep the obviously bitter retort he had in the back of his throat , right where it was. After a few moments he cheersed his shot glass with the others smiling widely at Oliver as he shouted his name in praise for the round. 

The longer it went on the more bored Oliver became, it was tiring feigning interest in the vapid conversations of those around him. Eventually after one had left and a few more followed Oliver twisted out of the arm that had been resting on the back of his chair most of the night. Felix gave him a sad little pout

“Where you going, Olls?” 

“Just heading home” Oliver smiled toward Felix, voice low for just him to hear. 

“C’mon Olls, let me walk you home '' Felix spoke a little louder, maybe those extra few shots were just a little too much for him. 

“Don’t forget the leash Felix, don’t want to get in trouble having the stray roaming free” The smile Farleigh gave them to anyone else would have seemed completely pleasant, like he was just having a little joke but Oliver knew, Oliver could feel the way those words dripped in poison. 

Oliver just smiled in response, his brain repeating the phrase ‘play nice’ over and over. Farleigh clearly had a stronger bond to Felix then the others and although Oliver had no doubt he could break it he also knew it was no use push it just yet, not until the timing was perfect. 

*

“What did you think Ollie?, I know Farls can be a bit of a dick but the rest are lovely and I know they just loved you” Felix couldn’t help jostling Oliver just a little bit as they walked back to the dorms, those extra few shots always got him a little handsy and he just couldn’t help touching Oliver. 

Just so intrigued by the little thing, so many questions always running through his head. Where Felix was the type to offer information without being asked Oliver was the type to almost reluctantly answer when asked a direct question. Felix just wanted to know so much more about him. 

Ever since the shit with Michael he’d found himself more and more intrigued by Ollie. He wanted to be connected to him, to understand him, to protect him really. Poor little thing had worked so hard to get to where he was, to get the scholarship to Oxford. Felix could tell by the study schedule and the extra time Oliver spent on assignments and assigned reading, he was a hard worker. It was an inspiration really, poor Omega, already looked down on by society, works extra hard to get ahead in life, to build a life of his own. Felix couldn’t help smiling when he looked down at Oliver, he always had loved an underdog. 

“You think so?” Oliver asked him in such a broken timid tone, like he really didn’t even want the answer for fear it was the wrong one. 

“Of course they did mate, maybe not Farleigh but I don’t even think he likes himself” 

Oliver giggled at that, it was nice to hear that after spending most of the night terrified that Oliver wouldn’t be able to handle the taunting and teasing. That’s the way they always played though, always throwing jabs at one another, joking and teasing. Oliver had surprised him again though, biting back at Farleigh in a way not many could. 

“Hey Ollie” The question had been at the forefront of his mind all night. Maybe Ollie just didn’t like drinking, maybe his friends didn’t drink, god, maybe he was too poor to afford alcohol. All night his brain had supplied increasingly more sad or worrisome answers. What if, god, what if something bad happened to him when he’d been drunk before, a small Omega like Oliver wouldn’t stand a chance in a fight. It had been hard to really concentrate on everyone else throughout the night when he just couldn’t stop worrying about Ollie. 

“You can ask Felix” Oliver shrugged his shoulders, like he was expecting it

“You don’t have to tell me” Felix stopped walking, feeling as if maybe he overstepped, maybe one of those more horrible scenarios were true, maybe he was prying like his mother always does, poking and prodding until people told her even the saddest truths. 

Oliver just looked up at him, “My dad he, uh he, was a drunk, he spent everything we had, pissed it up the wall. It was, it was just really hard you know, growing up like that” 

Felix couldn’t help himself when he lent down and bundled Ollie up into a hug. His heart almost shattered onto the sidewalk as he watched Oliver’s eyes glisten brighter under the lamp light, with unshed tears as he spoke.

Chapter Text

Oliver didn’t mind when it was just him and Felix, studying in the library, hanging out in Felix’s room when he of course brought way too much food from the cafe, the place apparently getting his order wrong all the time. 

That was all fine, fun even, but Oliver loathed the night’s they’d end up at a party or out at the pub, Felix’s vultures always swarming him. It helped that their friendship was getting stronger, closer but those nights still took an immense toll. Feeling alone surrounded by people in the pub, surrounded by Felix’s friends who laughed and joked, spilling beer all over the already sticky table when they cheersed to some most likely absurd thing. 

Oliver knew it was important, always reminded himself of that, it was vital to the plan to get in good with these people, to laugh and joke and pretend he was enjoying their company. He reminded himself that the time he spent with Felix was important, that it was creating some foundation of sorts, a foundation that would lead to what he really wanted. Oliver even found himself not hating the idea of spending time with Felix, especially if they were alone. It was as close to enjoyment as Oliver had ever felt around another person that didn’t involve one of his perfectly crafted plans. 

“Don’t worry about Farleigh Olls, he doesn’t warm up to many people. He just worries about his place” Felix tone was soft, comforting. Oliver knew that Felix was somewhat aware of how painstaking the nights out were for Oliver. He’d often keep him company, offering a type of protective buffer for Oliver but he couldn’t always be around to provide it. 

“His place?” 

Felix took a sharp breath in and a long deep sigh out as if what he were about to say was taxing to him “We spent most of our summer’s together as kids running around Saltburn. Then his mother married some god awful man and moved them across to America. Spent all her money then most of Dad’s as well. Bloody awful really Ollie, daddy’s been helping her out ever since and just felt dreadful about Farleigh so he’s paying for his school as well. Not that he's learning much more than how to suck off old men.”

“Honestly that’s why I think he acts the way he does toward you, worried that someone will replace him and then his lifestyle, supported by my father.” 

“Well it’s what daddy says anyway, that Farleigh is always the way he is, wearing masks to impress us all so that he won’t lose out on the money like his mother did.” Felix sounded resigned to the fact, like he was insufferably bored of the topic

“Try not to worry Olls, I know he’s a bore sometimes with the act he puts on but it’s just the way he is” His tone perked up and he swung his arm over Oliver’s shoulders and pulled him in closer as if they were a united front against Felix’s own friends.

Oliver just nodded along, filling the information away for later use. Felix really was just too forthcoming with information, Oliver guessed it was from a life never having to think about the next move, so why would you ever worry about what juicy little bits of information you drop into conversation. 

*

The group of girls huddled behind the rack of books really didn’t understand acoustics very well as they tried to hush their voices as they giggled and whispered pointing toward Oliver and Felix. The library's layout only amplified the whisper and giggles, drawing more attention toward the group.  

“God Ollie, how do people deal with this” his voice was harsh, annoyed, frustrated

Oliver barely looked up form his desk

“Deal with what?” 

“Can’t you hear them, see all the groups of people huddling together whenever they see us?” 

Oliver looked up then, stared at the group of girls whispering loudly about them

“Are you okay Felix” The Alpha looked like he was going to be sick, anxiety written all over his face 

“Can we get out of here ?” Felix asked, tone low but shaking slightly 

“Sure” Oliver agreed, packing away his books, throwing a last look at the group still staring at them 

Felix led them to a quiet secluded area of campus, a little park of sorts, one or two picnic tables and trees surrounding them 

“I just hate it, ever since all that shit with Michael people look at me differently. They used to all whisper in groups about me but it was just the same nonsense shit they always did, wondering who I was fucking, talking about how rich I was or how good looking. It’s different now, like people are scared of me” Felix sounded physically wounded by the constant gossiping they endured since the Michael incident 

“Do you regret it ?” Oliver asked, eyes glued to a spot on the table

“Ollie, god Olls, no never. Of course I don’t regret it, Michael is a fucking prick and what he was doing to you was disgusting. I don’t regret it, I just wish maybe I did it different” Felix was watching intently at the way Oliver flinched at his mention of Michael

“It’s different though, I’ve never lost control like that before, let the instincts take over and I just, I’m worried I’m becoming one of those pig headed jerks who just take what they want because they’re an Alpha” 

When Felix looked up Oliver’s face was etched with concern, he certainly didn’t seem to agree with Felix’s statement.

“My father, he uh, he always wanted me to be more like that. Wanted me to be stronger, to be more aggressive, to stop looking at the world from this ‘childish’ lens. He’s always on about how no one will respect me as an Alpha if I don’t take taking responsibility for my image, always says just my name and money alone won’t win me respect” 

Oliver rested a hand on his in comfort and it did feel comforting, comforting enough that Felix felt like he could really actually let it all out. 

“You don’t know what it’s like, Ollie, there's always so much pressure on my shoulders, everyone watching my every move constantly so they can judge me behind my back. Once in college I got in a fight and this guy just kept hitting me and I just couldn’t hit him back. When I got home mum bandaged me up and Dad got me boxing lessons, said it was an embarrassment to the name and it couldn’t happen like that again. I know I have to be different, to be stronger if I want people to respect me when I take over the estate, I just don’t know how to do that, how to be like that. I’m so scared that I won’t be able to keep it all going” 

Felix felt the hand around his tighten, Oliver stayed quiet though 

“I just, I never asked for this Ollie, never wanted to be some Alpha in charge of Saltburn and everything the Catton’s run. I just, I just wanted to be me, to prove to them all I wasn’t the same. That’s why I always take people in, why I always want to help, I want people to see me differently. To see me as I see myself, someone who cares, someone who helps. Now though, it feels like everyone just sees me as some typical rich dickhead.” Felix's voice progressively got softer, more gentle and fragile as he spoke about his life, his fears and worries. Oliver just held his hand, squeezing it as a sign of comfort, like he understood. 

“I see you Felix, I see what everyone else doesn’t, they are too focused on the mask to see what’s behind it” when Felix looked up Oliver’s face was so raw, so exposed, so honest. He couldn’t hold back the comfort it gave him, to know that everything he tried to do to change his image wasn’t for nothing, that someone other than his mother and sister finally saw him. 

“I know it’s scary Felix, I was scared too, but you saved me, you protected me in the way an Alpha should. You kept me safe” Oliver’s eyes were glossy with tears and it made Felix break too, he’d been on the verge of tears since it all happened, so confused by everything, by the instincts blending that it turned to pure fear. Oliver moved to sit next to him, wrapped his arm around his shoulder and brought Felix into him, running a hand through his hair the way his mother did when he needed comfort, needed to be hidden from the world for a moment. 

* 

Oliver thought they’d made progress since the vulnerable moment in the park. He thought finally things would be changing, progressing, but Felix seemed to switch. Fickle in nature of course, but this change seemed deliberate, like he was trying to pretend the vulnerability didn’t happen. 

To squash the rumours that Felix was staking his claim on Oliver he seemed to go to the excess to prove how incorrect it was. The partying increased and it was painful to be pulled along by a drunk Felix to the next after, after party. He’d blend in with the shadows and watch as Felix snorted a line and danced the energy off before repeating it again and again. Pulling some random girl in and then pushing her up against a bathroom stall, both gagging for the sexual release. 

It was vial to watch, two human beings taking the edge off the ‘stressors’ they felt by fucking in a dirty bathroom. As if they knew anything about a stressful life, as if they knew anything about living without everything within your means. 

Sometimes Felix would keep Oliver close for most of the night, they’d be stuck in their own world until Felix seemed to notice the eyes on them, notice the way people would whisper and point then he’d get up abruptly after playing a game of eenie - meenie - minnie - mo and choosing some girl at random to take home to fuck. It was repulsive the way Felix crumbled under the weight of judgement and reverted back to his usual self- so confused about who he really was, about what he really wanted that he just did what he always did, did what he felt was expected of him. 

It was a sad character flaw, one that Oliver would have never chosen to be with except under these circumstances. What he deemed acceptable behavior and not really didn’t come into play when his ultimate goal was mating and wealth, but it was sad though, sad to watch on as Felix played his stupid, shallow games. 

He battled with himself often, with the desire to just let it all go, focus on another target that would take less work, an older target maybe. One where he didn’t need to play stupid childish games with, instead  someone who wanted something pretty on their arm, something to spread their own legs at night and welcome them in. He knew it would have been so much easier, so much less energy expended than he had to for Felix, but he couldn’t resist the challenge, couldn’t resist the sweet satisfaction of winning Felix fucking Catton. It was a trait he knew he really should work on, this fiery desire to rise against even his own better judgement, this part of him that resisted authority, even his own. 

He’d invested so much time already into Felix, so many hours of stupid conversation to gain new information and insight. Maybe his own desires were clouding it too, creating bias, Felix was pretty, dumb and shallow, but he was pretty. Easy to toy with, easy to manipulate and ultimately he would be quite a submissive Alpha partner when they finally mated. There were just too many bonuses that came with Felix to let it all go so easily. 

So Oliver watched in disgust from the seat on the dirty lounge as Felix held a hand out to the latest girl, smacked her ass and sent Oliver a wink as he walked out. God he hoped the idiot was smart enough to use protection. Oliver didn't want to deal with some venereal disease because Felix was too stupid to wrap it. Even worse would be an unplanned pregnancy, although that would be almost impossible unless they were both on heat and rut together. The idea though, to have to share his future wealth with some stupid slag just to cover alimony. 

If it weren’t enough to have to deal with Felix’s pointless mood swings every time they went out he’d also have to endure the airheaded conversations with the inner circle. The passing judgements of clothing brands or styles that someone wore, the constant string of gossiping that had them all drooling at the mouth. It was all so shallow level, Oliver was above it all. It never came from a place of need to protect or defend the helpless victims of their cruel conversations but it all just seemed so utterly stupid. 

Who cares if someone was wearing something out of style, if someone was caught blowing some guy in the alley or if some student sucked off a teacher for an extra grade point. None of it meant anything, none of the people meant anything, they were just extras on set. Just people to fill in sections between scenes. It was all just so boring, so vapid , so bland. In order to fit in though Oliver occasionally chimed in with a comment of his own, often it was overlooked but at least Felix felt he was trying to fit in. 

For all the talk Felix had about wanting to be seen as kind and caring, his intentions seemed misplaced. He cared just as little about these people as they all did, and would join in on the gossiping unless the person targeted looked particularly poor. It was like his sympathy only extended to the lowest class and anyone above that didn't deserve it. He wanted the accolades for helping someone less fortunate, but the accolades wouldn’t be as great if the person he helped wasn’t very clearly and visibly in need of help. He wanted so greatly to be seen as kind but didn’t seem to understand what the word meant beyond face value.  

The worst of it all, worse than sitting in on the stupid conversations, worse than listening to gossip about people he couldn’t place even in a line up consisting of only them, was Farleigh. The borderline narcissistic prick, the typical pig-headed Alpha, so hoped up on his own fucking bravado he’d probably suck his own cock if he could. So often he’d try to go head to head, so often he’d poke and prod trying to get a reaction, trying to assert his dominance over Oliver. 

The bile rose into his throat every time he had to have an interaction with him, every time he was forced to pretend old Farleigh had pulled one over on him, had roasted him to perfection without Oliver even noticing. The only solace he got was retreating to his mind to conjure up some truly fucked up way to get Farleigh back, to finally show Farleigh what he really was, to once and for all dominate Farleigh. Something quick and painless would be too good for him, it needed to be something truly masterful, something so deeply painful that all the money, booze and coping mechanisms could never help him escape from. 

Oliver suspected that maybe Farleigh saw that glimmer of similarity between them, that obvious mirror between them that showed identical intentions. Far too stupid to see it all though, far too obsessed with himself to see that Oliver would also be reflected in the same mirror. Maybe it was like Felix had said, Farleigh was too concerned with his spot being taken, with the money he was freely given being split and shared with another. Oliver felt he at least noticed something about him, more then any one else had ever noticed and it raised alarms bells for him. He had never been noticed in the slightest, nobody had ever questioned that maybe he wasn't what he presented. 

Every time they were left alone Farleigh would try new tactics, trying with the little amount of brain power he had to get a rise from Oliver, to find a way to twist the knife and make it hurt. Oliver resisted each time though, although the insult of such a small beginner trying to play Oliver’s game was far more painful then any of the words he spoke. 

“Off he goes again, to fuck another wet little Omega. Poor Ollie, never the one spread out on Felix’s bed huh?” He booped his nose to emphasize his words. 

“Felix already bored with his new dolly?” 

“Lonely little Ollie, forever stalking in the shadows?” he said in a sing-song voice

“God Oliver, you reek of desperation, too bad that doesn’t make Felix’s dick hard” 

“Oooo new top huh, did they have a sale at the Oxfam shop?” Farleigh laughed as he ran his fingers along the shirt sleeve, scrunching his face at the rough material 

“Enjoy it while you can Oliver, won’t take long for him to get bored of you. Once he’s soaked in all the glory of rescuing the damsel he won’t need you around anymore” Farleigh handed him a drink and a smoke, ruffling his hair 

Every single time Oliver gave that borderline manic smile, tight lipped, eyes joyless as he pandered to Farleigh’s need to feel he’d won something, won against Oliver in a game he thought they were playing. It was frustrating though, made it harder to keep plans on the table and set in motion with Farleigh coming in and metaphorically scattering all the pieces that were carefully laid in front of him. The only comfort came from the fact that Farleigh was so dim that he had no idea how many layers of games Oliver was winning underneath what was presented on the surface. 

*

“Olls, c’mon it’s gonna be a great night mate, dress-up party’s always are. All the girl’s in those tight little nurse outfits. Don’t be a bore Ollie” Felix poked his belly, trying to get him a little more relaxed, a little more jovial. 

“Can’t we just hang out here Felix. We always go out” 

“C’mon Olls, no we don’t. I’ve barely partied this semester at all, we always just hangout here and study. God, there's more to uni than that mate” 

“Jesus Felix, this is 'barely' partying for you. Seriously, we gotta study for that test anyway” 

“Fuck Ollie, that’s all you ever talk about, tests and studying. C’mon I promise I’ll help you get laid tonight, I’ll be your wing-man, pinky promise” Felix joked but held his little finger out for Oliver anyway, only for it to be slapped away

“Are you kidding Felix, I don’t wanna get laid, not everybody’s a fucking slag like you Felix, trying to fuck away the boredom because a life at uni, a life trying to grow yourself just isn’t thrilling enough for you. Just gotta have more and more and more don’t you Felix.” 

“Oh fuck off mate, really Ollie. Just because you can’t fucking pull mate it’s not on me. You’re just so fucking depressing that it’s hard for anyone to feel anything but pity when you’re around” 

Oliver scoffed so loudly, so sharply it felt like it sliced through Felix’s skin “You fucking lazy prick Felix. Not everyone has it like you do, not everyone has endless fucking money to pay off the school board so they can pass exams they don’t even sit for. Some of us have to work for what we’ve got” When Oliver spoke his tone was eerily calm, it was soft but the presence of building anger behind it was not hidden. 

“Urgh here we go, the fucking sob story again Ollie. You’d think after everything I did to pull you out of that shit, you’d be over it by now. It’s like a broken record Olls, just non-stop with sadness. I buy you food, I take you to parties, I help you meet new people and still it’s like a dark cloud just follows you. Time to get over it mate.” 

Oliver laughed loudly 

“Oh Felix, poor sweet little Felix, so much on your shoulders, Daddy wanting you to be a real Alpha and all you really want to do it fuck around. Poor little Felix who’s never experienced anything worse than having to deal with no air-conditioning in his private fucking dorm room. Poor Felix who wants to offer such shallow help to the poor so he can be praised for doing a ‘good deed’ by mummy and her friends. You have no idea Felix, no idea of the real pain that people have to endure every single day but they don't get a 3 month holiday in the Bahamas to recover from it. They have to get up the next day and continue on, locking all the pain away in the hope that one day they will have the time to heal it, to recover those parts of themselves.” 

Felix’s face looked crushed, then angry and finally settled on resolute. Oliver knew then he’d went too far, knew it throughout the entire fight that he needed to cool himself down, needed to avoid letting the fight really get to him or else this would be the outcome. Now it was, now this was the reality, he’d flown off the handle, let his own emotions bubble up so much that the mask couldn’t contain it and now Felix looked done. Felix’s emotions bruised and battered, Oliver’s words causing fractures and painful slashings in the walls his ego had built up inside him to avoid ever having to feel true empathy. That true bone deep type of empathy that could consume you if you let it, if you weren’t practiced in handling it in small doses. 

Oliver’s mind flicked through the different outcomes, trying to find the right reaction. He wanted to grovel, to apologies and maybe Felix would take it, would accept it. The memories of conversations with Felix about his mother though, aided in the decision making. He needed to be strong here, needed to be an emotionless void, to twist the knife for the last time would leave Felix confused, battling with emotions and unable to comprehend why Oliver wasn’t fighting to fix it. 

He stormed out the door, a little part of him hoping Felix would follow but he didn’t hear anything behind him as he walked back to his room. 

Hours and hours went by and Oliver couldn’t stop chastising himself, alternating between it all being okay and than that he’d fuck it all up. He’d pushed too soon, the bond with Felix wasn’t cemented yet and he’d pushed because selfishly he couldn’t handle enduring a few more of the dumb conversations. It had been building for weeks, watching Felix fight against his inclination toward spending time with Oliver and the ever present weight of expectations on his shoulders, his families, friends and his own trying him to push against his natural nature, trying to push him to be something else. His friend’s didn’t help always pestering Felix for being too caught up with Ollie and ‘not fun anymore’, they knew how to play Felix almost as well as Oliver was learning to. 

They’d complain that Felix and Ollie were inseparable before badgering Felix until he finally gave in and pestered Ollie to come with him. Of course the night’s brought them closer, the bond growing slowly but it just wasn’t the right timing. 

After the park incident Oliver thought it was stronger then it really was, he thought he had enough sway to pull Felix away, to start the slow process of secluding him from his friends but it didn’t work quite as well as he’d hoped. Every now and again Felix would relent and spend the night with Oliver studying and talking, sometimes having a quiet drink at the local pub but the very next night he’d always change his mind and want to head out to a party. 

He’d bitch and moan at Oliver if he mentioned how shitty his friends treated either of them. Felix would vehemently deny it, tell Oliver he just wasn’t getting to know them well enough and then he’d distance himself a little which made it feel like some push pull. Oliver was aware of the game but he wasn’t ready to throw in the towel so he’d let himself be led by Felix, pulled back into it, showered in attention when he agreed to give it one more shot with Felix’s friends. 

He tried numerous times to get Felix to open his eyes to the cruelty his friends would bestow on everyone else but Felix always gave his friend’s too much grace, he'd play it off as Oliver just not understanding their conversations or jokes. 

It had been building slowly, the fight simmering under the surface for a while but Oliver was disappointed in himself for letting it go so far. For letting his emotions take over him and giving back too much information, too much fight and anger in his replies to Felix. Too many cooks in the kitchen, he was reminded of the phrase when he thought of how he and all Felix’s friends were trying to pull Felix in their direction to get him to act and do what best served them. 

Unfortunately Oliver was the newest cook, the one that never fit in anyway, the easiest to let go of. He laid in bed for hours, staring at the ceiling like he’d done so many times in his life, conjuring up new plans, ways to bring Felix back to him, ways to play on that hurt he inflicted when he screamed at Felix for not understanding true pain. That was the blow that hit that hardest, that was the weak point he had to go for again. 

Chapter Text

“Where’s your little puppy Felix, I don’t see him under the table humping your leg” Farleigh laughed 

“Just fuck off “ Felix spat, the rest of the table looking just as hungry for the newest gossip. 

It had been days since the fight with Oliver and already everyone had noticed the lack of him. It was surprising to Felix considering it seemed not one of his friends ever even took note that Oliver was around, although now in his absence everyone seemed to care. It was frustrating, annoying the vapid stupid conversation he was enduring alone now. No Oliver to keep him interested, no Oliver to escape too when his friends all got too much. He was missing his absence, missing the warm little body always tucked next to him, the blue eyes sharing his glances when someone said something particularly stupid. 

Felix was missing him, missing having him around but it was always a bit like this when he left a new friend behind. It was just all a little more intense then usually because it was Oliver. 

He lay awake at night pondering over the conversations they’d had, his little heart jumping when he remembered the way Oliver held his hand, the way Oliver saw him, truly saw him. That had clearly been a lie though, with the way Oliver spoke to him in that fight, the things he’d said, Oliver didn’t truly see him, just lied like everyone else did. 

‘You have no idea Felix, no idea of the real pain that people have to endure every single day but they don't get a 3 month holiday in the Bahamas to recover from it. They have to get up the next day and continue on, locking all the pain away in the hope that one day they will have the time to heal it, to recover those parts of themselves’

The entire fight kept replaying for Felix over and over and he really didn’t want to rehash it now with his friends. He felt a little heartbroken that Oliver, this guy he’d tried to save, the guy he did save could have such an unrealistic view of him even after all the time they’d spent together. To say he helped only for praise was bullshit, he gave homeless people food all the time even when no one was around to see it. 

Eventually he’d given in to the constant badgering from his friends to come out, to stop sulking they’d all said. He wanted to just return to normal, to pretend he’d never met Oliver, to just erase his existence but it was like he’d weaseled under his skin, become a fixture in Felix’s life and when he wasn’t lying to himself it was sad to not have Oliver’s constant presence.

As sad as he was he was equally pissed that Oliver hadn’t even tried to reconnect, hadn’t come knocking on Felix’s door and apologized, admitting he was out of line with what he’d said. He hadn’t even returned the text message Felix had sent. He’d just continued on like the friendship meant nothing, like Felix hadn’t been feeding him and protecting him and introducing him to an entire new world for the past few months. It was utter bullshit really, a real example of Oliver’s lack of tact to treat him like this after he was the one that caused the fight. 

It was like he was possessed some days, by something other than his own conscious mind. He found himself repeating the behavior all that time ago when he’d first tried to carve a little Felix shaped space in Oliver’s life. He still knew his class schedule, still knew the likely spots Oliver would be in. Unconsciously he’d find himself outside one of the classes Oliver attended, or inside the library just trying to scope it out. 

Felix had to invest in a little bar fridge for his room, still unconsciously buying way too much food then he could eat in one sitting. His mind would wander often, to that place of worry. Questions arising ‘Had Oliver eaten?’ , ‘Was Michael still being a dick?’ , ‘Would Michael hurt him now that he knew Felix wasn’t around?’, ‘Was he still riding around on that bike Felix had given him?’ 

The questions kept popping up each time he’d catch sight of the back of Oliver’s head, red scarf against a pale yellow sweater, retreating into a crowd of students. It gripped his heart tightly sometimes to think this little Omega, this person he cared about almost as much as his sister could cast him aside. Could lie and say that Felix didn’t care. Why couldn’t Oliver see it, why couldn’t he understand just how deeply Felix cared. He wanted to show Oliver, to let him take a little peek into his brain and see how much space was taken up with concern for Oliver, even now. Even after the fight and the friendship seemingly thrown to the side, Felix still cared, still worried, still lay awake some nights wishing that it could have been different. 

*

“Oh come on Felix, don’t act like you actually cared about Oliver” Farleigh said, bringing Felix back to the present, shaking off his internal thought loop. 

“I did care, I did so much for him and he didn’t even thank me for it. Called me a fucking slag” 

Farleigh cackled “Well he’s got you there Felix” 

“He just wanted to fuck you” Anabelle said before adding her piece “he followed you around like a lost puppy. It was so embarrassing and then when you went off to fuck someone he’d just sulk here. God, he was such a bore” She rolled her eyes toward Farleigh 

“It was so boring sitting with him, like he had no idea what to even say or how to be part of a conversation. Like he’d never had a friend in his life” John stated, adding his two cents in. 

“It’s better when it’s just us anyway Felix, don’t stress a new toy will come soon enough, maybe just try for one that’s interesting to us all this time and not just you. It was exhausting having to dumb down all the jokes just so he could understand, not that he even tried” Farleigh nudged Felix arm, an attempt at a comforting gesture

“Urrghh and that mangy old sweater and scarf he always wore. I mean ripped clothing wasn’t even cool when it was in fashion” 

“Remember when he came in with that new blazer, the one you donated to Oxfam at the beginning of semester” 

“As if we didn’t already know that’s where he shopped. Honestly so sad really, god, the way his eyes always trailed you Felix, I was a bit worried he might kill you just so you wouldn’t leave'' Felicity joked, the others laughing along with it, all chiming in about how Oliver really looked and acted like a serial killer, as if they had any idea. 

The joke continued on, each adding more elements to it until it had become so far fetched. Felix got up to get the next round, ready to drown his sorrows, ready to forget fucking Oliver, the selfish little prick. He scanned the room while he waited at the bar, spotting a pretty blonde girl standing with her friends, blessing him with a shy smile as their eyes met. He loved it when they played coy, acted like they hadn’t clocked him the moment they entered the bar and weren’t just waiting all night to get a shot with him. 

“Fuck Oliver!” Felix announced as he dropped off the next round of drinks, cheersing with all his mates before heading off to the girl he’d just spotted. 

That was the mentality Felix tried to keep all night, even as the conversation was so tight and dry he had to down shot after shot just to keep his eyes open to listen for the obligatory amount of time before he could take this blonde back to his room. 

Fuck, maybe he was a bit of a slag, but fuck Ollie right?. His brain kept looping back to the same conclusion anytime it strayed too long on a particular insult Oliver had thrown at him. Fuck Oliver, he had no idea how to have fun, no idea how to enjoy being at college. So focused on studying all the time, focused on grades and papers and what for really. He should have been socializing, should have been working on fitting in like everyone else instead of just being off by himself. Like Mummy always said, networking was just as important.  

Thoughts of his Dad started chiming into the debate in his head. Times when his Dad had called him useless, complained about Felix’s ability to take life seriously, to focus on earning the right to be the heir to the Catton fortune. That coupled with the shit Oliver said, it just became a bit overwhelming. He had no idea how long or what the blonde was even talking about but he needed to get out of there, needed to bury himself inside her so he could forget all this shit in his head. Finish and then finally exhaustion would take him to sleep. 

She was still mumbling when he moved in a little closer, tilted his head to the side and asked her if she wanted to head back to his. She giggled and smiled as they walked back to the room. Finally his brain stopped its self destructive train of thought it had been on all night as he went through the motions, the routine these nights almost always followed. 

Kissing 

Get naked 

On his knees eating her out until she tugged at his hair

Finally he’d climb on top, smile down at her face, the same cheeky smile he always used as he slid inside her. 

She’d gasp in that borderline fake way they all did. 

He’d fuck her hard for a solid 5 minutes until he filled the condom

Slip out of her, tie it off and chuck it toward the bin

Obligatory cuddle and kiss, until he’d make some excuse for being too exhausted and needing to sleep for some made up thing he had to attend the next day 

It was always like this, the same steps in the same order, never anything exciting, never anything different, any variance. It was a well oiled routine, tried and true, so well practiced that Felix could do it almost on autopilot. Each time was the same, each noise a marker to move to the next step. He might even call it monotonous if he were really willing to be honest, to maybe face some shit, but Felix knew how to toe the line, to look at the truth and appraise whether to let it in or to jump back to the side of the fence he knew. 

This time was a little different though, usually his body was so over run by those relaxing chemicals after an orgasm that he could barely keep his eyelids open. Tonight though, just as the buzz of the orgasm wore off the train of thought started right back up, replaying the entire conversation with Oliver. He knew it was always a routine these hookups but he’d never felt so fucking empty after one. 

When she had finally re-dressed and the door had closed behind her, Felix turned the lights off again. Curled up on his side like he did when he was younger, on those nights when the pressure of his Dad’s expectations weighed on his heart too heavily. He’d curl up and let the tears slide silently down his cheeks and be absorbed by the pillow, all trace evidence of his shame gone by the morning. 

With the lights off it always felt more private, like he really was away from the entire world for a moment, hidden from everything while he felt the feeling’s he’d so often shove into a box and push off to the corner of his mind. 

Nausea hit him in waves as the tears flowed silently. Maybe Oliver was right, maybe his Dad was right, maybe he really was nothing but a name. If he weren’t Felix Catton would anybody care about his existence, if he didn’t have money and status would he be teased and joked about like all his friends had done to others tonight and every other night they’d been out. Was all the shit he prided himself on, the way he scooped people up and introduced them to his world, was it because he actually wanted their lives to improve or was it more similar to the way his mother just had people around as a way to escape all the shit she didn’t want to face. External drama always took precedence over internal drama. 

If he was so caught up with helping someone, with the accolades and the metaphorical parade he was thrown for showing kindness then there was no time to worry, no time to allow his mind to acknowledge the deep pit in his stomach. That part that felt like a heavy dark hole, endless and filled with nothing, a void inside himself. That part that only got bigger as each day brought him closer to having to become what was inevitable for him to become. His mother knew it, even though she tried to stave it off as long as she could. Her and Venicia the front line of defense trying to hold Felix back from his responsibilities as the Alpha son and the Catton heir. 

If all he was is just a name and that name came with expectations he could never deliver on, what would happen when he couldn’t be the Felix Catton that was expected of him? 

Would anyone still be around to see his fall from grace, his slow descent into that pit, that void inside himself that would consume him whole.

Every morning he woke up was a morning closer, every night he laid his head down on the pillow was a night closer to the impending date. To the moment Felix knew it would be all over, the moment he had dreaded his whole life but had no escape from. He was born into a cage, and like a captive animal he couldn’t escape what was coming for him. 

*

Oliver tried harder then usually to focus on the fucking reading in front of him. The words though were just squiggles on a page, they had no meaning, no context, no comprehension. His mind was too preoccupied with chastising him for one of the biggest thing’s he’d ever fucked up. 

So much was riding on it, his life, the life he deserved was getting brighter and more tangible everyday and then it was nothing more than a New Year’s Resolution some drunk person wrote on a napkin, it had no hope of being achieved. 

He tried to dodge his own scrutiny but it only lasted so long before every weak excuse at passing the blame to someone else wore thin and the only place the blame could fall was to him, the rightful owner. If only he had pulled back, if only he had let it go for just a little longer. He’d waited with patience his entire life for this but all of a sudden a few months was just too long to wait. The closer you got too the goal the harder it felt to take the last few steps.

God, the hatred for himself continued to fester inside, seeping poison every second of every day. He’d lay awake at night just replaying every single moment leading to and during the fight and pick out each singular moment he made the wrong choice. He should have given in and gone, should have held back on some of the clear disdain he had for Felix’s friends. If he’d just done this or that, his brain kept supplying him moment after moment that he’d continued to make the wrong choice. 

Too smug, too caught up in his own bravado to see he was making wrong choice after wrong choice. He’d let himself go, let himself get too comfortable like all those other strays Felix let in, he thought his place inside was more secure than it really was and one small push was all it took to make that foundation they were building crumble. 

It was embarrassing and vial to think that he’d acted just like Farleigh or one of the other minions, so high off their own importance to bother really taking in the contextual, verbal and nonverbal cues happening during a conversation. They didn’t need to, nothing would ever be destroyed if they didn’t bother looking deeper. For Oliver though, the last 5 months, all the time, effort, planning, actioning said plan all gone to waste because he’d gotten distracted. 

The entire fight, from the moment it began, alarm bells were ringing in his head, flashing lights tell him to ‘cool it’ but unlike a bull drawn to red, all those alarms didn’t even register for him. The words kept coming even when he knew he should stop, they just continued to spill out of him. Word’s that really weren’t even meant or directed at Felix, the intention was meant for the others, meant for his parents who fucked his life up when he had the opportunity to grow up and into the life he deserved. The anger all melded together and it got spilled out onto Felix, not where it was designated for. 

*

It was a shock to receive the message from Felix, a simple “Come over if you want to apologize”. So utterly Felix and he knew if he went and apologized maybe it would be done with maybe it would have been over, there was an olive branch extended ready and waiting for him to take it but some part of him knew it wasn’t the right play. It would have been too easy for Felix, if Oliver had just given in like that, pandered to him like everyone else did. A part of him knew from the conversation’s they’d had, the one’s where Felix put his mother on a pedestal, that in this situation she wouldn’t have just given in, so he couldn’t do it either. 

Oliver needed to emulate the only person Felix seemed to respect, wanted to respect. To play this situation like her, to let Felix feel the absence of him and then recognize he wanted it back. It was a risk, a big risk but if he gave in the game would certainly be over. 

It only got harder as the weeks continued on. Felix seemed to be around every corner, or at least one of the vultures that swarmed around fresh gossip were. The vultures that he’d spent plenty of time with at parties and the pub, the vultures that now barely gave him a glance when they walked passed one another. It wasn’t a surprise to know these people had grown no attachment to Oliver, they saw him as a toy, as one of Felix’s new strays and they knew it would only be a short amount of time until he was gone, most of them probably incredibly happy there was one less cook in the kitchen. 

Oliver could feel the eyes on the back of his head, tracing his movements as he dashed into crowds of people leaving lecture halls. No need to cast his eyes back to know it was Felix. It was the same thing in the library, he’d be tucked up close to a corner and then it would hit him, the hairs on the back of his neck shooting out, warning him of something. It was always Felix, looking lost in the library, pretending he was there for any other reason then to track Oliver. It put him in a place of unease, to be the chased and not the chaser was not particularly his usual style. Felix had gotten under his skin though, had distracted him from his mission and it was unsettling to be shaken like that. 

Farleigh of course was the exception, always leaning over to chat to Oliver in classes. Passing comments about Felix having a big night at the party or how’d they’d all had such a night, one to remember always such a shame Oliver couldn’t make it. Farleigh played it as if everyone noticed and missed his absence, like he was an integral part of the group. It was a vicious play on Farleigh’s part, pouring straight alcohol into a fresh and gaping wound. 

Even though he could see it, knew what was happening each time it still hurt, was still hard not to snap back. Each single comment was a reminder of how he’d failed in his plan, how he, himself had ruined it. Farleigh must have seen the minute almost invisible reactions to his comments and was trying for more, always trying to push a reaction from Oliver. That was their game, the one they always played, the one no one except them both were aware of. Farleigh didn’t need some outlandish reaction to know he’d gotten Oliver, just a passing expression on his face was enough of a prize to him. 

*

Plans continued to form, ways to get Felix back. It had to be something large, something even worse than the Michael shit, something that incorporated Felix’s obsession with being seen as the white knight saving the damsel. Giving in and just asking for the friendship back wasn’t going to work, it would show some weakness and Felix would not doubt cast him out again soon if there wasn’t something even deeper tying them together. 

It needed to be something secret too, something that wouldn’t draw attention of others. The secretive nature of it would bond them closer and would hide it from the vultures scrutinizing nature. It would have to be something so big, so vial and something Oliver would have to swear Felix to secrecy to ensure that the bond was kept away from others input. 

It needed to hit all the weak parts in Felix’s armor, his desire to be the savior, his tendency to view Omega’s like others did as small and weak and in need of protection. It needed to call forward those Alpha instinctual behaviors of Felix’s to increase the shame and need for secrecy afterward. It had to be something so bad that Felix’s need to give comfort and protect could continually be called forward time and time again, whenever Oliver felt the need to strengthen the bond. 

The odds were working in his favor with the increasing stalking Felix was doing. It meant that whatever he came up with he could be no doubt sure that Felix would be there to see it or at least the aftermath. 

He toyed with the idea of involving Michael again but it didn’t seem to hold enough weight. He thought of the idea of a teacher, that power imbalance already in place would definitely add the extra oomph he needed. A teacher would also be more reason to keep it secret, something that Felix and Oliver shared, something that bonded them because no one else knew or would find out. 

His mind jump through teacher to teacher, trying to pull out any information about them he had. Professor Thorn came to the forefront of his mind, an older teacher, one he knew Felix already disliked. The teacher also had rumor's following him of his distaste for Omegas while simultaneously the scandalous relationships he’d often start with them. 

It was almost too perfect, almost too easy to form many little plans that could involve him. Felix catches Oliver rushing out of the office after hours, smelling of sex and pushing Felix away when he asks about it. Spouting some bullshit about needing to do it to keep his scholarship. It would be so damn easy to create the perfect lie, rooted in rumor's already following the professor to make it all that much more believable. 

He had to swallow the bile that rose in his throat though, especially after the heat situation. Little flashback jumping to the forefront of his mind, the blood, the vicious words hurled at him, the ambulance sirens blaring, the blue flashing lights melding together with the stars through his teary eyes as the stretcher he was laying on bounced up and down, pushing him toward the ambulance.

He shook the thoughts off, angrily wiped the tears accumulating on his water line, breathing in shallow calculated breaths. It wasn’t ideal to go down this route again but what needed to be done needed to be done. It would be worth it in the end, worth it if Felix felt so bonded to him, felt so guilty and sad for what happened with the professor that he wouldn’t let Oliver from his sight. He was already stalking him so it wouldn’t be hard to press on that protective/obsessive button Felix had. The tighter the bond the easier it would be to move forward to the mating phase. Plans were already in place for that, he’d practiced and tested the various heat/rut suppressants on the market, the mating would be far more simple.

Creating what some might think of as a toxic bond prior to the mating though, that would make everything that followed so much easier. To be mated was one thing, but having so many ties bonding you and another, from so many different emotional situations would only make the mating stronger. All these extra bonds would only make it harder for Felix to ever let him go, he needed that, needed Felix so emotionally tied to him that if he were to ever leave or be forced out Felix would not be able to handle his absence.

The plan started to form in front of him, at first the larger arc and then his brain focusing in on the smaller details, the meticulous details that if overlooked may ruin the entire plan, rendering it pointless. The small part in the back of his mind, that little part he’d named Omega, that part he so often pushed back into its closet, just wouldn’t shut up. It’s weak little crying, it’s pleading not to do this again, forcing tears to accompany the little shiver of pain through his body when the Omega supplied yet another picture from that night. 

It became increasingly more frustrating, that small, insignificant part of himself that no matter how much he tried to, he couldn’t ever kill it. It always came back, after months of drug suppressants it just rose back again, banging loudly on the closet in his mind Oliver had stuffed it into. Eventually he gave in, only doing it once before, knowing it didn’t do anything to change what had happened. 

Just like he had last time he sat shivering and huddled to the corner of the shower floor, knees pulled tight to his chest, body shaking all over, arms pulling his legs closer so he was protected. The steam of the shower fogging the mirrors, helping him let go and feel hidden.

