Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Kim Rok Soo woke up to a strangely wet sensation tickling across the back of his neck. He froze as he recognized the feeling of a body curved against his own, bare skin embracing bare skin causing his heart to skip a beat. 

He opened his eyes and immediately recognized that this unscarred body wasn’t his own, pale skin clearly visible against soft white sheets. He’d have to turn his head to see the person who was most definitely kissing his neck right now, fingers splayed across his hips and causing a shocking ripple down his spine. 

It was clear what had happened between this person and the body he was in. He could feel the stickiness between his thighs and an unfamiliar ache around his lower half. He may have never had sex in his original body, never having the inclination to try or a person he trusted well enough to attempt it with; But he wasn’t so ignorant to not know what was involved. 

Stranger still though was the weird feeling of something wet seemingly coming from his own body. Not cum, but something simultaneously being produced and released from within. His chest was flat with no visible scarring, so he clearly hadn’t taken over the body of someone with a vagina. What exactly was this?  

He reached a hand down, trying to be discreet, only to freeze once more as a decidedly male voice spoke into his ear. 

“You want more already?” the hand on his hip reached to grab his own, before a knee came between his legs, separating them for easier access. “I can do it, Cale. Today is all about you, remember?”  

Cale? Was that the name of this body then, is that who he had become? It was awfully familiar, and a bit concerning. If this was Cale, as in ‘ Cale Henituse ’, a minor antagonist from the fantasy-action harem novel he’d been reading the night before, he was in trouble. 

After all, the novel itself had primarily been mindless smut with minor fantasy elements. What he'd been able to read before this...change had happened, had been primarily about the main character bedding as many partners as he could throughout the series while coping with his new biology and his quest for revenge.. 

It was almost a typical isekai plot. The main character, Choi Han, had been an average korean teenager before being placed in ‘The Forest of Darkness.’ There, he had faced insanely powerful monsters before finding a village and venturing onto his path to becoming a hero. What Choi Han hadn’t known, though, was that his body had changed upon arriving to this new world. Along with giving him the ability to understand the language, he had become an ‘alpha’, a type of gender in the fantasy world that had naturally higher strength, scent, and because it was a given with harem fantasies; –an absolutely insane sex drive. 

To be honest, Kim Rok Soo hadn’t been at all interested in it at first as he didn’t care much for harem stories let alone smut. But it had been the only series in the library that had enough volumes to take up his vacation time, so he’d given it a chance. 

The feeling of something long and hard entering his body broke him from his thoughts. He released a deep gasp as he was penetrated, his body instinctually submitting as his core was invaded. He hadn’t fully thought through his predicament and was now dealing with the fall out of his inaction.

Luckily, it didn’t hurt. Whatever activities they had done before he'd taken over had loosened this body's channel considerably. He found himself flushing red at the sound of something squelching as the man began to gently thrust inside of him, the echoing of slapping skin filling the air as he found himself being held against a firm chest. 

Kim Rok Soo could barely focus on how – not right – it was to sleep with someone he didn’t know in a body that wasn’t his. It felt surprisingly good. He could barely stop himself from crying out, his head lolling back against a strong shoulder as the pace between them began to quicken, letting out accidental whimpers as his body began to move in tune with his unknown lover’s thrusts. 

The man tilted his head to lay hot kisses down his neck, breathing heavily between each peck. Kim Rok Soo felt his world tilt from the overwhelming scent of it all. Whatever the novel had said about scents in this fantasy setting hadn’t scratched the surface of what they could actually do to a person. Kim Rok Soo felt as if he was drowning with pleasure, somehow able to differentiate between the scent of the body fluids and the overwhelming satisfaction and claiming exuding from the man’s pheromones.

His body was so hot, and he felt himself unable to stop himself from voicing just how good it was, arching into the hand that was now gripping around his straining penis and then everything went white and warm as he found himself coming–

He felt the widening of his lover, the grip of a knot that was unique to this world, catching on his rim. For some reason this weight inside of him only brought more waves of pleasure, the spurting cum making its home within him dragging out a second orgasm that he could barely voice with a soft, whimpering cry.

“Is the heat calming down now?” Cale’s lover questioned, softly caressing from his thigh to his stomach and settling there. “Do you feel cooler?” 

A heat, something omegas went through every three months. He had only known what it entailed through the description Pendrick had given Choi Han when requesting the swordmaster’s assistance. The healer had spent nearly a week in the man’s arms and the both had come out stress free, only for Pendrick to die in the next battle which had resulted in both Lock’s beserk state and Choi Han’s fury. 

From what Kim Rok Soo, or well, Cale, remembered: a heat was a time where omegas were in a higher state of sexual desire, and its name was no joke. Their pheromones would call out to alphas as their body temperature rose, and then said alphas would need to prove themselves worthy of an omega’s trust to be able to bed them, which in turn would return the body to its normal state, albeit temporarily. They didn’t lose their mind or their will during these heats as he knew sometimes happened in other stories, but the heightened desire mixed with the increased internal temperature did create a type of fever pitch pain within the omega. Which was why generally, in this universe, upon puberty most omegas were given some form of aid; whether it be in a heat partner or a protector who would wait within reach while the omega pleasured themselves. 

 If Cale had been in heat before he’d taken over this body then that meant that the person behind him must be none other than Eric Wheelsman; Cale’s heat partner at the beginning of the novel and his childhood friend. 

Of course, Eric had ended his partnership with Cale the day before Choi Han had appeared, which prompted Cale to get roaringly drunk in response. It hadn’t been Eric’s fault that the partnership had to end, his parents had refused to allow him to further the relationship with the omega who’d gained such an awful reputation over the years.

Cale Henituse had been a difficult noble without many friends, but he'd been given many undue allowances because of his gender. Built far more gently than their alpha counterparts, omegas were rarities in this world and thus were treated as such. Jewels, gold, guaranteed advantageous marriages. Omegas had it all, and if they didn't upon their birth, they would be lifted from their low born stations and provided to properly. 

Cale had been a strange exception among his gender, both drinking without a care among the townspeople and openly facing off against the alpha types who bothered him. He had no care for tact and no respect for nobility or their customs. When Choi Han, blinded by rage, had attacked Cale for insulting Harris village, the teenager had to flee Henituse County without receiving any help due to the risk of punishment after fighting the omega. He would be hunted for months until he was eventually pardoned by the prince. 

Cale could be certain that this body hadn’t yet met Choi Han, as he didn’t have the scar he’d gain the night before it happened, let alone the other scars that would be left from the damage Choi Han had done.

Of course, there was one way to truly find out. 

“Yes, I think I’ll manage.” Cale answered, gently easing himself out of Eric’s arms in hopes of creating some distance. His body ached in an unfamiliar way, his hole, one he wasn't sure was his asshole, or something else entirely, residually tingled, feeling empty. He grimaced as cum and fluid dripped out of his, his thighs and waist sticky with their mixed spend and sweat. Sex might have been better than expected, especially in this world with such different gender dynamics, but being covered in body fluids wasn’t exactly the best feeling in the world. 

Plus, even if he hadn’t meant to, he still felt incredibly off put by the fact that he’d had sex with someone who didn’t know who he was. 

“What day is it again?” Cale stretched as casually as he possibly could given that he was naked in front of a stranger who’d just made him see stars. Brown-red eyes avoided looking in Eric’s direction as he found a satin robe on the ground. He’d likely been using it before the heat had set in, robes being easier to take on and off. 

“That good, huh?” Eric joked. “March 29th, year 781.” 

Too late to help Choi Han and avoid the destruction of the village, then. What a shame. 

“Ah, of course.” he pretended as if the day didn’t matter, even if it did. He’d have to restructure his plans. “I’m going to take a bath.” 

“Do you want me to join?” Eric questioned, voice deepening, intent clear. 

No longer able to avoid it, Cale turned to face the alpha. 

He was…cute? His face looked as if it was meant to be in a library. Even with his messy light gray hair he had an air about him that screamed scholarly. Definitely the reliable type, just as the novel had described. Neither him or Cale had been in love with each other when they’d started the partnership, just as many other pairs weren’t. However they were good friends, and Cale knew that the original owner of this body had harbored some hopes that Eric would take him out of the county for good. 

That of course, wouldn’t happen. Neither his father, Count Deruth, nor Eric’s father approved of a long term relationship. Count Deruth didn’t want Cale to leave the territory and give up any claim within his family, which he’d have to do if he was to become engaged to Eric. 

It would be better to end this now, before he’d have to listen to the man’s drawn out, likely depressing, breakup speech. 

“I think I’m very well sated, thank you.” Cale skillfully denied the offer. “I’m no longer in heat, and I know why you're sticking around when it’s not our usual way of doing things.” 

Heat partners didn’t stick around for a cuddle and an extra fuck. Even if Cale hadn’t experienced a true heat yet he knew that he should feel hotter than this, more delirious with the lingering pheromones in the air. 

He’d have to have the rooms aired. 

“You…you do?” Eric questioned, eyes widening as he searched Cale’s face. 

“I heard of your upcoming engagement last week. You were planning on ending it, correct?” 