Oliver unlocked the door in his mind and let the Omega out, shouted at it for ruining everything, for making so much noise, but extending it the slightest amount of empathy and allowing it free reign of his body for the next 30 minutes. Before Oliver closed his eyes and let the Omega take over he reminded it, the timer was set, 30 minutes was all it had to get over everything, the plan would go ahead regardless but he was allowing it 30minutes to feel the copious amounts of bottled feelings. They all sat on a shelf in his brain labeled 'THAT NIGHT - DO NOT TOUCH' . He'd done so well not to touch them, left them to collect dust and bypassed them completely, but if this was the sacrifice the Omega in him needed so he could move forward, back on track with the plan, then that's what had to happen. Pain and pleasure were always linked for him, the golden pleasure of achieving his ultimate goal would no doubt have more pain to come, then just the pain he'd already endured. 

His body shook, expending every ounce of energy he had as everything came crashing at him in tidal waves. Anger, frustration, humiliation, guilt, shame, weakness, rejection, fear all eliciting different floods of physical responses across his body. His face tinted pink from the shame and guilt, the anger gnawing at his throat, a sharp painful lump appearing, making it hard to swallow. Weakness and fear kept him shaking, as well as shrinking closer to the shower floor, eyes darting around the steamy bathroom, all fear receptors on alert, waiting and watching for whatever was causing the sympathetic nervous system to go into overdrive. 

Laying on the ground of the shower, the spray of the water crashing over him, his eyes solely focused on the tears, clear snot and spit swirling down the drain. All evidence of his weakness being washed away. When the shrill timer rang out in the room he could barely lift his head. His body felt empty once again, hollowed out and completely raw, his head was light, like he was floating almost but completely untethered which made the feeling verge into the territory of unsafety. He couldn’t focus his eyes and just tapped a wet finger around on the screen until finally the sound stopped. 

He had nothing left, no energy to move anymore then he had already. Sleep pulled him in, it’s comforting empty void calling out to him. Hours later he woke to the banging on the bathroom door, a towel half slung around his body asleep on the ground, face tucked into the wet bathmat, lower body still on the shower floor, the heavy glass door resting against his back. 

Chapter Text

“Urgh Felix, this sad boy act is just utterly tiring. It’s so boring” Farleigh patted his mouth to feign a yawn 

“Farls honestly, just shut the fuck up” Felix snapped

Farleigh rolled his eyes before continuing “It’s just so sad to see, little Oliver wormed his way in so good and now you’re just moping around after him” 

It had been the same conversation for days now. The more days that passed since the fight the more Felix just couldn’t seem to bounce back. The partying and pub nights just weren’t cutting it, the random hookups and filthy bathroom sex just wasn’t enough, didn’t feel the way it used to, didn’t feel right. 

Another week had passed and Felix couldn’t help but continue the same routine, watching Oliver move around campus. One morning he looked so lost, eyes almost glazed over, feet shuffling along the ground, big blue eyes constantly blinking around like he was confused at how he’d got to each place. Felix followed him that entire morning, concern churning in his gut as Oliver seemed to float around the campus, directionless, like an empty ghost of who he really was.

It was worrying, more worrying than the fact that from Felix’s calculations he probably hadn’t eaten right in weeks now. The situation was becoming increasingly more concerning but Felix had no idea what to do about it. How to move forward with the situation, how to go back to the way it was. 

Every time he thought about reaching out, the sting of rejection creeped back up, the humiliation of crawling back to Oliver when it should have been him apologizing. It stopped him from taking that step every time. 

Holidays were approaching fast and Felix felt that maybe he just needed some separation, some time away from Oliver and school. A couple of weeks to get back in touch with his roots, with himself and he’d come back refreshed. Daddy was going to be away the entire holidays so the idea of home was even more comforting now, it would just be Mum and Venicia, his warriors, his cheerleaders and they would help him get over it all. 

Farleigh would be there also, but maybe he could convince Mummy to send him home to America for the holidays. The constant narration of his life voiced by Farleigh was increasingly more infuriating, his voice having become grating on Felix’s last nerve. He wanted to snap, to just get his cousin away from him, however he could. He continually zoned out when he was talking, trying to compose himself, only a few weeks till holidays he continued to remind himself. 

“Ollie, oh love, haven’t seen you in ages” Farleigh’s shrill high pitched fake voice rang out across the campus grounds. 

Immediately Felix’s eyes scanned the area and landed on Oliver, watched as the small man tried to shrink back into himself and tried to hide away from his own name being shouted out to him. 

Oliver stayed put, which only amped Farleigh up

“Ollie, gosh so lovely to see you, you always dart off after class. We’ve missed you little doll” That sickly sweet tone of condescension he always used around Oliver. Walking across the ground, people seemed to part ways for Farleigh to walk over, Oliver seeming frozen solid where he stood, like his legs couldn’t move even though it was evident he so desperately wanted them too. 

The group followed and a few beats later Felix was walking behind them, over to poor Oliver who was now surrounded by the group. Deer in headlights expression on his face. 

“You should come out with us Olls” Farleigh reached forward to stroke his forearm and tug on the sleeve of that old yellow sweater. 

Oliver wore a shocked expression as he scanned around the group, eyes going wide when he spotted Felix. 

“I should go” Oliver gestured over his shoulder 

“I know you don’t have any classes now Ollie, don’t be a bore come out with us” Farleigh pushed, in the way he always did, in the way his entire family did, the ever present expectation that others should be blessed to want to be in their company. 

Felix felt like he was out of his body, watching the exchange in slow motion, taking in all the non-verbal communication everyone was signaling. Oliver looked like he was about to be sick, like a terrified animal pinned against a wall. The others jumped in to back Farleigh up, rolling their eyes and smug little smiles to each other. Felix knew from experience that Oliver really had no chance of saying no, of getting out of this. His eyes locked with Felix and maybe it was the guilt of the situation or the rising joy of spending time with Oliver again that did it, made him throw that small smile at Ollie, that one filled with sympathy, that one that said ‘I’m sorry, forgive me for their actions?” 

The small pinched smile was all that was needed and Oliver relaxed immediately, all tension in his shoulder dropping and his face returning a smile to Felix. 

“Okay” Oliver finally answered. 

* 

Oliver trailed behind the others on the way to the pub, like he’d done so many times before but Felix was cold and rigid next to him, not showing any emotion. He felt like an animal being led to slaughter. The group gossiping and cackling like hyenas at their nasty jokes, Oliver was used to this behavior but today, god today it felt frightening. He tried to swallow the thick lump of fear in his throat but it wouldn’t go down. 

He should just back out now, should just avoid the entire situation and head home. It was clear Felix didn’t really want him there and it was clear to everyone that Oliver only agreed to come to spend time with Felix. 

“I can leave” OIiver whispered to Felix

Felix just stared down at him, the option just hung between them

“No, I think you should stay” Felix replied softly, the small smile appeared again. 

Oliver could feel how tense they both were, even with the reassurance from Felix it didn’t seem like either of them were in for a fun night. Maybe at least with this awkwardness in the interim, the next plan will have more of an impact at least. Oliver grabbed his stomach, suddenly nauseous as he remembered that next plan he had in place. Remembering back to the bathroom floor, the way he’d floated the day after, directionless because his body was still in some sort of shock from feeling all those emotions at once. 

The pub was crowded as it usually was, but their spot in the corner tables was vacated quickly when they all arrived. Oliver had missed that feeling, missed being important to random strangers by proxy of being next to Felix. When they sat, Felix was opposite to Oliver, a change from the usual, the way they always were drawn to each other, sat so close they were practically on top of each other. 

The crowded pub was extra warm tonight, the winter chill having left for another year as the summer started to peek in. Everyone shucked off jumpers and jackets, Oliver just sat and stared at Felix, it was still so tense between them, Felix actively looking around him whenever his face wasn’t focused on the grain of the wooden table. 

*

Farleigh smiled in the corner, oh how he loved a little extra drama. Felix had just been such a bore recently and it needed to be shaken up a little. Of course Oliver was never a favourite person of his, but you’d have to be dumb to see how much sadder, how lifeless Felix was since Oliver hadn’t been around. He’d never admit it to anyone but he loved his cousin, loved him more when he was the fun, carefree Felix, all of that had only amped up when Oliver had come along. He was like a missing puzzle piece, fitting to parts of Felix that no one else ever could. 

It had been infuriating having Oliver around but it was worse to be around Felix without his Oliver. Like a sad child who only wanted their favourite toy and continually tantrumed for it. Felix was extra snappy, extra bitchy and the tact he usually held was gone. He was constantly worked up about Oliver and even as the week’s passed he didn’t seem to be getting over it. 

Assessing Oliver he guessed maybe he could understand why Felix was so drawn to him, but Felix was too dim to see the unnerving menace behind Oliver’s façade. Or maybe that was what Felix was attracted to, this air around Oliver, a mystery about him, but it wasn’t just a hidden sadness it was something else, something dangerous. Farleigh felt himself often jumping between being creeped out by Oliver and finding himself intrigued by him. It was different for Felix he knew, Felix had so many other hangups that Oliver seemed to ease for him. 

The two were just taking turns glaring at each other across the table, sad eyes and even sadder expressions. Shoulders slumped and barely peeking up to take quick glances of the other. Farleigh was quite disgusted by it, it had been weeks of Felix looking like a kicked puppy and he couldn’t handle it tonight, not with so much added intensity. He had being trying to fix the situation, expecting his meddling to just have them falling back into their usual roles.

*

“Ollie, urggh, take this ratty thing off, it’s like a hundred degrees in here” Farleigh pulled at the well worn scarf around Oliver’s neck.

Oliver’s brain told him to grab the scarf back, to hold it fucking close to him, but his body didn’t take the instruction. 

The room felt like it was closing in, the noise and laughter from everyone outside the table dulled, blurred into a faint hum. He felt the cooler air along his sweat covered neck, used to being covered constantly. One by one he took in the silent gasps, the shocked mouths covered by hands and the wide eyes of everyone around the table. No one said anything, the table was just silent, Oliver could feel the intensity of everyone staring at the scar. For a moment he felt like he could read minds, he knew it was all clicking into place for everyone. 

The thick matted scar where a mating mark should be. They were told horror stories of it in sex education classes. Told the most horrible, vial and only way to remove a mating mark before it took hold. Urged to stay abstinent until they met their one because a mating mark was for life, unless someone had a hold of wolfsbane and that someone administered it within minutes of the mark being placed. Public service announcements were on the news each night when more and more Omega’s turned up dead from it. 

The police never cared, always just prostitutes and sex workers, occasionally a young teen Omega but it was always passed off as their own fault. The news just ran the stories, not for justice for Omega’s but as a way to scare the public into some odd type of puritan culture. 

Even since he’d gotten the mark he’d hid it. The ugly matted scar, barely healing over itself, constantly red and stretched, scaring over scarring as the medics had to slice into it to remove all the poison. He hid it because he knew what people would think, knew what everyone at the table was thinking now. That he was something filthy, something disgusting, something that deserved what happened because how could anyone want to mate and mark an Omega that would put themselves in a position for this to happen. 

Every time he looked in the mirror it was a reminder, a reminder that plans don’t always go the way he thought they would. A reminder of the night he thought might be his last, of the overwhelming pain that continued for hours even after he was sedated. After two successful go’s at selling his first heat, he knew it was greedy to try for a third but he just needed that little extra cash. The good quality suppressants he could afford then did their job and held off his heat so he had enough time to organise the next sale. By holding it off, he knew it made it more intense, intense enough that it could trick some dumb alpha into thinking it was the first time. 

Oliver searched the faces of those at the table, Farleigh at least looking sufficiently guilty. It was all over now, everyone knew and surely by the next week the entire school would know. There was no mistaking the mark for anything other than what it was, the thick overlapping scarring right over the top of fang marks. Whatever they all inferred from it didn’t matter, he didn’t want the pity, didn’t want the judgements or the empty condolences. This was the only thing in Oliver’s entire life that caused him real emotions, and now he was forcibly shown bare to a table full of people that never liked him anyway. 

The longer the silence went on the more Oliver’s brain scrambled to try and find any shred of hope to cling to. There was nothing though, school would be ruined because of this, any chance he had to get himself an Alpha would be completely gone now, the rumours would spread far and he doubted even if he moved a few hours away the gossip wouldn’t follow him there. The rich had their circles and he was certain the gossip would spread through them. 

Oliver didn't even bother to look at Felix before he reached across the table pulling the scarf back to him. He tied it tight around his neck, stood and hurried quickly from the pub. The nausea was steadily building, everything felt like it was crashing down around him. Everyone at the table saw and probably most of the people in the pub as well. Everything was ruined, he panted, doubled over by the river and threw up. 

The ever present Omega in the back of his mind pushing its way through the door it was hidden behind. Frantic as ever, stressed because of the vulnerability of the situation, memories of the night continued to flash forward like the night in the bathroom. Guilt, shame and a sense of failure continued to wash over him in waves. His stomach knotted up in pain, gagging even though nothing was coming up. The emotions he’d locked away as soon as he could were all coming out to be felt. The things he hid from in his past coming back up to taunt him. 

He slumped against the bridge, pulling his knees to his chest, panic setting in making everything around him a perceived threat. He knew he smelt of acute terror but he had no idea what to do from here, no little plans coming in to save the day. 

*

Felix watched in fear as Oliver sat completely still, eyes wide and going glassy with unshed tears. There it was, glaringly obvious on the side of his neck, thick scarring covering more scarring. He knew what it was, had seen it before in health class, had heard people speak about it in boarding school. A sick way to get the endorphin high an Alpha got from a mating mark without the everything else that came with it. 

Boy’s in his school had joked about it when it was all over the news, had laughed and jested about how great that feeling would be. The mating mark, such a sacred thing, such a deep high that could never be achieved outside of it, now it was spoken about as something they could get without having to stay mated. A quick and easy out, reach the high, mate the Omega and immediately dissolve the mark with poison that could kill them. 

That’s the first fight Felix got into, he beat the shit out of an Alpha on his rugby team in the changing rooms. Felt sick hearing the way the guy spoke of Omegas, such disregard for them as anything other than something to fuck. He’d lost it, lost control of himself and absolutely attacked the other male, the team tried to pull him off but nothing could stop him. He hurled insults and jumped on top of the guy, punching him until his face was unrecognisable. 

Blood dripped from his knuckles but it didn’t feel like it was enough, the guy deserved to be dead. His death could protect so many and that was Felix’s goal. To protect any poor unsuspecting Omega that decided to share a heat with him. 

*

Felix looked around the table trying to gauge the reactions of everyone, they all just looked a little shocked. The blood was thrumming through his body, he felt alight, like a live bomb and ready to explode. Farleigh looked guilty for what he’d done although it didn’t really squash the feeling he had to absolutely beat the shit out of him. Anger was coursing through his veins and all he wanted to do was fucking attack something, to put this anger somewhere, to get it out of his body. He wanted to rip apart the person that had done this to Oliver, a person that would do that to anyone. 

When Farleigh called to him, his voice sounded muffled like he was underwater, everyone was staring at him, expressions ranging from fear to worry. He knew he must have looked about to lose it, inside him felt like an animal clawing at his skin to get free, to be unleashed and hunt down anyone that could do that to someone. 

Felix picked up on the smell of absolute terror, knew it was from Oliver and just stood and walked to the door. He was so large and probably looked terrifying to those around him that they just parted ways for him. He stopped to turn back to the table, made eye contact with each single person there

“If any single one of you mentions that to anyone, I will kill you and you know my family will hide your death” Felix challenged 

He followed the scent out the door, knowing inside himself that he really was in no condition to try and have a conversation with Oliver about it, to try and convey his apologies when all he felt was utter rage. 

*

When Felix finally found him, Oliver was still tucked up against the side of the bridge, he knew he was in some sort of shock, his body was terrified and it had started to shut down all unnecessary functions, getting him ready to flee at a moments notice. 

It hadn’t been long since he’d left the bar but he had no comprehension of time. All he could think about was the night it happened and then running from those memories to the current situation, to the mess that had been created. No matter what thoughts he tried to reach that could bring him any comfort, there was nothing but pain and fear. 

Felix knelt next to him, reminiscent of that night under the tree when it was raining heavily and they first met. Felix was gentle, careful and although he smelt like pure anger Oliver could hear he was trying to approach him as carefully as possible. 

There was silence between them for a long while, eventually Felix’s arm was around his shoulders and he relaxed into the warmth that was offered. He hadn’t realised that he’d been shaking, the complete breakdown had left his body shivering. Eventually Felix broke the silence, Oliver thought it would be immediately into questioning him but thankfully Felix held back curiosity. 

“You okay?” Felix whispered

“Yeah” Oliver answered, but there was nothing behind it. What else could he respond with, 

‘Of course I’m not okay, this horrific thing happened to me once and left this ugly scar on my shoulder, so that everyone immediately knows exactly how it happened the moment they see it’ 

“Sorry Olls, that was a shit question. I just, I want to help but I don’t know how” Felix reflected 

Oliver just sighed deeply, shoulders slumping. Of course Felix wanted to help, he’d been chasing him around like a lost puppy ever since the fight. How could he help though, nothing could help this, ignoring it was the only solution. Looking away from the mirror every time he got dressed until he could put the scarf back on and hide the mark was the only way he’d found to handle it. He wanted to swallow it all down, to ignore it now and hide behind one of his masks but they all seemed shattered, what point was there in wearing one now when he’d just been shown bare and vulnerable to an entire group of people. The secret he kept hidden even from himself was now out in the open, subject to everyone’s judgements. 

“You can’t do anything Felix, no one can. The scars are there now and even if I had the money they can’t fix it, the surgeon said it’s too delicate.” 

“I’d do anything to help, I can get you in to see mummy’s plastic surgeon. He’s the best in the country” Felix pleaded

Oliver smiled, stared at Felix’s face. Of course he would do anything, he had the biggest saviour complex he’d ever seen. For as dim as Felix could be, he really was such a beautiful thing. As much as Oliver could fault him on not understanding the world he hadn’t grown up in, he knew that Felix tried at least. Maybe it was the knowing that this was the end, that he'd probably never see Felix again, but it made him feel a certain way, nostalgic maybe. 

The more he looked at Felix, catalogued the pained expression on his face, the more he grew sadder knowing that Felix really had been the perfect person to fill that role in his life and now that dream was over. It was like watching the perfect ending slip away, if only things had worked out to plan. 

For all he knew about Felix, he knew that to some degree they could have made each other happy. At some point Felix would have found out about the scar but god he hoped it could have been something that was put off until after the mating. 

“How did it happen Ollie?” 

Oliver huffed a laugh to himself, of course Felix would ask at some point, of course curiosity would kill the cat so to speak. He wanted to be angry at him for asking, but he knew the anger would be misplaced. Of course Felix would ask, anyone would. With the way Felix had responded to the act with Michael, it was silly to not think that he would lose his mind when presented with what Ollie had gone through. The mask’s weren’t there anymore but old habits die hard and Oliver was not about to ruin his last moments with Felix but telling him the real truth about that night. 

Oliver shook his head

“My parents, they sold my heat. My first. They wanted money and that’s what they got and now I have to live with this forever” A half truth and even that hurt to say. As illogical as it was to place the blame on himself, Oliver never was able to put it anywhere else. That’s why he never went to the police, why he never tried to get justice for what had happened. He knew the way he was viewed in society, the way the Alpha had spoken to him that night, and it felt like it was the truth. As angry as it made him, Oliver could never stop feeling like it was his failure, that if he had only been better, quicker, smarter that night would have never happened. 

Placing the blame on his parents was a lie, Oliver knew it was, it didn’t feel like the truth to blame it on the Alpha either. He had created the situation, his greed for more had got him in the situation, where else logically could the blame be placed, except for himself. 

“Jesus Ollie, that’s fucking mad, how could, how could anyone ever do that” 

Oliver just patted Felix’s chest a few times “People do a lot of fucked up things for money Felix” 

He did fucked up things for money, Oliver thought. He was the one that caused this to himself because of his greed. His desire to push it just that little bit further, like the night when he fought with Felix. For as wise as he thought he was, his failures always ended so traumatic, it humbled him, made his ego take a step back. 

“But they, they fucking sold you Oliver and then, god and then that happened. You could have died ” Felix stammered 

It was painful to hear Felix throw such anger toward his parents, to state it so clearly how insane the situation was. Because he knew those words should be directed at him, that if Felix knew the truth those words would be directed at him, at the true cause of this hellish mess. 

It felt like a sort of goodbye when Felix pulled him closer, almost as if to confirm he really was alive. God, he’d have to start all over again. Use up the savings he had, start all over somewhere else. Years of planning, of positioning himself here and he’d have to start building from the ground up again. It could have just been Felix and now, now he’d have to move to another country. No chance the gossip wouldn’t reach the other rich circles in the UK.

The guilt and anger he felt toward himself was steadily building, he knew tonight he’d spend in the spiral of self-hatred, throwing an ironic pity party for himself. For as much as he hated himself for what had happened, for the mess he’d made of the opportunity here, a small part of him also felt pity for himself. The small part that wanted to tell him none of it was his fault, the part of him that tried to seduce him to lay in bed and rest, to let the emotions that stewed in bottles inside his head be open and felt. 

His brain couldn’t seem to stay on any track of thought for long, it was confusing and frustrating. He always had a plan, so used to adjusting quickly and moving forward along the same path he had since birth. He hadn’t felt so directionless since the night it all happened. All plans dissolved for a while, his body doing as good a job as it could at covering up all the gaping emotional wounds before he could find his way back on track, back to his path.  

“Look, I better go” Oliver resigned 

“Let me walk you back?” 

“I think it’s better if we just say goodbye now Felix, save us both a little pain” 

“Tomorrow though, tomorrow I can come around” Felix pleaded. 

“Felix, you know I’m leaving right? I can’t be here anymore, you know they’ll spread it around, probably already have” Oliver gestured over his shoulder toward the pub 

“They won’t I promise, I promise they won’t tell anyone” Felix rushed his pleading words, pulling Oliver closer 

“Felix, you know they will. Everybody’s going to know soon and I just, I can’t handle all of that. People already hate me just for being poor, nobody will look at me again without pity or hatred” 

“You can’t go back to your fucking parent’s Ollie, that’s insane mate” 

“I wasn’t going to, I’ll go somewhere else.”

“Where?”

“I don’t know where, just away, away from here” 

“Come to Saltburn” 

Oliver laughed then, his body was exhausted, all the energy drained from it and he had no patience left for Felix’s fucking optimism. 

“Come to Saltburn Ollie, just have a break and I promise I’ll figure out a way to fix it, to fix everything. I promise ” Felix’s voice was full of hope and sincerity and when he gestured his little pinky toward Oliver, as if sealing it like this would make the promise hold more weight. 

Oliver just stared at the little pinky finger outstretched toward him, at Felix’s hopeful face, his eyes glistening with tears and the flames of anger hidden behind them. Really what else could he do, of course he’d have to go to Saltburn. It was the best option he had, it was either that or packing everything up and trying to find somewhere new. Plans took time though, they took meticulous detail, Oliver couldn’t just wing this next move. At least in a giant rural castle he’d have some room to get everything organized. Do a little research, figure out the next steps. The options were limited, maybe with the Catton’s he could network a little, maybe they’d have friends overseas he could connect with. 

For a brief second he thought of maybe giving it all up, just living a normal life, marrying some dull normal Alpha with a normal job and living out the beige existence of the middle class. 

How could he though, after a lifetime spent curating plans of action, creating webs of lies and entangling his victims in them until he’d sucked their energy dry, until he got what he needed from them. How could he go on to live some resemblance of normalcy, he’d die of boredom in about a minute. 

Even the brief flash of him next to some faceless Alpha in front of a white picket fence, both wearing festive jumpers for the Christmas card photo. Even in his imagination he could see the tight lipped smile he’d wear, the way his eyes would have gone dull from lack of stimulation. 

He couldn’t live like that, that option had died maybe when his grandfather did or maybe that option was just never available to him. Every memory from childhood he had was filtered with little montages of him scheming up in his room, him watching and observing from afar cataloguing every interaction and reaction. He was a puppeteer and he could never view life any differently. 

Things may not have worked here with Felix, this plan may have been violently cut short, but the ultimate goal was still there, he just needed to take a different route to achieve it. If Felix really was so hellbent on helping him, who was he to deny that, it wasn’t as if offers of help were often extended to him without his prior meddling. 

With a last pat to Felix’s chest and a nod of his head he intertwined his pinky with Felix’s, shaking them a little to ensure the promise was truly set. Felix smiled beamed bright and he grabbed Oliver’s face pulling it close and kissing his forehead

“Oliver I love you” another deep press of warm lips against his forehead “I love you Ollie and I’m going to do everything I can to fix this for you” 

“C’mon let me walk you back, I missed you so much mate” Felix’s face wore that bright smile he always did when his excitement burst through

Felix pulled Ollie to a standing position, tucking his arm around his shoulder again, like usual. He was beaming with happiness, like a child reuniting with their favourite toy that had been missing. Even back at the dorm room, Felix refused to leave, insisting that he wanted to be close to Ollie, to protect him. Oliver knew it was probably more to do with a mix of relief that Oliver was back in his life and excitement that Felix had a new ‘fix it’ project. 

Oliver tried to shut off his brain, but thoughts kept swirling around, unorganized. His brain worked overtime to meticulously sort out every emotion he was feeling and file it away into its appropriate spot. With Felix’s loud snoring next to him on the bed, the seed of a new thought took root. Maybe this wasn't the ruin of his plan, maybe tonight was just a change of path, maybe Felix didn’t need to be replaced as the actor that would play the part of Oliver’s rich Alpha mate.  

Chapter Text

The last days of the semester passed in a bit of a blur, Felix was around again, more often than ever before, walking Oliver to classes, to exams and then around campus for study and lunch breaks. The vultures occasionally joined but mostly just left them both alone, Felix vibrating with a certain level of anger whenever they were around. Thankfully whatever Felix had threatened them with had worked and they hadn’t told anyone about the scar. Or they may have, but at least the rumours were going through the school. 

It was comforting to have Felix back in his life, although not so much during the study sessions when Felix’s notorious lack of patience would inevitably get the better of him and he’d start talking utter crap after about 10 minutes of silence. Even with all the distractions and the need to pander to Felix when he pouted from lack of attention, Oliver still enjoyed having him around. Maybe it was the trauma bonding on the river, or the weeks and weeks of building and implementing plans involving Felix but somewhere along the way Oliver noted now that he’d grown a certain fondness for Felix. A fondness that wasn’t from a place of convenience because of what he could gain, but more of a true enjoyment of his company. 

Oliver tried not to let himself think much of the night that had rekindled their friendship, it was too painful and despite allowing himself time that night and a few nights earlier to cry, there still seemed to be left over tears. If he wasn’t watching himself, on guard in his mind he’d notice in hindsight that he’d been staring blankly into the abyss of nothing, into a void before the tears would well up, blur his vision and burn his eyes. They’d be joined by a slight panic, a thick painful lump in his throat and ragged breathing. It came out of nowhere, just an onslaught of feelings before Oliver was back on guard keeping it all at bay. He often felt exasperated with himself, he’d given himself time, gone through the obligatory ‘feeling the feelings’ phase and it was rather annoying that it continued to come back over and over. 

Sometimes just staring at Felix, noticing how protective he was of Oliver, how he’d all tuck him in close and of late, practically death stare anyone looking at him. When he noticed that he could feel those swirls of emotions again, just simmering under the surface, wanted to be felt. Maybe it was unconscious, or maybe it was in relation to the slight edge of panic hormones Oliver knew he’d been releasing in those moments, but Felix always just held him a little tighter, squeezed him a little closer. If it were anyone else Oliver thought he’d be absolutely livid by the fact that the small act softened something inside him, made warmth bloom from the inside out, made him feel safe. Oliver allowed it though, passing it off to himself as a good thing, considering Felix would be the Alpha he eventually mated. 

If things went to plan, to the new one that had recently been plotted it might even happen before the end of summer. Before the new school year Oliver might be mated, might have Felix by his side, his beautiful, young, rich Alpha. The closer and more clingy Felix became the more Oliver felt it would be stupid to forgo this incredibly viable option. He’d always wonder ‘what if’ if he didn’t give it a real shot with Felix, if he didn’t throw every single plan he could at the situation. The other options, the less appealing ones, were still on the table, but they were pushed to the side to make room for the new plans considering Felix. 

Oliver had resigned to the fact that his partnership, his mating would be about the money and the status and that would mean he would have to compromise on attraction or affection. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he could have it all, but with Felix he could. After all the groundwork during the semester, after the bond they had created, the way Felix completely forgot about their fight and seemed joyous just to have Oliver back in his life, it would be stupid not to pursue it. The friendship was there and Oliver knew it was the best starting point to build a foundation from. 

He wouldn’t have to live a life with some Alpha he couldn’t stand the sight of, go through the motions of obligatory, statue-like sex each month to keep them happy, to keep his status and his future intact. With Felix he would be able to mask less, to occasionally show himself even without a mask and that was an exhilarating thought. The future he’d dreamed of, the one where he ran a mansion, threw parties and dripped metaphoric poison in guest drinks just to watch the inevitable dramas that ensued, started to change shape. It seemed brighter in a way, perhaps less lonely if he had Felix by his side, a person he knew inside and out, a person he could read so easily but still seemed to surprise him. Maybe his future could be a little bit of fun, maybe he could relax sometimes and not always be working through the steps of some plan. 

*

For now though, he needed to keep up the constant planning. Until the mating mark was on his neck he couldn’t fumble the ball and leave this in the hands of some unknown force or entity. He had to take control and create what he wanted. Whenever he got a moment to himself he planned, taking the time to think in detail about how exactly he could make the mating happen during the summer. His quarterly heat was fast approaching so he’d started himself on the suppressants already, wanting to keep that up his sleeve until the timing was perfect. 

He had 6 weeks once they arrived at Saltburn to get every stage of the plan in place. It would take time, it would require him to be focused and not getting lost within the battle against his own emotions. Six weeks was all the time he had, the ever present understanding of how easily Felix had dropped him before was always looming in his mind. The fact his secret was revealed to Felix and his friend’s was also weighing heavily, a constant fear that one day Felix would view him the way almost anyone else would, as a vial disgusting Omega who didn’t deserve anything more then they got. All of it was a constant reminder, an ever present push to make the plan solid but also to get it done soon. 

Holding off his own heat would give him an advantage, would allow him control to allow it to happen at the precise moment that would cause the most effect to Felix. He knew the idealistic way Felix viewed the world and if he could time it right, Felix would always view the night they mated as something of a fairytale rather than the sinister plans of a psychopath. 

*

Felix was stressing, he’d already eaten his way through a bunch of rubbish pastries he brought from the cafe. He was worried, stressed about Oliver meeting his family, after their tentative reconnection, due to horrific circumstances Felix was worried his family might push Oliver over the edge. The night it all happened Oliver barely stopped shaking, his voice always quivering and sometimes catching on what sounded like pain. Felix barely left his side since. 

He was glad he’d made that choice with the way Oliver had acted over the last few weeks. The way he’d stare into nothing and his eyes would turn glassy with tears, the metallic scent of pain radiating from him. It was heartbreaking each time but Felix didn’t want to pry, wanted to let Oliver come to him in time. It was a rather huge shock to find out about the scar and everything else after knowing Oliver for months. That’s what stressed him, if Oliver hadn’t been comfortable enough to tell him about that until it was revealed without his consent, how would Oliver fair with his mother and his sister. The way they poke and prod, the way they lose interest unless the other person is revealing painful truths they hide from everyone else. They feed off it, off the drama, off the external issues that are prominent but also removed from themselves. 

That’s all Felix could think about, he wanted Ollie to have a break, to relax and just let go for a while. He wanted the holiday to be perfect, so perfect that Oliver didn’t want to leave him. It still constricted tightly around his heart every time he thought about how easily Oliver would have just gotten rid of him. How Oliver didn’t seem phased when the friendship ended, how Oliver was so quick to just let go of Felix, to desert him, to reject him when his secret was revealed. He needed this holiday to be perfect, he needed time to figure out how to keep Oliver safe and protected if he was convinced to stay at Oxford. 

After barely registering how many sweet desserts he’d eaten he reached into the bag to aimlessly grab another, only for his hand to find nothing but the bottle of water he’d added to the order, less the counter girl judge him. 

Embarrassment was the only thing stopping him from going back into the café and ordering another few cakes, they were supposed to be shared with Oliver anyway. He stopped at the local convenience store and picked up a bunch of snacks. Tonight was the last night before they headed off to Saltburn together and Felix had offered to help Oliver pack. It was a lie, it was Felix’s need for a little more attention, they’d both been busy with study and exams and Felix just wanted a little alone time, wanted to have all of Oliver’s attention for just one night before he’d have to share him. 

He knew his mother would be all over Ollie, and Venecia would be draped around the house trying to seduce him, like some siren preying on their next victim. Of course it was great to have Oliver back, have the friendship again but it had been such a whirlwind the past few weeks, the cram before the exams and it just wasn’t like it used to be. Felix would find himself coming up with some inane thing to talk about just so Oliver would stop looking at the books for just a second. The more he thought on it, the more he was reminded of that fairy, Tinkerbell, the one that would die without attention. It made him laugh when he thought of the comparison, something he’d file away to tell Oliver. He’d find it funny too no doubt, but also maybe he’d see the truth behind it without Felix having to verbalize just how desperately he needed attention. 

Finally Felix arrived at Oliver’s door with a bag full of uneaten snacks. He pushed through the door without even knocking, Micheal would be making himself scarce now that he knew the friendship was back on. Oliver was neatly folding trousers', his bag so organized that nothing looked out of place. 

“Ollie, I brought snacks” Felix held his arm up, shaking the bag 

“Oh hey Felix, almost finished packing” Oliver smiled, barely looking up at Felix

Felix just rolled his eyes, moving to lay on the bed next to the bag Oliver was packing

“Oh, before I forget, the maids will go through your bags to unpack everything and they report to mummy. So hide anything scandalous in your backpack” 

An array of emotions flickered across Oliver’s face before he settled on a smile, although it seemed forced. 

“I might need to repack” 

“Ooo Olls, what have you packed, something naughty?” 

“Felix, you can’t ask me that” Oliver blushed, looking nervous 

That blush, that was all it took for Felix’s brain to supply some very unhelpful images of those Omega sex toys he’d seen in shops before. He blushed himself at the thought, his cock taking interest. He tried to take his mind off it, rummage in the bag again, trying to find something to occupy his mind. Jesus, he must be close to his rut if he was thinking of Oliver like that, never had he thought of him in a sexual way before. Well, mostly never just that once on his last rut when he thought about just how nice Ollie felt in his lap after the Michael incident, about how much better it would have been if they were naked, if Oliver’s face was red from exertion, from pleasure rather than painful tears. 

He shook his head from the thought, trying to focus on anything else. He felt guilty for thinking those things about Oliver, they were friend’s and beside males weren’t even what Felix was attracted to. He made note to try and figure out when his next rut might be, he was always shit at keeping track of it, it was always only a day or two’s notice, when the prerut symptoms set in. 

“What food did you bring Felix?” 

“Oh umm, just some sandwiches from the grocery store” 

“Sounds great, I’ll just finish this packing” 

“Is Michael here?” 

Oliver laughed “No, he left the moment he could, practically ran out after his last exam” 

“He mentioned he’d applied for a new roommate next semester, so I guess I’ll be dealing with someone new,” Oliver smiled sadly “If I decide to stay” 

That hurt to hear, Felix mind immediately thinking about moving Oliver in with him. He’d already put him in the room right next door to his at Saltburn, they’d be sharing a bathroom anyway. It would be the perfect practice for rooming together next semester. 

As Felix pulled out the food he’d brought he remembered the other bag. 

“I got you something Olls” 

Felix pulled out a small wrapped present 

“You got me a present” 

“Well, yeah but also just I want you to be comfortable” 

Felix watched carefully as Oliver opened the box, watched his face light up, features turn soft and his eyes shine with tears as he pulled out three silk scarves. It made Felix’s heart blossom. He loved this feeling, and had thought about it the entire time he was in the designer store, running his hand over fabrics and brushing off the advances of the retail clerks. He’d chosen three, different colors, sheer, silky soft fabrics. He wanted Oliver to be comfortable, to be able to cover his scar but he knew if he’d come in wearing that ratty old crochet scarf a repeat of the pub might happen again anyway. Plus it would be warm during the summer, Oliver needed something to use that wouldn’t arouse more suspicion from his mother. 

*

Arriving at Saltburn felt like a fever dream, first the chauffeur picking them up from Oxford, the long drive in the most comfortable car he’d ever been in, arriving at the gates of the largest house he’d ever seen. Then having Felix excitedly giddy next to him, squeezing his arm while he told some insane story of summer’s passed. 

Walking into the huge mansion was completely surreal, the creepy butler addressed Oliver in a sharp short tone. He suddenly felt a little vulnerable, like this guy Duncan could see completely through him. Felix just waved it off, pulling him through to show off the different rooms. The place was massive, filled to the brim with expensive collectables, vintage artworks and things that he thought should have been locked away in a high security museum. 

When they finally got to the last room, Felix walked him through the hallway, noting they’d be sharing a bathroom, a throwaway comment of ‘hope it’s alright mate’ before leading Ollie to his new room. Ollie barely had a second to take it all in before Felix was reminding him to have a shave before heading to the library, as if Oliver would magically know where that was. Felix left with a squeeze to his arm, before bounding out the door, so giddy with excitement. 

Oliver took a while in the bathroom, a few minutes to snoop through his room before taking a little longer to rifle through Felix’s. It was packed full of trophies and jerseys, sports achievements and a cork board wall full of polaroid pictures. His fingers tentatively brushed over each one, Felix dressed in outfits at various stages through night’s out. Some he looked fresh, just starting the night, other’s his pupils were blown and his face and body covered in a sheen of sweat. He figured those ones were more likely to be at the end of a night, or close to it, Felix slumped over others trying to keep himself upright. It was sweet, although a tinge of jealousy overcame him. 

He hoped Felix had all those photos they took together on nights out to cover the ones of him and other people. Before leaving his room, he hid his back pack in a spot in the cupboard behind spare linen. Felix’s warning that the maids would unpack his things cautiously flashed in his mind. 

After the shave he walked through the halls, taking multiple turns and getting lost in the maze of rooms, floors and hallways. He tried to seem like he was just interested in the artworks rather than completely out of his element. He figured at some point he would need to memorize the place if everything were to go to plan. 

He moved toward the noises he heard, figuring at least if it weren’t Felix they may be able to give him an idea of which direction to take. He stalked the hallway, careful cautious steps, making not even a sound as he listened into the conversation happening behind the half shut door. 

“Oh and such a poor little Omega, with parents like that. Oh gosh the poor thing” a sweet, gentle voice said. The tone never reaching the point of actual empathy, more a tone of pity. 

“Mummy, I told you not to mention anything” 

“Oh darling, you know I would never. Just the poor thing, sounds like such a horrific life. They shouldn’t even be called parent’s really, making a poor little child grow up around that. You know I worked with many kids like that when I used to volunteer ….” 

“At that soup kitchen wasn’t it, the one we both worked at?” Another woman's voice spoke

“No darling, no I don’t think you were there at this place. It was before I met you I think, oh it’s just hard to remember when there’s been so many.” 

“Oh I just thought, because, because you know we worked at the place” 

“Pamela darling, I’ve worked at so many at this point, it all seems to muddle together. But the children, gosh, the poor little things never deserved a second of it. It broke my heart everytime. I just, I just wish there was more that I could do” 

Farleigh laughed out loud, then a quick slap sounded through the door, before a screeched “Felix” 

Oliver was jostled from his ease dropping by a shrill giggle. He looked over, not even registering before that there was an opened door and room to his right. A blonde girl draped across a bean bag assessed him. Smiled widely at his shocked face, giggling again as she twirled the pen around her mouth. 

Immediately as he walked through the door he was greeted with shocked gasps, as if he had been lost for years, finally returning to his family. The elder blonde lady moved gracefully toward him, draping her arms over his shoulder in a brief hug before pulling back, hands resting on his shoulders, eyes assessing him. 

“Oh darling” She turned back over to Felix “Felix darling, you didn’t tell me he was so beautiful” She turned to face him again, hands squeezing at his shoulders. 

“I told you he wasn’t a minger” Felix spat back, apparently turning into a 13 yr old child again

“Yes darling, but you are nice about everyone. Oliver darling, gosh what beautiful eyes” The hands on his shoulders squeezed again before he was being pulled toward the couch. Felix smiled at him brightly. 

“Sit darling, sit” She ushered Oliver down to the couch next to here

“Pamela love, would you mind grabbing us some tea” The blonde women, smiled over Oliver’s shoulder 

“Ohumm, yes, ah just, where would I find that Elspeth” 

“Pamela darling, it’s tea, in the kitchen of course” She smiled, facing Oliver again she rolled her eye’s 

Oliver felt the couch behind him move as the women got up, turning back for a moment as if to say something but seeming to think the better of it before just moving from the room at a hurried pace, shoulders forward, embarrassed Oliver thought. 

He felt himself pushed back to lean against the back of the couch, Elspeth's hand holding his arm. She appraised him again, a small smile, a genuine one, an apologetic one, similar to that smile Felix had given him on his first day at Oxford. 

She reached up, brushing her fingers across the fabric of the scarf around his neck. He tensed, worry consuming him, fearful of just how much of his life, truth and lies had been spread to everyone in the house. 

“Beautiful fabric darling, one of the scarves Felix had asked me about?” She looked over his shoulder toward Felix

“Yes mum, one of those” 

“Well beautiful choice my darling boy, matches perfectly with your eyes, really brings out that striking blue” She caressed his cheek softly. Oliver gulped at the action, still fearful of if she had been told what was underneath or what exactly was happening in the moment. 

Farleigh scoffed loudly, “Bit out of season Felix, if you wanted to dress up your doll at least you could have gotten something a little more trendy”

“Farleigh” Elspeth gasped

“It’s beautiful and chic darling, you look lovely” Elspeth continued, turning away from Farleigh, leaning in a little closer to Oliver 

“You’ll have to be careful darling, I don’t know if you’ve been told but these, this fabric, it’s delicate, not for a regular wash. You let me know and I’ll have the maids hand wash it for you” She smiled, pleased with herself for such a kind gesture. 

“You’ll have to watch him Felix, Venecia’s been draping herself over furniture all over the house, just waiting for him to arrive. She’s a darling really Oliver, but she has her issues. You know how it is” She nodded to him as if he was in on some family secret. 

* 

After excusing himself from the tense suffocating air of the library once Pamela had arrived back, Oliver hid in his bedroom upstairs. His nerves were bubbling over, the emotions were making him nauseous. They’d all known his gossip, how much did they know though. It made Oliver uneasy, always did when he wasn’t in control of how much people knew about him, of him. He liked to control the narrative people had in their minds of who he was but after the scarf incident, he felt on edge at all times. Frustrated and fearful that people knew things about him that he didn’t want to tell. 

Felix singsong voice rang through the hallway before he appearing at the door.

“Ollie, there you are mate” Felix flopped down on the bed 

“Sorry about all that, god they are insufferable” Felix sighed 

“It’s okay” Oliver hesitated “It just, they don’t know about the scar right?” 

“God Olls, NO I would never tell them” Felix reached out to pat his arm in reassurance 

“And Farleigh?” Oliver questioned 

“No I told him I’d get Mummy to send him back to the states if he told” Felix smiled 

“Relax Olls, it’s going to be a great break. Promise” 

Felix pointed behind him to a jacket hanging from the cupboard. “We dress for dinner here, I had one of the maids leave out my old dinner jacket for you. I’ll come get you before we leave” Felix smiled before leaving the room. 

Oliver inspected the jacket, it looked expensive, felt expensive and more notably it smelt heavily of Felix, fresh too which led him to believe that Felix had drowned the coat in his scent just before giving it to Ollie. A smile tugged at his lips, the idea that this would be the start of the future, that he’d do this every night soon. Wander down to a beautiful full course dinner in some item of Felix’s clothing, scent marked and bitten by Felix.

Chapter Text

The sun came blaring in through the windows, Oliver felt himself squinting against the offending light. The maid just smiled and reminded him breakfast would be in an hour. Still shielding his eyes Ollie could feel the nauseating excess energy that had built all night.. Whenever he used suppressants he always found he had excess energy, it wasn’t like he could get extra work done, like a stimulant but it felt frustrating. By forcing off the heat his body's natural cycle wasn’t in its rhythm, the hormones were trying to adjust to the suppressants and it often resulted in this frustrating buzzing of energy. It was just anxious energy that coursed through him until he finally got off the suppressants. 

The only thing that ever seemed to slightly help was running, some type of cardio exercise that had him sweaty and tired by the end of it. If his body was exhausted physically then at least some of the energy was expelled. He needed to get it out, to clear his mind a bit so he threw on his running clothes and eventually found his way out of the maze of hallways. Oliver ran through the perfectly manicured lawns, working up a sweat before heading back inside, aware of the time the maid had mentioned breakfast would be ready. 

Once he’d showered and roused Felix from bed they both headed down to breakfast. It felt a little awkward, the table was huge and separated everyone with massive gaps between them. He’d expected it when he became the conversation around the table, Elspeth asking incredibly personal details about his life and although his backstory was mostly lies it still irked him to be the centre of attention. He much preferred to be hidden in the shadows, an outsider just listening and watching, it was more comfortable like that, to just observe. Elpseth wasn’t giving up though, continually prodding with a new question each time he lifted the fork to his mouth,

“Oliver darling, I want you to know that if you need someone to talk to I’m always here. So lucky our Felix found you, would have been so horrible to be forced back to that place during break” She tilted her head to the side, gazing at him, assessing him

Oliver just nodded, feeling shy and awkward, a little annoyed by the questioning. He understood that eventually this would be the way it was, that he’d have to talk with people like this, have inane and boring chit chatter to keep up appearances, but knowing logically and then enduring in reality were two very different things. When he faced Felix he noticed the Alpha rolling his eyes at his mother’s line of questioning. 

“You know I knew a lot of people in my younger years that were into that, addicted to drugs and barely able to function in society. Was horrific to watch them all wither away and die.” Elspeth spoke, emotionless. 

“Oliver I saw you this morning running” Venecia cut off her mother’s rambling 

“Oh, yeah, hope it was okay?” Oliver felt a little shy, caught out almost. After the disastrous fiasco he’d just had due to not understanding the way breakfast was served, he felt a little anxious that he wasn’t up to scratch with the societal norms of this environment. 

“Nobody goes for runs here, just a little odd seeing you out there. Maybe I should come with you next time” Venecia smiled, wild fire behind her eyes

“I’m sure we could find some way to work up a sweat together” She smiled toward him

“God Vee, keep it in our pants” Felix scoffed 

“He’s a bloody Omega anyway” Felix spoke a little more harshly

“Urgh Felix, so sheltered. It’s embarrassing really, still stuck in those silly traditionalist ideals. The world’s a different place now Felix” Venecia pushed back, like any sister would “Don’t you think Oliver?” she turned back to face him, smirk across her face, thriving in riling Felix up

“Jesus Vee, You know I don’t care about any of that shit, just not with Oliver okay. He’s my friend and doesn’t need you chasing after him all summer. He’s got enough going on” Felix argued back, he looked toward Oliver, worry in his eyes

“I mean, just with his parent’s and everything. He’s got to figure out his next semester. Doesn’t need you luring him into your dungeon for god sake” 

Farleigh cackled at the fighting “You two are always like this, neither like to share their toys. Remember the first horse you got, then Felix complained so much he got one too. Now both of them sit in a stable only getting attention from the staff because you both forgot they existed.” 

He turned to Oliver now “That’s your fate too little doll” He laughed. Felix yelled at him to stop being a dick, Venecia looked offended and stormed off from the table 

“Oliver darling, they all have such lively spirits. Don’t worry, I always check on the horses” Elspeth smiled, in what Oliver could only assume was some kind of reassurance. 

Once the fighting had calmed down, Oliver tried to force down the breakfast as the air surrounding the table was full of awkward tension. Elspeth tried to avoid noticing it by continuing her line of questioning. Felix was sulking and shooting little angry glances toward Farleigh while he continued to try and prod at Felix between drags of his cigarette. 

Felix stood after a few minutes, swallowing the last chunk of his toast. 

“C’mon Ollie, lets go” Felix demanded 

Oliver just dropped his cutlery, quite thankful to be removed from the situation. 

Back in Felix’s room, the questioning started 

“What’s all that with Vee?” Felix accused 

“What are you talking about Felix, it’s been one night” 

“Is that why you were running, trying to show off?” 

Oliver couldn’t believe it, he’d known Felix was jealous and dramatic but he’d never really had to see this side of him, it was a little embarrassing to think his future Alpha was such a spoilt brat. 

“Felix” Oliver went for a gentle tone, trying to calm the raging storm in front of him. He thought maybe Felix must be close to his rut if the way he was acting was anything to go by. 

“If you want to come running with me you’re more than welcome.” He placated 

Immediately Felix’s shoulders dropped and he looked calmer, more relaxed. 

“Just Vee, god she always tries to steal my friend’s” Felix sulked, straight into gossiping, a tactic he seemed to have learnt from his mother as a way to avoid addressing his own feelings

“Felix, c’mon, you know I’m here to hang out with you” Oliver used his most charming voice, learning now how to best handle this type of mood from Felix would only help him in future. 

“I’m coming running with you” Felix huffed out, crossing his arms in front of his chest  

“Never said you couldn’t” Oliver smiled at the defiant looking Felix in front of him, god it was fucking annoying, more so that he even found it a little endearing. 

While Felix came out of his sulk, Oliver just wandered around the room, pretending he hadn’t ever seen the stuff before. Commenting on the polaroid's and mentioning Felix should put one of them up. He coaxed Felix into playing him a song on the guitar, just another way to keep him distracted. When he went to the dresser he noticed the framed family photos. He picked one up, a younger Elspeth, Venecia and Felix, possibly even Farleigh and a few other people. He held the photo up to Felix 

“Baby Felix, and who else” Oliver enquired 

“Oh, that one is..” Felix squinted at the photo “Oh that’s Vee and that’s Farleigh. That brunette lady is Farleigh’s mum and then mummy and daddy” Felix pointed out all the people in the photo. 

Anger flared up for a moment, everyone in the photo was dressed in stupidly expensive clothing, the kids even in little dinner jackets. It was ridiculous and ostentatious considering Felix wouldn’t have been older then 8, his knees scuffed with grass stains. Oliver thought his parents would have most likely just thrown those pants away, just considered them ruined and thrown them out. It made him think of all those kids in private school, the way their clothing changed with the season's trend. It reminded him of what he’d lost, of the future he should have had, of the future he was now having to create for himself. He wanted that type of money and means, not for silly things like throwing clothes out after each wear, but for the power that could be gained from it.  For the opportunities he could have because of it, for the ability to do with his life what he pleased rather then what he had to do. 

“There’s no baby photos of me” Oliver said, letting the sadness of the words hang in the air, a little happiness returning to him, settling the anger inside him when Felix looked sufficiently guilty for being born into a life he had no choice over. 

*

The thing that Felix noticed first was the blinding light of the curtains being opened in his room, the light and heat with it immediately broke through his usually dark, dungeon-esk bedroom. It was blinding, his eyes squinting against the onslaught of bright, blinking rapidly to adjust to the morning. A still shadow figure stood by the brightness of the window, he could see the shadow outline shake. 

Oliver’s laughter rang out in the quiet room, giggling between the word’s “C’mon Felix, you said you wanted to run with me” 

“Bloody Christ Olls, I can’t run if I’m blind” He replied, arm shot up to shield his precious vision from the blinding rays

He felt the bed dip down, he presumed Oliver had sat down but didn’t bother to check. 

“If you don’t want to come, I can go by myself Felix” 

Even though he’d been awake for only 90 seconds so far, his heckles were already up, pissed off about the idea that Venecia might muscle in on his Oliver time. 

“You’ve already woken me up Ollie, I can’t go back to sleep now” He whined, trying to hide the anger from his tone. 

By the time he’d finally adjusted to the light and gotten dressed Oliver had returned from his venture to grab some snacks and water for the run. Suggesting they had a run then sit out for a snack before heading to breakfast. Felix liked the idea, just happy really to have a little more time with Ollie before his family descended for the morning, each wanting a piece of what was his. He hadn’t brought bloody Ollie here to spend time with everyone else, to entertain them like a trained monkey. Oliver was here to keep him company and Felix’s mission was to charm Ollie so much that he couldn’t possibly leave him, also maybe he’d figure out a plan about the scar but that task seemed so hard he had no idea where to start. 

Oliver thrust a bottle of water toward Felix after they’d done a little stretching. Felix knew the many tracks they could take and quickly decided to take the lead, showing Ollie the many trails through the different forested areas surrounding the manor. Poor little Ollie had no idea, spent the day yesterday running around the main grounds, no idea of what else was available. He laughed to himself as he chugged down a gulp of water, heading to one of his favorite tracks, a nice little one that went by a river. Ollie would love it, he aimlessly thought. 

The run continued until they finally found a nice spot by the river to sit for a second, Felix was immensely glad they were hidden by the thick forest when Oliver took off his sweaty shirt, body glistening with a light sheen of tacky sweat. He’d seen Oliver shirtless before, sweaty and drunk after a party and dancing all night, when they finally retired to one of their rooms back on campus. He’d never really taken note before of how attractive he looked, he was short and stocky but there was a softness to his body that made it clear of his Omega status. He had muscles but the slight curve of his lower back, the small layer of fat over his stomach all of a sudden seemed so delectable. Oliver stretched himself out as he used his shirt to wipe sweat off his skin, Felix couldn’t help trace the movements, watching as the shirt glided past Oliver’s tits, catching on his tight hard nipples as a cool breeze came through the area. 

Oliver lent over to the river, splashing handfuls of water on his face and body and Felix fought the sudden urge he had to lick up the water running down Oliver’s body. He felt it then, felt his cock fattening up as he watched Oliver’s every movement, felt the bright warm blush of shame and guilt for looking at his friend that way, it only getting worse when he noted that Oliver had forgone his scarf just for that morning, hadn’t hidden away the scar like he always did. It blossomed a feeling of pride in Felix that Oliver trusted him so much, felt safe and comfortable with him to show this part of himself, to be so vulnerable in front of Felix. No scarf being pulled tightly around his neck to keep it covered. 

The sudden sense of pride, coupled with the urge to protect, the stark reminder that Oliver was an Omega all seemed to mix intensely with problem in his shorts. The rising attraction, the intensity he felt to just bend Oliver over, fuck into the fertile Omega he called his best friend was all a bit overwhelming. He splashed some water on his own face, trying to tamp it all down. Trying to shake off the odd feelings and thoughts swirling around in his head. 

He rushed them off from their little break, taking the front spot on their run to ensure Oliver wouldn’t see the thick outline of his cock through his shorts. Each step he took jostled the precious cargo a little more, making the friction of the scratchy material of his boxer’s all the more present. It was all he could focus on, the heaviness of his hard cock begging to be touched. He barely spoke to Ollie on the run back, just focused on getting to the bathroom as quickly as he could, getting naked under the shower and finally fucking into the loose slick grip of his lubed up hand in the shower. 

“Felix, just a sec” Oliver called as they neared to end of the trail

Felix had so much energy building inside himself that he couldn’t hold still while Oliver put his shirt back on, he just bounced in place, allowing himself only the briefest look back over his shoulder at Oliver’s taut little tummy stretched out while his pulled thing shirt back on. He wanted to bite it, to lick it, to pepper it in kisses. Fuck he must be close to his rut, god maybe it was pre rut symptoms coming on. He’d have to skip breakfast, just keep himself in his room for a few hours before he could be sure. That thought incited some fueling rage though at the idea that Oliver would be free and unprotected from all the others in the house vying for a little of his attention. 

It really must be his rut coming if he was getting this worked up by the idea of Oliver being around anyone else. The rage was filtering out of his body, probably curling with a lot of sexual attraction.

“You okay Felix” Oliver asked, loudly sniffing the air as they jogged toward the manor. 

“Fine Olls, just gonna run up for a shower. Sorry mate” Felix voice was strained as he answered. Another flood of guilt for making Oliver worried but the closer he got to the privacy of the bathroom the more intensely his cock throbbed, the more aware he was of it and every single movement he made and how it felt. 

Finally he got to the bathroom and he found himself tearing at his clothes to get them off, jumping under the spray of the shower before it even had time for the pipes to release even warm water. Straight away his hand flew to his cock, stripping it raw, too desperate to even grab some soap to help the glide. He just had to finish himself as quickly as he possibly could. It was painful but also verging on deliriously delicious. The moment he closed his eyes, leaning against the cold tiles of the shower wall his mind started helpfully supplying him with pornographic images and fantasies. 

Every time it started with some girl from school, some memorable hookup before it all eventually came back to Ollie. The curve of Ollie’s back, those tits and hard nipples, sweaty skin just begging to be licked. God Felix could even imagine the give of Oliver’s tummy under his tongue as he licked up Oliver’s come. His eyes would fly straight open and he’d try to shake off the thoughts again before settling back for the same loop to happen over and over. His cock was sore, ready to finally come but he just couldn’t quite get over the edge. 

The last time he let his mind keep going, stopped trying to not think of Oliver and just let it be. It was just part of the pre-rut he was sure of, Oliver was his friend and an Omega that’s all it was, just biology mixing signals. With a shout he came all over the glass shower door, tugging his cock to prolong the orgasm and wring himself dry, the last thought before the orgasm bliss taking over was Oliver just in the room next to him, in the middle of heat. Fancy heat toys all around him, covered in slick and cum, fucking a large thick dildo in and out of himself, moaning and panting with pleasure and exertion, with that determined Oliver look on his face. Before locking eyes with Felix again, head falling backward and spurts of come landing across the slick soaked bedsheet. 

*

When Felix felt he’d sufficiently washed away all the evidence of what he’d done he was almost certain that the pre rut symptoms were starting. Just as he’d gotten out of the shower the thought that Oliver might have seen him through the door’s he’d forgotten to close made his cock jump again. His mind so helpfully displayed new little fantasies that all included Oliver. Biology was really fucking him over he thought, it must be that Oliver’s scent was all through the bathroom as well and he was the only viable Omega in the house. That’s all it was, he tried to brush off the thoughts when he went to lay in his room. 

He spat in his hand and lazily started to stroke his cock, after the frantic orgasm in the shower he felt like he deserved something a little soft, especially with rut coming so soon. It was never gentle during rut, especially if he was spending it by himself. It was vicious, intense and aggressive. His room would be trashed and every toy he’d buy for the heat would be ruined by the end of it. Claw marks where his hand would have been holding a waist. Ruts always brought out the worst in him, the parts he hated about his presentation, he didn’t enjoy the aggressive typical Alpha bullshit but it seemed to come out so strongly during his rut. He wished he could be one of those lucky Alpha’s who could use the suppressants, then he’d be able to keep an eye on Oliver instead of spending the next few days in his room, smashing things and grunting and growling. They just made him more aggressive though, made the rut so much worse when it finally came, he was fully possessed the entire time instead of  usually having the occasional rational thought. That’s how he’d ended up fingering his fucking cousin, he’d just come off the suppressants and they just made him slightly loopy. 

He continued to stroke his cock while he thought about how fucked the situation was. Ollie had only just got here and he’d be shipped off to another wing of the house and left unprotected to his fucking family. Felix wasn’t unaware of how intense they could all be and he sort of hated that, especially now when he wouldn’t be able to shield Oliver from it. Felix would be stuck in his room and without him there to distract Oliver, he’d probably figure out plans for moving away from campus. 

Felix felt too sad by the thoughts, by how he was fucking up this holiday so quickly that he didn’t even want to come. His cock was rock hard and ready though, not even the sad thoughts and feelings could dissuade it. Although it felt odd, felt sort of wrong to be feeling so sad while fucking his own fist Felix just continued. Maybe when it was done he could allow himself a few moments to wallow on his own bad luck, be the center of attention at his pity party before he had to go organize the next few days. He came all over his belly to the sad thought that Oliver’s scent would slowly dissipate from their shared bathroom and his bedroom when it was unoccupied and overpowered by Felix’s rut pheromones. 

*

Felix startled awake by the knock on the door and Oliver’s little “Felix”, too damn gentle really. 

He pulled at the sheets to cover himself, sun still glaring in through the window

“What” Felix barked back 

“Lunch is ready” 

Shit, had he really been asleep that long, god a run and two orgasms, that was his stamina now, Jesus. He wiped at his forehead expecting the pre rut fever to be at its peak about now but he felt nothing, just the normal temperature he always did, no sweat either. He flicked the blanket off and his soft cock lay against his thigh, boxer’s still pushed under his balls. Sticky dried cum covering the hair on his lower belly, god he’d have to clean that up. All in all though he felt pretty much normal, maybe it would come on stronger soon, all the more reason to get everything sorted and squared away before it came back with a vengeance. 

“Be out in a sec mate” Felix called back and went straight to the sink, wetting the washcloth and rubbing it across his belly, rehydrating the cum before washing it all away. God it was disgusting, he’d have to remind Duncan to periodically bring warm towels with his meals during the rut. 

Oliver was sitting on his own bed, legs crossed underneath him, book in his hand when Felix excited the bathroom. He looked so small and precious, such a delicate little thing. Felix felt it was a complete injustice that he’d never taken the time before to truly notice and admire the beautiful Omega feature Oliver had. He just watched him for a few seconds, just enough to have his fill but not long enough to arouse suspicion. 

“Ready for lunch Olls”

Ollie just nodded, a swell of pride came when Felix noticed the delicate silk scarf Oliver had around his neck. He really was such a good Alpha, so protective and attentive, even just for his friends. 

“We might have to get you set up in another room tonight mate, think my rut’s coming soon” 

Oliver’s eyes shot up, shock present in his features. “Oh, shit Felix, sorry about that” Oliver gave him a concerned look. 

‘It’s okay Olls, at least I have time to get it all sorted “ Felix clapped his hand on Oliver’s 

“Also no field days until I come out. Vee will probably try to convince you but you won’t go will you Olls, not till I can come too?” a sudden rush of jealousy followed by the need for reassurance coming over him 

“I’ll wait Felix” Ollie smiled up at him “Happy to wait for you” 

Chapter Text

As the day progressed Felix felt like the rut symptoms had drastically decreased. The usual constant ramp up until the final push into full blown rut just wasn’t coming like it usually did. It was a little unnerving to think about why exactly he’d been so intensely interested in Oliver, why all of a sudden the feeling’s that felt so platonic had ramped up into something so intensely sexual. Sure he’d had the random sexual thoughts about Oliver before even arriving at Saltburn, when he was really honest with themselves they had even been occasionally present when they went out to a bar or out at a party. Even in his frumpy geeky attire Oliver still always had a kind of natural beauty about him and Felix wasn’t blind to it.

Nothing had ever felt like it had on the run that morning though, the strong sexual feelings were so much that it had to be the rut, even if he wasn’t feeling it progress like usual it really had to be the only answer. His oncoming rut was the only conclusion that made sense. 

They’d all hung out around the pool after lunch, just lounging and Felix felt the simmer of his rut but it just never amped up, although possession sort of overtook him a few times, jealousy rearing up when Oliver splashed water at Venecia when she swam over to him at the edge of the pool. Or when Farleigh had made snarky remarks about how lean Oliver was. Compliments thinly veiled as insults that took a while to become aware of. Farleigh always flirted like that and Felix was all too aware of it. It put him on edge a bit, made him feel like Oliver was just a piece of meat they all kept trying to take a bite from. 

When Oliver finally seemed to remember Felix existed and flopped down on the sun chair next to him, he was already fed up with it all. 

“Felix, you okay?” 

Felix just huffed at him, even with his sunnies on he glared daggers at the Omega. 

“Oh finally remember I existed?” Felix spat, he didn’t mean to be so angry but the oncoming rut and the jealous streak he was aware he had were melding together inside him, creating the ugliest jealousy monster. 

“Felix, don’t be like that, I wouldn’t forget you” 

“Whatever, sure seemed like it Oliver ”

The sad look on Ollie’s face, the little doe eyes and the flush of embarrassment on his cheeks tempered down the monster inside Felix a bit. The display he wanted, the begging and trying to win Felix back would have been more appealing but maybe it would have brought up some other awkward feelings too. 

“Should we head out to the field “ Venecia called out as she pulled herself to sit on the edge of the pool. 

Felix scoffed “ Are you kidding me Vee, I told you my rut might be coming soon. I have to stay by the house!” 

“I wasn’t just asking you Felix, maybe Ollie wants to come out. Better than just being stuck alone if you run off to your room” She turned to face Ollie, slowly wiping the water from her body with the towel “Ollie?” She smiled toward him 

Felix could feel the rage building up inside him. He wondered if it was to do with the rut, or if it was just the same as it always felt when Vee riled him up. Regardless if it was the rut, he really didn’t want to let Oliver out of his sight, imaging him in the field, naked with Farleigh and Venecia, all alone, without Felix really wasn’t doing anything to temper down his monster. 

He glared directly at Oliver, watched the Omega shrink back a little under his gaze. 

“Thanks Venecia, but maybe we can wait for Felix” he smiled toward her, then looked to Felix for reassurance. 

“Booooooo” Venecia hollered, Fareligh joining in with her before they both left the area, flipping them off first though 

Felix watched them leave then returned his gaze toward Oliver again, poor thing was still wearing that sad expression, still looking for the validation that Felix wasn’t mad at him. 

“Thanks Olls, I just don’t wanna be left alone because of this stupid rut” He sulked 

“It’s okay Felix, I said I’d wait for you” His smile beaming back at him, growing larger as he noticed Felix wasn’t mad. 

* 

“Remember Olls, just keep your door locked overnight. I just, just in case you know. Rut can make me do crazy things and I’d hate to scare you or anything” Felix smiled toward him through the reflection in the bathroom mirrors. 

“I’ll lock it Felix” 

“What time do you get up for the run in the morning, I’ll set my alarm”

“You wanna come running, but I thought, your rut though?” 

“I dunno, I think it was a false alarm, if it doesn’t come tonight then I’ll come running with you, just so you're not alone?” 

“Are you sure Felix, I can ask Venecia, or even maybe Farleigh would come. He looks like he works out” Oliver asked

“Do you not want me to come?” Felix deadpanned 

“No, Felix” that sad puppy dog look was back, Oliver’s scent even changed, smelled like guilt “Of course I do, lets just, let’s” he stuttered “Set the alarm for 7am” Oliver attempted a smile, it faltering at the edges,

Felix could just eat him up, he loved the feeling that bloomed inside him everytime he was reassured Oliver would choose him over the other’s. It felt nice, nice to be the first pick, he was with everyone else but it had more weight to it when he was put first by Oliver. 

“Okay, I’ll see you at 7am. If not Duncan will wake you to move rooms if my rut comes” He smiled back at Ollie, waiting for the Omega to meet his gaze, watching that sad smile turn into a real one. 

*

The alarm ran out loud, the high pitched beeping rudely awakened Felix. It took a moment to figure out what was happening, for his life to sort of re-download from it’s state of pause throughout the night. Oliver, right, running that’s what the alarm was for. He felt around his forehead, looking for the telltale sweat of the rut settling fully in, but there was nothing. He felt nothing except maybe rested really. No raging hormones, no hard aching cock, no desire to bite and tear at everything he could sink his teeth into. He just felt kind of normal, maybe a little stiff from the run the day before but nothing else. 

It was odd, a little weird but maybe that’s what happened sometimes, he was sure he’d heard of guys in school talking about false starts. About how sometimes ruts just sort of came on but then receded, although that was like 6 or 7 years ago when they’d all first presented, when the Alpha hormones were mixing with basic teenage boy biology. 

It had to be it though, probably to do with all the stress lately, with the scarf incident and all the care and protection he was giving Oliver. Maybe it was mucking with his instincts or something. 

By the time he was dressed he knocked on Oliver’s door, opening it to a smiling, dressed and ready Oliver. 

“No rut?” Oliver asked, with a smile, happy to see Felix 

“No rut” Felix smiled back

Felix watched him, assessed him as they stretched in the open area by the side of the manor. He was flexible, able to easily touch his toes, bent straight over like it was nothing. The polo shirt he had on was buttoned up as usual, the scar hidden behind the collar. Felix squirted a stream of water down his throat trying to mask the anger that flared up every single time he was reminded of it. Every time he had to think about poor defenceless Oliver, stuck in a horrible situation forced on him by his parents. He wanted to rip them apart when he thought about how a parent could do that to their son. 

Maybe his father would know someone he could hire, someone that would make sure they never even got another chance to look at Oliver. 

Felix let Ollie run in front of him, worried that maybe he’d have a repeat of the day before and wanting to be able to hide his shame. It was possibly the worst idea he’d ever had the moment his eyes were glued to the jiggle of Oliver’s ass with every step he took. He wanted to look away, to be disgusted by the thought of Oliver like that but it was hard not to look. He’d looked at male Omega’s before, it was the Omega qualities that he was attracted to, it was part of the Alpha in him. A thick juicy ass that would jiggle with every thrust, one that would hypnotise him in the middle of a rut. It wasn’t that it was attached to Oliver, it was just that he hadn’t fucked in a while and he wasn’t going to just deny that Oliver had a great ass, thick muscular thighs as well, probably ones that would squeeze tightly around his waist as he fucked into him. 

The thoughts, like yesterday sort of becoming overwhelmed with Oliver, never seeming to stay on track of anyone else, just always coming back to Oliver. He wanted to shake them off, but it didn’t feel like it had yesterday, his cock wasn’t hard and heavy, he didn’t feel the panic to escape, to run off back to the house for the relief of his hand. 

That train of thought sort of brought on a little panic though. His rut wasn’t coming, hadn’t come and yesterday he’d fucked his hand to thoughts of Oliver. Today he couldn’t stop noticing all the Omega qualities Oliver had, couldn’t help himself but to ogle, to allow little fantasies to conjure up in his mind. It should be disgusting, he should be turned off by the thought because it was Oliver, it was weirdo, geeky, fashion sense-less Oliver. Why the fuck was he thinking of him like that. 

“Ollie, is your heat coming?” Felix blurted out the moment they came to a stop by the river

“Uh, no, why? Do I smell?” Oliver asked shrinking back

“No mate, just wondering when it’s coming is all. So we can get you sorted with a room” Felix asked

“It won’t be for a while Felix, not due till after the holidays” Oliver smiled back

“Are you sure, you haven’t had one since I met you?” Felix asked, curious, still worried that Oliver’s heat might be triggering his rut 

Oliver didn’t reply for a while, looking down at the dirt “Ever since..” Oliver motioned to his neck “it just doesn’t come as regularly as others. The doctors said it might be triggered when I feel safe, when my body feels like it might be safe enough to get pregnant. They said it’s psychosomatic, like my body won’t let it happen often unless I’m safe enough, or an Alpha might trigger it but that’s never, that’s never happened before” Felix watched as tear after tear fell to the dirt underneath them. 

His heart constricted, the constant ever growing need to save Oliver, to protect him, to keep him safe and take away from anything that makes that sad scent permeate from him. The sobbing Omega went limp when Felix put his arms around him, holding him tight to his body, trying to settle his own pheromones from anger to only safety. To let Oliver know that with him he is safe.

*

By the time they arrived for breakfast Oliver had calmed down, he’d showered and finally the scent of fear seemed to have gone. They ventured down for breakfast, Felix requesting that Oliver sit next to him, wanting to keep him close. 

“Ollie, out running again this morning. We should really head out together some time. I used to do all the running trails, I can show you some of the best ones” Venecia mentioned, smiling wickedly toward Oliver 

Felix felt the rumble in his chest, felt the emotions building, the anger and jealousy. Venecia was challenging him, as if she knew what Oliver would like better then he would. He knew Oliver, he was his best friend and honestly it wasn’t like Venecia could keep him safe the same way Felix would. She knew nothing about Oliver, she only liked him because of his physical appearance, she didn’t know his intellect, his mind and all the other parts of Oliver that Felix knew. 

This morning was a prime example, only he could make Oliver feel so safe and protected when the traumas of his past came back to haunt him. Venecia would never be able to make him feel safe the way Felix could, the Omega needed him, needed an Alpha to make him feel safe. 

The growl he let out shocked the table, clinking cutlery against porcelain plates ringing out in the silence of the room. 

“Fuck off Vee, I can show Oliver all the tracks. I’m the one that can keep him safe out there” He shouted toward his sister

“What the fuck do you need to keep him safe from Felix, on a running track on our property” Vencia shouted back 

“You don’t fucking understand Venecia. God, you say I’m sheltered but you have no idea what’s out there. I’m the only one that can keep Ollie safe, he’s my friend, it’s my job” He rumbled at his sister, hand outstretched toward Oliver, trying to create a barrier between the Omega’s. 

Elspeth seemed completely neutral to her children’s shouting “Ollie darling, I was thinking we could spend some time together today.” 

“We have plans” Felix spat out before Oliver had a chance to respond

“Darling, don’t you think Oliver might need a little break from you. Clearly your rut is coming and I’m sure it must be uncomfortable for Oliver.” She cut her son off, facing toward Oliver addressing only him “I studied literature at college, many years ago of course, but maybe we could spend some time going over our favourites. That would be just lovely wouldn’t it” She smiled sweetly. It was unsettling the way she was able to completely ignore the emotions spilling outward from her children. 

Felix growled again before Farleigh butted in “I study the same thing as Oliver, why haven’t you ever offered me that” Farleigh asked indignantly, stubbing out his cigarette, face changing from amusement at the siblings fighting to anger at being once again left out. 

Elspeth just glanced at the Alpha, wiping her lips gently with the corner of a napkin before placing it to the table “Omega’s need to stick together” she smiled before facing Oliver “don’t we darling?” 

“For fuck sake, I didn’t bring Oliver here for everyone else to just take him away from me. He’s here to spend time with me” Felix grumbled, turning into a petulant child as he slumped back in his chair, arms crossed against his chest

“Oh Felix, calm down darling, maybe it’s best you spend some time alone to really be sure your rut isn’t coming. You’re acting very childish” Elpseth spoke in a flat monotone voice, standing from her chair, the scraping of the metal chair legs loud in the quiet room. “Meet me in the library in an hour Oliver” as she walked out of the room her hushed whisper to Duncan was heard by everyone in the room “Please get the nurse to check Felix out, his rut must be coming” 

Oliver surveyed the room, wondered for a moment if this was how every single meal went, some drama aired out across the table before one of the members storming off. It was carnage, Venecia staring out the window, pointedly not making eye contact with anyone. Farleigh lit up another smoke, eyes focused on the silver knife on the table, lost in thought or anger. Felix was still slumped back in his seat, biting on his nails, radiating such furious heat. 

Oliver tried to hide his smirk, Elpseth sure had a knack for making an impact in a room, barely any words needed to be spoken, nothing ever verging on rude or untrue. In only a few sentences she’d humbled every single Catton, ruffled everyone’s feathers while remaining completely poised. Walking from the room like a phoenix from the ashes of the carnage she left behind. Maybe for the first time ever Oliver felt something akin to awe toward another person. 

* 

Oliver felt almost starstruck when he met Elspeth in the library. Still impressed at her earlier commanding of the room, Oliver walked in tentatively. He enjoyed the earlier display as much as it had shocked him, he liked that he had met another Omega, one that he could aspire to be like. She was vapid, insanely rich and out of touch but she held a strength about her, a coldness to her that felt like warmth to Oliver. 

“Oliver darling, there you are” She motioned him closer, to come sit by her on the couch, patting the cushions. 

“What book do you have?” He asked as he sat by her side, glancing at the recognisable front cover 

“The Count of Monte Cristo, beautifully written tale don’t you think” Elspeth smiled toward him, an unsettling smile, one that all the years of human study couldn’t seem to help him decipher. 

“Beautiful?” He asked, trying to understand her more, to grasp her intentions. Oliver would of course count this tale as a beautiful one, one he’d read many times when he was younger as if it were a fairytale story. 

“It’s beautiful to be encapsulated in such an emotional story. It feel’s devilish almost to feel inclined toward what some might see as the villain” 

Oliver stayed silent, allowing Elpseth the silence to fill

“So often we are asked in stories to wish for, to hope that the good will prevail. A story like this though, although what he plans would be deemed as sinful or horrific actions, we still champion for his revenge. We want him to receive what he believes should have rightfully been his” she spoke with little emotion

“It’s intriguing to be placed in a position that allows us to feel justified to hope that his devious plans come to fruition. Although those actions are objectively bad, within the book and the safety of our own thoughts we are encouraged to want him to seek and achieve his revenge” she smiled toward Oliver again, raising her head from where her gaze had been on her fingers gently tracing the worn spine of the book

Before Oliver could respond, stuck for a moment in this feeling of affinity toward Elspeth, of comradery and the fear inside that maybe she was more aware of what he was planning. Was she more intuitive then she led on, or maybe she just wished to have someone to speak to about such taboo viewpoints. Perhaps she felt this was a way to connect with her son’s friend, or maybe she was beginning a game of chess with Oliver that he was unaware was even being started. Either she knew more than she led on or she was oblivious to it all and was simply trying to find common ground. No matter the intention behind it all, Oliver noted that she was someone to watch, someone perhaps he could learn from if she was too wearing a mask. Even if she wasn’t and he was giving her too much credit, her ability to remain cold was something to admire, something to model himself off for when he soon becomes a Catton.

Chapter Text

Days passed much the same, running in the morning with Felix before spending the long sunny days lounging by the water, reading or answering Felix’s questions about Harry Potter. It was something to take note of, how different time seemed to feel when there was a team of maids, chefs and others to take care of every mundane day to day task. The days seemed endless when you didn’t need to cook food, to prepare each email, to keep on top of the day to day cleaning and upkeep of a home. It was freeing to have so much time, to spend a day however you liked knowing full well that the next day you could do the same. The more days that came the easier it seemed to be to forget about time all together. It felt as if Oliver didn’t need to know it here, everything was structured, he’d be fed without worry and the rest of the day was his, or more accurately was Felix’s to choose what they did. 

It had been just over a week by the time Elspeth asked for him to join her in the library again. The more Oliver observed her the more he was intrigued. She was beautiful of course but there was something that drew people in, made them instantly respect her and want to impress her. The more Oliver watched her the more he took note of the subtle parts of her personality, the things he could try and emulate when he was a Catton.  

It didn’t take long for the other to crowd into the library as well, Farleigh was first, giving the two only a half hour to connect, to chat their favourite books before he was forcing his way into the conversation to give his input. The agitation in his voice, the folded arms and the stares he shot toward Oliver showed he was wholly unimpressed by his and Elpseth’s alone time. 

Felix came in shortly after, whimpering about being bored and smushing himself next to Oliver on the seat. It really wasn’t a big enough lounge to have all three on but the beeline Felix made toward the seat was clear that he had no intention of sitting anywhere else but next to Oliver. His arm thrown over the back of the seat, his body pressed hard to Oliver’s side. It was comforting to know Felix even in such a small group of people, just his mother and cousin, that Felix felt the need to stake his claim on Oliver. 

When Vee arrived, sauntering in like a model in wet swimmers and a sarong hanging low on her waist, Felix squeezed at Oliver’s shoulder, as if to remind him that he was still there, like the giant hard body pressed to his side wasn’t enough. 

By the time everyone was in the room, the quiet conversation, the headway Oliver felt he was making in understanding Elspeth was completely stifled. Farleigh almost shouting his thoughts on the book and the author, throwing in other random facts to keep the attention in his direction. With everyone else squeezed in, Elspeth gave a yawn in the middle of Farleigh rambling. 

The small room occupied with a few people went immediately cold. It was quiet again, eerily so. The life sucked out of it, as if Elspeth had sucked it in with her yawn. Again Oliver was shocked at just how much power she commanded without even the need for words. 

“Well Oliver darling, such a great chat. I would love to do it again soon, but I must get on with the planning?” She smiled toward him 

“Planning?” Oliver asked when everyone else barely registered the words

“Oh yes darling, has Felix not told you. We’re having a party this Friday. One of the regulars we host, with your fathers friends” She smiled toward Felix and Venetia

“You haven’t told Oliver yet?, Felix please darling, you must remember that it’s only polite to give people time to prepare. Did you bring a suit with you darling?” She touched Oliver’s arm, bringing his attention back to her. 

“No” his voice wobbly with all attention on him

Felix shook his shoulders “Don’t worry mate, I’ll have Duncan find one of my old one’s for you” 

“Not the Henry’s mom, god they are so stuck up and Daddy’s not even back for them to visit” Venetia whined

“Venetia darling, you know it’s tradition, even when your father’s not home”

Venetia shot up from where she had slouched against the chair, staring straight at Felix “We should go together Ollie” her gaze moving to face him “it would really ruffle their feathers, give them something to talk about. Two Omega’s together god I can almost hear them choking down their outrage already” She giggled

Felix’s arm tightened around his shoulder again, that scent of anger flaring up, Felix practically vibrating with unbridled anger like Michael back in the dorms used to do. If he weren’t in the middle of the library, didn’t have a mask to wear and a role to play he would have laughed at just how easily Venetia riled her brother up. He only had a few moments to weigh his options, all eyes on him 

“Just imagine now Ollie, we walk in, hand in hand. God, can you imagine Felix, they would just die” The smirk that spread across her face gave everything away

“God Vee, just stop, it’s getting embarrassing now.” Felix stood, scouring at his sister and held his hand back toward Oliver. The rage pouring off the Alpha wasn’t unlike what Oliver had experienced before, without needing time to think about it he grabbed onto Felix’s hand. 

*

Felix marched toward his room, Oliver being dragged behind him by the hand. 

Oliver just sat on the bed while Felix continued to pace the room. He observed as Felix scrubbed his hands across his face, constantly running them through his hair. 

“Do you want to go with her?” Felix voice strained to ask the question

Oliver took a moment to catalogue this Felix right in front of him. Vaguely it reminded him of Michael but also of the panicked Felix that had found him that night by the bridge. It was clear the Alpha was not at all containing the emotions swirling through him. His movements were jittery, stopping his pacing every so often to stare out the window, fists clenching and unclenching by his sides as he huffed out deep sighs and audibly inhaled. If the mask didn’t have to be worn, Oliver would have patted himself on the back for just how well thing’s were turning out. Felix was jealous and possessive, most Alphas were born with a sense of entitlement. Felix had it worse though, the rich always did, not only was it the secondary gender but it was also the status, the power and the money that drove that entitlement right to the top end of the scale. 

With a deep sigh, forcing his eyes to water he replied “Felix NO, of course not” 

Felix stopped the pacing, staring down at the watery eyed Ollie 

“Olls, I don’t mean to upset you. I just, it’s just..” 

“What Felix?” 

“Just you know, with the scar and everything, you just , you just don’t want to get a bad name. Like people to think a certain way about you” Felix smiled down at Oliver, so chuffed with his insightful explanation 

Oliver wanted to rage, wanted to tear off the mask and punch Felix square in the jaw. With a thick swallow he replied 

“Of course Felix, you know best” 

“I don’t want to be an asshole Olls, you know that. I know sometimes taboo shit like that can be interesting, but it’s just not worth affecting your life for it” Felix sighed, sitting down next to Oliver, silence settling over the room. 

It took everything Oliver had, every ounce of concentration to keep his cool, to keep his energy inside. A fight was what he wanted, to scream at Felix for his stupid, pigheaded view on the world, for pretending he knew anything about what people went through. He was a dumb, cruel, bratty rich bastard. He knew nothing of the pain people endured, he knew nothing of the pain he caused to people. He was a childish brat who just got everything he wanted. 

The longer the silence went on, the more Felix fidgeted next to him. He could feel the unsettled energy between them

“I had this friend once,” Felix stopped for a moment, looking back to check the door was closed 

“his name was Eddie, he was an Alpha too. I ah, it was before, from boarding school. He came here and I just, I just really liked him. Venetia said it was a crush but I don’t, I don’t know. I never allowed myself to do more than just think about it, like once . I saw the way Daddy used to watch us, used to watch the way I followed Eddie around, the way Eddie used to tell me what to do and I just jumped to follow him. I know now that I shouldn’t act like that, I’m an Alpha you know, I’m a Catton too and Daddy was right it was a bad look.”

“God, if any of his work colleagues had seen the way I was acting they would have never respected me. If I was weak, if I just followed an Alpha around like that, God, they would never respect me” Felix turned to catalogue Oliver’s blank expression, anxiety flaring up as the tinge of embarrassment flushed on his cheeks. 