Cale had thought that had been the messiest part of the novel’s backstory for him, semi-neglectful parents aside. 

“I…yes.” Eric admitted. “It’s the second daughter of the Chetter family, she isn’t willing to keep an open partnership so I can continue to service you.” 

“And she was okay with you doing this?” Cale gestured to himself. “One last heat?” 

Eric hesitated, looking slightly shamed. 

“It took some convincing, but yes. She understands how important our relationship is, and how much you need me. I promised that this would be the last time.” 

Cale crossed his arms at that, but figured it wasn’t worth discussing. Even in this world where multiple partners were relatively normal and even accepted in high society, there were plenty who still upheld the ideals of monogamy; especially when it came to upholding bloodlines. 

He couldn’t personally say that he would have one last romp with a casual partner if he was engaged to someone who desired monogamy, but it wasn’t his place to get involved if the man had permission. Besides, it’s not as if he had been present for the start of all of this. 

“Well, I’m fine now.” he explained, waving Eric away. “No more heat, so you're free to go.” 

“Wait-” Eric sat up, the blanket shifting to reveal his lower half—wow he hadn’t expected an alpha’s cock to be that large. He'd nearly lost his train of thought at the size of it.

These damn fantasy harem novels. How unrealistic. 

“Please don’t shut me out. This is the last time we can be together, Cale.” 

Cale stood still as the alpha grabbed his shoulders, gently kneading the silk covered muscle with his thumbs while Eric gave him a small, nervous smile. 

“I care about you, you know? We’ve been doing this together for nearly 4 years now.” 

They had been heat partners since Cale was fourteen, from the very first time he’d presented. Cale had never known another alpha, a truly noble omega; whereas Eric, in contrast, had endless rut partners to choose from. If he remembered correctly, Cale had never actually event spent a rut with Eric. He had never been allowed to venture to the Wheelsman territory to assist him. 

“I’m not shutting you out, hyung.” Cale used the title to create a bit of distance. He hadn’t called Eric ‘hyung’ since they’d started their partnership. “I’m just ready to accept that our partnership is over. You shouldn’t hold on like this.” 

Cale moved the clinging hands from his shoulders as he gentle as he could before stepping back. 

“I’m leaving for the bath now. If you could tell Ron to find me on your way out, that would be much appreciated.” 

Ron, the assassin currently masquerading as a butler, would surely already be brewing his birth control tea. It was bitter stuff and Cale hated drinking it, but it would prevent any chance of pregnancy and suppress his scent for the next few hours. 

Thanks to fantasy-harem standards condoms weren’t a necessity here. STDs didn’t exist thanks to everyone possessing some small form of mana—bullshit harem excuses—and magic herbs that had a 100% effectiveness rate at controlling pregnancies if taken in the right period of time—even more bullshit harem excuses, but one he was glad existed a this exact moment. Considering there were currently two empty glasses sitting on the table next to his bed, he assumed previous Cale had done his due diligence by taking it at the appropriate times. 

Cale didn’t care how different this world was, he wasn’t exactly a fan of the idea of birthing a child. He wasn’t parent material and even if he was, the process wasn’t ideal. 

“I see…sure, dongsaeng.” Eric finally replied. “I’ll return to my rooms and prepare to leave, then.” 

“Thanks for everything.” Cale said sincerely. 

His first experience with sex had been rather nice thanks to the other boy, and he wasn’t going to pretend he didn’t enjoy it or pretend to be bitter just to stay in character. Besides, Eric had been a longtime supporter of the original Cale Henituse, even if he had slightly broken his heart in the end. 

“One last thing, before I leave?” Eric grabbed his hand gently, his other hand reaching for Cale’s face. Cale didn’t move as a thumb caressed his cheekbone, gray eyes searching his own. “Can I kiss you?” 

How sappy. No wonder Cale had gotten so wasted; this man was sending so many mixed signals.

Still, Cale held none of the lingering affection that his predecessor had, so he agreed to it. A final thanks for the person who’d taken his ‘virginity’. 

Eric’s lips crossed over his softly, head tilted to the right as the hand that had been caressing his cheekbones moved to grip his chin. It had started relatively chaste, but before Cale knew it the older man had slipped his tongue in between his lips, causing a small shiver down his spine at the taste he was given. 

Eric definitely knew what this body preferred. 

Cale pulled back, a string of saliva embarrassingly following him. He quickly wiped at face before patting Eric’s shoulder, ignoring his downtrodden expression at the distance. This was enough. 

“I’ll see you around, Eric.” 

Not wanting to risk seeing what he’d do if he waited for a response, Cale quickly made his way over to the bathroom door and closed it behind him, locking it for good measure. 

Alphas were dangerous. 

He quickly stripped off the robe and decided to take a  look at the large mirror in the center of the room. The person facing back at him was definitely who had been described in the novel. 

Red hair, a delicate but handsome face. A slightly muscular but still lithe figure, with pale, soft skin. His neck and chest was littered with bite marks, and there were handprints on his hips, a sign of an omega well-fucked. Even now he could see milky cum dripping down his thigh, and dreaded having to clear out what had been described in the novel as an alpha’s load. Exaggerated alpha traits equaled an unnecessary amount of cum, unfortunately. Might as well starting cleaning it up now. 

But still, he thought as he reached down to do just that.; Sex hadn’t been so bad. He wouldn’t mind trying it again with someone else. Especially with how low risk it was in this world. He’d have to think more about it later. For now, he just wanted to get clean.

He'd work on protecting himself from Choi Han afterwards. 

Chapter Text

Cale had been having a rather interesting day in his new body so far. He knew he needed to prepare for his meeting with Choi Han, the hero of the novel and the person fated to beat him nearly to death. So he didn't want to waste too much time. 

He’d somehow not given himself away through his meeting with Eric and Ron and had sat through a meal with Cale’s family with minimal fuss. His father had only briefly spoken about Eric, seemingly unconcerned about remaining cordial with the family which 'didn't deserve their time' according to the older man. Cale had been slightly surprised to find a stack of papers with information on potential alphas from varying noble families in the area laid before him; he hadn't expected Cale's father to care this much. But he had promised to look through them when asked, even if it was a bit odd.  From what he knew, Cale's relationship with his father as a complicated one. Violan, who had a rather strained relationship with the original Cale, had surprised him even more when she'd immediately offered her assistance in helping find him someone suitable. 

Maybe she thought he was overwhelmed by his wide variety of choices? Even still...

He'd barely gathered his thoughts quickly enough to politely voice his refusal. It would do no good to put himself in an even worse position within their family dynamic. He did, however, find himself a bit confused as to why he felt so strangely embarrassed. Maybe it was the fact that neither Basen or Lily blinked at the open discussion of a heat partner as the table.  Sure, Basen was fifteen and had a rut partner of his own now, one of similar age just as Cale's relationship with Eric had been, but Lily was only seven! Was this sort of discussion so normalized that children were uncaring of such things? 

After awkwardly eating through that conversation he’d taken his time to write and record everything he could remember about ‘The Birth of a Hero’, and then burnt it. Knowing he’d have that mediocre harem series in his head for all of time was a bit uncomfortable, but there were too many important details about the war wedged between slick and cum for him to simply forget it. 

At least he had a rather high chance of further enjoyable experiences if he sought them out, which he admittedly wanted to do. This world was written to be full of casual sex opportunities. His first Venture through town proved as such. 

Even with the background of the world explaining that people could be secret experts in brutal arts and the ever present hints of a gruesome war on the horizon; it was consistently overlaid by touchy greetings and easy going propositions. The first bakery he’d passed by while gathering some bread to aid in his quest for the hidden ancient power had only further opened his eyes to his changed circumstances. It had started with the baker being openly afraid of him, exchanging words colored with nervousness, which he'd expected given his reputation. Only to be followed by Cale silently observing as another buyer passed him by the moment his purchase had been handed over, the newcomer moving behind the stand and whispering suggestively into the bakers ear right in front of him. Her hand disappearing into the folds of his clothing as their scents spiked in mutual arousal. 

Neither of them seemed to pay him any mind. As if this was an expected social exchange that shouldn't bother him. 

So, he’d gone about his business as casually as possible. If this was truly how this world was, he could adjust.  He fed a few orphans from the slums that had followed him, foolishly trying to stop him from reaching his destination. They were odd ones among the populace. Most of the people he passed seemed to ignore him, a look mixed with fear and awe crossing their faces. He understood the fear; Cale was said to be a rather violent drunk even if he never harmed anyone who wasn’t a crook of some kind. Even just being loud and boisterous was enough to worry the general public, especially if you were in a position of power. 

The awe he understood less, he could only assume it was because of his secondary gender. From what he remembered, omegas were not just rare, but exceedingly rare. Choi Han had only met two in the five volumes he’d read, and it had been a tragedy felt by all when one of them, Pendrick, had died. The other being Cale himself, though Choi Han hadn’t known of his gender at the time and thus his importance. The first arc of the series had been him running from the law, only to gain pardon by royal decree after saving citizens and nobility alike during the terrorist attack on the Capital City. If Prince Alberu hadn't come to his aid and dealt with the controversy, Choi Han would have died long before becoming a hero. 