Oliver reached across and grabbed Felix’s arm, squeezed it and smiled 

“What I’m saying is that it’s fine to think about stuff like that, like if you had a crush on an Omega it’s fine it’s just you can’t act on it. People expect you to act a certain way and even though Vee just pretends it doesn’t matter it does. She’s not the heir anyway so it’s not as important. I’m an Alpha though, people expect me to be a certain way.” 

Felix sighed deeply, shoulders slumping forward “I just worry about you Olls, like if Vee get’s her claws in. She just doesn’t understand you, not like I do. She doesn’t understand about the scar or anything else that happened and I just don’t want people to think shit things about you because you start acting like her. I mean I know you’re not a slut or anything but these kinds of people they just see things differently then I do. If they see you and Vee turn up together, if people find out about your past, they aren’t going to understand like I do, they’ll just assume bad things” 

“I wasn’t going to go with her Felix” Oliver answered 

“Look Olls, mate, I’m not telling you what to do it’s just Vee, she just has a habit of kind of using people and then throwing them away when they aren’t fun anymore. I’m just looking out for you” Felix smiled at him, seeming to be appeased by Oliver’s acting. 

*

Oliver lay in his bed, staring up at the ceiling, fingers crossed hoping the medication he just took would ease the oncoming migraine. 

Saltburn was a lot more than he expected, after a quiet life in the shadows being thrust into such an emotional family was almost too much to handle. He should have known though, it wasn’t as if he was unaware of Felix’s attitude before they came to Saltburn and he obviously picked it up from somewhere. 

The checklist he kept locked away in his head was at the forefront. Surprisingly things were going better than he’d expected, a lot of steps were moving faster then he’d anticipated. Felix as usual was such a wealth of knowledge and the poor rich boy had no understanding of self preservation, just offering up hidden family secrets like they weren’t worth their weight in gold. Definitely a behaviour he would need to have Felix unlearn when he was in control. 

The seething anger rose even as he practised the long stupid inhales and exhales he’d read about in some psych book. The disgust he felt toward Felix, toward them all really was hard to hide. It was hard to believe such dim, snarky little creatures as the Catton children could come from Elspeth. She was cold, sure, maybe emotionally distant but she was poised, and would probably still stick to the comfort of a disciplined routine even if some horrific tragedy struck the family. 

Venetia was one to worry about, of course he admired the way she riled Felix up, knew every button to push but from what he’d read that’s what siblings were supposed to be like. It wasn’t from intelligence, or the art of understanding someone so deeply you could get under their skin, it was just from proximity from such a young age. The information about her Felix had offered up would come in handy though and already filed away in his brain. If needed he could use the jealousy, the sibling rivalry against Felix, against them both if that was the outcome he wanted. 

It was hard to reconcile the anger toward Felix though, to get his brain to settle, to shoo away the murderous thoughts that were of no use currently. For now, he had to continue to play the part he cast himself in. Had to smile and appease the inhumanly stupid Alpha, the oblivious filthy rich entitled mess that was his future mated partner. 

He allowed himself to dance around in the little fantasies for a moment, just long enough to use up some of the rage coursing through his body. If for just a second he allowed himself the sweet relief of escaping to his possible future, he might have some chance at sleeping that night. Ideas formed from what Felix had said about chasing after that Alpha, instead he was chasing after Oliver. Once the bond was formed, Felix wouldn’t have to do any thinking, could just sit back and do as Oliver asked, could be the face of the Catton’s while Oliver controlled it behind the scenes. There was really no point in allowing Felix to try and take over, lest it all be for nothing and the Catton’s lose their immense wealth because Felix is investing in some stock he had no idea about. 

Just the thought of Felix listening to every command, just wanting to be led was enough to have Oliver settling in deeper to the expensive bedding. It really couldn’t have been more perfect, instead of having to keep up some precedent of the happy little homemaker, he could use his intelligence, flex the muscle whenever he wanted. Of course Felix would get the credit but Oliver had never needed the accolades, all his perfectly laid plans had been in secret before anyway, it didn’t need to change now. 

*

Like usual Oliver was up with the sun, the seething anger from the night before was still coursing through his body. He had a little plan though, like he always did. Of course it would further the agenda but he also wanted some retribution for what Felix had done. The way he had acted, the things he had said all swirled around his mind as he prepared for the day. If Felix was so opposed to him possibly being attracted to his sister, to another Omega, then maybe he should set his sights on an Alpha. 

After the first morning run with Felix he’d felt slightly bad for the intense reaction Felix had had to the full dose of viagra he’d given him so since then he’d only been giving half to him. It was essential to have Felix continually associate his increased libido to a sexual attraction to Oliver. That’s why he’d always dissolved the tablet in Felix’s bottle of water, continually urging him to keep sipping away throughout the runs. 

Sweating he knew would release more of his own pheromones and he knew that Felix would eventually associate the awkward boners with Oliver’s scent. A little Pavlov’s dog experiment and so far the results it was yielding were exactly what Oliver wanted. 

Felix was more possessive, more clingy than usual and it hadn’t escaped his notice how often Felix would rush off and leave the bathroom stinking of sex pheromones. Really, it had worked faster and better then he had expected, even with just a half dose. 

After Felix’s initial freak out that it was related to his oncoming rut, he had to be a bit careful so he reduced the dosage. There was no point to it if Felix wasn’t around Oliver when the viagra set in therefore constantly solidifying his sexual attraction to Oliver. 

Oliver was pissed off though, so incredibly mad about Felix’s reaction and bullshit speech last night about protecting him that he deserved to suffer through a full dose again. 

He crushed the pill as he did every morning when he prepared their water bottles, this time though it would also require him to take a small dose too. For the plan to further the agenda, he needed a little something to get himself turned on too. He needed his body to react as if it were reacting from sexual attraction. He needed his body to release some slick, for the drugs to do what they needed and force him to have a boner as well. 

Felix was extra chipper while they stretched on the lawn. Oliver suspected it must be to do with the fact that he thought himself to be some sort of amazing white knight, saving poor Oliver from dumb decisions whilst also keeping him away from Venetia. 

Like usual he continued to remind Felix to drink his water as they ran through the forest, small breaks to catch their breath before continuing. Oliver could feel it coming on, could feel the slick start to seep into his underwear, the blood flowing down to his cock and by the strangled moans and deep inhales from behind him he figured Felix was only fairing worse then him. 

Felix was the one to call stop, to sit first on the rock beside the river, towel careful laid across his lap, hissing as he let the weight of it go. 

Oliver did a few stretches, bending down to touch his toes, knowing full well that the scent of his slick and arousal would be the most potent. Felix’s gasp was an indicator that his assumption was correct. Time for the plan to begin. 

“Hey Felix” Oliver continued his stretching “do you know if Farleigh is seeing anyone?” 

Felix barely contained the growl “What?” 

“Oh, I just thought, I guess I wondered if he was going to bring anyone to the party?” 

“Probably not, he’s a bit of a slag and doesn’t do relationships” Felix huffed out 

“Want to skinny dip?” Oliver asked, still slightly bent over and peering over his shoulder to face Felix. 

“What?” Felix stuttured

“Well, no one’s around right, would be fun?” Oliver smirked

“Jesus Olls, I mean, yeah okay I guess”

“Okay, well turn around for a sec so I can get my kit off” Oliver giggled 

Oliver checked over his shoulder and observed the awkward looking Felix. Hand clenched into the towel on his lap the other acting as a blinder for his eyes. 

When Oliver was out of his clothes, he made sure to position the pile with the slick sweat soaked underwear on top, just to really ensure his scent was visible. 

Slowly he walked into the river, the cold water doing wonders for his overheated body and rock hard cock. It was cold enough it helped ease the pressure a little, he might even be lucky enough to sneak back into the house before he had to take care of it. 

“Done Felix” He called out, watching the giant Alpha unfurl, watching as his gaze fell onto Oliver’s pile of clothes. The plan was working better than expected. For at least a minute Felix seemed to be heaving out deep sighs and inhales with his gaze locked onto the slick soaked underwear. Honestly, it couldn’t have being more perfect, just more reinforcement that Felix was sexually attracted to Oliver. 

“Coming in Felix?” Oliver called out, watching as the dazed Alpha tore his eyes from the pile of clothes

“Yeah, don’t peek Ollie?” Felix teased

Throwing his clothes over Oliver’s before jumping into the river 

Oliver gave him a chance to settle, knowing that his dosage was stronger. If Felix’s pained then slightly relaxed face was anything to go by, the cold water must be affecting him the same. 

“Did you hear what Farleigh was saying in the library?” 

“No” 

“Oh, just, well it was just really interesting observations about the book your mom was reading” Oliver explained 

“I thought you said he always had shallow takes on every book you guys read in class?” Felix pushed 

Shit, he was right, Oliver really did complain a lot about Farleigh and his mundane shallow level thoughts on the literature. 

“Yeah I guess, I mean just yesterday was really interesting you know. I think maybe being here I’m just seeing a different side of Farleigh” Oliver shrugged 

Felix was incredibly expressive, even when he was trying so hard to mask it. Oliver watched as his face turned from a scowl to not quite indifference. 

“What’s all the interest in Farleigh all of a sudden?” Felix accused 

“Nothing Felix” Oliver shied away 

“No Olls, don’t lie” Felix shouted 

“It’s nothing, just I guess, just what you said last night. You’re right, I should act more Omega, I should go to the party with an Alpha” Oliver answered

It was silent for a moment, Felix again trying to calm his expression before speaking, the anger still in his tone 

“What am I Oliver, I mean for fuck sake mate, I’m your best friend. You’re here to spend time with me!” Felix countered 

Oliver just let the silence fall again, pretended to be shocked by the outburst 

“You wanna go with me? I thought you’d invite Annabel or India or something” 

“God, Olls, you know I can’t stand them” Felix cooled his expression, wayding through the river closer to Oliver. His expression was soft, Oliver could smell the change in scent, Felix trying hard to calm the situation he’d created. 

“Sure, Felix. You know I’d love to go with you” Oliver smiled

Felix got just close enough to reach his wet hand out to cup Oliver’s cheek. 

“I’m just trying to protect you Olls, you know that. Farleigh’s a slag anyway, you know he’s sucked off most of the teachers at college” Felix smiled

Oliver let himself fall a bit more limply into the hand cupping his cheek. The damage was done, the next part of the plan was set, the seeds were planted. There was no need to have a yelling match now, he’d accomplished what he wanted from this situation. 

They swam for a bit longer before Oliver mentioned they should head in. Felix covered his eyes as Oliver towelled off.

“Ready to head in?” 

“Go ahead Olls, I just want to swim a bit longer” Felix answered 

Oliver smirked to himself, he knew exactly how Felix must be feeling, the first time he’d given him the full dosage the poor guy looked like a mess. Sweating and frantically running away from Oliver, loudly wanking in the bathroom, barely containing his moans. The entire day even after he’d napped Felix had seemed off to everyone around them, of course he used the excuse of the oncoming rut but by now Felix wouldn’t have that excuse as an option. It had been too many days of getting slightly aroused by the scent of Oliver, his increasing possessiveness not particularly helping either. Soon Oliver knew it, soon Felix would finally start associating his random boners with Oliver, his scent and hopefully the attraction. A few other details needed to be ironed out, a few little plans had to come into play first until Oliver knew he’d be comfortable to move forward. He needed Felix to be falling, mind body and soul for him before the next step. It would make the transition for the guy just a little bit easier and Oliver wasn’t a complete psychopath, he would be happy to spend a little longer just so it would be easier for Felix. 

*

By the time he got to the shower, the relief of the cold water had run its course. The effects of even half the dosage were working now and he had to awkwardly avoid everyone on his run through Saltburn to his bedroom. He left the door open just a crack, hoping maybe Felix would be able to at least hear him in the shower, if the gods were looking down on him maybe Felix would even try to sneak a peek. 

He discarded his clothes in the hamper, boxer’s completely wet with slick strategically left on the top, on show. 

Stepping into the shower, his cock was already at attention. Jutting out from his body and pulling all his attention to it. Oliver hoped Felix wouldn’t be too long so he started out slow, hissing at the contact when he wrapped a loose fist around his cock. Leaning against the wall of the shower he slowly started to stroke himself. God it felt amazing, it had been such a long time since he’d indulged himself this way, with the suppressants and the general feeling toward sex and Alpha’s he barely ever felt the need. It was nice though, even though it was induced by the little blue pill he’d crushed up in his water this morning it was still a good feeling. 

Closing his eyes he let his mind think back on the last few months, on the many successful plans he’d implemented. Each stroke felt incredibly heightened by the thoughts of everything he’d put in place and just how well all his plans had gone so far. He was proud, so fucking proud of everything he’d done and to the position he found himself in now. 

Even the thought of sharing heats with Felix when they finally mated weren’t completely off putting. The man was an attractive, tall, lean muscled Alpha. It was ridiculous to not notice his objective beauty. Once he was mated he could come off the suppressants finally and with that meant regular heats and Felix’s ruts and the idea wasn’t as alarming as he thought it would  be. 

He did miss that feeling of being stretched open on someone’s cock, the feeling of being mostly lost to the haze of the heat and just allowing for a few hours that instinctual part of him to take over him completely. The first two heats he’d experienced that weren’t horrific, he often wondered if it could be even better if he wasn’t having to be completely on guard and aware of the potential dangers he’d put himself in. Maybe it would be nice to be safe and secure with Felix, to allow himself to really let go after the mating. 

He could smell his own scent thick and heavy in the steamy shower, his slick dripping down his inner thighs as he continued his soft strokes. It contrasted heavily with the scent of Felix when he heard the man closing the door to his bedroom. Finally he’d arrived, finally Oliver could really indulge himself and put on a bit of a show. No more waiting around to get off. He could smell the Alphas arousal even through his own pheromones. 

He bent over leaning his face against the glass shower door. The hand not stroking his cock sliding past his cheek, circling his slick wet hole. For a few moments he was lost to the sensation, murmuring his moans into the glass, eyes rolling back in pleasure at the feeling. He could smell more of Felix, the man was either peeking through the door or smelling enough of Oliver that he was getting turned on himself. 

Perfect he thought, pushing his index finger past the rim, thrusting shallowly in and out as he continued to stroke himself. He didn’t bother hiding his evident pleasure, moaning loudly, stuttered breaths fogging up the glass. It felt like it had gone on for ages, for so long just waiting for Felix to arrive. The drugs had been working, making him hard throughout the entire run, making him horny and slick with want. Fuck the thought now, just the thought of finally being able to spend his heats with someone where he wouldn’t have to constantly fight his own instincts to keep some awareness with. The idea that soon, that in only a few short weeks he could spend days in Felix’s room, taking from the Alpha everything he needed for his own pleasure and making the man thank him for it. He sped up at the thought, the idea that one day Felix would be so thankful that they got together, would be so happy to just do what Oliver told him, even without knowing Felix would be so grateful for every single plan, all the time and energy Oliver spent curating the perfect story until it climaxed in their mating. 

He threw his head back, come splattering in streaks across the glass door

“Farleigh, fuck, Farleigh” he softly mumbled into the glass, smirking at his own genius. 

*

Felix was beyond turned on, he’d avoided getting close to the slightly ajar door for a while but his cock was throbbing, had been all morning, ever since he started his run with Oliver. The petite little Omega, it was almost painful to be running behind him, to have the constant scent of his arousal. TO watch his ass jiggle in those little running shorts and to be in a constant state of wonder, just imagining what it would look like, what Oliver would smell like there, GOD, what he might taste like spread out on Felix’s bed like a feast. He’d dine all night if he could, just to get every single inch of himself covered in Oliver’s sweet scent. 

The run back had been painful, all he could think about was the soiled underwear, the sweaty slicked soaked boxer’s that Oliver had been wearing. He’d hoped that Oliver would be finished showering by the time he got back. Hoped he’d be able to slip in quickly and grab up the underwear and fuck his fist time and time again with them pressed against his nose, constantly inhaling the sickening addictive scent of his best mates arousal. 

His little Ollie, his best friend, his boy that he was constantly trying to protect form everyone else. He just wanted him safe, wanted him by his side so Felix could always keep an eye on him.

It wasn’t too bad though to come back to his room the scent of body wash and Oliver’s clear arousal. It wafted through the door and Felix welcomed it, keeping his hand across his mouth to trap in any sounds he made as he flopped down on the bed, other hand palming against his crotch. 

The moans though, those heavenly sounds Oliver was making in the shower were just too hard to resist, he needed a peek. Just a little one, just like one second just to see that Oliver was fine, that he was alone and then he could go back to his bed and enjoy. He could see Oliver’s cheek pressed against the glass door, but the fucking steam was making everything else just a little too foggy. He could only make the silhouette out, could see that Oliver was maybe bent over, could make out the one arm was making movements back and forth. 

It was enough though, just the foggy image mixed with the scent was enough, Felix couldn’t help continuing to fuck into his palm. Eventually slipping his hand down the front of his pants to squeeze at the base of his cock before roughly jerking it, inside his pants. 

The little moans Oliver was making were increasing the entire haze, the steamy shower left Oliver’s scent so clean and crisp. He was surrounded by everything, surrounded by Oliver and all he wanted was to step right into the shower. Maybe Oliver’s heat was coming, god maybe he’d want to spend it with Felix. What a pleasure that would be, after days and days of the constant awareness of Oliver’s subjective attractiveness, getting to help his best mate, his Ollie, with his heat, what a privilege. He could keep him safe, keep an eye on him and god, he’d just be able to have a few days of Oliver’s constant attention even if he was in the haze of heat it would be so welcomed. It had been so long since he got the undivided attention of his Oliver, too long really and he was craving it. 

His eyes snapped to attention when the spurts of come covered the glass door, Felix had to squeeze his cock to stop himself coming in time with Oliver. His senses were on high alert, so worried about being caught out, about Oliver catching him. Although what he caught, the soft moaned whimpers of Farleigh’s fucking name set him ablaze with anger. 

He wanted to march in there, dick in fucking hand and show Oliver what a fucking idiot he was, what he was missing out on by not focusing his attention of Felix. Felix would treat him right in his heat, would care for him and be such an attentive lover. Farleigh, fuck Farleigh would probably tap out after round one, fall asleep after he came and be a total prick the entire time. 

Who the fuck was Oliver to be moaning out his cousin’s name like that. First it was Venetia, now fucking Farleigh. Was he just not a viable option? Was that it, was Oliver just not aware that he could have Felix if he just paid enough fucking attention to everything. He was oblivious, so unaware, probably thought Felix would never want to help him through a heat. Silly little Oliver, missing the best opportunity he could ever get because he was too unaware. Less than a bloody hour ago Felix had offered himself up as Oliver’s date, what more could the guy want. They were best fucking friends, how could he not think that Felix would help him through a heat, that’s the type of thing’s friends would do. A real friend, a friend like Felix was, would happily fucking into his best mate’s warm wet, slick hole for days on end if that’s what Oliver needed.

Once it had safely been about 5 minutes since Oliver left the bathroom Felix crept in. His orgasm was horribly stifled by the muffled moans of Farleigh’s name. The incessant need to get off though was still buzzing under the surface of his skin. The bathroom smelt divine, Oliver’s scent everywhere melding with Felix’s scent and the unmistaken smell of sex. Even though he watched Oliver wash away the streaks of come with handfuls of water, the smell still lingered. 

Casually he walked over to the door that led to Oliver’s room, making sure it was shut tightly. 

His gaze fell straight to the dirty laundry hamper, Oliver’s soaking wet boxer’s sitting right on the top, as if they were left there like a gift. Felix felt overjoyed he didn’t need to rifle around to find them, worried the longer he took in the bathroom the more suspicious he’d look, the more chance of him getting caught. 

He snatched the boxer’s, throwing his clothes on top and dived straight into his bed. At first it was just the scent, just having it so potent around him was enough for his cock to chub up again. Then he laid them on his stomach as he started stroking his cock. The scent was strong, the boxers still damp with slick. 

It was enough, he kept telling himself, it was already weird he was doing this but he knew he wouldn’t be able to get off without it now. Especially when Oliver’s little murmured words had ruined his last orgasm and infiltrated his fantasies. He needed the scent, the scent alone, the memories of Ollie jogging in front of him this morning, getting progressively more sweaty and aroused would be enough. 

Until it wasn’t. Fighting the teasing thoughts in his brain he flicked the boxer’s next to his pillow, just close enough he could drop his head to the side and give a deep inhale, just once, once was just enough to really get that scent, those pheromones deep in his lungs. 

Almost there, just on the precipice of his orgasm, he rolled his head to the side, nuzzling into the boxer’s. Inhaling and shuttering with the exhale at just how utterly delicious the smell was. His hand was flying now, tugging his cock raw as he chased it. One deep inhale as he dug his nose in deeper and his own orgasm surprised him. Come splattering in warm ropes across his stomach. All the energy draining from his body in a second, limbs going limp, soft cock dropped unceremoniously into the come covering his crotch. Eyes fluttering shut, struggling with his last ounce of energy to tuck the boxer’s under his pillow before sleep called him in. 

Chapter Text

The morning run was like usual, Felix chasing behind Oliver, energy pent up and gradually getting more frustrated every time Oliver even mentioned anyone else. It was tiring, exhausting to hear the constant chatter about Farleigh or Venetia, even if it only seemed platonic in nature it was painful. All Felix wanted was Oliver’s attention, his constant unwavering attention, it wasn’t too much to ask for. 

As confusing as it was spending time with Oliver, what was more confusing was that everytime he did, these stupid feelings rose up again. He’d lost track of the amount of time’s he’d just stare and catalogue Oliver’s expressions, his face, his beautiful blue eyes. He wanted a rest from the endless stream of his brain’s one track Oliver thoughts. As much as he wanted the reprieve, the idea of Oliver alone in the house, spending his day somewhere without Felix to protect him was just too much and completely outweighed the need for alone time. 

Of course he was jealous, fiercely jealous of Oliver spending time with anyone else but it started to become more. He watched the way people interacted with Oliver, heightened to the Omega’s every expression, to the subtle changes in scent when a specific line of questioning made him feel a certain way. 

That’s what Felix was worried about most, if Oliver was alone in the house, without Felix as a buffer, maybe, unfortunately his family might just start in on him, make the poor thing uncomfortable, make him stressed or anxious.

He wanted to protect his friend, as each day passed it became more confusing though. Felix felt on edge at all times, even when Oliver was by his side, only really calming down when they were alone together in his room. Even then, stress or guilt would make their way through his body at the idea that Oliver might find his own stashed underwear in Felix’s room, might happen to look under the bed and recognise the T-shirt he’d worn a week ago and wonder why it was hidden under Felix’s bed. 

Felix was lost in his constant stream of nervous thoughts, staring holes in the ceiling above his bed. He hadn’t been able to get comfortable recently, losing sleep over the stress that churned at the pit of nausea in his stomach. His hearing was acutely aware of the shower running in the bathroom. 

To some degree he was thankful for a moment alone, thankful to not have to be constantly next to Oliver and inhaling the sweet intoxicating scent, without any idea of how to satiate the strong want he had. Want for what exactly? The question constantly at the forefront of his mind. Everything he did to try and squash the ever present feeling inside wasn’t enough. 

Spending more time with Oliver, squashing in next to him for physical contact at any chance he could wasn’t enough. Wrestling skin to skin in the pool didn’t help. Laying on his bed listening to Oliver ramble on about something or other never quenched it. It always felt like he needed just a little more, just something else but he had no idea what it was. Everything he did helped a little but nothing fully made the feeling go away. 

It was driving him insane, he felt smothered by Oliver, everything around him was Oliver, but it also wasn’t enough. As deeply as he felt he wanted to run from it, he equally felt as desperate to be closer. Fuck, even stealing Oliver’s freshly sweaty clothes never gave him enough relief. 

The dread hung on his shoulders and only got worse with each passing day. He felt like a failure, his goal was to somehow convince Oliver to stay at Oxford, that he would keep him safe and he had made exactly zero headway on it. With all the emotions toward Oliver, even the thought that he might leave was enough to clench at Felix’s heart and cause a few stray tears to spill out. 

It was too hard to think about it, too hard to try and find a solution when his heart sank at the idea of being away from Oliver’s side for a second. What a useless Alpha, what an absolute failure he was. He couldn’t even look after his best friend, couldn’t make him feel safe enough and protected to return to the school he’d worked so hard to get too. What a waste Felix was that even with all the money in the world, Oliver still didn’t think Felix could protect him, could or would keep him safe and keep his secret. God, he was willing to run off to some unknown place hoping for a better chance at a happy life then believe that Felix could hope to provide it for him. 

Cold palms rubbed into his eye sockets, trying to stop his incessant mind, trying to rub away the evidence of the tears that were forming. Still listening he could hear the shower running and turned on his side, wriggling into the mattress to try and find a comfortable spot but there was nothing. He pulled at the sheet that was tangled in the blanket and threw it over himself when it was free. It provided nothing that he was looking for, the usual comfort and coziness of his bedding was gone, suddenly feeling exactly like the cheap motel sheets he stayed at when his school went on trips. 

Squirming in the bed, the frustration constantly building. He wanted to throw up, he wanted to cry, he wanted to throw the stupid fucking lamp at the wall and just see what happens. He wanted Farleigh to barge in and yell at him so he had some excuse to scream back all his frustrations, maybe even throw in a punch or two just to expel some of the constant buzzing energy. 

When the water shut off in the shower, Felix listened as the steps retreated into Oliver’s room. Every instinct inside him told him to jump up immediately and go through the door, to just be closer to Oliver, to check on him, to make sure he was fine, make sure the poor thing didn’t cut himself shaving or something.

*

After another frustratingly stifled dinner, Oliver turned in early. Felix wanted to continue laying next to him in his room, surrounded by Oliver’s smell but he felt the guilt start to bubble up again, the shame of wanting to just be close to Oliver and then the sting of rejection. He knew he was getting annoying, even if Oliver tried to hide it when he answered Felix for the hundredth time that ‘Yes, they would still go for the run in the morning’. He slumped back into his room, feeling deflated, he wanted to sulk, wanted Oliver to pat his head and tell him everything would be fine. 

Instead he did what he always did when the thoughts got too muddled, when the confusion took over and made way for frustration. The downward spiral was continuing with each step he took toward Vee’s room. The comforting smell of incense and cigarettes did give him a second of relief. Stepping through the threshold of her room, the coldness was the first thing he noticed. Even though the temperature was the same, her room always had a cold feeling to it. It was comforting though, the cold sheets, the darkness of draped fabrics covering the windows. 

He didn’t even bother to ask before slumping down on her bed, whining that his feelings were hurting. He ruffled around in her many sheets, blankets and varying types of fabric and wrapped himself in a bundle. 

“Vee” he whined, hoping she could just magically fix it all. He remembered the last time he’d done this, last summer, when his father had just scolded him for being a useless excuse for an Alpha. When Eddie was in a bedroom across the house, clearly trying to avoid Felix from clinging to his side. 

“Felix, what are you doing?” She asked, cigarette up to her mouth as she inhaled a plume of smoke and blew it out the window. She sat with her legs crossed on the window sill seat, opened nail polish jar sitting precariously next to her

“Vee make it stop” He whined again, nuzzling in deeper to the cool fabrics of his sister’s bed. Trying to bring himself as much comfort as he could. He could feel the tears welling up behind his eyes. Exhaustion was taking over with each inhale of the comforting familiar scent of his sister. 

“Make what stop Felix?” She spoke in a disinterested tone, Felix knew though that although she always sounded like she would rather be anywhere else then in a conversation with someone, it was just the way she was. Venecia was a mystery to many, often people misunderstanding her cold outer shell. She wore it proud, reasoning that if people didn’t bother to get to know her well enough, they weren’t worth a moment of her time. 

“Why do I feel like this ” He peeked up from the blankets. She always looked like she was in some dark, arty film focused on the inherent sadness of human existence. 

“Felix, if you don’t give me anything to work with then I can’t help you” She stared blankly at him, raising her cigarette again. 

“Oliver’s driving me fucking crazy” he complained 

“Is he?” She smirked 

“You know what I mean?” Felix argued 

“I don’t actually, because you haven’t told me anything Felix” 

“I just told you he’s driving me crazy” 

“Well send him my way then, I’d be happy to keep him entertained” She smirked again

“Eww Vee. GOD” He sighed dramatically 

“Not crazy like that, like just crazy” 

She just stared at him, one eyebrow raised 

“Like crazy, you know?” 

“Felix” She deadpanned 

“GOD, okay jesus Vee. I mean crazy because I cannot think of anything but him. And bloody Farleigh is being such a slut and I’m sure he is trying to steal Olls from me. He’s my bloody friend though” Felix had lifted his head during his speech then sighed again throwing his head back against the pillows, hands scrubbing across his face

“Farleigh should get his own fucking friend’s, Oliver’s mine” he growled 

“He’s yours?” Vee questioned 

“DON’T” Felix stared straight at her 

“You know what I mean” 

Venecia laughed, rays of moon light pouring into the room around her, haloing her as she cackled, like some maniacal bad guy in the movies 

“You don’t even know what you mean” Vee joked 

“Oh for fuck sake Vee. I don’t need this bullshit. I came to you so you could help me figure out these thoughts not fucking make me more confused” He started to untangle himself from the sheets. Swearing and on the verge of tears when his ankle was too tied up in some fabric to get loose. 

“Calm down Felix” She jested

“Tell me about all these thoughts then. Let's see if I do a better job at untangling them” She smirked 

“On Grandfather’s grave you have to promise not to tell” He raised his hand with the stick and poke tattoo signalling their little ritual. 

He watched carefully as Venecia raised her’s, kissed the tattoo and proclaimed “I promise” 

With the declaration out of the way, suddenly Felix felt more at ease. They couldn’t break a promise like that, it would be aiking to death in the other siblings eyes. He’d never told when she got caught with a bag of coke a few year’s back and she’d never told anyone about the Eddie stuff. It was a sacred promise and that’s exactly what Felix needed right now. He got up and checked her door was closed and locked, needing to make sure Farleigh wasn’t eavesdropping for gossip. Finally after fidgeting around, he flopping backward onto the bed, hand thrown over his eye’s, hiding from the confessions he was about to make. 

With a deep exhale he started “I stole one of Oliver’s shirts…. And his underwear” He barely peeked an eye out from under his arm, just enough to see a split second of Venecia miming throwing up

“That’s disgusting Felix, you little freak” Venecia giggled 

“Vee STOOOP. I know it’s fucking disgusting but I can’t stop okay. I don’t why I can’t but god, you do not even want to know what I did with them” 

Venecia’s face went through an array of emotions, he watched as she turned from slight disgust to truly horrified 

“Felix. That is FUCKING disgusting. Do NOT fucking tell me” She looked like she really might throw up. 

“Oh fuck off. Ok, I get it, I’m a little weirdo, not like we didn’t fucking know that. So shut up so I can tell you the rest.” Felix complained

“Only if it’s not about that” 

“So I shouldn’t tell you how I watched him shower?” Felix smiled at the filthy face his sister made

“Do you want to get fucking arrested Felix. You little freak, poor fucking Ollie must be dying having to share the bathroom with you” 

“Oh shut up, he doesn’t know” 

“Sure he doesn’t, you stink like arousal everytime you are around him, which is ALL THE FUCKING TIME” 

“Okay whatever. Anyway, so I just can’t stop thinking about him. He’s thinking” Felix paused for a moment “He’s thinking of going to some other collage next sem and I just can’t bare the thought of it so you have to help me figure out a plan to make him stay” 

“Okay, but first tell me about the last semester, how did you even become his friend?” 

“Is that really necessary?” 

“Yes Felix, I’m trying to help untangle the mess, so I need background” 

“Okay, I just noticed him around a lot. He’s so nerdy and small and kind of weird looking and it’s hard not to notice him you know. He’s got like this aura about him, it should be off putting but it’s not. Anyway he lived with this fucking psychopath who hated Omega’s” 

Venecia growled at that 

“I know right, he was a proper prick and I had to save Ollie from him this one time. He was screaming at him and poor Olls was just standing there like a statue. We had to hide in a bathroom until he stopped shaking in my arms. It was so sad to watch. Then Olls started to tutor me and we were hanging out.”

“God, did you know that bullshit fucking school doesn’t even supply food for the scholarship kid’s it’s ridiculous. So I’d bring dinner and he’d just tutor me” Felix stopped for a moment, reminiscing on those sessions, on how he’d stalked Oliver out and watched the poor thing before finally coming up with such genius little plans to ensure that Oliver was eating, then forced to take home all the leftovers. 

He smirked to himself thinking back on how the server at the local cafe always ‘accidentally’ got his order wrong and the warmth spread again in his chest knowing how he’d always made sure Ollie had enough to eat. 

Venecia just nodded, gesturing for Felix to continue. Felix felt the smile inside him build at all the little details he wanted to explain to his sister, all the small stuff, the cute moment’s she had missed.

“This one time he wore my jacket and Vee seriously you should have being there, it was so cute the way he tucked himself into it and I could just see him occasionally sniffing at the collar and relaxing at my scent” Felix gushed, the words just kept tumbling out 

“He trusts me so much and the way I know I can make him feel safe and protected. Like out of all our friend’s I was always the one he would come to. I could always make him feel safe, every time at the pub he’d just sit next to me and the longer the night went on the sleepier he got but it’s like he could never just leave without me”

Venecia’s smile grew wider on her face 

“Then when you came home?” She questioned

“I know, I shouldn’t have put him in the room next to mine but I just had to have him close. If I can just prove to him that I can keep him safe then maybe he won’t go to another school. I even left a few of my blankets in his room so he’d feel more comfortable” 

“So that’s why your guarding him like a dog, because you want to make sure he’s safe” Vee asked 

“Yeah exactly, see you get it” 

“But safe from what Felix, from us?” She raised a brow in question.

“Well” Felix hummed for a second in thought “I guess but more so I just, it’s important you know for him to grow really attached to me so he won’t leave me” 

“Leave you?” 

“Leave the school. If he left, god, I don’t even want to think about it. He’d have no one to keep him safe, and Omega’s need that. I told you he is comforted by my scent so if I wasn’t there who would he get it from?” 

“Maybe he’ll meet someone” 

“Fuck off Vee, you don’t get it.” Felix snarled “I’m the only one that makes him safe, I’m the only one who can protect him and I’m the only one who really knows him” 

“So wait, why did you steal his clothes again?” 

“Sometimes when he isn’t around I just like to have his scent, I guess. It’s not like weird or anything, he’s my best mate” Felix reasoned, although his mind tracked back to all the things that scent also did to him, the way he only just yesterday fucked into his own hand with Oliver’s boxer’s draped over his face, inhaling his scent with every breath. 

“Okay, maybe it’s a little weird” Felix blushed a bright red

“Mmmmm” Venecia gave a parody of a philosopher deep in thought

“So, you guys experienced a semester of a drawn out friends to lovers romance novel. You’re feeding him, giving him gifts and having him wear your clothes and now you’re stealing his clothes to do god knows what with and guarding him from everyone else” She summed it up while her index finger tapped on her chin 

“You’ve got me stumped Felix. I mean really, honestly” She shrugged her shoulders “ I mean it sounds like… “ She paused

“Sounds like you’ve been courting him, but No, right? Couldn’t be courting this guy, this weird little nerd that you follow around like a lost puppy, that you keep away from everyone else. This little Omega that makes you look disgustingly proud everytime you talk about how ‘only you’ can make him safe, ‘ only you ’ can protect him. You couldn’t like him right?” Venecia questioned with a sarcastic tone 

Felix just sat for a moment, shock taking over him, scrubbing his hands across his face again. 

Felix rubbed his eyes before speaking “Have you not listened to a word I’ve said?” 

“Have you not listened to a word you said? Venecia argued back 

“We are not going through the whole sexual crisis thing again Felix, it took you four days to realise that jacking off to a grainy photo of Eddie on your phone was kinda gay. Whatever you’re doing with Oliver’s underwear I can most certainly guess is not anything other than R rated.” Venecia snarked 

“Do you think I like him?” Felix hesitated 

Venecia lolled her head backward, inhaling deeply before she faced her brother again, softness taking over her features as she exhaled, 

“Yeah Felix” She nodded, pursed her lips before continuing “I think you’re pretty far gone” she joked 

“I need a cigarette” Felix whined 

Hours went by much the same, they continued chatting about everything, well almost everything after Venecia complained her throat was sore from fake gagging whenever Felix got a little too detailed in his recounting of thoughts about Oliver. They giggled and laughed, stretching out lazily on Venecia’s large bed, sharing a joint while Felix’s life shattered into a million pieces and they played the game of trying to put it back together. 

Finally when he laid his head down on his pillow that night, still a little buzz from the joint, he smiled to himself, smiled at the new plan they had come up with. There was no way Oliver would be able to leave him after the break, not if everything went according to plan.

*

The next morning at breakfast Felix and Vee shared a conspiratory smile before sitting at the table. Felix hadn’t gone on the morning run, he was too tired from his late night but also, somehow the talk and the plan made with Vee made him relax a little bit more.

When Felix laid eyes on his sweet little Oliver sitting at the table, dressed after his run with a silk scarf that Felix had brought him gently wrapped around his neck. It took his breath away, almost as if for the first time he felt like he was truly seeing Oliver, this sweet and beautiful angel. His heart felt like it skipped a beat when he looked at him, when memories flooded his mind and for the first time he was seeing them in a different light. It felt different now that he had accepted his feelings to Oliver. After the long talk with Vee finally his mind felt clear for the first time in months. 

As everyone chatted at the breakfast table idly, Felix tried to contain the large smirk on his face every time he caught the eyes of his sister. They had run through the plan, through the options and the different ways to execute it. 

Finally the chatter from breakfast died down and as everyone was getting up from their seats Felix called out. 

“Olls?” he half shouted 

Oliver turned to face him

“Was thinking we could head into town today, grab some new clothes for the party, what do you think ?” 

Oliver just looked at him for a moment “Sure Felix, sounds nice” 

The little smile, that shy little smile Oliver wore like he had no idea why anyone would ever be nice to him melted Felix’s insides. Of course he’d always found Oliver to be a beautiful person, always found him cute and sweet and enjoyed his little Oliver quirks but all of a sudden they all seemed more bright. Like finally he could truly see them and it made his stomach ache with the explosion of butterflies.

*

They took his favourite jeep, the one he’d had since highschool and even then it was considered a classic. It was freeing to be out and free with Oliver like that, they had the top down and the wind blowing through his hair as they drove into the nearest town. Oliver packed them some ‘to go’ coffees which were the perfect addition to help Felix feel just a little more grounded when his heart would float away each time he stole a glance at Oliver. 

The music was blaring, all his favourite’s that he and Venecia had tape recorded to have their own little mixes. Oliver was positively glowing, he looked open, he looked free in a way that Felix had never really considered before. Sure he had taken a brief notice at the way Oliver shied away from social interactions, or large groups of people before but he had never really taken note of how often his little Omega had looked so uncomfortable before, as if he felt he was taking up too much space being quietly in the corner. 

Little memories flood back to him of the time so long ago that he noticed Oliver in that little cafe, the way he looked pushed up against the wall, trying his hardest to almost meld with it. The way the loud clattering and breaking of plates and cups had scared him stiff, had made him freeze in place in shock while the entire cafe stared daggers at him. The unconscious whine of distress he let out before grabbing what he could and running out muttering sorrys as best he could. 

Thinking back on it now, it held so much more gravity. Before he felt sorry for the Omega of course, he worried for him as any Alpha would but now it was different, now it elicited so many more emotions. Guilt was heavily present because if only somehow he had known about Oliver sooner, had met him earlier and had been able to take away every terrible thing he had ever endured in his life. If he had just met him sooner then he could have whisked him away from his pathetic excuse for parents and the entire ordeal he went through would have been avoided. 

It settled some serious resolve inside him now, when he looked to his side to see the content and peaceful look on Oliver’s face, from now on Oliver would be safe, from now on Felix would never let anything bad happen to the sweet little Omega sitting peacefully in his passenger seat. 

When they finally got into town Felix first offered they grab something light to eat, maybe a little sweet treat from a cafe and some coffees. He watched with enjoyment as Oliver went through the motions, at first reluctant, mentioning he didn’t have much money and then settled on a sweet smile when Felix dismissed all his worries.

Every shop they went into Oliver tried to avoid the idea of looking for clothes for himself, tried to shift the focus to Felix like always but it never really worked. Felix would just shift it straight back to him. He’d hold up different shirts and dress pants, throwing piles on top of piles across Oliver’s arms as the Omega protested. After Oliver complained of the weight he was ushered into a change room, Felix sat on the couch outside, explaining that it was rude if Oliver didn’t come out to show him. 

He was absolutely giddy, enjoying every moment of the day. He felt like the best friend of every main character in a teen movie when the inevitable ‘glow up’ scene would happen. Every outfit Oliver came out in looked stunning. No longer was he wearing shapeless jeans or slacks, he had more form fitting, hip hugging pants, one’s that showed off his lean figure, his ass and small waist. The shirts weren’t boring beige or chequered button downs but instead more trendy polos, just on the side of tight, just enough to show off the muscle definition in his arms that Felix hadn’t seemed to register before. 

Felix said yes to every single outfit, wouldn’t allow Oliver a chance to say no, even when he complained that they were supposed to be shopping for the party outfit. Felix assured him they would but used his charm to convince Oliver that he would be doing something nice for him by allowing him the chance to upgrade Oliver’s wardrobe. He made up some lie about wanting to be a wardrobe stylist when he was younger, just to really hone in to Oliver that this was more about doing something for Felix then it was about Oliver. It seemed to work and Oliver took it in stride, even becoming more lively as they walked around designer store after designer store. 

At some point he’d lost track of Oliver in the racks, finding the Omega standing in front of the jewellery stand eyeing the shining silver items. He took a second to stand back to just observe and see if he could tell exactly what Oliver was looking at. The Omega was bent over the display case, staring at the chains that were strung across the fabric. 

Coming up slowly behind Felix finally spoke “Olls, what did you find?” 

The Omega turned as much as he could with a bunch of clothes draped over his arms

“Oh just having a look” He meekly replied, trying to walk off 

“Which one do you like?” Felix stood in front of Oliver, gesturing to the display case

“Just having a look” Oliver replied 

“Which one Olls, I promise I won’t buy it. I just want an idea of what you like, for like birthday gift ideas” He tacked on a big wide smile, hoping he could throw Oliver off the trail 

Oliver returned the smile, seeming to fall for Felix’s deception “Just that one in the middle” he pointed the chain out in the display case, before turning back to face Felix “I used to have one just like it but it uh, it got broken” Oliver did well to hide the sadness from his face as he spoke but Felix was so attuned with his scent at this point that he was completely aware of the drastic change ot it. The sour tang of sadness. 

Felix tried to brush it off, tried to pretend he hadn’t noticed it and just smiled back 

“Nice one Olls, we still have to find some party outfits” He gestured out to the racks of clothing, taking note of the chain Oliver had pointed out. 

An hour later Oliver was back into the change room with more revealing, fitted, high quality party attire. It took a little longer to get the outfits on and gave Felix enough time to sneak off and purchase that little chain before Oliver would even know he was gone. It felt devious, naughty and with every step Felix took he could feel it burning a hole in his pocket. Containing the smile was almost too much when Oliver stepped out in his first outfit, a beautiful red checkered suit and a crisp white button down. It looked amazing on the mannequin but Oliver couldn’t have looked more perfect. 

It would be incredible for the party, a few accessories that Vee could help with and Ollie would look like a perfect choice for Felix. As Vee had put it, it would be like a soft launch of the potential mating. Just a way to present Oliver to a few close friends and family to gauge possible reactions, to see how he does with the interactions and then they would have an idea on what they needed to work on before truly presenting them as a couple.  

Doubt crept in just as often as confidence, like an endless loop. Sometimes he felt so confident, so self assured that of course Oliver felt the same about him, that of course Oliver would want this as much as he did. He was confident that Oliver had the same sick nausea from the butterflies in his stomach. 

Then the dark cloud of doubt would come in, spreading itself everywhere and making him second guess his every thought. Maybe Oliver had no interest in Felix at all, maybe he had no interest in male Alpha’s. Did Oliver even really like Felix as a friend? Did Oliver even want everything that would come with being mated to a Catton, had the thought ever crossed his mind. Would Oliver even want him, Felix wasn’t a great representation of an Alpha, he wasn’t the smartest, the most cunning or even the bravest Alpha. He lacked in so many areas and Oliver was just the most picture perfect Omega, just everything that would be perfect for Felix that maybe he deserved so much more. 

It was a constant battle and it made him more exhausted than before he realised his true feelings. 

After debating against every argument Oliver could come up with they finally left the store, bags on bags of new clothes, casual and party attire and the silver chain burning a hole in Felix’s pocket. 

They packed the car up before Felix demanded they stop for some lunch. His heart was full as they left the car, bags stacked on top of bags and he felt good. Felt the debate in his mind settle for a moment as he took in everything. He was proud of what he could provide Oliver, proud that he was able to at least prove himself in this aspect of the courting phase. Hopefully Oliver would notice, would be able to see that Felix could provide for him, that not only that but Felix wanted to. He wanted Oliver to have everything he would need, to not have to ever go without something, to not have to ever live the way his parent’s had forced him to. 

As much as he protested against all the clothing he seemed thankful, if a little bashful that Felix had done this for him. The little blush on his cheeks flushed as Felix directed him toward the bougiest cafe in town. 

Today was about slowly easing Oliver into the courting, not that Felix wanted to exactly tell him that was what was happening. The plan was to just slowly move toward it, to just ‘accidentally’ be in the courting phase. He hoped they would be far enough into it that by the time Oliver realised that he would be so overwhelmingly happy and Felix would have sufficient proof that he would be the perfect mate. 

It was different than usual courting because of how long they had just been friends. They hadn’t met with the intention of dating or of being anything other than tutor and tutee. It was different then traditional courting for many reasons but that was also the benefit. Felix would have time to gather proof, to have all this evidence behind him so when it finally came out he could say ‘Well we have already been basically together for a few weeks, why not keep it going’ and Oliver would have no chance to say no because it will have all seemed to happen so naturally. Felix wanted it to seem like a fairytale, felt like Oliver deserved something so beautiful after everything he’d been through and nothing could be more beautiful than the type of friendship that blossoms into lovers troupe millions of books a year are written about. 

If all went to plan by the end of the break Oliver couldn’t leave Felix, couldn’t possibly think of moving campus or going somewhere new. He have proof and knowledge that Felix would provide and protect him, so much so that even the idea of leaving would be out of his mind completely. 

* 

The plan was working perfectly and Oliver was none the wiser. When Felix walked him into Venecia’s room in his strikingly beautiful red suit they shared a smile over his shoulder. Felix had left his Omega in good hands while he went back to place his finishing touches before the party. 

Felix hadn’t mentioned it to Ollie, wanted it to be a bit more of a surprise but he’d asked in store for a matching pocket square to the suit Oliver was wearing. He wanted to signal in a semi-subtle way that he and Oliver were something, no labels in place but to people who were used to these types of events they would at least be aware that Oliver wasn’t an unattached Omega. 

He’d wrapped the little box containing Oliver’s chain as well as a mixtape he’d spent hours secretly putting together while Oliver took a nap after the outing yesterday. He felt that whatever gods were real they must have been looking down on him when Oliver decided on a nap after they returned home. It was perfect timing, created an opportunity for Felix to sort his little gifts out whilst not having to worry that anyone, especially a curled haired fuck, trying to muscle in on his Omega. 

With the gift secured and wrapped with a neat bow that Duncan had suggested he practically skipped back to Venecia’s room. 

As seemed commonplace now, everytime Felix saw Oliver it felt as if it was the first time. Everytime his heart stumbled at the utter beauty of his little Omega. The striking blue of his eyes against his pale skin and the beautiful red ruby accessories complimented the outfit perfectly. The crisp white collared shirt button to the top of his neck, covering the scar but looking inconspicuous enough that no one would wonder. He looked perfect, everything about him was perfect. 

Oliver’s gaze travelled down and a look of surprise settled on his face when he noticed the matching pocket square. Felix smiled and reached into his pocket to hand over the wrapped gift. His heart was pounding against his chest, reminding him of the only other time he’d ever felt this way. He was 10 and it was his first real crush, a beautiful blonde girl named Landon in his class. His hands were sweaty as he clumsily walked over to her desk and handed her the handmade Valentines card, perfected with the little glittery heart on the front. It wasn’t a memory he wanted to be thinking of now, not with how it had ended with Landon laughing in his face and Felix crying in his mothers arms and refusing to go back to school for days. 

His mother had soothed him then, reminding Felix he was a sensitive soul, a boy who had so much love to give and the right person would adore his heartfelt gestures. 

Anxiety spiked as Felix watched with rapt attention at the way Oliver slowly unwrapped the gift. He didn’t miss a single detail as he watched Oliver’s facial expressions with bated breath, heart thudding loudly in his head as he waited for a single expression that could have been interpreted as rejection. 

The blindingly bright smile Oliver gave as his finger’s tentatively rubbed along the silver chain squashed any doubts Felix had. His little Ollie loved it, loved the gift and could finally see Felix, could see the genuine heartfelt love and attention to detail he had, Felix was sure of it. 

His sweaty fingers took about 5 attempts before finally he was able to latch the necklace. 

*

Walking down the stairs Felix insisted that they link arms, mentioning it was proper etiquette for a dinner function like this. 

Memories and emotions flooded back to him as he laid his hand atop of Oliver’s as they linked arms. He was reminded again this was not the first time he’d noticed just how tiny Oliver was, just how sweet and dainty his hand looked in comparison to Felix’s, just how perfect they looked intertwined together.

He could feel the blood rushing to his face and settling into a warm blush on his cheeks as they entered the room, people’s eyes on them and their every movement as they made their way over to Elspeth’s beckoning gesture. 

“Oh my sweet boys, look at you two, don’t you both just look darling” Elspeth smiled warmly, eyes flickering over Oliver as he blushed under the attention. 

“Oliver darling you look incredible” her nimble fingers reaching out to touch the silver chain 

“Isn’t this just beautiful” a peaceful smile settled on her face 

“Thankyou” Oliver spoke in a formal tone “Felix got it for me” 

Elspeth smiled toward her son “My beautiful boy, such a big heart” 

Felix felt the words more then he heard them, understanding the intention behind them, the deeper meaning conveyed between them 

“Thankyou mother” Felix reached out to squeeze her hand, memories and emotions still fresh in his heart of how Elspeth had lovingly comforted him after his first heartbreak so many years ago. “Let’s get this night done with” He joked

At some point Venecia joined them, then Farleigh as they tried to keep their distance from the hoards of stuck up formal families they had grown up with. Felix tried with all he could to shelter Oliver from the endless questioning. Of course he loved the attention but he was so hyper aware of Oliver cluing in too quickly on the little plan that he had to shake off the questions, reminding people they were just friends, that they weren’t dating or courting. 

Felix was stowed away in a corner, sharing a sneaky cigarette at the window with Venecia. He just needed a moment to collect himself before he was back by Oliver’s side, his nerves were rung dry, being sneaky was not a strong suit for him. 

“The soft launch seems to be going well” Venecia smiled, eyes rolling toward Oliver engaged in another conversation with one of his fathers friends. They’d all seemed to swarm toward Oliver, maybe it was because he had come with Felix or maybe it had something to do with how everyone was constantly commenting on just how beautiful he looked. 

“It is” Felix gazed lovingly toward Oliver, expecting him to notice Felix’s extended absence, unfortunately he seemed to be engaged too deeply in his conversation to feel Felix’s eyes burning holes in the back of his head 

“Bit annoying everyone is all over him though” Felix slumped against the wall, all of a sudden the wind beneath his sail seemed to be non-existent 

“I mean, everyone is just constantly looking at him” Felix gestured around the room 

“God Fee, just chill out yeah?” Venecia joked

“He is totally smitten with you, you should have heard him gushing about you when I was figuring out the jewellery situation” 

Felix smirked, his mood heightening immediately “What did he say?” Felix tried for nonchalant but the stupid smile on his face betrayed him 

“Just told me about meeting you at school, the whole “slow burn” romance you guys are in” she laughed 

“Relax Felix, he likes you, I can tell” she squeezed his shoulder softly before turning to butt out the cigarette

“Time to go join the party?” Venecia sighed 

Felix felt odd once he’d rejoined Oliver, standing by his side like a dutiful Alpha even though both seemed to be ignoring his presence. They were engaged in some sort of conversation about the literature program at Cambridge. At the mention of the name Felix’s hackles were up, the longer he listened the more tense he became. He should have been more aware of who would be here tonight, who he should and shouldn’t leave Oliver with. How long had they been talking, how long had Oliver been chatting with an alumni of Cambridge. 

“Oliver it really has been such a treat meeting you. Not often I meet an Omega with such an interest in the arts. Cambridge really would benefit with more people like you around”

Felix tried not to let his anger boil over when he watched Oliver blush at the comment “Thankyou Charles” Oliver reaching forward allowing his hand to be taken in a grasp by Charles

“Do remember what I’ve said if you’re ever interested I have many connections” Charles smiled before dropping a kiss to Oliver’s hand 

“Pleasure meeting you Oliver” Charles nodded toward Felix before walking back into the party

Oliver must of smelt the change in his scent, maybe noticed the look of absolute disgust plastered across his face or possibly heard the whispered ‘Fuck you’ as Charles walked away. Those big blue eyes turned to face up to him, conveying a sadness

“Felix, are you okay?” 

Felix wanted to sulk, to scream, to maybe tantrum on the floor but a little voice in the back of his mind reminded him that he was trying to prove to Oliver that he’d be a good partner.  All he wanted was Oliver’s attention, his constant unwavering attention, but now was not the time to make a scene, to give into the intensity of his unsettled emotions. 

“Just tried Olls” Felix replied, looking down into the sweetest blue eyes 

“Jumanji ?” Oliver smirked, the way he always did when they both found themselves wanting to sneak out of a pub gathering or one of the endless parties and just retire back to one of their rooms, smoke a cigarette and watch some dumb movie

Felix’s heart swelled, Oliver knew him so well, knew how to handle his moods, how to calm him down when things got too over stimulating. When the drugs or the drink he’d consumed over the course of a night were making him feel too much all at once, Oliver knew exactly how to calm him down. 

*

Felix smoked one last cigarette out the bedroom window, smiling and content with how the night had gone. After the soft launch of Oliver into high society was well received, the clear approval from his sister and most likely his mother there wasn’t much else he could have asked for. Maybe it would have been absolutely perfect if Oliver hadn’t spoken to Charles but all in all it was a win. Especially with the cool night air breezing through the window, the soft moon light filtering through and leaving his little Omega in a soft glow. His little Ollie, still dressed in his suit, top buttons undone in the safety of Felix’s room, curled into a pillow that Felix would be able to savour the scent of for the next few days. 

Chapter Text

The morning after the party everything was going to plan. Oliver woke up curled in Felix’s bed, encased in his scent and listening to the man’s soft snores as he burrowed closer to Oliver’s head. 

The night before Oliver had noticed the subtle changes in Felix’s behaviour. The incessant need to be by his side was becoming normal but it seemed to have amped up significantly. The way Felix followed him around like a lost puppy, the way his eyes were glued to Oliver’s every move, the death stares at every single person Oliver spoke to. 

The matching outfits were unexpected, as were the gifts. The plan was working better then Oliver had expected although the current trajectory was good, it made him a little uneasy. With the way Felix had been acting Oliver was sure that by the end of the break they would be mated, even without his added meddling. Felix seemed to be courting him in a way, even if he was trying to be subtle about it. The giant Alpha could never be sneaky, he was just too overt in his behaviour and body language. 

Oliver knew he should be rejoicing at just how well things were working out but the part of his brain that kept him safe reminded him how important sticking to the plan was. The night of the scar, the night Oliver hated to remember was a prime example. He’d gotten cocky he knew, in hindsight he could see how sloppy his work leading to it was. He hadn’t bothered to change the photos too much, to change the outfits and had just suspected that the Alpha’s would all be too drunk on lust to bother looking at the small details. That was a mistake he’d paid for dearly, one that could have potentially ruined his future. 

As nice as the idea was that maybe this all could be left to fate, that with how things had been going the mating would happen regardless, that loss of control made Oliver’s stomach twist. 

He’d left it to fate that night, hadn’t bothered with the background check on the Alpha, hadn’t bothered to cross reference the names of the previous bidders with the current winner, he hadn’t even bothered changing the site he used. All of it was a massive fumble, he’d like to pass it off as a mistake but it wasn’t, he knew it was his own failure. He’d gotten content, thought he had it all figured out and he hadn’t. Like now, as confident as he was that Felix was putty in his hand at this point, to deviate from the plan now could easily ruin everything he’d worked toward. 

After laying awake, staring at the ceiling for a few minutes, brain ticking through the checklist of what was still to be done, he rolled out of the Alpha’s comforting bed. Neither of them would be up for a run this morning, not with how late they’d stayed up the night before, Oliver comforting Felix, ensuring the Alpha didn’t lose his cool even though he was attempting to hide his flaring anger as best he could. 

Oliver pulled out every trick he had, laying himself down on Felix’s bed, nuzzling closer to the pillow for a big inhale, tensing his body as he did and then relaxing and untensing on the exhale. Making a show of how ‘comforting’ Felix’s scent was. That had worked wonders as did the trick of unbuttoning his tight collared shirt, allowing himself to rub against the scar, drawing attention to it and allowing it to be slightly visible in the safety of Felix’s room. The Alpha almost cooed at just how happy he was by the gesture. Oliver knew him well enough, had catalogued the Alpha’s expressions, motives and values long enough now to know that Felix felt best when he knew someone felt safe around him, when he felt like he was a good protector and Oliver used that to his advantage whenever he could. 

-

Oliver changed his clothes, ensuring he was wearing some of the new items Felix had gotten him, silver chain on display outside the shirt. He headed down to breakfast, finding one of the staff that wasn’t Duncan to ask about bringing breakfast up to their rooms, mentioning that Felix was feeling a little ill last night just to ensure there was no room for debate.

When the breakfast arrived he continued his usual practise, crushing up the half pill of viagra he’d cut the day before and sprinkling it into the orange juice. Next was the suppressants, one for himself which he swallowed whole and one crushed up into Felix’s orange juice as well. Once all the medicine was hidden away again in its inconspicuous labelled bottles he took the food in to share with the Alpha. 

*

Oliver had done copious amounts of research into the heat and rut suppressant before trying the first kind. The first heat he sold wasn’t a lie, it really was the first, but Oliver did need to ensure that it wouldn’t come early. He’d brought the cheapest he could find, they tasted horrible but had semi done what they were supposed to. The side effects were ridiculous though, even on the suppressants Oliver would be covered in slick at least twice a day leading up to the night. 

He’d taken to wearing post pregnancy pads in his underwear just to stop from soiling pants on an hour outing from the house. The only upside from that was that although he was constantly slick, his scent was barely existent. The normal Omega scent was there but the preheat intensity that usual people would go through and would become especially pungent with slick was non-existent. 

It was the only saving grace really, the other side effects were some of the most annoying. The constant ever present ache inside, the need to be filled no matter how much he jacked was verging on ridiculous. After his first heat he realised he had been stuck in a sort of semi preheat for the entirety of the time he was on the suppressants. His mood swings were also widely unpredictable. He rarely cried, rarely felt the need too but in the two weeks leading to his first heat the suppressants had him crying at the drop of a hat. Something his sister would say had him in tears or the softer tone his mother used on him when his eyes were already red rimmed had him running back to his room and collapsing on the bed in tears. 

He had to start locking his door because his mother would follow him, soft gentle tone as she asked if he was okay, asked if it had to do with presenting Omega. If he was in his usual frame of mind he would have laughed it off, shut down the conversation as quickly as possibly. In the state the suppressants had him in though he just cried harder into the pillow, hiccupping as he tried to catch a breath betweens sobs, nose stuffy and making it harder to breathe. 

The entire experience was mortifying and Oliver never wanted to experience it again. So once he’d received the money from the first sale he started snooping on the dark web, looking specifically for suppressants that were stronger, that wouldn’t leave him a slick crying mess for weeks. He needed something where he could behave relatively normal. 

It became more important when he decided to sell his heat for the second time, he needed to make it believable, so the idea of again using the suppressants to push out the heat so it would be more intense was the plan. 

After a lot of research and going to the trouble of hiring a PO Box 3 towns over Oliver decided to try some higher quality medication. The reviews he’d read were good and in the first few days he felt like it was working well. He wasn’t a crying mess, he was able to function and think as he usually would but as the days progressed the intensity of the medication became evident. Oliver didn’t slick, didn’t strip his cock raw from wanking but he did become heavily more aggressive. Every little thing tipped him over the edge. After terrorising his family for a few days he decided to go to a hotel to wait out the next week before the heat date was set for. 

It was excruciating, his sleep pattern became non-existent which meant that every sense was heightened. Every single sound in the motel room drove him further into madness. The humming and then rhythmic clattering of the exhaust fan in the bathroom broke him and he took the leg of a chair he’d previously broken to it. Smashing it until little pieces of white plastic clattered to the floor around him. 

If the aircon wasn’t so incredibly helpful in calming down his overheating body then he was sure he would have smashed it too. 

Everything smelt weird as well, his senses were in overdrive. He could constantly smell the weird little smells of the cheap motel. The musty fabric of the curtains when he accidentally bumped them lingered in the air for hours. The off smell of the fridge which at some point had clearly housed moulded food for long enough the smell had penetrated the plastic. 

Maybe it was to do with the smell but everything he ate and drank tasted horrible as well. He could pinpoint odd tastes in everything. Every drink was tipped down the sink when his mouth became too aware of the sugar additives or the lingering taste of aspartame. 

Foods that used to just meld together in taste like a pizza became too overwhelming as the cheese and the grease tasted off, tasted sour in a way. Nothing he tried to eat was immune to it and by the time the heat came his body was exhausted from the lack of sleep, the constant mind chatter and the week of barely any nutrition. 

The only thing driving his motor function skills were the intensity of the heat when he finally got off the suppressants. The vicious aggression lingered, was present throughout the heat with the ferocity that he fucked himself back on the Alpha. The way he clenched his fists, scraped his nails along the Alphas arms screaming at him to fuck him harder. He couldn’t bare to be left alone for even a second, whenever he and the Alpha finally unlocked, as his knot deflated Oliver would force him to use his fingers or one of the few toy’s he’d collected to just keep him stretched wide and open. 

It was pure aggression and heat hormones fueling him for the 48hr heat. It lasted longer than usual too, another side effect no one had mentioned in reviews. When finally the heat was finished, Oliver lay on the bed, cum leaking from his ass, belly distended from the amount of cum pumped into him. He slept, splayed out on the bed, naked with the aircon blaring for a full 17 hours. 

When he awoke his stomach was back to it’s usual size, littered with bruises and scratches and covered in dry flaking cum, little rashes from where it had dried and irritated the skin. The Alpha that was with him had no care toward Oliver, didn’t bother with a simple wet washcloth to keep him from irritated rashes that covered most of his lower half. 

After a long shower Oliver ordered days worth of food and ate it all. His body was exhausted from days of not eating and then all his energy reserves tapped out during the heat. He fell asleep amongst wrappers of take out food scattered across the bed. 

-

After a lot of back and forth debate, a lot of research Oliver decided he could try and squeeze in one more heat sale before the preparations of beginning at Oxford. 

Many hours were spent researching online the best suppressants available. Almost all that were produced were only to be used for a maximum of a few days, at most a week. The natural heat and rut cycles would usually begin to fall together with prolonged exposure to the future mate. 

The biology worked as such that usually partners would spend a substantial amount of time together prior to trying for heat/rut mating and bonding marks. Once a bonding mark was created the partners would always be in sync and their cycles would fall together. Pregnancy would only occur if both were in heat and rut, outside of that it was highly unlikely. 

Nature probably fell like this to ensure that mating marks would not occur to just anyone, anytime. Although it wasn’t completely unheard of for a bonding mark to be created if one of the partners wasn’t in their cycle. The few times it happened from the research Oliver had gathered it was that the Omega was in heat and if the Alpha wasn’t in rut but the bite was strong enough or the heat was strong enough the bonding mark could sometimes be created. 

Spending so much time in the pheromones of your respective partner and then spending out of cycle heats and ruts together was how most people naturally ended up becoming in sync and were able to create a strong bonding mark during the mating. For some though they could spend years together, even living together, sharing a bed, spending each respective heat or rut together out of cycle without even a glimpse that their bodies were trying to become in sync. Oliver loathed that idea, he needed to be bonded fast, needed to have that physiological connection before the Alpha either came to their senses or Oliver got tired of having to wear the mask. 

The creation of suppressants was used for those couples that took longer to become in sync, for the ones that had trouble over years of being together. From the stories Oliver read online some used them so that they could hold off their cycle in time for their wedding or to just bide themselves time to get closer to it matching the time of their partner. 

Some used it as a way to hold off the heat or rut if it would fall at a time that would create risk for them or a time that they really couldn’t be out of society for a few days. Overall it was frowned upon to use the medicine for anything other than the reasons above. More often the hatred was directed toward Omega’s who used the suppressants in order to attend graduations or significant moments in life if their cycle was supposed to hit then. 

The more research Oliver did the more he understood exactly why he’d had so much more drastic issues with the suppressants than everyone else. He wasn’t using them for a few days, he was prologing use for up to 2 weeks so the heat would fall in line with the agreed upon date. 

The chat rooms he used to chat with other Omega’s who were selling heats had a wealth of knowledge about the topics and how exactly they all manipulated the drugs to work in time with the dates they had set. Most though were only selling their first heat, the occasional Omega would be selling further heats so had more experience with the drugs but they also never reached the amount close to what a first time heat would get. 

On one of the many nights Oliver was glued into the chat he found out about a newer drug, a stronger kind that was available only through one website that you had to be invited to. The drug had the ability to be used for longer periods of time and was much stronger than other suppressants available.   

Oliver dived into research about the drug, finding out that many used it for up to 6 weeks, most using it were doing so because of timings for weddings and their religious beliefs. No one, well at least no one was admitting using them for the reason Oliver intended too. 

If he was going to try one last time to sell off a believable first time, then he really needed something that he could use without much issue for longer. He’d need to hold off his heat for a few weeks to ensure it would hit strong enough to be believable. 

The packet he purchased also came with the Alpha rut suppressant. Oliver hoped he wouldn’t have to use it as the man who was purchasing his next ‘first time heat’ had mentioned he wanted to try to line it up with his rut, and wanted Oliver to get the real experience for his first time. 

Oliver was happy at the idea, hoping that maybe he could make the Alpha lose enough reasoning that he might just bite him, might just bond them for life. It was scary considering he hadn’t seen the guy before but looks didn’t matter, neither did personality. All that mattered was that the guy clearly had money to burn and luckily for Oliver he’d bid the highest of any of his auctions so far. His own logic was clouded by the dollar signs, which unfortunately would be a huge oversight on his end. 

Oliver tested the Alpha suppressants on his father first, aware after so many years, so much data collection on his parents of when the man's rut occurred. Usually he would have to spend the time looking after his siblings while his parents spent their bi-annual cycles together. The length between steadily increasing as his parents got older and less fertile. 

At the same time Oliver started testing the drugs on himself. He was ready, enough money stowed away that he could have spent a year in a motel if needed. He hoped though that these suppressants wouldn’t cause too much grief. 

He started dosing his father about 5 days before his regularly scheduled rut. He kept a book handy to note down the details and side effects that they were both experiencing. For the first few days it didn’t do much for either, just sort of made them both a little more snappy. By the day his fathers rut was supposed to come he had become a little more agitated, frustrated that the timing was off but Oliver’s mother suggested that maybe it was to do with them getting older, that maybe the cycles were spreading out longer as it naturally did with ageing. 

His mother went into heat on schedule but the longer Oliver dosed his father the results became more interesting. His father did become more frustrated, more angry and turned to his old vice of booze and weed to try and settle himself as his wife went through her cycle alone. He didn’t become violent like Oliver had on the last suppressants. He just seemed on edge, like he couldn’t seem to settle. Oliver felt much the same. Not really anything like the other suppressants. He felt normal really, just a little too much energy buzzing around his body. It was a little harder to sleep on the days he didn’t expend the energy by running or at the gym. 

Oliver tested it for only 10 days on his father, giving in mostly because he was beginning to be disgusted by the empty booze bottles piling high in the kitchen. He was exhausted from having to do the bare minimum to keep his siblings alive while his father pissed away money they didn’t have, missed days of work and did nothing around the house except drink himself into a stupor then smoke joint after joint till finally he’d fall into a deep unconscious state for hours at a time. 

It took less than 24 hours for his fathers rut to start the moment he stopped dosing him. It was rather quick but it was good information to gather. 

With the data Oliver collected he was certain that even if his next client didn’t mate him that the information would be useful for the future. It was a sure fire way to create a bonding mark without having to wait and develop the relationship inclusive of close proximity for however long nature decided to take its course. 

Oliver stopped his medication the morning of the agreed upon date, booking the hotel for a few days. The pre heat symptoms hit hard and quickly, within a few hours of his usual medication time the slick was pouring from him, his body shivering under the intense heat he felt prickling his skin. It sure as hell felt like his first time again, which was a good thing, no matter how shitty Oliver felt. It wasn’t a surprise considering his heat was due 16 days before, and 16 days seemed to be long enough for his body to be pent up with the usual hormones released during the heat. 

That was another mistake Oliver made that night, to be fair it was one he made each single time. He was tempting fate by never testing the drugs before hand, only using them for the first time before meeting with a stranger to share what is naturally a vulnerable time for an Omega, made worse by holding off the cycle for longer. He should have known that the strength of the medication, the cost of it and the lack of side effects would make it an incredibly strong heat. 

Maybe if he’d just done some more research he would have known that holding it off for that long, using that specific medication would have made him so incredibly vulnerable that his entire frontal lobe would basically be shut down, run only by the hindbrain, the Omega part.

The part of his brain that he shut down so often it never got a chance to ever completely take over. So when it did, when the rest of his mind was so overpowered by his Omega part, he would be more vulnerable then he ever was, more susceptible to Alpha commands. He wouldn’t have the logical part of his brain to comprehend things, to truly understand what was happening. The sole focus of the finally unleashed Omegan mind was to be mated, to be given what it was always denied, the affection and physical connection with an Alpha, to be allowed to give itself over, even if the Alpha in question was not someone to trust. That was a mistake Oliver would never be able to forget, every time he looked in the mirror the feral, webbed scarring on his neck would remind him of his greatest failure.

*

The day had been long and hot, lounging by the pool watching Felix splash and wrestle his cousin, trying to expel the excess energy Oliver knew he was feeling too. He hoped quietly to himself that maybe Felix could just drown his cousin and then Oliver had one less problem he’d have to figure out. Already there were mixed feelings and moving parts to the plan which made it harder to just set and forget.

It involved more people, many more people then Oliver had originally intended it too and it was hard to keep an eye on them all, to be aware of their feelings toward him, hidden and overt and to combat any potential negative talk they had to give Felix about him. There were moving components at Oxford, meaning more voices than at Saltburn, but the few there were here held so much more weight. 

It was easy to pinpoint Ventia’s motives the night Oliver was with her before the party. She spoke in slight riddles that would have any normal person viewing her as shrouded in mystery but Oliver saw through it quickly. The mystery she held, the air of disinterest she held toward others and the world was simply a mask, one she wore well but it takes one to know one really. Oliver wore masks on top of masks so even if others saw through the first one, they would just see another and rarely anyone tried to look deeper than that. Oliver noticed early on in life that people often wore masks to hide anxiety, insecurity and general issues regarding their self-worth and that’s exactly what he hid under his mask too. That’s exactly what he could see in Venetia. 

A beautiful Omega but one that had no doubt immense trauma from growing up in an environment that already discounted her as lesser before she ever even took her first steps. A community of people that only ever bothered about what was presented to the outside. If the cover was pretty that’s all that mattered, especially when nobody even believed an Omega like her had anything inside let alone anything of value to offer. Oliver could extend an understanding there although even he knew that the wider society's views were much gentler versions of that of the rich exclusive high society. 

Oliver knew her almost immediately, the prior knowledge about her from Felix helped but one look into those empty tortured eyes was all it took to really see her. He never worried too much that she would see behind his masks, had considered at one point maybe using the overt flirting toward him to his advantage. Twisting some tale of her bad mouthing her brother to be with him so that Felix would cast her aside. In the end though she softened quickly, seemed to really enjoy Oliver’s company, especially as she tiptoed around the topic of Felix and his relationship as she threw random accessories at him to try. 

It was that and also the very clear connection between siblings that made Oliver decide against the original plan. The game pieces had once again moved and Oliver needed to change with them, to alter the plan to fit the current board. The new likening Venetia extended toward him, a sort of Omega comradery could be far more useful and used to his advantage in the opposite way. 

It would have been harder, not impossible but certainly harder to break the bond between siblings, especially if Venetia’s voice still had any sway over Felix. Like this though, with Venetia singing his praise and clearly blessings the possibility of something between them, it was far more valuable. Felix could keep his sister, his confidant if it made the process of the bond marking that much easier. 

The plan was vastly complicated and Oliver often wished for a spare secret room where he could sit and plan things like a warlord and his generals surrounding a table in their tent. He didn’t have that though, not even a secret book to write things in, especially once he was given the knowledge that the staff would go through his bags and report to Elspeth, he wouldn’t dare write anything incriminating. So instead, it meant everything needed to be inside his mind constantly, thoughts being moved and resorted, ideas and plans tweaked and solidified as the outside world and all the little game pieces moved around. 

One game piece that remained in its original position was Farleigh. Felix’s mood about him changed often, swayed by the possibility that Oliver was interested in him, but then soon forgotten like toddler siblings forgetting their arguments the moment they walked from a room. Oliver needed to plan something bigger, something a little more weighty if he really wanted Farleigh gone. Simply feigning interest in him wasn’t enough to have Felix completely cut him off, maybe he’d be a little more dramatic once they were mated but it was just as possible that once mated Felix wouldn’t be bothered by the idea of past attraction anyway. 

He needed to sever the tie, Farleigh was not going to change his mind, to see Oliver in a different light. Farliegh was the only one that had come close to seeing deeper into Oliver. He could identify the first mask and although he hadn’t completely understood, he knew there was something odd about the mask Oliver wore underneath it. 

The mask he’d mimicked from what he saw under everyone else’s, lack of self-worth, no one ever questioned. They looked at him, short, not the stock standard attractive features, an Omega that didn’t seem to act enough like others, it all seemed to make complete sense to people why Oliver would have those insecurities and try to mask them. 

Farleigh was the only person to ever think there was something wrong with that idea, to ever not truly believe that Oliver had those insecurities. Maybe at some point Oliver hadn’t given enough of the appropriate reaction to one of Farleigh’s taunts and that’s when he’d seen. Or maybe his simple distaste for Oliver made him dislike even the idea that Oliver was a human with insecurities. 

Whatever the cause of it didn’t matter too much, what mattered was getting rid of him. He was the thorn in Oliver’s foot, the reason he might not make it to the finish line and Oliver had no intention of that when he was finally so close. 

*

Felix fussed over Oliver’s attire for the dinner that night, dressing him up like a doll in one of the outfits he’d purchased. 

“You look great Olls” Felix blushed as he tentatively rubbed his thumb against Oliver’s cheek. 

Oliver returned the emotion precisely, forcing himself to shake off a shiver as if Felix’s touch made his body respond that intensely. It was fun to play the games, to give Felix exactly what he knew he wanted, what responses he wanted. 

Occasionally a little worrying thought danced in his mind when one of the actions that elicited the most loving heart eyed response from Felix were the unintentional reactions Oliver gave. 

The mishap when he’d unconsciously tucked his nose into Felix’s sheets and took a deep breath in the other morning. He hadn’t meant to, hadn’t directed his body to do it, it wasn’t part of a plan, it just happened. 

The little thought teased him more often now until he well and truly squashed it with the logical reasoning that his acting was becoming a habit now. That for all intents and purposes he’d been method acting since he met Felix and it was always a high likelihood that it would meld into his daily mannerisms, like forming a habit. 

“Come on mate, let’s head down” Felix held his elbow out, directing Ollie to link arms. 

Elspeth cooed at the two as they walked down, Venetia smirking as her gaze traced the interlocked arms, Farleigh snorted before taking another drag of his cigarette, butting it out while staring at the two. 

Oliver took a deep breath before smiling toward Elspeth, trying to curb the murderous impulses he was having toward Farleigh. 

“Don’t you two look sweet” Elspeth said 

“Beautiful new suit Ollie” Venetia smiled toward them 

“I didn’t know there was an Oxfam around here Oliver” Farleigh smiled sickly sweet 

Felix bent down to whisper in Oliver’s ear as he pushed the seat in behind him 

“Don’t listen to him Olls, you look fantastic” Felix squeezed his shoulder before sitting in the chair across from him, the big wide eyed smile plastered across his face. Oliver noted the way Felix’s smug expression never seemed to hold the same nastiness that most people did. He was smug, proud of himself, sure, but it’s the same way a small child would be proud of themself, like every time was the first time he was ever really proud. 

The clatter of plates started as the questions continued around the table, Elspeth asking Oliver constantly inane questions about the decorations at the party, about how he liked the appetisers and the flower arrangements. It would have been annoying but Oliver needed every distraction he could get from the continuous murder plots building in his mind, all of them starring Farleigh. 

Toward the end of dinner Elspeth addressed the table 

“Darlings, your father will be back next week so I thought it would be nice to throw him a little welcome home party” 

“I thought Daddy was gone the entire break?” Felix asked in an anxious tone

“He was supposed to be but the business deal he organised was completed early, he’ll be home Friday” Elspeth addressed her son before turning back to the table “I was thinking we could do a bit more of a casual party. None of your father’s work colleagues but just closer friends” 

“Urgh you mean the Henries?” Venetia complained 

“You know Daddy loves them darling” Elspeth tried for a soothing tone

“Please don’t bring out the karaoke ” Venetia pleaded 

“They will be expecting it Venetia, and wouldn’t it be better if they were occupied with that then trying to talk to you? 

Oliver observed everyone at the table, most seemed fine with the news but Felix seemed like an absolute mess. Oliver could see from even across the table as Felix’s hand shook slightly as he raised his thumb to his mouth to bite at the skin. 

Felix's eyes flitted between his mother and sister during their conversation as he anxiously chewed on the skin by his thumb nail. It was interesting to observe how although nothing physically changed about Felix, all of a sudden he seemed to regress, his mannerisms reminded him of a shy small child, the way Felix’s giant body seemed to hunch in on itself, if the table weren’t in the way Oliver was sure Felix would have lifted his long legs onto the chair and pulled his knees close to his chest. 

Oliver remembered the conversation weeks ago in that quiet area on campus. Felix let all his secrets go, told Oliver of all the way’s his father made him feel, of the stress and the pressure he constantly felt to try and win his fathers love whilst understanding the saddening truth that he would never truly receive it. No matter what he did he understood his father would never truly be proud of the Alpha he turned out to be yet Felix still felt there was some hope, still tried valiantly to get the love he wished for but it was clear it wouldn’t happen for him. 

Oliver was reminded again of the saying 

‘ Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’

Poor Felix was stuck in the same loop over and over again, knowing he would never achieve his goal but still holding hope. It was sad to watch really, Oliver didn’t really empathise but he did pity Felix. He pitied the Alpha for not using the constant feelings of rejection and turning them into something more powerful, something that could bring movement, something like anger. He had entitlement in all other areas of his life; it was crazy that Felix didn’t feel entitled to be treated the way he wanted by his father. 

Playing his part, Oliver walked by Felix’s side up the stairs. Felix's eyes were glued to the floor, his feet dragging against the shiny wooden stairs, squeaking with each step. Oliver walked with him in silence, followed him and watched as Felix dramatically collapsed forward onto his bed, groaning as he did. 

Oliver perched on the side of the messy bed

“Felix are you okay?” 

Felix groaned louder into the bed, turning his head to the side to peek toward Oliver 

“Why does he have to come back” He whined. 

“Your father?” Oliver questioned 

“Yes, why does that bastard have to ruin everything ?” 

“Like ruin the break?” Oliver enquired further 

“No Olls” Felix’s mouth snapped shut quickly “I mean yeah, the break and just, it was supposed to be this wonderful holiday from uni and I was supposed to be able to relax and now he’s going to ruin everything” 

Oliver watched the way Felix rubbed his face deeper into the mattress. Without thought he moved his hand to gently squeeze and rub at Felix’s shoulder. By the time he caught himself performing the comforting gesture it was too late to just pull away, he had to commit to it. Swallowing the self directed anger, Oliver continued to sit awkwardly next to the Alpha, rubbing his shoulder as the 6ft 4in man tantrumed on the bed. 

The silence stretched for long enough that Felix obviously felt more uncomfortable with it then he did with voicing his feelings. 

“I just hate him Olls, it’s going to ruin everything and it just won’t be fun anymore” 

“He’ll be watching us like a hawk and probably do a background check on you too. He’s insane Ollie, like truly. He just hates me so much and thinks I’m such an idiot I can’t even pick the right friends.” 

Felix sighed “Last summer, God Olls it was so tragic. My friend Eddie was here and Daddy got so angry that I was nice to him. He said I was weak, that I was a useless Alpha and then halfway through the break he ended up sending Eddie home because he said it was embarrassing to watch” 

Felix half covered his face with his forearm before he continued, eyes flitting to the door first before settling back on Oliver “You know how I mentioned that taboo stuff?” 

Oliver nodded but it didn’t seem to be enough so he gently spoke “Yeah Felix?” 

“Well, I mean it’s not a big deal, it’s just, I guess I sort of liked Eddie, you know like liked Eddie. I wasn’t like all over him but I just kind of like the way he took charge and just let him boss me around. I wanted him to have a good time , wanted him to stay all break and I really didn’t mind doing everything he wanted. It was kind of nice not having to really think about what to do” Felix relaxed as he remembered the feeling 

“Anyway, Daddy hated it, thought it was disgusting of me because Eddie was an Alpha too. He even tried to set him and Venetia up after he did the background search on him, but he wasn’t from a great family name, new money, you know. That’s when Daddy sent him off, early one morning and I didn’t even get to say goodbye.” Felix voice broke at the end, emotions flooding his eyes, leaving them wet with unshed tears

“Daddy called me in his office a few days later, said it was unseemly of me to be mopping about like I was. Told me that if I ever wanted to be respected as an Alpha then I would need to grow up, to act like a proper Alpha, to display the qualities that deserved respect” 

They sat in silence for a while, Oliver continuing to comfort Felix as he wallowed in self pity, continuing to mention just how fucked everything was, how his father would ruin everything. Oliver himself was lost in thought, with the reaction Felix had to his father’s return it was clear that as much as he hated the man his voice would also hold a lot of sway over Felix’s actions. 

It was also evident that Oliver would be completely fucked if the man did some background check on him. As much as he was able to hide his money in many random accounts, enough to clear him from having to pay taxes on his earnings, he was sure that whoever the kind of money Catton’s could hire would be able to find his tracks. 

It was earlier than he wanted but it was always going to happen at some point over the break. The next step of the plan would just have to move up quicker, no more time to waste letting things settle between each step, no more time waiting for Felix to be comfortable where they were before the next part of the plan was set in motion. Felix would have time to take a breath, to get his head around everything once they were mated but for now it would have to be a little more rushed then Oliver had initially planned. 

He took a deep breath in and sighed, the idea that soon, within the next few days he would be enduring his heat as well as the significant pain of a mating bond mark was all a little overwhelming. Not to mention having to execute whatever plan he needed to ensure Farleigh would no longer be a problem. 

All of it would need to happen before Felix’s Dad returned, but Oliver was used to having to adapt by now. Plans had constantly moving parts of course and this was no different, sure it might have been nice to allow things to continue on the trajectory they were on for another week or so but now with the looming return of Felix’s Dad, the plan needed to adapt. 

Oliver’s mind started thinking about the next few days. With how long he had held off his heat and Felix’s rut it was likely to take at least 48 to 72 hours. It would be good to have a day or two for it to settle with the rest of the family before the father’s arrival so realistically Oliver had to move the plan forward in the next two days. 