It was no wonder people in this city were terrified of crossing him. If Cale was slighted in anyway his family would immediately take action, and alphas were bound to feel obligated to assist him whether they truly wanted to or not. It was instinct to take care of an omega, something which Cale was hoping to take advantage of when meeting Choi Han. 

Not to use him—he wasn't sure how he felt about using his new gender like that yet—but to simply avoid being attacked. If he could trigger the protective instincts of the nearly feral alpha perhaps he could avoid both the beating and the following trouble for the both of them. Of course, he wasn't about to put all of his hope into alpha instincts. That wasn't his way. This body came from money, and if he could use that money to help himself he would do so. He'd pay whatever some he needed to in order to gain the indestructible shield.

It shouldn't take too long now, but he'd have to face Choi Han without it for their first meeting. A risk he didn't enjoy taking. 

Bread fed to a gluttonous hole, orphan children properly bribed, he could only wait until Choi Han came over the wall later that night. Perhaps he’d read a bit more to settle his nerves in the meantime. 

“You’ve returned.” Billos smiled in greeting, to which Cale nodded. 

“I’ll read for a while longer if you’ll bring me another glass of tea.” he replied. 

Billos was a man who looked like a piggy bank, all smiles and seemingly goodwill, just a normal beta. He was one of the few bastard children in the series, and was treated very poorly due to it. Cale thought it odd, it’s not as if it was Billos’ fault he was born, especially considering just how difficult it was to get pregnant accidentally with so many options for birth control. If anything the fault should lay in the parents for not doing things properly. 

Regardless of Cale’s opinions on the matter, Billos would later become an important character to Choi Han, working alongside him in hopes of meeting his own goals. Cale could respect someone with such drive, even if it did sound rather exhausting for relatively little reward. He was a talented man that was hated for his capabilities, and even without the support of the 'Flynn' name had accrued much wealth. 

He’d prefer to stay on the man’s good side, as you never knew when you’d need the help of a wealthy merchant.

Cale could feel the time dragging on as each minute that passed signaled he was one step closer to meeting the violent hero of the novel. He’d seen him denied entry to the city earlier that day, so he’d definitely be jumping over the wall tonight. His stress levels rose as he waited as patiently as possible, reading the novel he’d chosen. Being able to focus on such things had always calmed his nerves when he was Kim Rok Soo, but this body was different by design. He could feel his heartbeat too easily, his form too obviously weak to stand a chance against a protagonist buff. 

Billos walked up the steps to his privately paid for space with a cup of fresh tea, carefully setting it down in front of him. Rather than leaving, however, he stared down at Cale's resting form. 

“Can I help you?” Cale finally asked, glancing up at him. 

He didn’t know he presented a beautiful picture to the beta. His eyes gently glimmering in the magically preserved light, fluttering eyelashes blinking in confusion. His lithe form comfortably resting against a velvet chair which was situated closer to the corner of the room and surrounded by books. He looked warm and inviting in such a position. It had been hours since he’d taken the special mixture which suppressed his scent, and thus Cale had begun releasing a rather light, fruity scent. Almost like a lemon zest. 

The only thing souring it was the bitter addition of stress, which lingered around him like an annoying pest. Billos didn’t have the same urges as an alpha would in such a situation, but it still rattled at his mind to somehow ease the omegas burden as any good person would. To be honest, he’d been considering the young man for the better part of the day. He had always been someone with an eye for rare things, and was a merchant nearly no one could compare to. An omega such as this was a rarity of untold value, one meant for things Billos could never hope to grasp. 

Cale was softer spoken than expected, and had yet to cause any harm to him or his place of business. His sources told him that the man’s heat partner was freshly engaged and had just left the territory this afternoon, so it’s not as if he was attached to anyone even if Billos was sure he already had a slew of offers. Not even being a drunk would stop an alpha from desiring a partnership with such a being. The fact that anyone would give him up was nearly blasphemous.

Already Billos knew Eric Wheelsman would be facing mockery in the noble court, his family had probably made as many excuses as possible for ending the arrangement on their end but he knew the truth. Count Deruth had forced the Wheelsman family's hands, who had been hoping to propose marriage. Out of the two families, the Henituse held more power and prestige; plus they're the ones who had the omega. He knew the rumors well. Count Deruth was an overprotective father that wouldn't allow his son to leave the territory or be with those he deemed unworthy. 

To Count Deruth, Billos was certain he was nothing more than scum under his shoe. But Billos had always craved more than he was given in life.

Why not make the offer, then? 

“You seem rather stressed, young sir.” Billos leaned down, smiling all the while. “Would you like me to rectify that?” 

Cale froze at the words, eyes widening as he took in the way the older man gestured at himself, coming closer to him all the while. 

He may not be completely schooled on the way things worked in this world, but he had seen the way the citizens offered themselves to one another, and had read about them in the novel. This was a clear proposition, this semi-important character with a massive chip on his shoulder had just offered to…well…doing something with him!

“You wish to…with me?” Cale hesitated to say the words out loud, but more importantly. “Isn’t this your place of business? Don’t you have customers to attend to?” 

This was, of course, ignoring that earlier that day the bakery owner had closed up shop behind him directly after being manhandled in public just so he could have a quickie. This world didn’t care about formalities such as courting or getting to know one another in the traditional sense. He knew that, had already accepted it. But he had assumed that his status as a noble omega would make people more hesitant at the least! Besides, no one had ever offered themselves to the original Cale outside of Eric, he doubted he was the desirable sort. 

“I have other workers,” Billos sounded reassuring, even as he leaned forward to place his hands on either side of the chair, boxing Cale in. “Well, young master? Care to relieve the pressure, together?” 

“I…” Cale didn’t know what to say. He’d literally just had sex this morning. He hadn’t expected an offer so soon, even if he had thought of trying again at some point in time. Shouldn’t he wait, was there some form of expected courtesy between partners? Hell, he still had bruises that were basically fresh!

Choi Han had plenty of partners throughout the series, and during some periods he had slept with more than one person at a time. Even Cale, no, Kim Rok Soo, had gotten a little heated reading about the night he’d had with Witira, princess of the whale tribe, and Archie, the whale's strongest soldier. The fact that all three were alphas had made it an aggressive match, with Choi Han coming out on top—quite literally, at that. 

He never seemed to care about taking his time or waiting between partners. Then again, Choi Han had also proven difficult to relate to, and had no solid romantic attachments. Cale didn’t have to be like that, but…why not take the opportunity? Betas were vastly overlooked in the series despite being the most common of the genders. They were considered 'no fun' for the readers as they didn’t have any special attributes to them. They weren’t dominant like alphas, they had no extra features or scents to be explored, and they didn’t have heats like omegas. They were truly normal people for the most part. 

He was feeling rather stressed at the idea of meeting Choi Han and the potential risk of being attacked. Omegas were supposed to feel better after release; this morning he’d felt amazing. 

So, why not? Why stick to his earthen morality? He could do it in the name of research—maybe he'd even prefer a beta partner more. The familiar was always said to be comforting, right?

Still, he had a time limit. 

“I don’t have long.” Cale absently stated, which was enough of a confirmation for Billos to then reach forward for the strings on his britches. 

“That’s okay.” Billos consoled. “We can make this quick.” 

Within record time Cale found himself pantless, bare skin revealed to Billos’ warm gaze. Large hands gripped either side of his thighs as the older man looked over his bruises, smirking at the sight of the blue-green markings. 

“That alpha sure did a number on you.” He joked, smirk growing even larger as he noted a small amount of slick dripping from Cale’s backside onto the velvet upholstery. Billos didn't mind, perhaps he'd put the chair in his office, a sort of reward for doing what so few ever accomplished. “But you must be rather difficult to satisfy, considering how much you’re dripping.” 

“Should I move?” Cale asked, face reddening as he wondered how exactly Billos was going to fuck him like this. The man was still fully clothed. 

“No, don’t worry.” Billos assured gently. “I’ve got you.” 

The man lowered his head and then brought Cale’s pale, straining cock into his mouth. 

Cale couldn’t help but release a gasp and grip at the arm of the chair as Billos didn't ease into it, his hot mouth sucking hard. The sound of hungry lips trying to gobble him up was nearly deafening to Cale's enhanced senses. His eyes rolled back in his head as one hand massaged the sensitive area around where his dick met his abdomen, the other reaching beneath Cale to help arch his lower half up before he inserted a finger into a quickly loosening hole. He could feel himself growing more solid within Billos' mouth, his arousal at full mast. 

“Oh…” Cale couldn’t think of anything to say, or even what to do, instead finding himself moving his hips unconsciously in tune with the man's finger, which had begun to steadily thrust inside of him. 

“That’s right.” Billos voice was husky, but confident, pulling back from his dick to watch the teen’s changing expressions. “It feels good, right? How about another?” 

Another finger stretched inside of him and Cale let out a stuttering cry. Was he meant to be this easily stimulated?

Billos shifted his fingers upwards and then the omega’s vision flashed before his eyes. 