Felix’s admission of his true feelings toward Eddie was more interesting knowledge to acquire. Oliver wasn't exactly shocked to hear it, on the contrary it sort of helped confirm some things he already suspected about Felix. The confirmation was also helpful in reminding Oliver that their connection would be the perfect union. The more he thought about more of what he would actually want in a partner rather than just the financial gain, the more it matched up quite nicely with Felix. 

It wasn’t perfect but the idea that Felix enjoyed being told what to do was definitely appealing, for sure more appealing then the other way around. Oliver would have done it regardless for the financial gain but after the horrific incident with the last sold heat Oliver didn’t want to ever feel like he was a slave to an Alpha. To have to endure a life where he would have to listen and attentively complete any task or requirement his Alpha tasked him with. Once bonding was complete the Alpha commands had more sway over their mated partner and it was somewhat comforting to know that Felix didn’t seem the type to abuse that power. 

Felix continued to sulk while Oliver continued to plan, trying to figure out how to achieve everything that needed to be done before the arrival of Sir Catton. The Farleigh plan would be easily able to slot in with one of the others, two birds, one stone and everything. 

Luckily with Felix’s recent mood shift toward him the issue of Elspeth and Venetia seemed very much a non-issue anymore. Both seemed to have warmed greatly to him, and seemed to have welcomed him in as some sort of extension to Felix.

It would be easier to have Farleigh gone before the father’s return, one less person to worry about especially when Oliver knew Farleigh’s reaction to the mating would be negative, he didn’t need anyone backing up Felix’s father’s no doubt negative reaction toward the mating also. Venetia and Elpseth would be surprised but all in all would probably very quickly become okay with the quick shotgun mating. Their positive opinions on the matter might be enough to sway the father, but regardless once they were mated as long as the bond had a few hours to heal there wouldn’t be much anyone could do. 

The sickness both would have to endure if they were split especially at the beginning of their bonding would most likely kill either of them. Even after the initial bonding settled, if the father tried to get rid of Oliver then it would still cause massive detriment to Felix, not enough to kill him but enough to cause him physical and mental weakness for the following months or longer. 

Chapter Text

Oliver was starting to assimilate to the type of life the Cattons took for granted, the lifestyle that would soon be his. No longer did it seem so odd to spend days on end doing absolutely nothing but lounging around. Of course he wasn’t at complete rest, the plans constantly in his mind but it did feel relaxing to have so much freedom. 

Just after breakfast they’d all retired around the lake, Venetia floating on some obnoxiously large and bright blowup bed, Felix was engrossed in his book, every now and again Oliver could hear him sounding out the name of a character or a shocked gasp as he flipped through the pages. 

Elspeth was lounging on one of the lawn chairs, a wide brimmed floppy sun hat covering her face. She wasn’t talking, wasn’t asking constant questions, barely even responding when one of her children called out some ridiculous hypothetical question. She just stared into the distance, focused on the branches of the trees moving with the breeze. 

Oliver did his usual sweep as he always did, needing to make sure that no one seemed to be displaying any type of emotion toward him that was more pressing to diffuse. Everyone else barely registered him, except for the eyes burning a hole in the back of his head. He knew it was Farleigh, had a sixth sense for the feeling that he got when Farleigh was staring at him with a murderous glare. Even if he couldn’t see him, Oliver could feel it. Maybe having an Alpha direct so much hatred toward an Omega was why he could, or maybe it was some leftover survival instinct. It didn’t matter the reason why, in fact it was quite beneficial for Oliver. He always knew where Farleigh was and sometimes it brought a smile to his face to know how greatly he was despised by the Alpha and just how much satisfaction he would get from ruining his life. 

He lazed out on the towel, stretching in a way that he knew would make his body look its best. He still had his clothes on, but the way he stretched allowed his shirt to pull up just slightly to reveal the pale strip of skin and the trail of hair disappearing under the elastic of his shorts. Felix’s head snapped in his direction immediately, gaze laser focused on the strip of skin before he seemed to catch himself and pretended to look up and around. 

“The little doll has finally caught Felix’s attention” Farleigh spoke barely louder than a whisper 

“I don’t know what you mean Farls” Oliver smiled toward the Alpha

“Little Ollie is finally getting the attention now there isn’t any suitable competition” 

“You know what it’s like Farleigh, feels good to be accepted” 

“You don’t just want acceptance though, do you Olls. Greedy little things like you want it all. You don’t want to be ‘best friends’, someone like you won’t be satisfied with just that” 

Oliver cocked his head to the side, watching Farleigh, scrutinising him for a moment before replying “From what I’ve heard that sounds more like you Farleigh” 

Farleigh laughed, loud and sharp “ And what exactly do you think you know about me” Farleigh settled more comfortably on the towel next to Oliver, gesturing with his hand for Oliver to ‘get on with it’ 

Oliver just smiled toward him “I know at the bottom of it all Farleigh, you are just as worried about your place here as I am. Worried that one day they will all get tired of your.” he paused for a moment, assessing him “ quirks and just like everyone else you’ve watched over the years, you too will be left out in the cold” 

Farleigh just stared at him, quietly assessing, as the moments passed the smirk grew on his face “Little Ollie, thinks he understands it all, you’ve spent, what, 2 weeks here and you think you understand this world. Oh little doll, you have too much to learn and no time to grasp it all. I’ve spent my life here, I know what they want from me” 

“That’s what worries you most, that after all the time and energy invested, all the years watching from the outside that they could still just cast you aside.” 

Oliver knew it was a lower blow than they’d usually exchange, they always verged on and hinted at the painful things when they played, when they teased. They touched the topics that sure might sting but both knew they weren’t the really painful spots, they weren’t the truly open wounds. Oliver had done well to hide his but Farleigh’s wounds were clearly on show. 

The silence between them settled, Oliver was resolute to not break it too soon, he needed to let Farleigh come to him, to interrupt the silence. 

“And what would you know of that Oliver? I’m a Catton darling, and THIS is my home” 

Oliver smirked “Like it was your mother’s home?” he bit the corner of his lip as the smile settled on his face 

“We’re the same Farleigh, you’ve never fit in here either, but it’s all you’ve wanted.”

Farleigh looked between Oliver and Felix “You have no idea what you’re doing little doll, he will eat you alive and spit you back out and you’ll never be the same again. He may want you now but Felix is too fickle, you’ve seen him” 

Oliver smiled and shook his head in response “You’ve always had it wrong Farleigh, always too caught up to see the truth. I don’t want Felix like that, I've only ever wanted his friendship” 

“Stupid. Little. Boy,” Farleigh shook his head before continuing “ you’re playing with fire. He practically fucks the ground you walk on Oliver, follows behind you reeking of lust and you think you can control that”

Oliver’s expression fell, coldness spread across his face “You think I haven’t dealt with an Alpha taking too much before?” Oliver's words were sharp, he lent closer, eyes taking in the way Farleigh’s snarky expression fell too “You think I can’t handle Felix. He’s my friend Farleigh, that’s all I ever wanted and I trust he won’t take too much” 

Farleigh didn’t respond, for the first time ever Oliver felt like he even looked remorseful for what he had said. “Interesting isn’t it, how they can live this life without a worry in the world, throw money at silly parties and pointless events when one of their own can’t even afford to send her child to school”  

Farleigh just stared at Oliver, no words coming out of his mouth. His expression’s gave it all away though. Rage, disgust and envy came one at a time, morphing into the next as Oliver’s words settled around him. 

Oliver at first seemed pleased with his strike, they always played like this, tit for tat. Slowly though he seemed to realise he’d gone too far, recoiling in on himself as if it would help to soften the blow. 

Farleigh noticed in the corner of his vision Felix staring intently at the two of them. It would have brought a smile to his face if the new information he’d gathered wasn’t causing other feelings to arise instead. Greedy little Felix always wanting what he can’t have, always pushing to have more and more and never truly feeling satisfied with what he had. Stupid little Oliver had no idea what he was getting himself into. 

Felix had clearly pushed past the platonic threshold and was a pent up teenager if his strong pheromones were anything to go by. Stupid little Oliver, if all he wanted was a friend it was a dumb idea to choose Felix. Felix didn’t have friends, he had people he had fucked and people he was going to fuck and that was the only people that he hung around. 

It had to be more with the way Oliver followed Felix around like a dog, although he had to admit even he thought it was a little odd they hadn’t started fucking yet with how intensely clear Felix’s attraction was. 

Farleigh held the little laugh in when he heard his cousin huff and puff before finally getting to his feet and sulking over to them, always the little drama queen. 

“Hey, guy’s what are you up to?” Felix’s said straining for casual and non-chalant. Farleigh couldn’t help the snort that ripped through him. 

“Has anyone ever told you how great of an actor you’d be Felix?” Farleigh smirked up at his cousin, who initially smiled at what he perceived as a compliment. 

Oliver smirked before replying “You really would be Felix” it was quite impressive to watch the way Oliver exuded complete sincerity into his reply

Felix’s cheeks blushed immediately, hand coming up to rub at the back of his neck before his finger found a curl to tug at on the nape of his neck. “You really think so?” 

“Of course Felix. Did you want to sit?” Oliver gestured to the empty part of his towel

Something about watching the way Oliver was able to diffuse the bomb of emotions that Felix was, made him relax a little bit. He didn’t like the Omega, didn’t have any affinity toward him but he wasn’t so heartless as to completely disregard Oliver. A small part of him felt some type of way about the scar, about exposing it to everyone and it did play on his mind the more intensely Felix became obsessed with the Omega. Watching him now though, with ease, assess and preempt the emotions of his cousin and diffuse or distract him before they had time to take hold. If anyone could, maybe Oliver would be able to handle his cousin.

*

Oliver sat on the window sill, cigarette in hand, with the attempt to settle the churning nausea in his stomach. The next phase of the plan was about to start and no matter how much meticulous detail he’d put in, human error was always a possibility. He didn’t worry so much that it would be his issue but he did worry that one of the other many moving parts might create issues for him. 

Each puff he took, his mind flashed to another person and their part in the plan. Each time he thought of someone new he reminded himself of all the safe guards he put in place to make sure they wouldn’t be able to completely ruin the plan. Every person could only do a slight amount of damage which to some degree helped Oliver’s nerves settle. 

With everything he’d worked toward, with all the plans that had already come, for some reason he felt the most nervous about this part. It was the most crucial of course but it was also the last phase before he would finally achieve his ultimate goal. The thought itself made him nauseous, maybe it was excitement but it felt sickening. The idea that very soon he would be in the throws of heat in this very room, Felix with him suffering through what would undoubtedly be a horrific rut. The bite might happen early, or maybe later in the process. 

Questions popped up in his mind one after another. How would it feel to be so deeply connected, bonded through biology, DNA intrinsically linked and continuing to form deeper connections as each day passed. 

*

The bright light filtering in through the window with its usual intensity. Felix squeezed his eyes shut against the onslaught of bright blinding rays of sunshine.

Blinking out the blind spots from his vision he rolled over to check the clock, the digital screen reading 8.32am. The first thought was that Oliver hadn’t woken him up for the run like he usually did which was a bit unusual but to some degree he understood. They had been going nearly every morning since he arrived and some nights they stayed up later than usual.

His heart clenched a little at the perceived rejection that his little Ollie just wanted to go on the run alone. His mind immediately kicked in with all the possible slights he may have done. What if he’d done something that really pissed Ollie off?

Felix’s mind swam with thoughts as he curled further into the blankets, digging his nose into the pillow Oliver slept on days ago hoping to catch his scent. Everything had been going to plan, he and Ollie were getting closer and although Ollie didn’t yet seem to suspect he was being courted he also seemed happy to have Felix’s attention. 

He took a deep inhale in the pillow, trying to find the scent that he knew would calm him. Even before he’d realised his feeling for his Omega he’d to some degree known that Ollie’s scent comforted him, it had only intensified lately. He felt like he was walking on eggshells at all times if Ollie wasn’t in sight. It was silly to be so clingy, he knew, Venetia had warned him about it but he couldn’t help it. Being aware of it didn’t change anything, he needed Ollie around, just needed to know where he was and if he was safe, that’s all it was, just the protective part of him. 

After moping in bed, brain all consumed with the downward spiral of negative thoughts, Felix got up and went to the bathroom. He couldn’t hear Oliver in his room and with a quick peek through the slightly ajar door it was confirmed. Ollie wasn’t there, the next logical location was down at breakfast. 

He walked through the arched doorway into the dining room, eyes searching the room for his Omega even though his nose told him Ollie wasn’t there. He could feel the scowl grow as he stood there in the entrance to the dining hall, half expecting someone to ask what was wrong. No one did though, they all just continued on as if there wasn’t something seriously wrong with the fact that Ollie had bloody gone missing. They just chatted away, not a care given to Felix. Selfish bastards is all he could think as he loudly scraped the chair along the wooden floor, forcing everyone to give him attention. 

Elspeth winced at the sound “Felix darling, could you please be careful. The floors have only just been repolished and I’d hate for you to cause a scratch” 

The response only made Felix want to purposely gouge a mark in the floor. How was everyone acting so calm?, as if nothing had happened when clearly someone was missing. The chair across from him at the table was completely empty and untouched. No sweet little face staring at him, catching his eye and making a sly reaction to something someone had said. Instead he was staring at the wall. 

“Where’s Olls?” Felix accused, crossing his arms against his chest  

Elspeth looked at him for a moment, silent and assessing. A smile broke out on her face before she replied “ I haven’t seen him darling, what’s got you in such a state?” she questioned 

“Ollie said he’s out on a run” Farleigh called out from the other end of the table, lighting up another cigarette as he spoke, sipping on his coffee

Before Felix had a second to jump across the table and rip Farleigh apart his mother spoke 

“Oh that’s wonderful isn’t it, such a sweet boy and so concerned with his health. No need to fret darling, he’ll be back shortly” Elpseth placated 

Felix shot her a deadly stare before leaning forward so he could face his cousin without Venetia being in the way

“No offence mate but why would Olls tell you that, he doesn’t exactly like you” Felix snapped 

“I just saw him this morning as he was heading out and he mentioned it. Don’t worry Felix, I’m not going to take your toy” Farleigh laughed

“And why were you up that early?” 

“It was like half an hour ago Felix” Farleigh shook his head. He stood from the table excusing himself to Elspeth before he headed out. Sparing a look to his cousin over his shoulder.

Felix immediately stood, scraping the chair again across the ground. Elspeth covered her ears from the sound. Felix stormed toward the door that had just closed.

“Sure you weren’t up trying to steal my spot on the run mate, I know how jealous you can get?” 

“God Felix” Farleigh huffed “you are obsessed, it’s embarrassing” he blew a plume of smoke out before turning back to his cousin. 

“Seems like something you’d do mate, always chasing after me, can’t even get a break from you at school” Felix snatched the packet of cigarettes. Flicking the packet open and sparking a smoke, inhaling deeply and visibly shaking with the inhale of nicotine. 

“Just leave Olls alone, he’s my friend Farleigh. I saw you all over him yesterday, he’s mine okay” 

“Fuck off Felix, he’s not your’s, he’s not anyone’s. He might be your friend but you don’t own him” 

“Oh fuck off mate, as if you care about Ollie, you’re the one that fucked his life at Oxford because you were being such a dramatic bitch. Too worried i’d get rid of you that you decide to fuck his entire future.” 

“Are you kidding me Felix. How the fuck was I supposed to know about the scar?” 

“Just don’t pretend you care about him now Farleigh” 

“And what, you do? At first he was just another one of your pets, now your just trying to fuck him. Once that happens you’ll get rid of him like you do to everyone else” 

Felix shoved his cousin “As if you’d know what it’s like to be in love Farls, all you’re experienced in is sucking dick for a good grade?” Felix threw the cigarette to the ground, crushing it with the toe of his shoe. He turned to storm back into the house, turning for a moment to peg the packet of smokes back at his cousin, accidentally aiming for his head.

*

Felix sat by the front door, a smoke in his shaking hand as the other picked through the random assortment of pastries on his plate. After waiting what felt like hours without even a glimpse of Ollie's return, Felix practically ran up the stairs. Relief washing over him as he entered his room and Oliver’s scent was stronger. 

He lent against the door to the bathroom, wondering if maybe he could hear Oliver inside. There wasn’t any sound, so he pushed the door open and immediately was hit with the intense scent of Oliver, stronger than usual, almost as strong as when they’d run together. 

The bathroom was empty, the source of the scent were Oliver’s sweat drenched clothes slung over the side of the basket. He took another moment to listen, to see if he could sense Ollie. When he was sure it was safe he tiptoed across the bathroom tiles just in case. Each step closer held the scent stronger and by the time he finally had his fingers wrapped around the clothing he felt suffocated by it. He could hardly breathe, each inhale of the scent causing wave after wave of emotion, all too much for him to handle, choking him with a painful lump in his throat. 

He pulled the clothes to his face, wanting to be closer even if it meant he’d suffocate to death. His eyes welled with tears as he inhaled and choked on a sob.

The frustration had been continually building, a heavy weight in his stomach and it ached. Felix felt nauseous from it as his mind supplied thought after thought, centred and spiralling around the same point, that Felix had done something wrong to cause Oliver to be upset with him. 

He thought over the past few days, since the last party, since the realisation of his feelings and as much as he tried he couldn’t seem to pinpoint anything. They hadn’t had a fight, nothing like the one back in Oxford. There was nothing, no specific reason as to why Oliver might be running from him, or possibly hiding. 

The deeper he inhaled in the sweaty bundle of clothes, he noticed it then, like all systems at once reached the same conclusion. The scent smelt slightly sweeter than usual, had more depth to it, a note to the scent that Felix had never smelt before. The poor thing must be coming up to his heat. 

Images of Oliver hiding out against one of the trees in the forest, back lent against it, knees pulled to his chest and he shook through the intensity of pre-heat. Droplets of sweat dripping from his body, his clothes would be soaked with it. Felix could imagine the scent, that edge of fear that he’d smelt on Oliver one too many times. His sweet little Omega, his Ollie was out there somewhere, trying to battle through his pre-heat alone probably to not cause a fuss. His sweet little Ollie would go through so much just to not feel like he was imposing on others. 

The tears welled up and spilled onto his cheek. A low whining sound in the back of his throat as he allowed the sadness to swallow him whole, to surround him and invade every corner of his mind, tainting all his thoughts with a dripping poison. The worry started to meld into fear, into worst-case scenarios and before he really had any idea what was happening he was crying into the discarded clothes of his friend, thoughts taunting him that Oliver was dead somewhere, or worse, another Alpha had gotten to him, way out in the seclusion of Saltburn. 

*

Felix spent what felt like hours, wandering the halls of Saltburn, socked feet sliding along the wooden floors, shoulders slumped forward and hunched in. He dragged his feet along the floor, barely any energy reserved for movement, all of it focused on the necessities and the all consuming dread that kept growing inside him. 

Every person he asked sent him somewhere different. He’d been out in the gardens about 4 times, wandered through the halls and peeked in every room. He went out for a run, the energy inside him steadily building and not seeming to peak at any point. The run helped to get out some of the energy buzzing inside him, threatening to make him explode. It also made the sadness hit harder as he turned each corner and Oliver was nowhere to be seen, not even a trace of his scent to indicate he’d been out there. 

Felix wandered through the maze, taking turn after turn even when he knew he would come to a dead end. He searched every route just in case Ollie had gotten lost at some point and curled up somewhere while the symptoms of pre-heat took over. Felix pointedly ignored the way his cock would fatten up in interest each time he thought about finding Oliver, scooping him up in his arms bridal style and rescuing him. He was too sad to get himself off. 

The few times his erection became too much he’d huddle into a bathroom or a hidden corner outside, pull out Oliver’s shirt from that morning and try. He’d spit a thick glob of saliva into his hand and rush it. The initial touch always felt good, gave him some comfort, some pleasurable zing up his spine. All too soon though he was left, hard cock in hand, panting from the exertion but also from the horrific images his mind put up for him. His little Oliver left somewhere scared, frightened while Felix selfishly fucked into his hand in some shameful corner of the garden. Oliver cornered or enticed by some random Alpha that happened to be in the estate. The worst was the look of disappointment on Oliver's heat flushed face when he’d find out that Felix hadn’t wanted him, hadn’t found him and ravaged him wherever he was because he’d just come in his hand 5 minutes earlier. 

The edging was causing more frustration. He pulled out his phone, tapping on the call icon, like he’d done 25 times already. It was the same every single time, straight to voicemail. The phone was off somewhere, maybe the battery ran out, maybe he’d turned it off or maybe he’d just blocked Felix’s number. 

It was slightly soothing to hear Ollie’s monotone voice awkwardly ask him to leave a message at the tone. However endearing it was though it was far outweighed by the true fear that was building. Nobody seemed to have seen Ollie for long enough to confirm that he really was fine. Everyone just mentioned they saw him here or there earlier, but nothing concrete.

The longer the time went on the more unstable he felt. Ever since he allowed the feelings in, allowed himself to truly imagine what the relationship between them could actually be, it had become harder and harder to spend time apart from Ollie. 

Felix felt vulnerable, frustrated and sick with worry. All he wanted to do was find Oliver, after hours of being apart. He was dying from the need for validation, maybe it wouldn’t have hurt so bad if he knew it wasn’t his fault, that Ollie hadn’t just run away from him because Felix had done something wrong, because Felix was a weak and useless clingy Alpha.

The pit of nausea kept growing in his stomach and by lunch time all the energy in his body was drained. No Ollie for lunch either, one of the staff mentioned seeing him a half hour earlier walking toward one of the many running tracks on the property. She’d given him a packed lunch as he’d requested, mentioning he’d be out for the next few hours. 

Felix pulled away from the table with a loud scraping sound of his chair. Staring angrily at his mother, daring her to say something about it. How could she be okay with the idea of Ollie, out alone all day and missing 2 of the meals. It was impolite to do that as a guest and although Felix was sure Ollie didn’t really understand the rules of upper society, he was angry his mother was letting it slide so easily, as if she couldn’t care less about Oliver's presence at the table. 

He stormed out of the dining room, marched up the stairs and made a beeline for Venetia’s room. Felix slumped face forward onto the pile of fabrics. As he inhaled the smell of his sister’s room that usually brought him comfort. He gagged on the smell, repulsed by it which only gave way for more yearning of Oliver’s comforting scent. 

The gagging brought along deeper sadness, the type he’d been trying to hide all day with anger. He knew deep down it was his fault, Ollie was probably dying for some time alone, some time away from Felix. It had been so hard recently, hard not to give into the desire to be by Ollie’s side or at least within eye shot of his Omega. 

Ollie was probably somewhere figuring out his plan to move as far away from Felix and Oxford as possibly. He was so smart too, which only made it worse because of course out of anyone Felix knew, Ollie would be the one who could figure out a new plan for life in a matter of a few hours. Ollie would be the kind to not wallow in self-pity but rather direct his energy into forward movement and come up with a new plan for his life because Farleigh had ruined his chance at Oxford. 

Ollie probably knew Felix wasn’t smart enough to figure out how to keep him safe, probably knew Felix hadn’t even indulged in the process of thinking of a solution since they arrived at Saltburn. The tears burned at his eyes as he felt the truth, felt the pain that he was a failure, really and truly he was nothing of the type of Alpha Ollie deserved. He was useless, a baby really, a prime example now was the tantrum he was currently throwing in his sister’s room; hoping she would come find him and soothe all the restless, painful thoughts inside his brain. He needed his protector now with the onslaught of hatred turning inward. 

By the time Venetia finally arrived in the room Felix was curled up in a ball, fabrics twisted around his body, tears soaking into the silk pillowcase, staining it in a large wet patch under his face. His eyes were glassy, staring out the open window, focused on nothing, just staringly distantly out, the thoughts inside his brain clearly consuming all his attention. 

Venetia slowly made her way around the bed, sitting tentatively at the side, stroking at Felix’s arm. She watched in silence as her brother’s eyes filled with fresh tears and spilled out onto the wet pillow accompanied by the jerking sobs wracking his body. 

“I think he hates me” Felix got the sentence out between a sob. 

The words tumbled out from there, his face flush with red irritation from the tears falling and drying on his cheeks. All his fears and the thoughts that continued to torment him were spilled in whispers to his sister. The spiral of self-doubt and hatred fed him lie after lie but in the state he was in he had no way to determine it as such. His confidence in that area was already a weak facade he put up as a way to cover the pain it caused him to ever be the Alpha his father wanted, it had no way to truly protect him from the onslaught of self-hatred. 

Venetia sat and listened, heart breaking as she watched her brother fall deeper into despair. Felix didn’t visit that place often but every time it came and consumed him it was heartbreaking to sit on the side and watch it slowly eat away at him. To watch him crumble under the weight of the unrealistic expectation he held as gospel. The fast plummet to the bottom and the slow unsteady climb back from it. 

The fears that revolved around Oliver, his worry for him and the fears he had that he was not good enough, or in some way Oliver had decided he was not worth having as even a friend. Venetia knew it all stemmed from the same wounds, the core ones that were created in childhood and remind gaping open and unhealed. It was strange though, strange to hear Felix speak of Oliver, to see how the wounds had found a way to try and ruin something that had seemed so beautifully destined from the start. 

Venetia tried hard to rein in her anger toward Oliver, she’d have to have a serious talk with him at some point. Explain to him how intensely emotional Felix was, how loose his grip to contentment really was, how fast and easily he’d walk into the void of sadness as if it were a comforting place for him. It wasn’t Oliver's fault, who knows why he needed the day, needed the time alone. He needed to know how it affected Felix though, even if this was an exaggerated example of it. If their future held mating and bonding, Oliver needed to understand that Felix’s fears, the unconscious ones, wreaked havok on him and he needed reassurance. His facade of this carefree, shallow and somewhat aloof rich boy Alpha was simply a mask he wore to protect his own feeling from getting hurt. Once he’d allowed people to see under the mask he was constantly fearful of their rejection. He needed the reassurance, the validation that the person they saw behind the mask was still someone they wanted around. 

Chapter Text

Just like almost every time Felix became overwhelmed with emotions, he soon tired himself out. Crying on his sister’s bed, mumbling all the sad thoughts he was having, until he fell asleep. 

When Felix opened his eyes he noted the sun was lower in the sky. The chill of late afternoon must have settled as Felix was now covered and tucked into the blankets of his sister’s bed. He got a few moments of reprieve until his brain remembered exactly why he was napping, why his cheeks felt raw and irritated from the dried tears, why his head was thumping with the pain of a dehydration headache. 

After swallowing the thick lump of sadness rising in his throat Felix wriggled around on the bed, trying to free himself from the tangled blankets. As comforting as it would have been to continue laying in the bed, in the protection of his sister’s room, where the reality of the outside seemed to be suspended, Felix knew he seriously needed to find Oliver. 

Even if the Omega hated him, even if Oliver didn’t ever want to see him again, he needed to find him, just to make sure he was okay. 

His feet dragged along the carpet runner as he walked down what felt like an endless hallway. As he neared the library, he could hear a film playing and he could smell what could only be described as his heaven. It was his Oliver, the sweet scent he always had but it was almost overpowering now. It had intensity to it, the usual dull notes of the forest were all amped up to such a degree that Felix felt like he might pass out. 

He couldn’t even see the Omega, yet the scent was this powerful even through a closed door. His heart raced as his mind caught up, if his scent was this powerful he must be nearing his heat. The scent was so overpowering but it called him in, he’d happily be suffocated by it if it meant ending the torture he’d been in all day. 

Felix pushed the door open, ready to see the relieved look on Ollie's face. Poor thing must have been so concerned about his heat that he tried to hide himself away. Felix held a hand over his heart, feeling it fill with love and relief. Ollie was safe, he could easily go into one of the many spare rooms and go through his heat and everything would be well again. 

The courting plan could continue and by the time summer was over they could be together.

*

From the hiding spot above on the roof of a taller part of the Saltburn mansion, Oliver watched as the sun started its slow descent toward the horizon. He didn’t know for sure but he had a good feeling about the day, that things had gone to plan. 

Everytime he watched Felix do a lap of the garden or head back into the maze he’d sneak back down, have a short conversation with a staff member before heading in an opposite direction, just to circle back to the roof. Everytime he did he was more pleased to hear about Felix’s emotional decline, about how he was fretting, worried, searching for Oliver out in the garden as they spoke. 

As the sun started to lower Oliver took the last drag of his cigarette, butting it out roughly on the roof tiles. A deep inhale and long exhale to cool himself before he headed back inside. As he climbed back down the side to the window he was sneaking through he replayed all the possible scenarios. All day he’d gone over and over the contingency plans, unsure exactly of what he would be met with when he returned. 

Tiptoeing quietly through the halls he didn’t come past anyone, none of the staff rushed to speak or shout at him which immediately calmed the nerves. Potentially it wouldn’t be a dramatic welcome which was something to rejoice over. 

Oliver stood at the entrance to the library, taking a moment to see if he could hear anyone inside. The tv wasn’t on and no noise specifically was coming out, but he still entered slightly on guard. 

It wasn’t all doom and gloom when he opened the door and noticed Farleigh lounged along the sofa, book open and splayed across his chest, his phone instead held in front of his face. 

Oliver walked in slowly, wanting to gauge first what Farleigh’s attitude was like before he chose which mask to wear. 

“He’s been going insane, you know?” Farleigh didn’t even look at Oliver as he spoke

Oliver bit back the smile, instead seamlessly slipping on the perfect mask for the occasion “Oh really?” He questioned in a worried tone, slumping into the couch, pulling his feet to his chest and burying himself further into the cushions

“I told you to be careful little doll” 

“I just, I just need a break. Just a day you know.” Oliver shook his head, hands scrubbing across his face “What you said kind of got into my head” 

“You’re getting exactly what you always wanted Oxfam” 

“I told you” Oliver argued, then settled again back to the couch, in a softer tone continuing “I told you that’s not what I wanted” 

The silence settled in the room, neither making a move to speak, to acknowledge the growing elephant in the room.

Farleigh loud sigh broke the silence “Well, now you’ve been in here a while it’s pretty obvious your heats coming. You stink, so I guess if you don’t want Felix then you should probably find a room and bunker down soon” 

“Does it really smell that intense?” 

“You’ve been in here like 5 minutes Oliver and the scents already choking me”

“Will they let me stay here?” 

“Elspeth is quite the Omega rights advocate, she’d find you a secure room” 

The door swung open, hitting the wall before bouncing back. 

“Ollie, fuck, mate” Felix rushed in, completely zeroed in on Oliver “I’ve been so worried Olls” he spoke flopping down on the couch next to the Omega. A few moments passed before he noticed Farleigh on the opposite couch. Like a cartoon, Felix looked quickly back and forth between the two. 

“What the fuck are you doing in here” Felix asked, staring at his cousin 

Farleigh just stared back, eyes cataloguing Felix’s body language and demeanour

“Whatever” Felix said before turning back to Oliver “Wanna head out of here?” 

Oliver flicked his eyes toward Farleigh before looking to Felix again “Sure mate, might ah, might need to find me a secure room though. I think my heat is coming” 

Felix took in a long inhale, scenting the air. “Oh Olls, I wish you told me mate, I could of sorted this before breakfast” He dropped his hand to Oliver’s knee, squeezing it before pulling back to stand up 

Oliver stared at the place Felix’s hand just squeezed, then spared a glance toward Farleigh. 

Felix held his hand back toward Oliver “Come on Olls, let’s get you somewhere sorted”

Oliver placed his hand in Felix’s, shivering at the feeling of skin to skin contact. The heat was really beginning to take over. The moan that slipped out resounded in the empty silent room. Both Alphas responding to it, Felix holding tighter to Oliver's hand, making a low whining sound in the back of his throat. Gradually it turned into more of a warning growl as Farleigh’s scent changed and permeated through the room. 

“Let’s go Olls, I’ll keep you safe” Felix pulled Oliver closer to his side, tucking him in, keeping him hidden from his cousin. 

Oliver couldn’t help it as he got closer to Felix, the strong, warm weight of his arm around his shoulder, the protective scent he was releasing. It all wrapped around Oliver tight and brought up emotions he knew would come at some point. He wasn’t stupid enough to believe that after everything that had happened there weren't emotions simmering under the surface waiting to be felt. He knew that holding his heat off so long would make it more intense, that heat brought along intense emotions. He just didn’t expect that in response to Felix’s safety he’d tuck himself into his side, moaning and whining as he dug his face in deeper, scenting him loudly, his body responding to it by releasing slick and the heavy thick pheromones of arousal. 

Felix growled in response, matching the scent Oliver was releasing. Pulling Oliver along as he pushed through the library doors and dragged Oliver along with him toward their rooms. 

*

Felix knew it wasn’t really gentlemanly of him to offer his help. As delicious as Oliver smelled, as intensely he felt about him, he hadn’t expected this to happen so soon. They hadn’t even finished courting yet and he’d have to force his poor Omega to endure it alone. 

Felix was on guard as he moved them as quickly as possible toward their rooms, mind tracking through a million thoughts and never settling on one. He’d lifted Oliver at some point, holding him to his side to move with a quicker speed. 

Felix tried to hold his composure even as the Omega seemed to fall deeper and deeper into his heat. Rutting against Felix’s leg as he was held tighter to it. Once he was in Oliver's room he helped the Omega get onto the bed. Oliver was practically putty at that point, the hormones coursing through his body were making his legs jelly and Felix was there to hold him up. 

“Olls mate, do you have any toys or anything ?” Felix rushed the question, trying hard to ignore his achingly hard cock, rubbing his thighs together a bit for friction. 

Oliver shivered as his eyes stayed glued to Felix’s crotch. “The blue bag” Oliver pointed to an inconspicuous looking toiletries bag. Felix danced from leg to leg as he rushed to the bag. He was nervous, anxious, excited and just all too much thrumming energy in his body to keep even close to still. 

Felix hand grabbed his crotch hard, squeezing at his cock as he flipped the bag open, pouring the content on the bed. He was palming himself as he looked over the contents. A thin pink vibrator and a thicker silicone dildo, thick knot like part at the bottom before the flared suction base. The thick shaft of the dildo was ribbed and Felix almost lost his mind imagining what it would feel like inside, imaging what it would look like sliding in and out of Oliver’s glistening slick hole. 

Felix was too fixated on the toys to notice Oliver undressing, shirt already thrown at the floor. The Omega was struggling as he tried to pop the button on his jeans, huffing and whining as he writhed against the bed. Felix wanted to soothe him, to lick up his sweaty exposed skin, watch it flush with goosebumps. To rub his hands soothingly down OIliver’s side and help the poor thing to calm for a moment. Just for long enough to relax and get his pants off. 

He couldn’t though, Oliver wasn’t his partner, they hadn’t finished courting and for fuck sake Oliver probably didn’t even know Felix had feelings for him. It would be all too much. As desperately as he wanted to protect and help his Omega through this, the part of him that his mother always complimented urged him that it wasn’t the right time. That to be the proper Alpha right now would be to remove himself, to sit outside the door and keep Ollie safe. To order a staff member to head out and pick a huge selection of toys for Ollie. Felix would be fine fucking into his hand for the next few days as he sat by the door and listened to Oliver getting off, making sure no one came close to his Omega. 

Oliver was close to tears and still had made no progress on his button. Felix felt tears spring to his eyes as well as he watched his sweet Omega struggle, to cry out in frustration. Swallowing down the thick scent of arousal Felix tried to steel himself long enough to help his Omega. 

Gently resting his hands over Oliver’s he watched as the Omega’s entire body responded. Oliver calmed immediately, glazed over eyes staring into his soul, flashing a dopey little smile toward Felix. 

He swallowed again and released a shuddering breath as his mind conjured up scenario after scenario of Oliver wearing the exact expression. 

“I got you Olls” Felix spoke, gentle tone as if not to scare the Omega

He popped the button, it took everything in him not to do anything more. He held his hands up as if to show he was no threat and slowly backed toward the door. He wanted to stay, to see Oliver as he shimmied out of his pants but Oliver hadn’t asked him too. He couldn’t do that to him, to see him so out of it, so vulnerable when Oliver had not consented to it. 

He closed the door and slumped down into a heap against it. Oliver was safe. The other door was locked and Felix was on guard at this one. The tears fell freely as he stroked his cock tight and fast, chasing the orgasm as quickly as possible, inhaling deeply the scent of his Omega in heat, knowing Oliver must have just got his pants off. 

*

The heat was really taking over, Oliver could feel the haziness in his mind threatening to take him completely over. He hadn’t accounted for the feeling of Felix’s skin on his during the throws of preheat and just how intensely good it would feel. To be truthful he hadn’t really even allowed himself to think too much about the actual mating, the bonding, the fucking really. All his mind had focused on was the planning, the meticulous detail and focus he had put into every detail of the plan. 

Everytime his thoughts even tried to verge onto the topic of sex he carefully distracted himself. It was a little too painful to think about the fact that this sex, sex with Felix would be the closest he would ever get to making love. Not that he wanted that, the feelings, the overwhelming emotions and all but after the sex he’d experienced, having some affinity toward the person fucking him would definitely be different. 

With his pants off Oliver tried to distract his mind again, rubbing himself almost raw with how dry his hand was. It wasn’t doing much, he was over sensitive and although that should make it easier to get off, it seemed to make it the opposite. There was too much going on in his mind, the battle to keep conscious was a struggle. He needed to stay lucid enough for Felix to come back otherwise it would all be useless. 

Whining loudly OIiver patted the bed, searching for the dildo he knew had been left there. When he finally found it, he tapped the back, feeling it humming and vibrating to life. He knew his slick was already leaking from him onto the bed, that was not the part he was worried about. The beginning of heat was always a sort of peaking, restless sort of energy until you gave in enough to the instinctual side of your mind. For Oliver he rarely let it close to completely taking over, but with the suppressants and how long he’d been taking them in his system it was harder and harder to fight it. The Omega side was much stronger than usual, the hormones flooding his system were stronger than the usual kind. 

It was maddening to know, to smell that Felix, ripe with the beginnings of rut, was just outside the door. Fuck, all parts of him wanted the Alpha in the room with him. For the plan to begin but also the Omega wanted, needed, demanded to have the Alpha keep it safe, protect it while vulnerable and ensure that Oliver received everything his body wanted. 

Whining louder he placed the tip of the vibrator at his leaking wet hole. The feeling was intense, almost painful with how oversensitive he was. His body had begun to flush, the temperature rising with the feeling of heat taking over. Calling out to Felix as he pressed the vibrator in deeper. The more he called to him, the more frustrated the Omega side became with the lack of response from the Alpha. Anger flared up inside him, his Omega side would not be ignored from the Alpha that had been trying his hardest to get close to Oliver for the past week, trying to subtly begin the courting process. 

Oliver could feel that it was starting to take over, that soon the Omega part would be ruling him mostly. His eye locked on the bedside table lamp, the ornamental porcelain base. Smiling to himself Oliver continued pressing the vibrator directly on his prostate as he stretched his foot wider. 

Felix wouldn’t be able to resist, not when he came in to see the way Oliver looked. Spread out like a smorgasbord for him. Sweaty and slick, naked and open, prepped and ready for Felix to take, for his Alpha to take. 

Oliver shook off the thoughts, tried to breathe out and gain some control over himself. With pointed toes he pushed the lamp onto the ground, a loud crash and shatter sound ringing out around the room. 

Oliver spread his legs wider, sped up his movements, fucking the vibrator inside himself faster. Slick almost flowing from him onto the bedding below. 

As if on cue, the door pushed open, swung hard and smashed against the wall. Felix tumbled through the door, barely able to stand on his wobbly legs. The fresh gush of Alpha in rut scent came through the door and Oliver couldn’t help his bodily reaction. The orgasm came over him all at once, his cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink and his body convulsed with the intensity of the orgasm. His hand fell away from the vibrator, his clenching muscles eventually pushing it out, along with copious amounts of slick. The intensity of it shook Oliver for a moment, not able to see much as his vision came back in blurred spots. 

Felix stood in front of him, pants unzipped and his cock jutting directly from his body. He growled, the possessive deep growl that Alphas put on to protect their partners. It only caused Oliver another aftershock and more slick wet the drenched bedding. 

“Felix, please” Oliver spoke in between deep breaths. 

“Ollie, are you sure?” Felix said as his knees hit the edge of the bed. Looking down on Oliver, naked in front of him, obscenely spread out, legs spread and glistening slightly open hole on show. 

“Felix please, before heat takes over, I want to spend it with you” Oliver reached his hands up, wanting to pull Felix down to him “Alpha, please?” 

Felix shivered noticeably at his Omega referring to him as that. “I want to be with you though Olls, like really, maybe forever. I can’t, I can’t if you” 

“Felix, you idiot. I love youm how can you not see that” Oliver reached his hands up again “please Felix. I’m only lucid for a few moments after an orgasm” Oliver finally grasped the back of Felix’s neck and pulled him down to meet his lips. It was wet, messy and both seemed to be covered in spit. Breathing into each other's mouths as it felt like hours before Felix’s tip finally breached his hole. 

They shuddered in unison, making little cut off huffing sounds as Felix fed inch by inch inside him. Oliver waited with bated breath, braced himself for the pain of Felix pulling out and setting a rough, vicious pace. Not caring for a moment how it made Oliver feel or sparing a thought for Oliver’s potential for enjoyment. It never came though, instead tears formed and stung his eyes, prickling in the corners before falling down his temples. Felix was holding him close, seated full inside him but staying completely still, just breathing in the enjoyment of being fully inside him. The sob rang out in the room in response to Felix gently asking if Oliver felt ready to continue. Pausing his hips in response to the sob and instead licking the tears from Oliver’s cheeks, shushing him which only caused more tears. 

When Oliver finally did give the go ahead, he felt his mind completely release control to the Omega. He felt settled by the kindness of the Alpha, by the knowledge that even when he could have, when every other Alpha had, Felix hadn’t taken advantage, hadn’t hurt Oliver just for the sake of taking what he wanted. 

He felt the tears continue to flow as Felix took him slowly, Gentle thrusting inside him, wriggling his arms behind Oliver’s limp body to cradle his back and pulling him off the bed. Oliver’s mind was hazy at that point, no part of his conscious mind able to take control of the plan, it was left to fate to some degree, something he usually would have fought against but something he didn’t feel the need to do right now. 