“I’ve never had an omega before.” Billos admitted. “I’ve had plenty of women and men, even an alpha or two, but it’s true what they say.” 

The hand that had been caressing his thigh moved to Cale’s leaking penis with an iron tight grasp, thumb circling against his foreskin, spreading his precum for an easier motion. Cale could barely think at the heavy mix of sensations. He was no longer able to stop his desperate attempts at maintaining the pleasure for as long as possible.

His shoulders and head were the only thing properly against the chair now, his legs having made themselves a new home on Billos’ shoulders. He panted loudly as Billos targeted the center of his pleasure, moving both hands in sync, unknowingly forcing a growing fog in Cale's mind. 

Still, he had said something, and Cale was curious. He just needed to get the words out. 

“W-what…do they–sa–say?” he stuttered out, ending the question in a light moan as his partner had leaned forward to lick his finger filled, slickened ass, traveling to his small balls and ending at his cock once more. Cale thought it must be disgusting, but the look on the man’s face was one of pure pleasure, as if he’d found a surprisingly delicious treat and wished to savor it. 

“The best pleasure can be found in omegas.” Billos released him completely. Cale cried out in response, unable to handle the sudden loss of stimulation. He twitched in a mix of pain and pleasure, legs shaking in desire while remaining fully open to his lover's intent gaze. 

“Shh.” Billos cooed, “Don’t worry. I’ll make it better soon.” 

Cale barely had the presence of mind to think as he released panting breaths, eyes fluttering in suspended agony while trying to watch the man undress. 

Unlike Eric, who had been slight with little muscle, Billos had the countenance of a man well fed. His body was soft with a rounded belly. Cale couldn’t care less at the moment of whether he had a preference for one body type or another, nor the experience to accurately say anything about it. All he cared about at the moment was the straining penis, smaller than Eric’s but still what he’d say was a normal size on earth. 

Billos pulled his soft, un-resistant form from the chair as if he weighed nothing, laying him reverently against his discarded fur lined cloak. The older man moved back to admire Cale’s form. The red fur accentuated the omega’s skin and hair, a slight flush to pale skin only complimenting him even more. Billos’ hand twitched as Cale breathed heavily, thighs spreading instinctually in a request for a pleasure only he could give. Brown-red eyes begged prettily beneath lowered lashes. 

This was an experience he was certain to treasure forever, and one of the few things he'd always keep to himself. Billos would forever be grateful for the way this beautiful omega pleaded for him, would burn the image of his pleasure into his mind. An alpha type would stick this begging omega on his knees without hesitance to better give him want he wanted, but Billos wanted to see Cale's pleasure for himself. 

Cale’s skin turned electric as Billos came to rest against him, shivering as finally human warmth embraced him again. He responded eagerly to Billos’ wandering hands, shifting his legs to wrap around the man’s hips, trying to prompt him into action. 

“You’re so fucking beautiful.” Billos cursed, before gripping his hips hard, planning to cover Cale’s existing bruises with his own. He wanted to leave a mark that he was here, that he had been chosen by someone so rare. That he was worthy of something more.

A moment later he thrusted in, grunting in pleasure at just how welcoming the body under his was.  

If Eric was a soft if not consistent lover, Billos was one of surprising force. The man inside of him drove in slowly but with much strength, sweat quickly building on their skin as Cale tried to grip at the cloak, his body shifting back from the power behind each thrust. He gasped out as Billos found his spot once more, the head of his penis brushing against it with every deep, powerful movement. Cale could only take it, his fingers straining to keep his hold, his form shivering as he felt his pleasure begin the reach a precipice. 

“Can’t have you being too loud, can we?” Billos muttered, noticing how close his lover had become, before crushing their lips together. His hips shifted, allowing him to increase the impact of each thrust, focusing on on hitting exactly what Cale needed him to. 

It was rough, and it almost hurt; but it was so, so good.

It was different than Eric. Without an alpha scent aiding in his pleasure he didn't feel overwhelmed by the sensations and he wasn't out of his mind with the ever driving need to give and receive pleasure the way pheromones demanded. But this beta had clearly done his research because Cale was losing his mind in a completely different way, taking him to the peak of something absolutely amazing. He wanted to remain in control but this body wouldn’t have it, tiny whimpers loosening around their joined lips. Billos bit at him in a small punishment even as he released them long enough to demand for more, breath hot and heavy against his skin. 

He wondered if the patrons below could hear them, if they even cared about such a coupling. If maybe, due to the scent of such a pleased omega filling the air they too were overcome with arousal. For some reason the idea of it didn’t mortify Cale; instead the fantasy was enough to throw him over the edge. He broke the kiss to release a loud moan, uncaring if he was heard. Cum covered both their stomachs as slick eased the glide of his lover's rapidly increasing thrusts. 

He wanted to speak, too. Felt an uncontrollable desire to experience even more. He wanted to learn everything there was to know about such pleasures. It felt like a compulsion to do so. 

“Yes.” He whispered, pulling his arms around Billos’ shoulders so the man could more steadily enter him. Every movement sent tiny stars through his eyes, his overly sensitive insides, still echoing from his previous orgasm, began to settle, allowing for the feeling of building pleasure once more. The aftershocks made it hard to breathe. “I want it, come on, I want it in me.” 

Billos groaned as he stilled inside of him, hot cum making its home deep within him. Cale resisted the urge to purr in pleasure, unwilling to admit that maybe, just maybe, he enjoyed the feeling of being filled far more than a normal person would. 

Maybe it was an omega’s instinct fueling such desire? He couldn’t say. 

Cale laid back on the fur, body loose and comfortable, his legs left wide and shaking from. He hadn’t extended much effort during either partnering, and he could already say he preferred it that way. He didn’t know how either Billos or Eric went through all this trouble just for an orgasm. Even now he pitied the sweat covered beta who had put in so much work just to please him. 

Not that he was complaining, exactly. He’d just leave the work to them and rake in the rewards. 

Billos laid next to him for a moment, hands moving to gently caress the lines of his body as he took in every inch of his well pleasured lover. In a small moment of sincerity, the larger man spoke. 

“Thank you for gifting me this experience.” 

Cale blinked, too relaxed to truly understand what he meant. Sex was casual in this world, it’s not as if he had done anything abnormal to deserve such praise. 

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Billos laughed, reaching for his hand before laying a small kiss on his palm. Cale let him be. “I’ll probably never have the opportunity to sleep with an omega again, you know? You’re the only one I’ve ever met, and even if I did meet another most wouldn’t give a beta the time of day.” 

Ah, he hadn’t thought of that. 

Omegas had their choice of partner, even ones not born into nobility. If a child of low birth was an omega they’d be swiftly adopted into an upper echelon family or taken into the church of the sun god for proper rearing. The church would then marry them off to an alpha of good standing, thus commoners never really had a chance in the first place. Of course, it was never done against the omega's will. The lower class parents were always welcome to accompany their omega child, and all parties were rewarded handsomely. It was a life of luxury for anyone who bore an omega child, regardless of their original social class. 

For Cale, he’d always had Eric. But even today, after their somewhat amicable separation, his father had offered him a choice of matchmaking for future heat partners. In normal circumstances Cale Henituse would never need to worry about finding his own partners, and even if he did why bother with a beta? 

“You did very well.” Cale spoke truly, feeling slightly guilty for not considering Billos’ feelings. He had just wanted to compare experiences, but perhaps it had been a more risky question for Billos to ask than he’d thought. He'd have to ensure the merchant's safety when he returned home, as he was sure word would spread rather quickly. 

He decided to reward the man with a slow, open mouthed kiss, lowering his hand to grasp at a semi-erect cock. The older man flinched with surprise as Cale began clumsily pulling at him with intent, bringing him to fullness once more. 

He still had enough time to make it to the bar and meet with Choi Han. What was a few minutes? 

“One more time.” Cale mumbled between wet kisses. “Then, I’ll really need some proper tea before I go.” 

‘Proper tea’ of course being the birth control concoction. A bastard child like Billos was sure to have it, refusing to accidentally create someone of similar circumstances to himself. 

Cale could bring the slightest bit of hope to the man, prove that there was no such thing as ‘impossible’. If he could bed an omega twice, what was to stop him from taking over the Flynn merchant guild? From receiving acknowledgement from his own family? 

Billos stared at him in surprise, searching for something in his face. Cale raised an eyebrow in response. 

“Well?” He began. “Are you only going to sleep with an omega once, or do you want to give it another shot.” 

Fire burned in his gaze as he pulled himself over Cale, who was already opening his legs to welcome him back inside. 

Well fucked and satisfied is how Cale left the teashop, if not a bit exhausted. He hadn’t done more than hold on for dear life and kiss a little, but his body was still feeling the effects of such a dedicated coupling. 

Billos had been even more forceful the second time around, and he could feel new bruises covering the ones Eric had left the night before. He wanted to go home and rest but he still needed to meet with Choi Han. 

Unlike the special grade tea his family kept in stock, the one he was given by Billos was only meant for to prevent conception, so all he could do is walk through the streets as casually as possible all while spreading the scent of a thoroughly satisfied omega through the city streets. He was thankful he couldn’t really smell himself, but by the heated glances he was getting from others he knew it had to be pretty bad. 