The Omega took over, relishing in the feeling of the Alpha’s protective gentle kindness. Oliver’s limp body held with all the care in the world as Felix savoured every single moment of slowly fucking into the Omega. Eyes darting between watching the glazed over eyes of his Omega and focusing on the way his cock disappeared inside the warmest, wettest hole he had ever been inside. 

“Felix” Oliver slurred 

Felix wanted to cry at it, never in his life had he felt his name be said with so much emotion. Never did he think he would be in this position with the newly realised love of his life held in his arms. Cock buried deep inside him. His heart swelling at all the possibilities, his knot swelling with it. 

The future they could have together, all the ways he could make Oliver’s life better, simpler, easier, happier. His gaze caught on the jagged scar as Oliver’s limp head slumped to the side, a constant low moaning coming from him. The tears welled up then, no use trying to fight against them. The scar had always caused him pain, ever since he found out about it, his heart constricted, threatening to burst with all the emotions it brought in force to the surface. 

Oliver, his sweet little Omega, forced into living a hell of a life by his horrific parents. Forced to endure something so terrible and then forced to live with a scar on his neck, a constant reminder to himself of what happened. Every single morning forced to hide it, to hide a part of him away because he knew society wouldn’t accept him, wouldn't accept what had happened to him without also forcing him to take the blame. The most horrible torture one could ever have to endure, and in his arms was the Omega that had done it for years and still achieved so much. 

Felix lent down, gently placing Oliver back to the bed, arms still wrapped tightly around him. He lent his face closer to the scar, his own droplets of tears falling onto it. He licked against it, hoping to soothe, hoping to show Oliver, show his Omega that Felix loved all parts of him, cared for him and would only ever try to offer comfort. The more he nuzzled, licked and placed small chaste kisses to the scar, the more his Omega responded. Whining and moaning, finding a reserve of energy to pull from to fuck himself onto Felix. 

The response was overwhelming, to know that even without a bonding mark Oliver and his Omega responded to him with only desire. Even when Felix was nosing and licking at the physical representation of the most traumatic event of his life, he knew that Felix wouldn’t hurt him, that he would only ever provide safety. 

It was overwhelming to, for possibly the first time ever, truly feel that he was succeeding at being an Alpha. That his biology wasn’t incorrect, that Felix was an Alpha. He might not be the typical type, the one his father wanted him to be, but his Omega wouldn’t respond this way if he weren’t the right Alpha for him. 

With a last thrust and the expanding confidence of feeling like he for the first time in his life was completely correct, that every part of him was, that being connected with Oliver was, Felix knot pushed inside Oliver. 

The Omega’s eyes widening, loudly moaning as the feeling rose and rose, the knot expanding inside him. Oliver shivered at the warming feeling of hot cum being pumped inside him. The glaze over his eyes lifted, finally able to take in the scene around him. Felix watching his face with rapt attention, his hand gently brushing Oliver’s sweaty fringe from his forehead as he placed soft pecks to it. 

It took all the energy he had to hold his palm up and rub it against Felix’s cheek. He could feel the overwhelming warmth spreading through his body, although he didn’t allow his mind to think on the question of why for longer than a second. Instead forcibly directing his thoughts to the snug feeling of fullness inside him, the warm cum seeping inside him, warming him from his core. 

Focusing on the soft little aborted jerks Felix’s hips would unconsciously do every few moments. The way Felix would shush him, and apologise through more sweet kisses when Oliver hissed at the pain of the knot being pulled on his rim. Tears filled his eyes again when a quick flashback reminded him of the body-wracking pain he felt when knots were ripped from his body so the Alpha’s could ‘get their money’s worth’. 

Felix only responded by licking the tears away. Although misunderstanding the tears, the Alpha’s soft reminders that ‘I feel it too Olls’, ‘So connected’ and little mumblings about a life they would live together in the future. They were enough to keep Oliver lucid, to keep him from the calling of the comfortable darkness in the back of his mind. 

Oliver wanted to stay lucid, some part of his brain reminded him he needed to be for ‘the plan’, although he couldn’t really remember what that meant. The other part wanted to be lucid long enough to truly catalogue Felix’s features. Some part of him was determined to keep as many memories as it could, to take little snapshots to file away. The way the Alpha hugged him close, tightening his arms occasionally, the way he nuzzled closer to the mating spot on his neck, sniffing and licking at it, drenching it in his scent. It made Oliver aware that he must not be marked and bonded to the Alpha if he was so focused on covering his mating spot in his scent. 

“ ‘lix, Felix, why are we not mated?” Oliver asked

When Felix took a moment to get out from the junction in Oliver’s neck, he was able to note the Alpha’s eyes were glazed over. 

“I dunno Olls, we’d be perfect” Felix slurred a little, giggling before nuzzling back into Oliver’s neck, inhaling deeply at the scent 

“Smells better now, smells like me” Felix groaned, pumping more hot cum inside Oliver. The Omega shivering at the feeling of renewed warmth inside him. 

Oliver moaned before responding, pulling away so he could face the Alpha “I want you to mate me Alpha” Oliver tried to convey the sincerity in his words 

“I want to be your mate Olls, to bond you” 

“Then bite me”

“Are you sure?” Felix’s eyes went wide, as if just realising the conversation wasn’t bedroom talk, that maybe truly Oliver wanted to be his mate. 

“It’s always what I wanted Felix” 

For a moment the air in the room was soft, as if a bubble surrounded them and nothing outside of them and their connection mattered. As if nothing outside of the bed was in focus, the sounds of the house and the outside world were muffled. 

“Fe…x , eli , f…king Felix” a garbled sound started to penetrate the bubble. 

Felix watched as Oliver’s eyes looked past him, flitting to something behind him. 

He felt the stinging slap of a hand on his shoulder, the sound and sting of pain blossoming from the point of contact breaking the bubble completely. 

Felix swung his head behind him, eyes catching fast on the outline of his cousin. He knew before he even turned to look that it was Farleigh, could smell the thick jealousy of the other Alpha in the room. The other Alpha that earlier had been in a room alone with his Omega, even after Felix had been searching for him all day. The Alpha who thought it was fine to get as close as possible to his Omega in the field the other day. The Alpha that his Omega had once thought was attractive. The Alpha that shared classes and interests with his Omega. The Alpha that he’d known for so long he could tell when his bitching veiled flirting, the way it did when he spoke with Oliver. 

The growl Felix let out was loud, shocking the room, bouncing off the walls and reverberating. The Omega in his arms shivered, pulling closer toward him, rutting against his knot, tightening around it as if it was the only thing keeping him tethered. 

“Felix what the fuck are you doing. You’re fucking in rut you god damn fucking idiot. How could you be so stupid! “ Farleigh screamed, his own Alpha tone coming out. 

Oliver whined at the loud noises. Felix knew, without even being bonded, that his Omega was scared. He was in the midst of heat and loud sounds were too much, let alone two screaming Alpha’s and the scent of anger. Oliver’s hole unconsciously let out more slick, a defensive mechanism for an Omega in heat to appease angry Alphas. It tore something inside Felix when his mind wondered for a split second if that’s what Oliver had to experience during his first heat. 

The feelings from earlier, the feeling of being the Alpha he was born to be were slowly slipping away as he realised the first heat with his Omega was slightly reminiscent of what he’d experienced before. It should have been perfect, sweet and beautiful and Oliver should have felt safe and loved like he had moments ago in the post orgasm bliss. When he’d asked Felix to mate him, when he had consciously asked to be bonded for life with Felix. 

Felix felt it when Farleigh had tried to tug his Omega away. He’d felt Oliver’s hands grip him tighter as he was pulled by the Alpha. Felix caught Oliver’s pleading eyes as the Omega purposely outstretched his neck, turning his head to one side. The scar covering his bonding mark is on display. 

With a last loud growl and a snapped bite to his cousin's forearm, Felix allowed his rut to take over, his Alpha to have control for a moment, trusting it would keep his Omega safe. 

Felix’s fanged teeth descended from his gums, bottom and top. He snapped again at his cousin until the other took a step back. The power coursing through Felix’s veins was unlike anything he had felt before. The endorphin rush of the first time letting his fangs out, the knowing inside that he was about to bond urging on the burning power inside him. 

His focus lasered onto the scared mark, he had a deep knowing that for the mark to truly settle he would have to bite hard and bite deep. For his fangs to make it through the scarred marks on top of the bonding spot it would need to be a forceful bite, it would need to draw much more blood than usual. Oliver would be in immense pain but Felix knew he could handle it, his Omega was tough, would be able to handle the pain and Felix would be there to soothe him anyway he could . 

With his jaw open wide Felix lent forward, the scarred mark still on display as his Omega barred it for him. Felix sunk his teeth in, could feel where it felt natural to stop but knew he would need to go deeper, to cover the scar with his own mark, a mark his Omega could proudly show off. He fought against his natural instincts and dug his teeth in deeper even when he felt Oliver’s body tighten so intensely without any sign of release. 

Oliver’s screech sounded in the room, laced with pain, his scent smelt of it too. Felix could feel it, just the tiny bit deeper, just one last push and it would all change. He could hear the screams of his cousin but it sounded as if he was underwater, he could smell his fear and anger. 

With a last forceful push Felix knew his teeth had gone deep enough, he sucked at the gushing blood from his Omega’s neck. All at once he felt Oliver’s body go limp, then one last tight squeeze around his knot, milking him of another spurt of cum, before Oliver’s body relaxed again. The Omega’s own ropes of cum warming between their stomachs. 

Felix held his teeth in the spot, not for a second wanting to let go now that Oliver only smelt of the purest peace and tranquillity. He could feel his own eyes droop as he continued to suck at the flowing blood from Oliver’s neck. He could’ve let go but part of him was worried the bond mark wouldn’t stick. 

He felt his shoulder jostled, his cousin grabbing him, trying to pull him off. 

“Felix fuck, what the fuck have you done” Farleigh shouted 

Felix just growled in response, it sounded wet with a mouthful of blood. He could feel it working, the bond setting in as he felt his Omega’s pleased response to his protection. 

“How could you fucking do this. You stupid cunt” Farleigh screamed again. 

Felix wanted to get up and throw him from the room, but another part of him was so content with his teeth still sunk into his Omega’s bond spot that he couldn’t find the motivation to kick him out. 

Farleigh pulled at his shoulder again. 

“You fucking pig, get off him. I need to find some wolfsbane” 

Just the word pumped anger through every one of Felix’s veins. He could feel the fear radiating through his bond now. The idea that someone could ever do that Oliver was horrific but the idea that his cousin could ever for a second think that was acceptable had him seeing red. 

Felix couldn’t do much, his knot still stuck inside his mate. His Alpha was taking over though combined with the intensity of his rut and the threat to his newly bonded mate drove something feral inside him. 

As carefully as he could in the state he was in he pried his teeth from Oliver’s neck. Spurts of blood soaked into the bedding underneath them. 

Felix’s face was covered in blood, his fangs still visible. He snapped toward his cousin, growling and biting like a deranged dog backed into a corner. 

“How fucking dare you. I would kill you right now if my mate didn’t need me” Felix could hear the little huffs of pain Oliver would squeak out from his barely conscious state every time Felix jostled the knot too much. 

Thankfully one of the larger Beta staff members appeared at the door. Felix snapped toward him too but the Beta just nodded, grabbed Farleigh’s arms and pulled him. Farleigh fought against it, screaming that it ‘wasn’t right’ before he was pulled from the room. Another Beta appeared, nodding toward Felix before closing the door behind him. 

The moment the door was closed Felix’s attention was back solely on his Omega. The beautiful sweet little thing, half covered in blood , slick and cum. Laying almost lifelessly against the bed. Felix could feel the shift through the bond, and was almost overcome by the exhaustion his Oliver felt.  

Manoeuvring them into a spooning position took the last of Felix’s energy. He propped his head up, licking over the bond mark, some faint knowledge from sex ed class that the Alpha’s saliva will help to seal the fresh or reopened bonding mark. Oliver fell asleep at some point with a content sigh. Felix continued his soft licks until the blood started to clot, he inhaled the sweet scent of his bonding mark before drifting to sleep. 

Chapter Text

The next 72 hours were somewhat of a blur, the heat phased in and out and so did sleep. Oliver remembered moments of it, lucid enough after an orgasm to remember laying across from Felix, cuddling close and watching his beautiful glowing face as he rambled on about something. 

The hormones from the heat combined with the intensity of the bond pulsing through his body, biologically and mentally connecting him with Felix was more than he ever expected. Somehow the walls he had built and continually reinforced inside his mind over the years started to crumble. The part that was strong enough to keep separation between his instinctual Omega desire and the part of him that rejected it and focused on the more important practical issues of life.

That part was losing the fight, giving over instead to the instinctual nature of his biology, without much of a fight. Whenever became aware for a moment just how odd the feelings he was having were, he’d try to shake it off. It only causes more discomfort though when faced with just how powerful the neglected instinctual side of his mind had become.  

It was surprising to find that he was at a level of ease, of comfort that he had never experienced before. Content to just be in the moment to experience the heat with his new Alpha without worrying about the future, without casting his mind 5 steps ahead into the unknown to live and plan and ensure he could handle any possible scenario that presented itself. He didn’t need to anymore, could happily just lay across from Felix, sated after an intense orgasm, covered in his cum but knowing that shortly Felix would get up, warm a hand towel in the bathroom and clean him up. 

Although it was comfortable his mind still supplied how odd of a feeling it was to be truly enjoying the moment with Felix, to be comforted just by his presence or a platonic touch. To want to be close to him, to preen at the soft snores and puffs of warm breath over his neck and ears as Felix drifted to sleep behind him, arms wrapped around and holding him tight. 

Even the conversations Felix was having weren't annoying or tedious to get through. It lit something inside him, something that made his whole body fill with warmth as Felix painted the picture of their future, as he whispered sweet compliments into Oliver’s ears. If he thought too much about it, he could feel the tears well again in his eyes, the pain coming and settling in his throat at the realization that he enjoyed the fact that Felix actually wanted him. 

The realization that he could have so easily been stuck with some horrible old man, some disgusting Alpha that wasn’t sweet and gentle like Felix. That he would have forced himself to endure years married to someone else before having to scheme and plan for the ‘accidental’ death of his companion. It was painful to think about how that had been his future, his plan for as long as he could remember. It was hard to understand that he felt lucky, grateful even that instead he got to have this future, he got to have Felix. 

Maybe it was the overwhelm of such a lifelong plan finally coming to fruition, or maybe it was the understanding that to some degree he could let himself rest. That he could let go of the control for a moment and it wouldn’t cause his demise. With each long exhale his shoulders felt lighter, the future seemed brighter and easier. The hyper vigilance he’d grown to love would still be needed, the plans he had in place were still important, but for the first time Oliver allowed himself to really acknowledge just how horrible the life he could have had would have been.

It choked him sometimes when his mind lingered too long on it. Especially now with the logical part of his mind at rest, he was no longer on guard from all the things his body had never dealt with. Each box of trauma he’d labelled and put to the dark corners of his mind were suddenly opening. As if all at once each of them wanted their moment to be felt, the emotions attached to be truly experienced, the hidden pain finally brought into the light. Some moments the pain was more excruciating then he’d ever felt. Felix would feel it through the bond, unconsciously rolling over in his sleep to tug Oliver close, to scent him and gently soothe him even in his sleep. It was equally calming and distressing to understand just how intensely the bonding mark was. To feel how quickly his mind settled with the touch of his Alpha, but to know it also brought more pain when he truly grasped what his life could have been. 

It was hard to recognize how vulnerable and bare he was in front of Felix now, to know the Alpha could feel his pain through the bond, could somewhat see inside him, behind the mask. He’d fret with the thought that maybe Felix would become aware at some point that he was missing something. The things normal people had inside that Oliver just wasn’t born with. When the worry all but consumed him he’d settle himself by tentatively running his fingers across the scared, scabbed mess on his neck. 

He could feel it through the bond when Felix had seen him touching the mark. Had felt the rising nausea and sinking feeling of guilt that Felix was experiencing. His body was exhausted from the emotional upheaval, it had nothing left to fight off the taunting, the torture that his mind often inflicted on him.  

It twisted and distorted hazy memories and had him believe that Felix’s anger came from the missed opportunity when Farleigh had offered the wolfsbane. The voice in his head laughed at him, mimicking the softer part of himself that was gleefully happy that he was mated, that he was wanted, that it proved he was worthy. The voice grew louder in its taunts, forcing him to remember the words spoken to him the last time he encountered wolfsbane. Images flashed, brief flushes of emotions came with them until the darkness they brought engulfed the bright gleeful joy. 

He’d recoil from Felix’s touches, try and tug on the mask again although it felt too tight now, too restricting, too suffocating. The darkness would swallow him whole, turn him stone again until the powerful hormones of heat demanded his entire focus, the brightness and bliss of the following orgasm would settle again and he’d be free for a moment until sleep didn’t take him. Sleep would take Felix but it would leave him all alone, forcing him to endure the cycle again. To burst with joy and happiness until the darkness, the gaping void inside him where all the things he was missing were supposed to be, would again swallow him whole again. 

*

Felix buzzed with energy, happiness threatening to burst the seams of his body until he was just a glowing ball of light. Sometimes it felt like too much, like he wouldn’t be able to breathe enough and might simply die on the spot because the sight of his beautiful Omega took his ability to breathe away. The smile that came along with the idea of how absolutely content he would be with dying like that tugged so painful at his cheeks when it couldn’t spread any wider. 

The buzzing energy of the bond flowed through him and he couldn’t understand what he wanted more. To slice them both open so they could fuck on top of their melding blood and be taken into the afterlife to spend eternity together while their dead lifeless bodies remain intertwined in the ultimate version of becoming one. Or, stripping completely naked and spending the rest of his life rubbing his naked, slippery, bodily fluid covered body all over Oliver’s. His only sustenance until he died would be Oliver’s sweat, slick and cum and he’d savor every second of it. 

At some point the internal images became too much and he had to swipe his fingers through the tacky cum on Oliver’s stomach and use it as lubricant, as not to strip his cock completely raw, coming over his hand in seconds. Blissful little aftershocks at the notion that his own cum was merging with Oliver’s in his hand. 

He couldn’t help the fixation that was created the moment he first watched his limp cock slip from his lover's hole, the immediate clench and then relaxation of the muscles and the slow slide of his own cum releasing from his partner. It became all too much and the hormones from his rut mixed with the intensity of his own emotions. The idea of breeding Oliver, getting him swollen and pregnant became all consuming, even at the young age he was it didn’t really matter, now he was bonded it seemed like nothing else mattered at all apart from Oliver. 

Felix lay awake staring between the ceiling and his mate, his partner, his bonded lover and little images conjured up in his mind. He imaged Oliver pregnant, imaged the way Oliver would be as a parent, so smart and serious while Felix knew he would be the fun one, the crazy dad, the silly parent that dressed up for Halloween and Oliver would be the one that make sure none of them ate too much sugar and got a belly ache. 

He caressed the currently flat belly of his Omega, staring in wonder at how absolutely beautiful he would be pregnant, how his skin would glow even more, how the tiny birthmark on his hip would look with a big round belly. Felix couldn’t help but nuzzle into Oliver’s chest, arm swung over him and holding him close, just because he finally could. 

It hadn’t been long that Felix knew of his emotions but once he did the waiting was too much. Everyday the yearning made it feel like lifetimes had passed and no matter how much time with his beloved he got it never felt like enough. Now finally, even after the traumatic beginning to their relationship he could finally bask in the enjoyment and contentment that he found in being able to express the love that for the last week had been itching to be let out. 

*

Felix woke late afternoon, the sun just starting its quick descent behind the hills. The deep orange of the sunset seeping into the comfortably warm bedroom. It smelt so heavily of them both and it made Felix burst with pride at the reminder that he was here with his love, his Omega, his forever. That finally the future seemed bright and happy, no more doom and gloom that would consume him whole. 

His gaze was torn from the sun’s descent by the pained whine his mate let out next to him. He watched as Oliver moved in his half conscious state, the strain position of his neck had reopened one of the scabs still on the mating mark. Tiny specks of blood bubbled up from the wound before enough had built up and small trickles started trailing down his neck. Ever so slowly hitting the sheets below them, bleeding out and forming a much larger red stain across it. 

Felix’s heart constricted as he watched the slow trail of blood, each droplet deepening the red. His heart pumped fast, the anxiety rising inside him, too many thoughts at once shouting at him. What a bad Alpha he was, a terrible partner, a horrible mate. What a monster he was to cause so much further pain to the sweet Omega laying next to him, with his soft nose scrunching up at the pain in his neck. The poor little Omega who had already endured too much pain for one lifetime and here he was content with enduring even more at the hands of Felix. How could he ever think he was enough, was better than any of the other disgusting Alphas that viewed the world in such a skewed way. 

He wanted to rip the sheets from the bed, sadness following the path that anger had taken. The beautiful mess of fluids they shared, on the bed they bonded on, the bed they had shared the last 48 hours of bliss and peace now stained and poisoned by the blood from the wound that should have healed by now. The wound that should be proudly shown off to everyone as a mark of their love and commitment but because of Felix now just looked like a sore, painful mess of scared blood stained flesh.  He should have to endure the horrible feeling for the excess pain he caused the Omega in front of him. The Omega that deserved only goodness in his life but had found more pain then any person should. 

Every time he watched Oliver touch at the wound he was reminded that others would see it soon, that not only will gossip start because of the scarring underneath but everyone would wonder what type of Alpha Felix really was. Everyone would talk behind their backs, spread rumours about what kind of Omega they thought Oliver was. His heart beat spiked when, like a crashing freight train, came the realization that Oliver had wanted to run, had wanted to leave Oxford because he knew this would happen, he knew he’d be the topic of hushed conversation whenever he walked by. 

Guilt flooded through him and he felt it heavy in the pit of his stomach. This ache inside him that didn’t seem to wane no matter how much he tried to reassure himself. The pain he’d caused already, the pain that his Omega would have to endure in the future because of him felt too much. 

Oliver would remind him anytime he made mention of it just how much he adored the scar, how happy it made him to know that it was from Felix, that it didn’t matter how it looked because it was created because of love. He’d go on some speech waxing poetic about how the terrible memory was erased and it was something he was proud to wear, to show to people that he was Felix’s. Although Felix tried to take in the words he always felt that pit in his stomach to some degree and always noted the way Oliver would recoil from him as if even he didn’t believe his own words. 

*

Oliver couldn't tell what day it was or how many hours had passed when he lay back exhausted and sweaty on the damp bed sheets. He felt that flush of warmth start low in his stomach and work its way up, kick starting the thumping beats of his heart when Felix ever so gently brushed the sweaty hair from his forehead. 

It felt odd sometimes, felt like he was part of some epic romantic love story with the way Felix treated him, with the actions and behaviors that now flowed freely from him. He wondered if it was to do with the bonding mark making the feelings so much more intense. It could equally be Felix’s affinity toward romantic angst  movies though. His mind supplied the few times they’d been drunk back in the dorms and Oliver was forced to endure watching one of the horrendously cliche movies Felix had begged to see. 

It was a little frightening to notice the smile that tugged at his face when he realized those memories were now tinted with the hue of affection. Had it always been like that or again was it part of the bond that was causing everything to be coloured in such tooth rotting sweetness?

The gentle hand on his face continued to brush over his forehead, thumb tracing the outline of his eyebrow before being so gently dragged down his face to rest on his jaw, then the entire action was performed again. The feather-like touch of Felix’s finger tips sent such intense feelings, followed by yearning questions. The gentle affection so freely offered caused his throat to tighten when his mind again reminded him of just how close he’d come to not only the plan failing, but having to endure the pain of having to wear another mark of rejection.  

“Did you mean what you said?” Oliver spoke before thinking

He watched the question settle along Felix’s face, the way his expression gave away every emotion he flicked through. 

“That we’d be perfect together?” Oliver noted oddly the way his voice cracked as he asked the question, that the impending pain was waiting in the back of his throat, ready for the rejection 

Felix smiled wide, hand moving down to pull his mate closer to him, to nuzzle into that red raised mark on his neck that smelt of both of them 

“Can’t you see it Olls, we are perfect together, made for each other” Oliver felt Felix scrutinizing his reaction. 

“Everything about it Olls, do you feel the way you fit next to me, like you were made to be next to my body. Do you see the way our differences are perfectly matched to fit together? Even back at Oxford we were the perfect other halves for each other. God Olls” Felix pulled him tighter again, kissing around the scabbed wound on his neck, “Do you not see how perfect we are, it takes years for people’s heat and rut to sink up, maybe not ever for some and somehow before we even realized it our bodies were working toward it.” 

Felix pulled back, staring into the tear filled eyes of his Omega 

“I was always so worried Olls, worried about the future, about all the responsibilities and decisions I’d have to make. I was always so worried about living up to what everyone expected of me. Now it’s just, how do I explain it? Now I just don’t feel worried at all, even when the thoughts come into my mind I’m not worried. We were like made for each other Olls, some kind of fate or soulmate or something like that. No matter what comes up I know we can get through it because I have you by my side.” Felix lent forward, kissing gently across the bite mark “You’re an inspiration, after everything you went through. I just want to give you everything. You deserve everything” 

Felix leant back and took in the expanse of his lover’s toned tanned body, the skin he could finally touch, that he could finally kiss. His eyes traced down from his bonding mark to the hickies that covered Oliver’s chest, his toned abs covered by the squishiest, softest layer of fat, the little birthmark resting on his hip as the bones angled down into a V. As if he worried the body in front of him might just dissolve into the ether if he touched too much, he trailed his fingertips lightly along Oliver’s side, relishing in the shiver and resulting goosebumps the action created. 

“You’re the only friend I’ve ever had Felix” and didn't that just shatter his heart into a million pieces. The softest tone he’d ever heard in Oliver’s voice, the minute change and slight crack revealing the vulnerability in the words. 

“I don’t know what you are Olls, I don’t know who you are but I know” Felix’s voice cracked much the same Oliver’s had, his throat tightening around the words as the painfully stinging tears filled his eyes, his heart constricting with the intensity of emotions filling his body as he looked once again over at his Omega, his love, his little Ollie. “But I know you make my blood run warm, like every second of every day I’m experiencing the first ray of sunlight warming me on a cold winter morning. You make me feel like I never have. Like I’m finally whole and the pain I always felt was because I was missing a part of myself, a part that only you could fill.” Felix spoke through the tears freely flowing down his face. The sob he heard in return from Oliver somehow had them both in a fit of laughter, lightening the intensity of the room. 

The fear that Oliver would dissipate into the air evaporated as they continued in their bubble of laughter and love. Felix settled his hand on the bare hip of his Omega, thumb brushing up the hip bone, stretching out the birthmark, before he gripped tighter, pulling his Omega closer. 

*

The nerves had been continuously building as the sun rose and the moon set each day. Felix was anxious for the moment they would need to leave the cocoon of their safety. Everytime he shut his eyes his mind went to thoughts of his family and their reactions to the mating. 

As the bond settled deeper Felix knew he was more certain then he had ever been that the decision he made was correct. Oliver was his, through bond and at some point through marriage and with each moment that passed it became more clear how perfect they were for each other. 

It was Ducan who came to the door first. Knocking gently and waiting patiently for Felix to confirm whether the heat was completely over and he was permitted inside. Food was served and he mentioned that the bathroom had been cleaned and everything was ready for them. As expected he mentioned that his mother had organized a luncheon the moment they emerged and politely Duncan told him to be ready for it. 

They sat in the tub together, Felix laying back against the porcelain with Oliver on his chest. He couldn’t help it as his eyes scanned the scabbed bonding wound on his Omega’s neck. It was a mix of feelings each time he really stared at it, the blooming pride so quickly squashed away by the shame of just how much damage Felix had inflicted. Most bond wounds would be small little scabbed marks by this point but Oliver’s was still raised, red and slightly bruised. 

Part of him wanted Oliver to hide it, just for a few days, just until it healed a little more but he knew he couldn’t ask that, not after how adamant Oliver was that he wanted to wear it proudly, that even though it revealed what he’d been through he wanted to be proud he was now Felix’s mate. 

The image of Oliver’s stern look as he told Felix off for even suggesting it was anything but perfect brought a smile to his face. Instinctively he pulled the Omega closer, cuddled him up closer to his naked form, ducking his head to rub his nose at the shell of Oliver’s ear, relishing in the fact that even after a bath Oliver’s scent was beginning to take on notes of his, he smelt of Felix, smelt mated. 

Oliver was quiet, the poor thing still sapped of energy from the intensity of the heat and the bonding added to it. He wanted to just tuck them both in bed, a big part of him also wanting to hide away from the fanfare that was sure to be waiting for them at lunch. Everyone would have their say, throw in their opinion of it whether asked for or not. 

He felt the anger slowly build again as he remembered Farleigh pulling at his Omega and trying to separate them, not caring for the moment he ruined or the pain he was causing Oliver. The horrific comment he made about the wolfsbane and the knowing that Oliver had heard it, had been terrified that Felix would do that to him. The trauma he already had compounding on itself with such a heartless comment. 

“Are you sure they will accept it Felix” Oliver asked

“They already loved you Olls. I don’t think mommy would have let you leave anyway, she’s smitten with you” 

Oliver turned slightly, wincing at the stretch it caused on the freshly scabbed wound on his neck “What about when your Dad comes, or at the party, what about all your family friends?” 

Felix gulped, trying to not make it too obvious that he’d been stressing about it as well for days, in between sex and orgasms he stared at the ceiling when Ollie fell asleep and played over every possible scenario. As much as he wished it would all go so smoothly there was a part of him that knew he’d used up a lot of luck getting Ollie and maybe he wasn’t gonna be due much more for a while. 

“It doesn’t matter what they think” Felix said with conviction, repeating it again as he tried to embody it more fully 

“I’ve spent my whole life worrying about what they think of me and I just don’t care anymore” His mind ticking back to the moment with his cousin, to the gossip from people at the party and finally to the look his father gave him last year when he’d sent Eddie home. He could feel the anxiety pumping itself around his Omega’s body, watching as the skin between his Omega’s brows furrowed, the way he rolled the corner of his lip between his teeth. It didn’t matter how he felt, right now he needed to be strong for Oliver, like he had back in Oxford. This is why they worked and right now Oliver didn’t need to add the stress of Felix’s worry, he needed to be comforted, he needed to believe just as badly as Felix did. 

Chapter Text

Lunch was as expected, his family and the entire staff gathered in the room waiting for the two to emerge. Oliver’s nerves grew with each step and Felix responded by tightening his arm around the perceived flight risk. 

They walked into the room, everyone cheering, his mother had set up some type of impromptu party for them. The dining hall was decorated in flowers and neutral colors. Felix took in his mothers reaction first, a smile he rarely saw across her face, one saved for her most proud moments. It did enough to calm his nerves, and gave him the strength to look toward his sister. He knew to some degree that she would be happy but to see it radiating from her was something entirely different. With the clear approval of the two people that mattered most it was easier to scan the rest of the faces, all relatively neutral except his cousin’s. 

It was always going to be an awkward lunch, he knew that from the moment the heat/rut had started. It would inevitably be awkward to come and present his future mate to his family after spending 3 days holed up in a room together where as far as anyone knew they were only friends. 

Elspeth spoke first interrupting the awkward silence and tension that filled the room 

“My darlings, it’s nice to finally see you together” she voiced, cupping the sides of both of their faces delicately, looking between the two with nothing but love. Felix wanted to recoil from the touch, wanted to pretend he wasn’t preening inside at the knowledge that not only did his mother accept the mating but she looked as if Felix couldn’t have chosen a better partner. 

Venetia came up next, smiling toward Felix and giving him a sly wink before wrapping her arms around Oliver. The breath he hadn’t realized he was holding was released as he watched the embrace. Some of the tension released in his shoulders and he allowed his long arms to engulf all of them, cuddling them tight to him, hoping that Oliver could feel the acceptance and allow it to bring him some comfort. 

His mood slightly shifted as he watched his cousin stand at the edge of the table, just far enough away from everyone else that it was noticeable. The cigarette in his mouth glowed as he took another drag, pulling it away to release a cloud of smoke as he scrutinized the group. 

His head tilted to the side as he watched the interaction, offering a tight smile when he caught Felix staring, not bothering to acknowledge the mating. 

Felix felt the warmth rise in his body as the rage built. He wanted to say something, to provoke it so they could finally have the conversation he knew needed to happen but part of him felt too attached to the relative peace he was surrounded by in the group. It was selfish, he knew, but he wanted to bask in it, in the comfort and contentment before he knew the disruption would come. Whatever his father’s opinion was on the topic he didn’t imagine it would be anything like his mothers. Even if he was happy that Felix had settled down he couldn’t imagine his father would be happy that he didn’t have the opportunity to vet the family or more then likely have a say in the partner Felix took. 

For the moment he wanted to be selfish, to soak in the love from his family. The inevitable argument with Farleigh would come in time, so too would the scrutiny from his father, but for just a moment he wanted to take what he needed. 

*

Oliver took a deep breath when he stepped outside. He needed a moment of peace, a moment to calm down from the constant pulse of the bonding mark, the intensity of all Felix’s emotions through it. 

The warmth of the sun beat down on his skin as he made his way over to the sun chairs. Felix was occupied gossiping with his mother and sister and it gave Oliver the time he needed to really relish in just how absolutely perfectly things had gone. 

Oliver took a deep sigh in satisfaction, the ridgid way he always held his body finally relaxing, as he looked around the estate taking it all in, knowing that everything he was seeing was now partly his. Finally he had achieved what he’d always wanted and better than he ever could have imagined it. 

The emotional upheaval of the heat had settled and he felt more himself then he had in weeks. Things were clear again and all the plans he’d left to the side unattended too, were about to be addressed. The heat was a break from the real work. Many plans had been accomplished and he knew he needed to allow himself time to fully grasp what he had achieved in the last few weeks. To bask in it before driving head first into the next few steps. 

The mating happened without much of a hitch but the issue that did arise only allowed for an opportunity Oliver didn’t think he’d get for years. 

Just before he’d entered the pool area he was aware of his shadow so he stepped into the nearest bathroom. It was painful to do, more than just the physical pain but the pain it caused the bond as well. It was needed though, Oliver could respect that, could understand that sometimes sacrifices needed to be made. 

He stared into the mirror, looking at his reflection, stretching his neck to the side to get a better view of the somewhat healed mark on his neck. He picked at one of the scabs, aggravating it whilst silently hissing at the pain. Slowly little specks of blood started to appear again, the wound looking angry and unsettled. 

By the time he’d walked back outside he knew the fresh blood trickling down his neck was beginning to dry. When he was settled on the sun chair he could feel the darkness of his shadow coming closer. With a last deep exhale Oliver pulled his mask back in place. 

“What the fuck Oliver? Was this your plan all along, little doll? You are seriously fucked up aren’t you?” Farleigh half screamed, tempering his anger to ensure he didn’t draw too much attention. Self -preservation was still there and he knew it was ill-advised to be caught screaming in anger and throwing accusations at the newest Catton Omega. 

Farleigh seemed unsettled and not able to calm himself enough to stay on one specific emotion to feel toward Oliver and the situation. 

“You told me you didn’t want this?” You said that you didn’t like Felix, that you didn’t fucking want to be with him?” 

“Was it all just a lie, were you just trying to play some fucked up game to get him interested?” 

“Did he force you Oliver? Did he fucking make you do this?” 

“God it’s so fucked up ! I fucking told you, you stupid fucking cunt I told you! I tried to protect you”

“I tried to fucking save you Oliver, you have to know that I tried?” 

The accusations just kept flowing out, some swaying more toward Oliver being some type of deranged psychopath and others toward Felix being too persistent. Oliver bided his time, allowed his features to fall and resemble sadness and fear the more accusations Farleigh shouted toward him. 

The emotional outburst was exactly what Oliver had hoped for, the more insane Farleigh felt, the more untethered, the less likely he would be to question’s Oliver’s motives. The more he would likely just take on the answer as truth without much question in order to alleviate his own emotional rollercoaster

Oliver turned to the side, pulling his body into a defensive ball. 

The loud gasp was exactly what he had been waiting for, he pulled all focus to the nail stabbing into the soft flesh on his wrist, focusing on the pain and allowing the tears to burn his eyes. 

With an exhale he allowed himself to fully fall into his role, the sobbing started quiet and gradually got louder and he pulled his knees closer to his chest. He flinched when Farleigh’s hand reached closer to touch him, his eyes moving from behind his forearms to face Farleigh. He wished in that moment that he could have seen himself, that he could have seen exactly what he looked like because it must have been good. It must have been so goddamn convincing because Farleigh’s immediate response was to soften, to recoil into himself to show he was no threat, his gaze focused intently on the bloodied mating mark. 

“Why hasn’t it healed?” Farleigh asked before swallowing hard and leaning forward to look more intently at it 

Oliver’s hand shot out to cover the mark, visibly wincing at the pain of it. 

“It doesn’t look right, it looks fucking infected or something” Farleigh mentioned 

Oliver pulled closer to himself at the words, just waiting for Farleigh to eventually get to the questioning, for the vision of it to sink in enough 

“What happened? Is this what you wanted?” Farleigh accused

Oliver waited a moment before striking. He maneuvered his body, winced a few times and made a show of hiccupping back his sobs and trying to regain his composure. 

“Did I want what? This huge bloody mess on the side of my neck that barely covers the scar that was already there ? Did I want to be mated to a selfish prick who wasn’t even a good fucking friend? Did I want to be thrown to the side, discarded again while you two debated whether to put poison on the gaping fucking wound of my neck. Just because some prick wanted to protect his cousin from mating a poor worthless whore of an Omega?” Oliver screamed at Farleigh, voice screeching in a moment, tears covering his cheeks as he got closer to Farleigh. Just for a second he allowed himself to catalogue the Alpha’s expressions, to relish in the fact that his strike had hit, and hit hard. 

Unconsciously Farleigh reached a hand forward toward Oliver, only for it to be slapped away immediately. 

“Don’t you fucking dare Farleigh, not now, not after everything you fucking did to me. You don’t get to show pity now, to pretend like you care.” 

“You ruined my entire fucking life at Oxford just because what? Because you didn’t want someone to get in the way of your free ride. You didn’t want my ‘poor’ to rub off on you? Or was it that you just couldn’t fucking believe that I had gotten where I had without all the help you needed to get to the same spot? “ 

“Don’t fucking act like you care now, like you haven’t been taunting and teasing, poking and proding and hoping to cause me pain since the moment you fucking met me. “ 

“You already ruined my future at Oxford. At least now, at least with this” Oliver motioned to the blood smeared scabbed mess on his neck “I can finish my education. I can do what I worked my entire life to do, get my degree even though some jealous fucking prick tried to ruin everything. Even though I had to be mated to someone I only saw as a friend, at least I can accomplish what I spent my life trying to. It might not be what I wanted but at least now I have a chance at a future” A stray tear slid down Oliver’s cheek “ Like I did, like I did before you fucking ruined everything” 

“What can I do?” Falriegh’s voice sounded strained, thick with guilt

“Nothing, for fuck sake, you just don’t get it do you. You live this life of privilege, this life where you never have to bother cultivating anything because opportunities are just handed to you. I worked hard for everything I had and in a stupid selfish tantrum you ruined it all for me. Felix did the same fucking thing but at least, at least with him I can maybe finish what I started before I have to resign to the fucking fate I’ve been dealt. I was warned about the Catton’s, you fucking warned me about yourself. That I would be eaten alive and that’s exactly what happened. A few weeks was all it took for my future to be consumed.” 

“You know I was laying there, fresh blood dripping down my neck, wishing, praying for sleep to take me but it wouldn’t. All I could think was, I wish you pushed harder, I wish you forced the poison. I would have died but fuck” Oliver laughed maniacally “maybe that would have been better then whatever the fuck this will be”

“I can get you out Oliver, I can send you to America, to fuck, to where ever the fuck you want to go” Farleigh stuttured his words, his eyes glossy with tears, tracks of them running through the light foundation on his cheeks. 

Oliver shook his head, staring at Farleigh in disbelief, scoffing before he spoke “Fuck you. I know what you want, so here take this too “ Oliver's tone changed from angry to condescending as he continue “It’s okay Farleigh, you did everything you could. You are such a good person who deserves only good things for just how great of an Alpha you are. All is forgiven” Oliver smiled sharply and rolled his eyes before pushing past the Alpha. 

*

Felix’s hand smoothed over the beautiful suit as he laid it on the bed ready for Oliver when he finally arrived back to the room. His hands shook slightly and he tried to calm himself, to remind himself that just because they were now mated, Oliver was still as independent as ever and he needed just a few moments alone sometimes. It made Felix fret, worried that something had happened to his Omega or worse that somehow Oliver had decided to run off. That he’d realised Felix was nothing but a horrible Alpha and he’d left.

He moved to the cabinet to riffle through his cufflinks in an effort to keep his mind busy and focused on something other than the rising stress he had anytime he was away from his Omega. 

The calming was immediate for Felix, before he could even see his mate his senses were alerted to his proximity and the calm settled instantaneously . 

Felix’s knees went a little weak when he was face to face again with his Omega, with his beautiful mate. The pride blossomed inside hill, squashing any thoughts that arose from the anxiety when Oliver immediately fell into his arms as if it had been torture to be away from Felix. 

His arms encircled his mate as if second nature and his body shivered with the rising peace as he inhaled the scent of his Ollie.

*

Felix’s eyes surveyed the dining hall as he walked through the doors, Oliver by his side, arms linked in his. He’d noticed the blood covered and somewhat inflamed visual of the bonding mark as he watched Oliver get ready. His heart stopped for a moment as he again felt that spike of self-hatred for just how painful that mating had been for his Omega. Oliver assured him again and again of just how much he loved the mark, how perfect and special it was, how it was always going to be more damaged then a usual mark because of the previous scarring. 

He hadn’t exactly wanted to accept the words, was resistant even to hear them but the way Oliver’s petite hands stroked his cock, distracting him enough that the words just settled in. 

Felix checked everyone’s reaction, worried for a delayed negative reaction but thankfully his mother and sister were practically dying of happiness, gushing about how sweet the bonded pair looked, about the matching outfits. 

Farleigh on the other hand didn’t surprise Felix at all with his reaction. The Alpha stood to the side, leaning against the wall, blowing smoke out the window. He wasn’t huddled at the door ready to congratulate the pair, no he was sulking at the back. Felix scoffed, to think Farleigh thought he acted like a spoiled brat. 

The chatter at dinner was normal, Elspeth speaking of the plans for the party. A few questions asked toward Oliver. Felix was trying to ignore it, trying to listen to his mother, to pretend he couldn’t feel the marks burning into the side of his face as his cousin's gaze burned his cheek. It was harder to ignore when he noticed the gaze move to Oliver or the way his cousin’s scent soured when Oliver made a barely audible wince when he moved his neck a little too far to the side.

The chair scraped loudly against the polished wooden floors as Farleigh stood quickly from across the table. 

“Are you fucking kidding me Felix” Farleigh walked forward, voiced raised louder with each word. “How could you, he looks like he’s been mauled. You really are a disgusting fucking pig” Fareligh screamed. 

Felix wanted to defend himself but his mind was split. His Omega now curled up next to him whimpering at the raised voices, it reminded him of a similar situation when his poor mate stood in the dorm room being screamed at by a misogynistic Beta. Oliver’s fingers curled into the fabric of his jacket, the poor thing shaking as Farleigh got closer. 

Farleigh wouldn’t stop, pushing forward “Look at his fucking neck Felix ! After everything he’s been through and then you do that to him. He’ll never be able to wear it uncovered without people wondering about you” 

The hiccuped sob, muffled by Felix’s shirt, seemed to echo in the silence of the room.

In a matter of seconds the room devolved into loud screaming between the two Alpha’s. Elspeth at Oliver’s side, trying to pull him out of the way, trying hard to swallow down all the feelings that rose up as she took in the scarred bruised mark taking over most of Oliver’s neck. With Oliver tucked safely into her side, Venetia tentatively walked over, hands out in front as if to convey she was no danger, still too caught up in her initial reaction and feeling bad for the possibility of the harm she caused to her now brother in law. 

Oliver peeked out at her, looking like a scared animal, when finally one arm reached out to her she basically threw herself into the group of Omega’s. Both mother and daughter trying to shield Oliver from the rising tension and thick stench of anger coming from the Alphas. 

Felix’s voice rang out above the noise of the room. 

“Are you fucking kidding me Farleigh. After everything he’s been through and you wanted to put Wolfsbane on him, you wanted him to have to go through that again because you’re such a selfish prick you don’t want anyone to be happy” 

“I’m a selfish prick “ Farleigh scoffed “I didn’t force my best friend to be bonded with me forever”

“Oh fuck off mate, you know fucking nothing about it. You were always a prick to Olls, is that what this is about now? You’re fucking mad because I’m with him, did you have a little crush Farls?” 

“What the fuck is wrong with you Felix. Look at his neck, that is not a fucking normal mating mark. The way you fucking looked when you bite him, JESUS CHRIST it was fucking deranged Felix” 

“You’re such a fucking asshole. You always were when you don’t get your way. Olls is my mate, my fucking partner so just get the fuck over it. We fucking love each other Farleigh, just because you’ve never experienced it, don’t try to ruin it for me” 

Farleigh snorted “What the fuck is wrong with you Felix. You fucking love each other do you? Did he tell you that before or after you fucking ripped his neck apart?” 

Felix checked over his shoulder, watching the group of Omega’s huddled together before facing his cousin again “You know what Farls, I think it’s probably best you leave mate” 

Felix walked toward the group, back turned to his cousin, aware he’d left when he heard the door close behind him. 

* 

Oliver had been quiet since they returned to Felix’s room after what could only be described as a pretty horrific dinner. Felix felt ill with the guilt that clung to him, made his limbs heavy and his eyes a little watery. 

The cortisol had started to subside and Felix was feeling the effects of it. The anger and fight that flooded his body only a short 10 minutes ago was now rapidly depleting and in its wake was the rising guilt. The frustration he had within himself and the understanding that some of what Fareligh had said was true. The bite was vicious and the lower his confidence dove the easier it was for his mind to conjure up questions as to whether Oliver did truly love him. Perhaps Farleigh had been right and the poor Omega was just stuck with Felix now. 

The questions brought along a sick feeling in his stomach and when he looked across the room to his lover it only made him feel worse. His little Ollie, was he really happy? Was Felix just being a spoiled jealous brat, maybe he had no idea how to really think about others. His anger toward Farleigh had been so immediate and so intense, what if there was something he wasn’t seeing, what if he was being too harsh. 

He didn’t have proof of Farleigh’s crush, only really a guess at it. He knew his cousin well but he also wasn’t the best at making assumptions and maybe he’d made the wrong one here. He’d flown off the handle and accused his cousin of some awful things, really believed them about him and he hadn’t taken a second to really think about where else those actions could have come from.

“Felix” Oliver spoke in his cute little accent that make Felix swoon

“What’s wrong, love?” He asked, patting the space on the bed next to him. 

Felix felt the invisible pull toward his Ollie. Memories flooding back to all the times his best friend had comforted him. The times Ollie had rubbed his back as he threw up into the toilet after a night out. The times Ollie had comforted him when he was worried about his exams or results. The patient voice he used when he knew Felix was working himself into a fret. 

Like the flick of switch, Oliver’s calming voice was all it took for the worrying emotions that had been building to be knocked down, to be soothed. 

Felix curled into Oliver’s side, leg swung over him, body half laying on top of the small Omega. 

“Do you think I over reacted with Farls? You know a bit over the top?” Felix pressed 

“Is that what’s worrying you?” 

“I just, you know it’s just, what if I was too mean. You know, with the stuff about not understanding love?” 

“Felix, I think, I think what you said was important” Oliver replied 

“I just feel bad, you know, guilty, like maybe he was just being a bitch but I was too mean. I know he’s a bit dramatic sometimes and he was just worried about you” Felix sighed, the weight of the world weighing on his shoulders. 

Silence hung between them, it felt awkward and thick as the tension built. The nausea and anxiety spiking inside Felix in an instant.

“He needed to hear Felix, that we love each other. That I'm yours and not his. The stuff he says about you” Oliver paused “You know in the fight, he’s wrong. He doesn’t understand us and it’s good you made him understand” Oliver’s hand shakily rested on Felix’s shoulder “I belong here with you” 

Felix noted the odd tone to his partners voice and lifted his head to face the Omega. 

“Of course you do” Felix started, staring intently at Oliver’s face, trying to understand his expression. “Oh love, he doesn’t mean to get rid of you, like the stupid Oxford stuff, the way he treated you then for being poor and stuff. You know he didn’t offer, you know, he didn’t offer that because he didn’t think you deserved to be here” Felix spoke, trying hard to calm his Omega, noting the change in Oliver’s scent. 

Felix watched for a moment, hoping to see the tense expression on his Omega’s face fall when the words of comfort were finally taken in. 

“Felix?” Oliver stopped abruptly “Umm, let’s go to bed” Oliver smiled tightly before reaching for the bedside lamp. 

Felix reached out and grabbed the arm before the light was switched off.
“Olls no, tell me” Felix pressed, “Honesty is the best code, right?” 

Felix watched as Oliver faced the ceiling, letting out a sigh before letting his head drop forward, eyes closed “Felix, Farleigh found me today. He was worried about the bite. God Felix, the things he said about you. That you were a vicious and mean spoiled brat. He said that you would just use me up, that you’d treat me so bad here, that you’ve done it before to people” 

“And I know you Felix, I know you wouldn’t do that to me, I know you love me. But he just wouldn’t drop it. He kept telling me that we could leave together, that he was going to book flights for us to go to America. He just wouldn’t stop, even when I told him how much you loved me, how lucky I was to be bonded to such a selfless Alpha, to the best friend I’ve ever had” 

“Farleigh, he said that it should have been him. That he always liked me, that you just used me like you did to everyone each year, your little charity cases. He said his mother ran away because your father was a cruel and callous Alpha and that you will turn out just like him” The longer Oliver spoke the more his voice swayed with emotion. 

Felix was in shock, no idea what to do with the information but it didn’t matter his poor Omega was breaking down. It made the knife in his heart twist at the thought that an Omega shouldn’t be brought to such painful tears so many times in just a few short days since a mating. It should be a joyous and happy time when their love is properly celebrated. Felix moved their bodies until Oliver was laying against his chest. His hand soothing the Omega, rubbing down Oliver’s side, squeezing him closer when he felt the jerk of a hiccupped sob. 

Eventually Oliver’s sobbing softened and his breathing evened out. Felix lay awake with his Omega tightly grasped in his hold. He wasn’t cruel, wasn’t some callous Alpha who wouldn’t think about anyone else’s needs, he wasn’t like his father who got rid of anyone, his own sister included when they needed a little more. Felix was nothing like him, he had a big heart like his mother always said and he wasn’t going to let Oliver think for even a second longer that his future with Felix would be anything less than perfect. Oliver’s emotions, his needs would always be put first. 

When he was sure Oliver was asleep he gently pulled out from under the sleeping Omega. Pausing at the door frame he was as his sleeping partner nuzzled into Felix’s pillow, wide grin across his face as he nuzzled deeper. Felix couldn’t let him down, couldn’t let his mind continually be filled with lies and doubt about his place as Felix’s partner. 

Chapter Text

Breakfast the next morning was in the typical Catton fashion, clearly avoiding the obvious empty seat at the table. Oliver noticed as he walked through the doors to the dining hall that he wasn’t greeted with the usual plume of cigarette smoke. Venetia and Elspeth sat in their chairs, chatting quietly, closing the conversation off immediately as they walked in. 

The room felt immediately colder as Elspeth changed the topic of conversation.

“Oliver darling, come, sit. How are you feeling?” 

“Good, thankyou” Oliver nodded in reply. 

“Wonderful to hear. I was worried about you after yesterday. Poor thing, you looked exhausted” Elspeth spoke as she rested her hand on top of his and patted it a few times. 

Oliver caught eyes with Venetia but only received a smile in response, even as he pointedly stared at the empty spot by the window that Farleigh used to haunt. 

“Oh Felix, darling, perhaps you should take Oliver out today. Go shopping or something. You’ll have to get something new for the party” She faced Oliver then, addressing him “I know you look dashing in the suit from last night but we need to show a good impression, after all it is your first appearance as a mated couple” She smiled toward him, beckoning over one of the wait staff before directing him about the plans for the day. 

“The Henry's are coming” Venetia said 

Felix audibly groaned, rolling his eyes when his mother waved a hand toward him as if to force him to show some manners.
“Could we not have invited them just this once” Felix questioned

“Well darling, this was supposed to be a party for your Father and now we have to combine them, just a small celebration for you two. We’ll have to plan something bigger over the next few weeks. Oliver sweet, would your parent’s like to join?” She asked, licking her finger as she flipped the pages of a book of floral arrangements. 

Oliver sat stunned for a moment, wondering what expression to wear. He was caught off guard, surprised by the question and ill prepared for exactly what reaction would be best. Felix’s arm around his shoulders tightened, pulling him closer, across the arm of their chairs. 

“They won’t be part of anything . They won’t come to anything . They don’t even deserve to know” Felix growled 

* 

Felix lay on the sun chair by the pool, fingers threaded through the soft hair of his love, his mind lost in thought. It swayed between pride and joy about his mating, about his partner, about the future he now had and then ebbed back to thoughts of his father’s reaction. 

The disappointment his father held toward him, almost always but especially in the most recent years. The way he never really bothered to listen completely to the things Felix had to say, instead more focused on whatever else was happening around them. He remembered the look of disgust his father held toward him the summer Eddie had stayed, the way he scolded Felix, how Eddie had been sent home one early morning without even a chance to say goodbye. 

Felix brows creased and he fidgeted with the rising anxiety, wondering if his father would try the same tactic. It spiked as he imagined if possibly it would be worse for Oliver, if because of the bond his father might do something more drastic if he didn’t approve. He swallowed hard as he tried to temper his emotions by reminding himself of how positively his mother had reacted, how happy his sister was about the mating. 

“Where's Farleigh Felix?” Oliver asked 

Felix paused his movements for a moment, before resuming the stroking of his Omega’s hair 

“He left” Felix stated, a moment or two passed before he continued, not wanting to start his future off on a bed of lies. 

“I kicked him out. Told him to fuck off back to America. I brought him a plane ticket and told him that his shit would be shipped over to his Moms.” Felix blurted out, waiting with baited breath for the reaction

He could barely hear the whispered thankyou before soft lips pressed a chaste kiss to his chest. Immediately all the muscles in his body relaxed from their tensed positions. His body relaxing back into the chair. Some of the weight that weighed down his shoulders had lifted. He knew eventually he’d have to tell Oliver about the Farleigh situation but with his father returning and all the other things going on he just wanted a few moments of peace, faux peace but still it was something. 

He felt the tension in Oliver leave as well, the way the Omega’s long held breath fanned out across his body, cooling the moist kisses left on his chest. Instinctively his arms tightened around Oliver, pulling him closer. He closed his eyes and tried to shake off the memories of the first time he’d held Oliver like this. All those months ago in the bathrooms, pulling the shaking crying Omega to his chest. Even the memory hurt, coupled with the current guilt and pain he felt for the pain his poor sweet Ollie was enduring at the hands of his family. Tears prickled and filled his closed eyes, some squeezing out and slowly trailing down his cheek as he held Oliver close, rocking from side to side, trying to soothe himself.

***

It was late afternoon when they arrived back from the shopping trip. Oliver was tucked under his arm, into his side, his arms wrapped around Felix’s waist as Duncan came behind them with bags upon bags from the trip. 

Felix was tired, the day was filled with giddy joy as he watched his Omega try on every single piece of clothing he brought to the change rooms. After only a mild disagreement, Oliver had finally accepted that this was part of being Felix’s partner, that it was their money now. 

After some time Oliver had actually gotten into it, relaxed more and started picking out clothes himself rather than just what Felix found for him. It had filled him to the brim with joy as he happily watched his little Ollie open himself up to part of his new world.

The day had been long though, the stress of being around so many others when the bond was still so fresh had zapped Felix’s energy. He could feel the exhaustion of his mate through the bond and all he wanted to do was pull them both up the stairs and take a long, naked nap together. All day he’d been teased knowing his Omega was naked behind a curtain, changing clothes just to impress him. He’d snuck a few looks but eventually had to settle himself down when he was getting more than just a little worked up. 

One of the staff had come over just as he was directing them toward the stairs to inform him that his father was home, all waiting expectedly in the library for them. Felix looked down into the waiting face of his love, the worry and stress that had subsided through the day all crashing back at once. 

The walk through the empty hallway felt long and arduous, but he knew he needed to get it over with. When they walked through the door, the only person to really acknowledge them was Venetia, smiling toward them both and patting the empty space on the sofa next to her. Elspeth smiled but the corner of her lips barely moved, she looked between them and his father with a worrying look. 

Felix hadn’t expected much in the way of congratulations or anything of the nature from his father, but he also hadn’t really expected just a brief glance either. His father turned his gaze back to the newspaper in hand after briefly looking over the two of them. He caught his mother again looking between them before she broke the silence

“Felix darling, how was the shopping trip? Do you get everything you need? “ His mother’s voice had an edge to it he rarely heard. 

“Yes we got everything, it was a lovely day” Felix pulled Oliver just the slightest bit closer as they sat, sensing his Omega's nerves. 

“Wonderful darling. We got so much organized for the party tomorrow. Duncan suggested peonies but I thought it would be much more fitting to have white lilies. For the occasion you know, it’s just perfect really” Elspeth continued her eloquent rambling. 

Felix picked up on his mother’s odd behavior, when he looked again to his father he noticed he was looking back down to the newspaper as if Oliver, Felix’s new mated Omega wasn’t even there.

“Hi Dad” 

“Felix” his father replied before looking over Oliver in a scrutinizing manner 

“This is Oliver, my Omega” 

“I see, I remember we had a conversation before about vetting potential partners before you mated them. It’s an important part of the courting process Felix, but I see, as usual, my efforts to make you understand your position as Alpha and heir have gone completely unheard” 

Felix felt the room tense, every single person within it seemed to have the air sucked from their lungs. He could feel the heated pain through the bond, and knew that his poor sweet Oliver was feeling every second of his father’s disapproval. 

“For fuck sake really?” Felix blurted out

“We really must rethink Oxford as your choice Felix, it’s turned you into a bit of a savage. You’ve known since you were a child what was expected of you for choosing a mate. To say I'm disappointed wouldn’t even come close Felix, this is a disgrace and as you’ve made it part of my job, I’ll now have to make sure I fix this mess” 

“Jesus Dad, I knew it was coming but for just a second could you think about anyone but yourself. My poor Omega has already been through so much and now he has to endure this. Could you not have just summoned me to your office tomorrow to give me the dressing down”

“Will Oliver’s parents be attending tonight at least. I’d like to meet the couple that would allow their Omega child to be off and mated without even a courting phase. It’s important to see what kind of people you’ve now brought into the family Felix.” The question directed at Felix, James only throwing a slight glance of disapproval toward the Omega 

“His family will not be attending, they have and will have nothing to do with Oliver anymore. He’s part of our family now” Felix raised his voice. 

James just scoffed at his son's theatrics “Oh yes Felix, part of the family. Like Farleigh was until your little Omega here caused a rift between you two, so quickly as well, as if it were planned. I thought I’d raised you smarter Felix. The motives of the lower class Felix, they aren’t the same as ours” James started 

"STOP" Felix shouted. "I'll speak to you later, right now I need to look after my Omega, it's what a good Alpha would do." Felix held Oliver closer to his side before ushering him through the door. He could feel the anxiety and anger starting as he looked back at his father who sat with a disgusted look on his face. 

***

Oliver relished in the moment alone, it had become something of a rarity after the mating. He laid back in the bath, relaxing deeper into the warm water. Felix had already retired to the bed, exhausted after the quick hand job in the bath.

He deserved it, deserved a few moments to sit and truly enjoy everything he accomplished. The party had been easier then he’d expected, everyone doting over him, trying to win his favor. It was part of the social status, Oliver was the new Omega to the heir of the Catton fortune, to get in good with him so early would ensure safety for the families that sat lower on the ladder. 

It hadn’t taken long or many words at all to calm Felix down after the argument with his father. Soft touches, softer kisses and gentle words of love and affirmations whispered in his ear was all he needed to return back to the soft and pliable Felix, Oliver greatly preferred. He’d made sure to visit Venetia before the party, to create a moment of solidarity between the Omegas, to ensure that she was firmly on his side before he was escorted down to the party, to be shown off as Felix’s Omega. 

Every moment had felt exhilarating, and had felt perfect and correct. The way the younger Omega’s fawned over him, chatting and gossiping, filling him in on the most recent news within the circles. 

The way the older Omega’s looked at him as equals, understanding that they needed to be in his favor because he was now the Omega heir to the Catton family fortune. Although they looked at him as something to be moulded and shaped, it was still thrilling to be seen by these Omega’s, to be underestimated by them. Rather than be looked at as something not worth a moment of their time, he could now feel every set of eyes on him. What joy he’d have in the years to come pulling strings and causing chaos to watch over. They would soon all be his little toys to play with and it couldn’t be more exciting to bring them all down from their high horses and force them to feel what he knew they made so others feel. 

He’d catch glimpses of Felix here and there staring at him and smiling stupidly. Finally he was where he should be, he was treated the way he should be. Unfortunately he also caught glimpses of Sir James staring down at him from across the room. The older Alpha’s eyes trailing him as he was pulled from group to group. It was obvious the man was suspicious and part of Oliver respected that. Respected that even at the man’s age he had enough awareness about him to not take things at face value. Clearly the man’s intuition had done him well to ensure the Catton’s family name continued to live on in such good favor. 

It didn’t worry him the way it would have a younger version of himself. Years of planning, years of working toward those plans, executing them and constantly rearranging them had left him with a nimble mind. He hadn’t ever expected to be welcomed by the head of the Catton family, he’d always expected there to be a challenge about it. 

With Farleigh gone, things would be easier. Everyone left in the house adored Oliver and he had the added bonus of how negatively it would affect Felix to even be away from his bonded mate now, let alone what else Sir James had in mind. It wasn’t something to be too concerned about. Something to keep an eye on, to watch carefully, but nothing to consume his joy. 

Sir James was the last hurdle to overcome, the boss battle at the end of every good vs evil movie. Oliver was practiced though, and had made plans and contingency plans about this since the moment he set his eyes on Felix. Really, since the moment he’d set his life on this path, he’d always known things would have to get darker, that sometimes things would need to be done to benefit the greater good, his greater good. 

***

It was just after breakfast when Duncan approached him. Oliver was sitting next to Felix outside, helping him search through apartment listings near campus. They’d want a place together, a place quiet and off campus to finish up their degrees. 

The man looked stiff, awkward as he cleared his throat, gaining their attention. Oliver watched him, quietly amused by how uncomfortable the poor man was. He knew what would happen the moment he sat down at breakfast that morning. 

The table was unusually quiet, Elspeth’s tone of voice was slightly tighter than usual, all her reactions just missing their usual beat. Maybe she was losing her touch or maybe she’d wanted Oliver to have time to prepare when she flicked her gaze from him to Sir James at the other end of the table, before her gaze was back on him again. 

It felt at least a little comforting to know that Elspeth was concerned, if not out rightly worried about what might happen, about what Sir James had planned. Whether the worry was for Oliver or simply extended to him because of his connection to her son it didn’t matter. 

So Oliver had been expecting this for the past hour. Expecting some poor staff member to have the awkward task of pulling Oliver from Felix’s side so he could attend a ‘meeting’ with the head of the family. The staff member having to balance between insisting but also calming Felix’s rising anger that his Omega was being taken for who knows what reason, to a meeting with his father that he was not allowed to attend. 

Oliver sat silently and smiled to himself at what a chaotic little situation had been created. The way Felix’s emotions flared through the bond and his scent changed to a sour metallic. Poor Duncan, standing awkwardly at the side of the table, trying to remain polite and professional while Felix lost his shit but ultimately had no say in the situation. He might be the heir to the fortune but his father still paid everyone’s bills. 

Oliver smoothed his hand over his pants as he stood up, hand grazing past the small switchblade in his pocket, reassured that it was still there. 

Eventually Felix calmed down, reassured with a kiss and a request to keep looking through the apartment listings. Oliver followed Duncan through the maze of hallways, coming to a stop in front of two closed doors.  Oliver exhaled slowly, ticking off the imaginary list in his head. The paperwork he’d copied that sat in the hidden pocket in his bag, the few pieces of jewelry he’d taken from the mostly empty rooms, the credit card numbers he’d memorized from Felix’s wallet and the many account’s he’d opened with different companies using Felix’s details. As long as he left the room alive, he had more than enough contingency plans to make it far more messy than to just keep him around. 

Oliver walked forward through the door held open by Duncan. The elder Catton Alpha sitting behind a huge mahogany desk, paper sprawled in a mess across it. The man barely lifting his head, only his gaze toward Oliver as he entered. When the door closed, James plucked his glasses off, closing them before setting them down on the paperwork he’d just placed down. He sat back on his large, cushioned leather chair and just stared at Oliver for a few moments. 

Oliver wasn’t dumb though, he knew what intimidation was, he knew what it felt like when an Alpha tried to impose their will on him through sheer force of presence. 

“Oliver, Oliver Quick was it?” James spoke as if he was addressing a stranger on the street

“I’ve done some research Oliver, I wonder what you told my son about your family. The perfectly average couple that live in Prescot with your two younger siblings. I wonder what lies you weaved to make him so adamant about cutting them from your life.” 

Oliver just stood still and silent. In every movie ever the villain needs their moment, their big speech and reveal before finally they are taken down. There was a poetic justice in it that Oliver just couldn’t bring himself to ruin. 

“You’ve had your fun, a worthless little Omega like you got to play pretend, the highlight of your life. But it’s over now, you’ve taken quite enough” 

The silence crept between them, filling up every inch of the room as the two continued to stare at one another. 

The stoic mask Oliver had been wearing fell. The emotions that had been building finally bubbling over. His laugh rang out through the room, high pitched and maniacal as he threw his head back, laughing until it divulged into the hollow soundless laughter.

“James, was it? Oh no, I don’t think I’ve taken nearly enough to repay everything you took from me” 

Chapter Text

The suppressants were really starting to take their toll. The moment he arrived at the hotel he had to run to the shower, his body was covered in thick sticky sweat and he’d started to leak slick. With the intensity of the suppressants and how quickly his body was reacting to coming into heat he’d decided he would forgo the usual meeting at the hotel bar. The scent of his oncoming heat was already too thick. 

It felt unlike the other heats, now that the heat had started he felt more frantic then he ever had before. 

After a quick shower Oliver pulled back the sheets, clicking the AC on as he laid down. The shower hadn’t done much for his temperature though. The heat was rising and so was the feeling that he was burning from the inside out. He silently thanked himself for going a little extra on this hotel, the sheets were expensive and soft, not the usual scratchy material against his overly sensitive skin. Usually he couldn’t bare to be in the bed until the Alpha arrived and the sex started, the material always scratching against his skin making it feel inflamed and sore. 

He fingered along the cool silver chain around his neck, the gift he’d brought himself after the first heat. A little something special to remind himself of why he was doing what he was. The metal was cool to the touch and brought him a little reprieve as he held it out, running his finger along it and feeling its cool mark against his neck. 

One last Alpha, one last charade and then he’d be sorted, at least until he found his mark. The Alpha that he would try and mate, for now though he had one last performance to give. He wasn’t as nervous as he’d been the first two times, it felt a little more like its own routine now. He ran over and over the script he’d given himself, making sure he’d hit all the points, making sure to tug on every heart string the Alpha would have. 

His role was the poor sweet little Omega, the one that had a hard life, addict parents and not a dime to his name. The little Omega who worked hard at his grades to get into a good school, the Omega that was doing everything he could to ensure he would be the perfect mate for his future Alpha. Obedient, naïve and docile, exactly what every pig headed Alpha on the sights was looking for, exactly what all his observation had revealed was the best act to play to get what he wanted.

**

When the Alpha arrived at the room Oliver was pleasantly happy to see the silver fox staring back at him. The man hadn’t had any face pictures on his profile, only a few of his cock, like most other profiles. 

The Alpha was older of course, mid 50’s, grey already and face littered with shallow wrinkles. Clean shaven and he smelt expensive, Oliver couldn’t take a guess at the scent but he knew it was expensive by how rich it smelt. The man’s silver hair slicked back and the fashionable business suit he wore gave the aura of authority. 

He was gentle, soft in his movements, seeming to ensure not to spook the Omega. From the messages Oliver felt the man would act this way, a rare kind of sympathetic Alpha. One that was born to riches but had the heart to understand that others weren't and the empathy to extend to those less fortunate. Oliver wasn’t naïve enough to believe the man wasn’t still some type of animal when it came to sex. The man had purchased his ‘first heat’, and was on a site that catered for that type of stuff. Although he presented as sweet and gentle Oliver still aired on the side of caution, understanding just how filthy these Alpha’s could be when an in heat Omega was laid in front of them.

The man’s movements were gentle as he slowly laid Oliver to the bed, the glimmer of mischief and the look of reverence as he took in the expanse of Oliver’s now naked, flushed body. He spread his large hands from his hip bones upward, massaging the flesh on Oliver’s hips. The way he looked down at Oliver, like he would eat him whole sent a rush up his spine and he couldn’t help it as he dropped further into heat. The moan he let out accompanied by the arc of his back had the Alpha growling. 

“Little Omega, you are so beautiful, more beautiful than I’ve ever seen. Is it okay if I touch you darling?” 

Oliver teetered between full consciousness and heat taking over but reminded himself of the part he had to play “Please, please Phillip, Alpha. Even just how you’re touching me now is amazing” 

“Oh little one, there is so much more to come” He smiled down at Oliver as he lent and kissed along his neck. Oliver’s sensitive skin could feel the sharpness of the fresh stubble coming through. It was slightly painful but soothed immediately by the soft kisses placed over the sensitive spot his mating mark was. 

Oliver’s mind immediately went there, questioning whether he would allow it or not. The Alpha was not terrible looking, in fact he was quite handsome in his older age. The sum of money this man had bid for his ‘first heat’ was twice what he’d received the first time. It was clear by this and the expensive clothing that he had money, the type you couldn’t gain in a singular lifetime, rather the type you inherited. 

It was always a question he asked himself during these arrangements. The other two were less attractive but still Oliver had considered allowing them to mark him. It wouldn’t hold as strong unless they were in rut but generally a mating mark would send an Alpha into rut, which was more of a possibility to get a strong, lifelong mating mark. As Phillip continued to kiss down his neck he felt that maybe it would be worth it, maybe he could allow the Alpha to mark him. He was still young, plenty of chances to bag himself another one but it would be so convenient to let it happen now. To not have to continue on the hunt to just get it done with. 

It continued in a gentle unhurried way until the Alpha had his pants off. At first it was gentle, at first it was sweet words of affirmations, positive compliments about Oliver’s body and the way he looked but soon Oliver could feel the shift. The Alpha became rougher, more aggressive in the way he held Oliver’s front down onto the bed and fucked into him as he was nothing but a toy. No semblance of gentleness was left in any of his movements. 

The sweet words he whispered turned violent, the closer he came to his end. The way he fucked Oliver started to hurt, even with all the slick he was producing due to the heat it was painful. He squeaked, body stiffening as the Alpha growled then laughed at his pain. 

“Oh sweet little slut, don’t pretend this isn’t exactly what you want” 

“You filthy disgusting little thing” 

“You think you could convince me no one has fucked this hole before, you’re loose like a fucking street whore, but that’s exactly what you are isn’t it” 

“Pretending to be something you aren’t, pretending to be worth more than 10 minutes and the spare change in my pocket.” 

“Vile little creatures you all are, craving cock and pretending you are anything but a hole, a greedy little hole” 

“You’re all nothing, all you Omega’s are the same but at least some can pretend to have class and respect that they know their place” 

The hands around his waist tightened, painful grip and finger nails stabbing into the soft flesh of his hips. The intensity of his heat was coursing through him but the anxiety was piqued by the panic. Everything was wrong, the way he was being touched was wrong, the way he was being talked to was wrong. It was painful and the vicious growls of the Alpha behind him as he continued to use Oliver’s body made him scared and nauseous. He tried to reach for the pocket knife he left in the bedside drawer but the moment his arm reached out it was grabbed and forced back to the bed. 

“Filthy little slut, what have you got their huh, keeping something for your protection, more practiced then you pretend” 

“I know exactly what you are little Omega, too dumb to bother checking the pictures you post. Vile little creature, you thought you could trick an Alpha, scam them out of their money for your ‘first heat’ but I know you’re used goods. You dumb little slut, I could see the birth mark on your hips in the picture’s, recognized it from at least two other auctions.” 

Phillip flipped him, Oliver was face to face with the vicious monster above him. The monster that slowed down his thrusts just to stare into Oliver’s frightened eyes and tear soaked face. 

“Are you going to kill me” Oliver muttered. 

Phillip laughed, loud and proud

“You stupid slut, I won’t kill you, you’re not worth the trouble it’ll cause. A vile little creature like you needs to be kept in line, forced to do and say as an Alpha commands, but I’ll make sure any future Alpha knows just what a filthy slut you are. Knows what you are capable of and can see just by looking at you exactly what you are worth, NOTHING.”

**

Oliver could barely grasp anything that was happening, too frightened by the man’s face in front of him. Barely comprehending what was being said only that it all meant danger, that he was in real and true danger. 

His face was palmed and pushed into the pillow below him as the teeth ran over the sensitive flaring marking spot. It felt wrong, all of it did, the energy in the room was suffocating him, gently trying to pull him into death before he’d have to endure whatever was coming. 

He could feel, focused his attention on the cool silver chain around his neck before it was yanked from him, cutting into his flesh painful before the force made it inevitably snap. 

His senses were on high alert which only made it worse when the bite finally came, it wasn’t gentle, no prelude to it or a second of reprieve before the fangs extended and Phillip was locked onto his neck. Before his body had time to handle the pain to intake the sensory information, Oliver could feel himself being filled with hot, warm cum. He felt his body go limp, felt the heaviness of his eyelids and the pull into the comforting darkness that was presented to him each time he let his eyes flutter shut. 

The bed jostled and then searing pain worse than he’d ever felt in his life was placed on his neck. It felt like embers from a fire forced into the open wound and the crevices where the teeth marks were. The pain didn’t ease even after a few moments passed, rather it only got worse. The bed sprung up again and Oliver heard the words “You are worth NOTHING ” as he battled against the comforting darkness and the frantic part of his mind telling him to stay awake. Screaming at him to not give into the pain, to not allow his mind to recede into the darkness and for his eyes to close shut. 

He swallowed hard and it felt like he was swallowing jagged gravel, aimlessly he thought he must have screamed himself raw without realizing. The pain was all too much and then he heard a woman's frantic voice and the sound of the sirens. Soon he was lifted onto something, male voices telling him to relax, to calm down, to stop fighting which he had no awareness that he was doing. 

They reassured him over and over that he would be okay, that everything would be fine but none of it really mattered, nothing mattered anymore, nothing except the slowly fading lights and the darkness engulfing him.

END OF FLASHBACK 

Oliver laughed again before he stared back at Sir James and spoke, 

“No Phillip , not until I've taken everything. Not until this dirty filthy little slut has taken everything you hold dear, taken everything from you, not just your children but your entire family, your business, your home, your wealth and status. I’ll run it all to the ground if that would make it worse for you Philip because I’m just a greedy whore aren’t I, aren’t I James, and what do greedy whores do, well they don’t stop until they have their fill, until they are satisfied. And I am nowhere near satisfied. And if you even think of telling someone about me, just know I have a video James. I have chat logs and pictures of your fucking tiny cock. At any moment I can ruin your life unless you behave.” Oliver smiled, bright and wide, oh how delicious the fear in James eyes was

“And now I’m mated to sweet little Felix, won’t it just break him, mind, body and soul if you tried to kill me off now, when the bond is still so tentative. If I were you James, I would appreciate that I haven’t done anything yet, but I can always do much more, so I think it’s time you behave.” Oliver walked closer to the desk, hands placed on it and staring down at the Alpha still in his seat.  

“Oh how long I’ve waited for this moment Phillip” Oliver’s voice was low, calm and dripping with poison. 

“You stupid fucking Alpha, you think I’m NOTHING , we’ll now I’m fucking EVERYTHING . I’m your son’s mate, your daughter's friend and your wife’s sweet little son in law. All your guests, your friends and business associates already know who I am, they’ve met me James. You can’t get rid of the dumb little Omega whore now. I’m tied to everything and if you try, just remember I haven’t gone this far not to take you down with me.” Oliver smirked toward the Alpha, turning his back to walk toward the door, stopping for a moment with his hand on the handle. He turned back, voice calm and cold, as he took an appraising look at the older Alpha. 

“Play nice now Alpha , or I’ll happily ruin us both.” 

Chapter Text

“James darling, did you see how happy Felix was at the party. It’s hard to believe that only a few months ago he was starting college and then he found his mate” Elspeth spoke, sitting across from her husband in the two lounge chairs in the sitting room, big open windows overlooking the estate, the warmth and glow of the fire, coloring the room in a deep orange glow. James with a glass of whiskey and Elspeth holding her Martini.

James huffed before speaking to his wife, “You stupid women, can’t you see through his little act. I thought you of all people would be able to recognize a stupid whore Omega when you see one. He’s already brought such disgrace to the family name. I shouldn’t have expected much from Felix though, not when you coddled the boy within an inch of his life.” 

“None of this would have happened if you’d let the boy toughen up, if you’d freed the reins a little and let him understand exactly what Omega’s really are. If only I were here then none of this would have happened. What else could I expect from you Elspeth, always so caught up in the drama and theatrics of life to miss everything else going on around you.” 

Elspeth protested with barely a complete word before James cut her off 

“He is poison, how can you not see that? He’s a bloody poison apple Elspeth and he will kill this family from the inside out if I don’t get rid of him.” James shouted, throwing his glass into the fire, shattered pieces breaking back, the fire roaring for a moment before settling back. 

Elspeth flinched as the fire roared, slowly easing out of her chair toward the bar. Just as many years of practice had taught her, now was the time to fix her husband a new drink, replace the other as if nothing had happened. 

James sat in his seat expectantly as he waited for his new drink. Elspeth handed it to him as she sat back in her seat, fresh martini in hand. She watched as he took a deep sip from his drink, sighing afterwards.

“He became poisoned James, the day you bit him. The day you poured Wolfsbane over his fresh mating mark.”

*** Flashback ***

With her black floor length fur coat trailing the wet dirty concrete beneath her feet, Elspeth walked toward the hotel. She noted the car her husband had left in that day parked in the lot. She stayed far enough behind as she walked in his steps, following until she’d gotten the number of the ground floor room he entered. 

She walked back outside and lit a cigarette. Pondered for a moment exactly how she’d gotten here. How she’d come across the bank statements over the past few years with large chunks of money missing. How she’d eventually come across James’s computer, open and still logged into one of those damn sites she knew he visited. 

How dumb he thought she was, that she wouldn’t smell the fresh scent of another Omega’s heat on her husband as he crawled back into the bed early in the morning. 

That’s when it started, at first she just suspected it was professionals he was seeing, but the more she looked, the more she noted everything going on around her. The money missing, tracing it back through the multiple sites James visited. Soon it became clear and it was more unfortunate than she could imagine. Poor, young Omega’s selling their first heats to the highest bidder. She felt shame and anger, guilt and confusion. Not that she wasn’t enough, she’d known since she married the man, the sick twisted way he viewed Omega’s. She felt guilty that he might inflict some of his anger onto one of the poor souls who dared to share a hotel room with him. 

That’s why she’d come tonight, why she’d followed the trail on his site, and found the meeting place. That’s why she was standing in the cold empty parking lot, smoking the cigarette she'd stolen from her son’s bedside draw. She wanted to make sure the poor thing would be okay, wanted to be there and offer them extra money to ensure they didn’t ever need to do this again, and didn't have to risk encountering someone like James. 

Her fate was sealed years ago and with the children coming soon after, she knew she was stuck. There was no escape for her, at least her children, her sweet beautiful children were well looked after. One day when they had finally moved on she could leave, she could pack away the things she brought and stored to be sold off and she’d finally be free. 

She paced the car park, no real intention on what to do next. 

There was a loud, blood curdling scream that could be heard throughout the empty lot.  Immediately Elspeth knew it was from the poor Omega in the room with her husband. There was no doubt in her mind, as if a cruel torturous confirmation from the universe, she watched as her husband stormed through the parking lot. The glass doors of the reception banging hard back to each other as they closed. 

Elspeth quickly slunk back into the ally at the side of the building, trying her hardest to blend with the dark shadows. Luckily for her, James seemed too preoccupied with peeling out of the empty lot as fast as possible to bother taking much note of anyone lingering around. Her heart raced as she watched him turn the corner, pedal to the gas as the car skidded around too fast. 

Her heart thudded hard against her chest, the scream still ringing in her ears over and over, calling to every emotion within her. Her mind hadn’t completely caught up as she felt herself moving, heels clicking across the concrete, then the carpeted foyer of the reception, soon she felt the almost cold wood against her palm as she pushed the half closed door further open. 

There was too much to take in, the rumbled clothing strewn across the floor, a broken silver chain thrown haphazardly on the carpet, the thick scent of heat, slick and sex only overpowered by the heavy scent of distress and blood. The young male Omega laid out on the bed, the bright dark red blood as it contrasted to the white motel sheets. It took her a few moments, breathing deeply as her mind took in the wound on the Omega’s neck, the source of the continuing to flow blood, no matter how tightly the hand gripped to cover it, the blood continued to trickle down. At first the Omega’s eyes were open and alert, frantically searching the room, but in a matter of minutes his movements grew slower, the grip on his neck relaxed as more blood flowed down without the restriction. His eyes dropped shut over and over, the strain it seemed to keep them open taking its toll. 

The distress, the fear that permeated through the room was more than Elspeth could handle. She’d known fear in her life but it was unlike this, she thought she’d endured what her husband was capable of but never could have imagined this type of cruelty. With a last deep exhale, Elspeth moved into action. She grabbed at the receiver in the room and called immediately for the ambulance. Her hands were raised, poised to do something but instead she just sat in shock at what to do next. The Omega was making very weak pained noises with each movement. Elspeth did the only thing her brain could think of, the only thing that made any sort of sense to her, more instinctual than logical. She raised her hand as she crouched next to the bed, one hand holding a pillow to Omega's neck, the other coming to rest on his forehead. For a brief moment she remembered the last time she’d done this, when Felix had been ridiculed by his father again. When James had caused more hurt to her son, she was again left to try and fill and fix the wounds he’d created. She’d tucked her 6ft tall Alpha son to her side and stroked his forehead, trying to instill the most care, love and attention she could into the gesture. 

Her mind retraced the memory as she sat performing the same action to the innocent Omega who had been the next unfortunate victim to her husband’s cruelty. Elspeth barely noticed the sweet reaffirming words she whispered to the Omega, the same one’s she’d whispered to her son many times over. Her mind blocked the horrific nature of the scene around her as she focused solely on forcing only love through her hand to the Omega slowly dying in front of her.

She was in a daze when the paramedics barged through the door, stretcher pushed through as they motioned Elspeth to move out of the way. She couldn’t hear what was happening, only felt as she was pushed backward, tumbling from her knees to her bottom. Her hands shooting backward to brace the fall, one landing on a wet, cold, silver chain. 

It felt like a dream, or a movie scene in front of her only slowed to half speed as the paramedics worked. Tubes of plastic were pulled from bags, bloody sheets and towels were thrown to the ground as the paramedics removed Omega's hand from his own neck. The blood had somewhat clotted, dried darker on the skin, almost black. It wasn’t until Elspeth tried to get up to follow the paramedics and the stretcher that she noticed how violently she was shaking. Her hand wrapped tightly around the cold chain, the cool against her skin, helping somewhat ground her, bring her back into her body and the present. 

*** End Flashback *** 

James coughed as the words his wife just spoke settled in. He coughed again, this time more urgently, splatters of blood covering the back of his hand. 

“That’s the night I learnt the truth James. That’s also the night I learnt it takes exactly 15ml of Wolfsbane to kill a wolf, to kill even a fully grown Alpha” Elspeth swished the vial in front of herself, smile creeping across her face as her husband continued to gag and slowly suffocate to death in the chair beside her.