He shrugged it off as he entered Cale’s favorite bar, tapping his foot and crossing his arms as the server stumbled and stuttered through a red face about how he could help him. Normally, this man would be far more terrified of the damage Cale could do, but due to the lingering pleasure spreading through the air he seemed far more likely to ask to bend him over a table than to leave the bar. Alphas really were an easy bunch. 

Finally, plain chicken and wine in hand, Cale made his way to the place Choi Han would end up. The hero-to-be would be resting with a twisted ankle near a pair of cats—the true reason for his injury. He had a fondness for small animals and refused to hurt them, and had thus done his best to avoid the animals he’d nearly squashed while entering the city. 

He saw the kittens first, satisfied he was in the right place. But then he faltered, struggling to focus on his plans as an overpowering, strong scent of wood and fresh turned earth filled his nose. 

Eric had smelt more of grass, and the alphas in town were musky but didn’t smell of much at all. However these were the pheromones described so heavily in the ‘Birth of a Hero’ as strong, inherently attractive and half a step from addictive to anyone he bedded. A scent which had gained Choi Han access to the beds of even the most stand-offish characters within the series. 

To have that smell—unfiltered by scent suppressing teas and unmuddled by any other lingering beings— entering a well-pleasured omega’s nose was almost equal to giving one of these kittens some catnip. Cale had no experience with such a dominating force in the small time he'd held this body. It took everything in him to resist doing something very dangerous to the man—like offering himself. 

His face colored red as he felt his body respond even if he remained in control of his mind, wet slick trickling down his thigh, dampening the fabric of his pants. He was completely unable to control that reaction. He had already had sex three times today, what was with this world! How insatiable could an omega’s body even be? 

Ignoring his salivating instincts, Cale did his absolute best to stay on track. He kneeled down to the kittens as a distraction, who seemingly wanted nothing to do with him with how the injured one growled at him in warning. He ignored the aggression, petting at the gray cat while keeping his eyes far away from the man resting against the wall some distance away. 

“Your poor things, go ahead an eat.” 

He could feel the alpha’s gaze on him and damn, why did he have to smell that good?

“Do you have somewhere to go?” 

At least now he understood the whole ‘harem’ concept. It would be incredibly difficult to say ‘no’ to such a scent. No wonder everyone was throwing themselves at the chance to be with him. 

“Or a place to stay?” 

Choi Han would have plenty of partners soon. It was almost a shame he couldn’t risk being one of them, considering their would-be history. 

He ignored the kittens aggressive response to his care, far more focused on remaining calm as Choi Han’s scent grew stronger for some strange reason, the pleasurable odor seeping its way into his nostrils. A spike of pleasure flashed through him, a phantom pressure inside his back end reminding him of the two people who’d brought him to orgasm earlier. 

Would Choi Han be larger? Wider? He was the novel’s hero, one meant to be the best in all things…

“Are you…h-hungry?”

He stumbled on the last line, trying to ignore the desire to say something else entirely. Cale needed to stop thinking about it. He had only been sexually active for a number of hours and he was already out of control. He needed to stay focused on getting the man out of here! 

Besides, this wasn’t the time or the place for such inappropriate thoughts. Omega lust aside, Choi Han had just recently gone through something incredibly traumatic. His mind was not in the right place for such things. He was bound to be overwhelmed while in such a large city, surrounded by people he didn’t know with only recently realized instincts. The village elder had only explained what he was weeks before their destruction. 

Choi Han had gotten through ruts thinking there was something wrong with him, unable to do anything other than fuck his own hand or try and gain release while rubbing against the earth or trees. He definitely didn’t need Cale’s recently realized urges on his plate. 

“Are you not going to answer me?” Cale finally asked, looking directly at the man who was unknowingly driving him mad. 

Oh, well that was definitely the face of a hero. Even sleep deprived and covered in dirt and blood he was unfairly handsome. Cale needed to turn away and appear weak right away. 

“Why are you talking to me?” Choi Han replied, and Cale was hit with the voice of someone that, by design, was on an entirely different level than him. 

He could do this. No matter how attractive the harem-leader was, he was an emotional teen who was a risk to Cale’s actual health and wellbeing. 

‘This is the man that will beat me to near death.’ he reminded himself as he stood from his kneeling position, repeating it as a sort of chant in his mind while making his way to Choi Han. 

“H-hey.” Cale said, finally gaining a grasp on his hormones with the survival based mantra stuck in his mind. “Follow me. I’ll feed you.” 

He’d make a good impression and send the protagonist on his way soon. He just needed to keep his mouth shut. 

Chapter Text

“He slept with a beta commoner?” 

Count Deruth frowned as he stared down Deputy Butler Hans, who stood carefully still as he gave his report. 

He had been a little nervous to come to the Count with this, even if it was part of his job. Count Deruth had always been rather touchy when it came to his oldest son, even more so as his son was an omega. Hans had personally assisted with declining multiple courting requests from alpha nobles who's suit would inevitably move Cale out of their territory. Something which Count Deruth adamantly refused even considering. Hans had been the one to send the final refusal to the Wheelsman family when they demanded either a void in their children’s heat partnership or a marriage. So arrogant, that family. Everyone knew the Henituse family was the one lowering themselves with the partnership, the Count's pride deemed less important than his son's happiness.

However even Count Deruth had his limits. 

The returned letter, begging for Deruth to reconsider, had made the Count, and if he was honest himself, smile for days. 

Hans had listened to his lord grumble over and over about how selfish nobles simply wanted his child’s rare gender as a prize, and didn’t care about the man himself. Then he more openly went on to complain about how he refused to let Cale waste away as someone’s marriage partner just to be kept on display, trounced around court for everyone to see. 

“Yes, sir.” Hans agreed, “The Flynn Merchant’s illegitimate son, Billos. He owns the shop that Cale visited.” 

“I don’t understand.” Deruth ranted, an angry furrow to his brow. “Why was he left alone? If he was still feeling the effects of his heat it wasn’t as if he didn’t have options here." He turned considering, raising his hand to rest under his chin. "Why that man?” 

Hans hesitated between the choice of simply agreeing with Deruth in whatever he spoke or to try and reason with him. It wasn’t as if sleeping with people of differing social classes was a new thing, even if it was a bit rarer for omegas. But Deruth had always kept everyone who wished to proposition Cale as far away as possible in hopes of protecting him. Something which was just as likely to hurt him as allowing the boy to grow attached to someone else. As he had personally escorted Eric out of their territory this afternoon, Cale had no more partners to relieve any stress with. 

A good butler always reasoned with his master, Hans decided. 

“Perhaps he’s experimenting, sir.” 

“Experimenting?” 

Deruth didn’t seem to like the idea of that, but he was listening. 

“He’s only had one partner, after all. The only other person who has offered him any relief in the past was Ron, and that was strictly for emergencies.” Hans explained as carefully as he possibly could. He didn't want to risk making the alpha angry. 

It wasn’t abnormal for personal servants to aid their masters, some even specialized in it. Hans had never needed to do so before as his employers were bonded and exclusive with one another. It was a rather rare thing in this world, true monogamy. He couldn’t personally understand it, it sounded rather limiting, really.

Ron had always been Cale's preferred aid in times of immense stress, so no other servants had ever needed to offer their services. Basen, his younger brother, had recently found his own enjoyment with a newly hired maid. The maid, pleased with both his attention and his performance, had been trained in new duties to better suit her new station; A position she took with great pride.

He wouldn’t pretend as if he didn’t know the majority of the staff intimately in one way or another. Just last week he’d found Beacrox in an incredibly aggressive state after having found that their stored vegetables had begun to mold. Someone must have forgotten to seal them properly. If said frustrated alpha then bent him over the crate, forcing Hans to grip at the rough, chipping wood housing the useless vegetables while he brought them both to satisfying orgasms that was nobodies business but their own. 

“Still, there are better options.” Deruth grumbled, tapping an annoyed finger against the wood of his desk. “Cale has changed.” 

Cale had never really branched out when it came to sex, the boy ever aware of how some people simply wished to ‘try him out’. He was someone who preferred a true partnership, just as his mother always had. Being an omega meant he'd always be questioning people's true interests. It had made him distrustful, anxious; aggressive, even. Even if he'd set that worry aside and entered some strange, new experimental phase, wasn’t Billos too much of an unknown to him? 

“Well, he did just end a long term relationship.” Hans reasoned. “Perhaps that’s the reason.” 

Maybe, but Deruth wasn’t certain of it. Although it was obvious Eric held feelings for his son, Cale didn’t seem to return them. If Deruth hadn’t declined the Wheelsman request for marriage he was certain Cale would have refused on his own. 

He didn't like it. His son was running around the city and doing reckless things left and right just as the tension within the continent was beginning to rise He’d need to begin preparing for the worst, all while watching out for his son. But then again, he couldn't simply keep Cale here if he was going to go gallivanting off with unworthy betas. Perhaps he should consider sending him the the capital...with protection, of course. He'd kept his son in his territory for so many years that perhaps he'd forgotten just what the Henituse name truly meant. Ron was sure to keep his son on track, and he could trust the older man to show Cale suitors that actually deserved his attention. 

Still, Billos, that man, had touched his son. He didn't know anything about him. He'd need to fix that immediately. 

“Bring me information on the Flynn Merchant Guild. I don’t trust him.” 

“Shall I put a tail on young master Cale as well, my lord?” 

Deruth hesitated, truly considering it, before releasing a long sigh. He knew he was being a bit unreasonable, but he still remembered how things were for Drew during their academy days. Cale was right around that age and just as desirable to anyone who saw him. He was continuously grateful to all of the gods that Cale was his only omega child, he didn't think he could survive through the stress of handling more than one. 

“No.” he finally spoke. “As long as he’s within my territory he’s free to do as he pleases. Just continue to report on what you see.” 

He’d let Cale ‘experiment’ if he wanted to, he knew it was high time to allow Cale to do as he wished. Perhaps he’d need to inform Ron to increase their stock of tea. And although he knew his son wasn't at risk, no one with half a brain would ever dare bring harm to an omega, maybe it was time to revisit his training, as well. 

He was still going to pass judgement as he saw fit, though. 

Cale’s morning had started off incredibly difficult and it wasn’t getting any better as the hours grew longer. 

First, Ron had woken him up with little tact, and had immediately begun prodding into his ‘encounter’ with Billos. The old man sounded more like a clucking hen than a person as he warned Cale against spending time with someone so unknown to him. That there were others far more suitable. More annoyed with his preaching than afraid of an attempted assassination, he’d tried to leave the room only to immediately run into Choi Han’s waiting chest. 

The resulting Collison had left him with an aching nose in more ways than one. 

Almost immediately the protagonist buff went into overdrive, his pheromones warring against Cale's sensibilities. He was barely able to get out that Choi Han should direct any and all concerns to Hans and Ron before he could be further drawn in to the alpha's ever present gravitational pull. 

He’d taken out his lingering sexual frustration on ruining the town's economy by buying up the stock of all the bread he could. He practically stomped to the tree, only stopping to once again feed the orphan children and then the tree as well. He repeated this process until there was no bread left to be found. With nothing left to buy, he moved to return home, barely dodging the cats he’d seen the night before.  

There were so many strays lingering around him. It was beginning to prickle at his skin, an uncomfortable feeling he didn't want to grow used to.   

But worse still had been what was waiting for him at home. 

“Excuse me?” he asked, staring at his father and step-brother. This couldn't be possible. He waited for one of them to explain their little joke.

“You will be the one to represent us at the capital in five days time.” the count repeated, looking almost regretful as he said it. “Basen has agreed with this decision. Your heat partnership has come to an end. You've spent most of your life within our territory with little options worthy of your attention. This will give you the opportunity to meet a new partner before your next heat.” 

Cale felt his face flush red at the direct implication of such a plan, feeling even more annoyed with himself that the idea of said plan appealed to a certain part of him, a base part that he was still getting used. It took regrettably longer than he'd prefer for his brain to catch up with his embarrassment at the situation. 

He asked for more time before Basen then explained he had no reason to not go, but Cale wished to think through his options.

The plaza incident, a terrorist attack that killed countless individuals. He would be in the center of all of that if he went. 

It had been one of the early defining moments in the harem series, one of the main reasons he had kept reading. It had also been the first time Choi Han had slept with someone in the series. A grateful, unnamed citizen had offered him a place in their bed, and he’d gone willingly; both frustrated with the unnecessary loss of life and struggling from weeks of pent up sexual frustration that he didn't fully understand. 

The smut scenes aside, that arc had been a rather dark point in the series, and it set the tone for future events. It would be a massive risk to Cale’s life.

Not to mention he'd need to pass through the land where the enslaved dragon would go insane, resulting in a massive amount of destruction. He could only imagine the chaos that would ensue if he was hurt in some way. Most of the higher ranked nobles in the western continent were alphas, the rest were betas. He was the only of age noble omega currently in the kingdom. 

But, he would have the shield by then. Basen didn’t have the privileged information that Cale held, nor an ancient power to protect him. Even if the original Cale and him hadn’t been close, it felt wrong to simply let the boy possibly walk into his death. In some way, he was a brother. 

Besides, if anything happened to Basen that would mean Cale would have to become Count, which would be incredibly inconvenient.. That was the exact opposite of what he wanted! He couldn't get a slacker life while drowning in paperwork with a territory full of people depending on him. 

And there'd be expectations...as the heir. Ones that required diapers and figuring out just how a baby was meant to come out of a man in this strange world. 

He definitely needed to go. 

He directed Hans to call for Choi Han and then moved to his study, leaning against the edge of the desk in hopes of calming the stress that had only grown throughout the day. It was much harder to conceal himself in this life, the addition of scents and omega hormones giving him away to the people around him and making him more susceptible to the pressures of life. He had never shown his hand so easily in his previous life, it was far too dangerous to do so. 

It didn’t help that he was dreading being stuck in a room with Choi Han for an unknown period of time. The man had been given scent suppressant tea and soaps like any well-to-do alpha—or in the case, an honored guest—would use, but it seemed his buff was simply too powerful. His scent had begun leaking through within moments of him using it. It practically clung to the walls, giving a clear picture as to where Choi Han had traveled throughout the day.

It wasn’t just him that had been noticed, either. He’d carefully observed as servants throughout the estate struggled to get through the motions all day, drawn in by the undeniable protagonist power that Choi Han held. He couldn't escape the man's reach no matter where he went in the estate. 

So, yes, Cale was frustrated. In more ways than one. He didn't know how Choi Han's companions in the future got through the day if this was what they were exposed to.

“Would you like some assistance, young master?” Hans quietly spoke, breaking him from his thoughts. 

“I’m sorry?” Cale blinked. 

Hans only smiled, ever the professional. 

“Excuse me if I am overstepping my bounds, but you smell of a mixture of arousal and stress." he stated matter-of-factly. He didn't think he'd ever get to used to this world. "Considering your discomfort with our guest's...unique presence, perhaps it isn’t worth the risk of remaining in this state before meeting with him?” 

Cale wasn’t misinterpreting, Hans was truly offering to get him off before Choi Han showed up. Worse still, he knew Cale was this...sexually frustrated because of Choi Han. 

He knew servants in this world thought of pleasuring their masters as nothing more than folding laundry or making a meal, but it was still an unexpected proposition. To his knowledge, Cale's servants were too frightened of him to ever even offer such a service. Only Ron had ever dared to offer. Had him shifting into this body changed Cale's approachability so quickly? Was he not being trashy enough?

“I…” Cale hesitated. “I don’t think we’ll have time for…all of that.” 

Even if he did accept, it took time to undress and then redress after the act, and that wasn’t even to mention the act itself. He doubted they’d have the time. 

“Oh, don’t worry young master, this is my duty.” Hans assured, seeing that as a hesitant confirmation. “I am certain I will be able to please you quickly. Why don’t you just relax?” 

Hans moved in front of the table and separated his legs, moving to his knees as expert fingers untied his pants. The butler smiled up at him with an easy expression, waiting for Cale to give his approval. Cale nodded his head. He hated to admit it, but it really would help.

Hans freeing his leaking penis from its fabric prison before gently caressing the already stiffening cock to full readiness. Before Cale could ask him what came next the man swallowed him with no hesitation. 

Cale gripped the sides of the table hard as his eyes fluttered. Why was the sensitivity of this omega cock so surprising?  Kim Rok Soo had never felt like this in his old body. He looked down, unable to see anything other than a head full of orange hair. Hans bobbed his head, sucking hard while gloved hands moved to hold down his shifting hips. 

By keeping him in place, Hans controlled all of Cale’s possible stimulation; it was beginning to drive the omega mad. He found himself focusing on the feeling of wet suction, of the man's tongue expertly rolling over his penis. He twitched as Hans carefully dragged his teeth down the length of him. When Cale fell backwards, shaky arms unable to hold himself up any longer, Hans effortlessly followed the minor change in position with nothing more than a small slurp. His reddened face now visible to Cale’s careful examination. 

The servant hadn’t missed a beat, instead the change of angle had allowed Hans to bring Cale in deeper, bypassing any existing gag reflex the butler should have. To Cale, he looked like a man in a candy shop, eyes foggy with pleasure as he intently stared into Cale's eyes. He knew he must be dripping, could feel it between his thighs, onto the table. He wanted so badly to be touched, his body more accustomed to being taken fully than this half measure.

His pleasure—and frustration—began to bleed through his scent repressor, making the beta groan at the scent. Hans redoubled his efforts, bobbing so hard that Cale could feel his incisors against the skin where his dick met pelvis. It wasn't enough. Cale whimpered, his legs spreading instinctually, his hips tilting in a silent please. Hans pulled his right hand up to his mouth and bit the tip of his white glove, pulling it off in one fluid motion. His bare hand reached down to where the table and Cale's backside met. He gave Cale a smug little grin unsuitable for a servant, before he pumped two fingers into Cale's empty hole, giving a huff of amusement when the omega clenched down on the digits, sucking his fingers further inside. With quick efficiency he shifted his fingers within the tight passage, locating his prostrate and gently moving to massage it with his fingertips. 

Cale let out a sound so heavenly it made Hans ache within his pants.

Meanwhile, all Cale could think was that Hans truly was a professional. 

“It’s okay young master.” Hans consoled. ‘It won’t be long now.” 

He lowered his head once more, taking in Cale's leaking cock while his fingers continued their work inside of him. Cale could do nothing but whine, too consumed with sensation to do anything else. 

His inner thighs ached as the prodding within him became stronger, he could feel it, he was so close. 

Only for him to shiver, crying out in agony as Hans suddenly pulled off and out of him all at once. 

"Hush now, young master." Hans practically whispered. "Our guest is just outside the door." 

He covered his hand in Cale's slick, the shine reflecting off of the lights above. He gripped Cale's aching penis tightly, causing Cale to jolt, the pressure just on the edge between painful and pleasurable.  

But Hans didn't stop, he knew what Cale needed. He had worker’s hands, his gloves hiding callouses and scars indicative of harder labor. They were strong from years of lifting and working on things for his master. Cale’s slick on his palm aided in smoothing out his quick, firm pumps. Cale was lost to the world, his noises incomprehensible. Hans shifted over him, letting the omega know just how good he was doing and how much better he would feel soon. 

Cale was so lost in pleasure he didn’t even notice Hans kneeling back down, hand still pulling on him like he was working out a particularly difficult stain. He was doing his best to stop his cries, biting into his hand while silently begging the man to please, please make him cum. Hans free hand moved from his hip to his abdomen, creating a firmer hold on the squirming teen. 

Then, Hans hollowed out his mouth, dragging the tip of his oversensitive flesh into his lips once more, hand still working its magic all the while. All it took was one deep suck for Cale to see stars. 

Hans moved to better take in his small release, dropping his hand and full embracing his penis, sucking at the residue. As Cale began to calm, his breathing slowly returning to normal, Hans lifted his legs with little preamble, moving in personally clearing out his wet ass and its soaked entrance as well. Cale whimpered at the sensation, small aftershocks of pleasure echoing through him even as his unfilled hole clenched to hold in a release it hadn't received. 

“Sorry young master.” Hans spoke, pulling a handkerchief from his coat.  He didn't show a single hint of concern before using it to clean up the left over slick that had accumulated at the edge of table. “I can’t fill you this time. I hope this can satisfy you for now.” 

Cale flushed at just how obvious he must have been. Perhaps it really was natural for omegas to wish to be filled, the way he did.  He understood why Hans wouldn't risk it, he hadn’t even expected to get anything at all in the first place. He felt himself slowly returning to earth, his legs being gingerly lowered back onto the table. Without even noticing Hans had slipped his pants back up, tying them quickly, before aiding him to his chair. 

In his post-orgasmic state everything seemed easier, it was as though he was lingering at the end of a blissful dream. He barely made a sound in question when Hans spritzed a small scent suppressant on him before spraying the desk as well. It wasn’t as strong as the tea would’ve been, and anyone who entered would smell echoes of the omega’s pleasure; but at least it didn’t smell like he was mid-coitus anymore. 

“Are you ready, young master?” Hans asked, the picture of professionalism. 

Oh, right. He had an interview with the harem protagonist. The primary reason why he was even in this state to begin with. 

“Send him in.” Cale spoke, trying to regain some semblance of formality. “And Hans?” 

The orange haired servant looked back at him. Cale clenched his fists at the sight of the man licking his shiny lips, desire licking at his heels. 

“Thank you.”

Chapter Text

Cale had to admit, if only to himself, that he really needed to get laid. He hadn’t any form of release since the impromptu blow job from Hans. It was becoming increasingly more obvious to him as to why abstinence was uncommon in this world. Over the past few weeks he found himself slowly going mad, his body wound so tightly he was ready to snap. 

It had only been a few days since they’d left the territory, and yet in that small amount of time many strange things had happened. 

They’d run into plenty of novel clichés such as bandits too stupid to pay attention to his family crest and an old man ready to be plowed down by a nonsensical villain. The villain was Venion Stan. An annoyance in the book, and terrible in person. He'd made an overt pass at Cale within moments of meeting him, and although it wasn't completely outside of the bounds of noble sensibility, it toed the line. But not even Cale, with all of his building frustration, would ever even think of saying yes to him. 

Venion was likely one of the few people in this world who actively desired to harm an omega, his instincts so twisted that he could barely hide his true intent. This obscured hostility had, of course, not been missed by his alpha guard. Choi Han had given in to his own instincts without thought, launching himself forward to rid Cale of the—admittedly mediocre—threat on his life. It took both Ron and Hans to hold him back. Cale was grateful that they, at least, could remain reasonable. 

Then there had been On and Hong assuming that the dragon they were saving would want to come with them, which only served to make Cale rethink his entire plan just incase they were right. He didn't need an actual dragon adding on to his growing list of problems. He didn't have that sort of energy.

In the end though, he couldn't just leave a child to suffer. Besides, Venion had pissed him off with his disgusting come on, he deserved to be brought down a peg. So he released the dragon from his prison, thinking that this small adventure had ended rather well all things considered.

Especially considering that the pressure between Choi Han and him had been steadily growing to a fever pitch ever since they’d gone on the road. 

He tried to pretend he didn’t notice it for the sake of his own sanity, but it was difficult. Cale quietly ignored the unmoving gaze Choi Han had given him during the interview, his scent covering the lingering proof of Cale's previous dalliance. He outright ignored Ron’s dark tone as he explained with some amount of hatred that Choi Han was presenting himself as any courting alpha would. Providing them shelter, hunting for his food, and killing Cale's enemies without hesitation. 

The old man had gone so far as to ask Cale if he’d rather he kill the upstart alpha before he could continue with his—completely accidental, Cale knew—courting attempts, but Cale denied him outright. It would be better not to risk Ron's life, he wasn't sure what would happen to the story if he died. He had some pretty important moments in the later arcs. Cale didn't want even more work.

On thought it was sweet, what Choi Han was doing; but Hong, in what must the standard throughout all realities at that age, thought the adults were gross. 

Still, Cale had persevered through the rising sexual tension, pretending it wasn't an issue. He couldn't sleep with the protagonist—even if he looked like that and smelled even better. His insistence on not falling into bed with the man didn't stop him reacting to his advances, however. If Choi Han moved closer, he didn't pull away, and if Choi Han reached from him, his hand falling to Cale's waist more than once to 'guide' him safely, Cale could do little more than lean into it . The alpha had taken his guard duty very seriously, it was driving him crazy. He'd even suggested that it might be better not to leave to do his other task just in case Cale might fall into danger.

Cale knew it was mostly his instincts talking in that situation, and left the total breech of their original contract go. He could be lenient when needed.

It had taken a good few minutes of convincing for Choi Han to let him climb up the mountain alone, and when he’d returned muddy—but with one annoyingly whiny power more— the alpha had been concerned about his disheveled state, worried he'd gotten hurt. 

He allowed the alpha and beta servants to fuss over him, knowing they couldn't deny their instincts. Ron clicked his tongue in displeasure as he checked him over, shifting him this way and that to ensure his body would have no bruising whilst Hans set about fixing his clothes and hair. All the while he denied any offers, either subtle or overt, for 'stress relief'.

He was still slightly appalled by the minor confrontation he'd had with his father just before he left. Deruth had openly chided him for his liaison with Billos, stating Cale deserved someone more suitable for his station. Then he sternly reminded Cale that he had both Ron and Hans at his disposal. Even worse that the scolding he'd gotten about his breach of social expectation, his father had then gone on to speak in detail about what Hans had done for him. He'd been mortified. Only then, after he retold Cale what he'd just experienced from the servant did his father further explain that Hans was well versed in other methods to pleasure him as well. 

Needless to say he hadn't been able to look Hans in the eye for the first few hours of their trip due to it. He really wasn't used to this world, he didn't know if he ever would be.

Choi Han had finally left to fulfill their deal while nearly chest to chest with Cale, pheromones clogging up his nose, firm hands gripping his upper arms. Cale would normally have stepped away from such an obvious invasion of his space but he couldn't. He was feeling it, too.

His omega instincts were going haywire, he'd been resisting the urge to ‘try’ Choi Han for quite a while, and he was feeling it down to his core. Even if he hadn't outright confirmed or denied his desire, it was obvious to anyone with a nose that he was partial to the man's courting techniques. His body practically pouring out his increasing attraction. Only his long established control over his emotions and the ever present reminder that Choi Han was the protagonist meant to save the world stopped him from figuring out exactly how amazing the man's cock could be. 

By the time Choi Han had left their camp he'd been almost willing to give into temptation. He hadn't expected the separation to be just as difficult as being around the alpha.  He had to clench his teeth and pinch his skin to resist the urge to bend over for Hans—or maybe even Ron, if he had no other option. He'd found himself staring at Beacrox's arms while the man butchered their gifted meat. It was still fresh from the young dragon that had been following them. He'd even been caught a time or two with his scent billowing with desire while watching his guards do their daily training. Hilsman may be a tad bit annoying, but his ass was...

No, anyone in his father’s service was currently out of the question. He didn't want to hear about his sexual exploits from his own father ever again. His earthen sensibilities had retained at least that much shame. He’d have to find someone in the capital as quickly as possible, before Choi Han returned and made Cale think about doing something he really shouldn’t once again. 

He could wait it out til then. Or at least, that was the plan. Until the two people in front of him gave him an offer he definitely wouldn’t refuse. 

“ You want me to ‘get to know you’?” Cale asked the two smiling betas. Cage nodded. 

“Preferably both of us.” Taylor responded. “We’re a pair.” 

He'd never even considered such a thing before.

“But...why?” he blinked in confusion at the prospect, even if just idea of finally gaining some relief had slick dripping down his thighs. His legs were crossed, minimally hiding the scent of his rising arousal. He couldn't help but consider it. These were two people bound by the god of death to not reveal anything about this meeting. It was a foolproof way of avoiding having to go to one of his knights or the servants and inevitably having another talk with his father. 

Cage might not be acceptable to his father's noble sensibilities, but Taylor was a noble—disgraced or not. Even if Ron did report to Count Deruth about this, he'd have nothing negative to say. 

But still, even if he had sponsored their trip and offered his assistance, it wasn’t as if either of them were for lack of a partner. They didn’t need him in the same way. He had definitely heard—and smelled—their activities over the last few nights. 

“Well, for one, you smell delicious.” Cage admitted, placing a hand on Taylor’s unresponsive thigh. She took in a deep breath, openly taking in his scent. “But more importantly we can tell just how frustrated you are.” 

“How long has it been for you?” Taylor questioned curiously “I hear its harder for omegas to go without a partner." He tilted his head curiously. "Three days?” 

“That’s an awful long time, even for us.” Cage admitted, lips pursed with sympathy. “I can’t imagine an omega dealing with that much—” 

“It’s been over two weeks.” Cale interrupted, his admission falling from his lips despite himself. He tried to ignore the way the both of them gasped simultaneously. 

It had been foolish to wait this long, Cale had long suspected that. It hadn’t taken him long to learn that even though the original Cale had only kept one actual heat partner, Ron had been servicing him for years now, whenever he asked for it. It hadn’t even been a big deal according to Hans, expected even. Ron was providing a cursory service for an omega that was in his care.

It was his honor, Hans insisted. He'd been too terrified to ask Ron if he agreed with that.   

It had to be a somewhat good sign that the older man had offered this same service on the road. Perhaps Ron did not begrudge his need, even if he didn't care much for Cale as a person.  Even Hillsman, who'd stared at him with a mix of disdain and confusion upon meeting him—his opinions long shaped by rumors— had even once offered to take him behind the bushes and ‘fix him properly’. Cale had been so set on not speaking about the topic with his father that he'd just kept putting it off, even when it began to hurt. He just assumed that he'd get over it, that he'd be fine.

He had done so in his last life rather easily, stress was just another facet of his daily life.  Sex might have helped him in his original world, but it wouldn't hurt to not have it either.

But it affected bodies differently here. 

He was becoming more irritable, and tired as well.  That was pretty standard. But his body had begun to ache due to the lack of stimulation, and he found himself reacting almost desperately to the scent of his fellow travelers who would leave camp only to return smelling of sweat and sexual satisfaction. Over time he found himself struggling to communicate with others, his time passing in an almost daze while resorting to simply eating the pheromone masking powder raw rather than taking it in tea form.

The longer he went without relieving himself, the worse his brain fog was becoming. His scent could barely be hidden anymore, it was calling out to others even if he stayed silent. 

Luckily, none of the staff or the guards were alphas outside of Choi Han and Beacrox—neither of which had done anything at all. He could only barely tell they’d done anything at all, when they'd leave for their own enjoyment, but it still had enough of an effect that he was left practically salivating at the chance to have some fun of his own. 

He couldn't even masturbate—he'd tried. Being an omega, and being this high strung, made it nearly impossible to pleasure him the way his body yearned for. He needed someone else to do it, he needed it so badly.

“Oh no, Young Master Cale.” Cage stood, bending down to pull him from his chair. "That won’t do at all. Don’t you know how bad it is for your health to abstain like that?” 

“I-” 

“It’s terrible.” Taylor frowned. “I can’t believe your staff would leave you in such a state. No wonder you smell the way you do.” 

Maybe Cale should have been more open to the idea of taking up someone’s offer. Maybe those worried glances were more than just an overreaction. He’d have to study omega physiology more closely rather than following the small amount of information the novel had given him. How could he know there was more to this omegaverse story than just sex?

He hadn't really researched on the topic considering he'd assumed that all it had altered was his capabilities to reproduce and an increased sex drive—an oversight on his part. To be fair, he'd been far more distracted with acclimating to the differences this world had when it came to political and economic issues for the sake of his own future. They were about to enter a war, after all.

“Let us take care of you, sweet thing.” Cage patted his cheek softly,  before pulling him in for a long, wet kiss. She caressed her tongue against the roof of his mouth before sliding it against his own. The taste of her was like water in the desert; so needed after weeks of bitter repressants and denying his instincts.

He wanted more—needed more. His bodied ached at just the thought of finally getting what he wanted.  

“Yes.” Cale shamelessly begged, feeling his legs begin to shake as he tried to follow her retreating mouth. “Please.” 

“We have you.” Taylor promised. 

Cage led him to the bed,  releasing him just so she could begin the arduous process of undressing him. He'd opted for simpler clothing in lighter fabrics, but he was still a noble, so it would take some time. Cale remained as still as he possibly could, her smooth fingertips brushing against the skin of his chest as she removed his shirt . He couldn’t focus long enough to help her or to do anything in return. She'd done nothing at all really, but even the skin on skin contact was enough to send him into orbit. His eyes grew hazy as her nails ran down  his now exposed chest, leaving small, red lines in their wake.

The lack of stimulation over his period of abstinence had made such a simple touch akin to a raging fire. He hissed in pleasure, leaning into the touch.

He was so focused on the feeling he failed to notice Taylor and Cage sharing a concerned glance. The worry that he would be too overly stimulated to get any true enjoyment out of the experience after such a long period without such simple pleasures. To them, going without for so long was an entirely foreign concept. 

If Cage wasn’t bound by the god of death to not speak on this meeting she’d have a thing or two to say to his entourage for letting it get this far. Couldn't they smell how badly he needed?

“Give me just a second, Cale.” she dropped the formality entirely, kissing his cheek softly. “I’m going to get Taylor ready for you first, okay? We want you to be able to control the pace the first time around. We don’t want to accidentally hurt you, do you understand?” 

Cale felt as if he was floating in the clouds, body humming in relief at the mix of physical sensations. Cage cooed in his ear, asking him something he couldn’t quite comprehend. 

“Yes.” he agreed, figuring whatever it was couldn’t be too important. As long as they kept going. 

Cage narrowed her eyes as she examined him, a suspicion of his current state growing as he didn't even blink at her intense gaze. She had already read about omegas going into a sort of subspace during more desperate times. It was a last ditch effort to bring them the attention and care that they needed. 

If it wasn't for the suppressants she'd seen him guzzling left and right he'd probably even more of a mess than he already was. She was surprised there was even any oxygen in the air with how much desire he was pumping out. His pheromones were in overdrive in an attempt to draw in a desirable partner. Such an occurrence happened so rarely in history that she's only read about it once, in a often ignored tome. The only comparison point for this being that of typical subspace that more submissive betas would enter. Cage had only gained access to such knowledge due to her training within the priesthood. People were always ready and willing to take an omega if they were offered the chance.  

She would need to keep a close watch over him until he returned to himself. 

“Good boy.” Cage praised, carefully stepping away from him for just a moment to begin helping Taylor unclothe. 

It was quite a process, as normally Taylor would be moved to a bed or a separate chair for this, but to give Cale the most control possible it would be easier to keep Taylor in an upright position. With the added on handlebars and arms rests he’d be able to gain balance in whichever way felt right. 

The final piece of clothing fell away just as Cale began to release small whines of displeasure, his hand gripping at his own cock in hopes of gaining some form of stimulation, legs wide and dripping. His body  was trying so hard to entice someone into mounting him. 

This wasn't like a heat, she knew. He was there, but not in the way he should be. They needed to be careful.

“Take care of him, Taylor.” Cage whispered before gripping either side of Taylor's face, kissing him deeply. The man returned it easily, pulling her back for a small peck just as she began to move away. He then wheeled closer to the bed, the front of his chair facing towards the side of the mattress. If Cale was to fall forward at any point he’d land safely. 

Cage moved back to Cale’s side and left his hand, desperately gripping at his own cock, alone. Instead she moved to bury her head into the hollow of his neck, kissing at his sweat smoothed skin softly as her fingers dragged down his side, her fingers following the warmth of between his cheeks, gently caressing his rapidly loosening entrance. 

She met no resistance upon pushing in one finger, the passage so slick it could be heard over Cale's relieved cry. A cursory glance told her the man was too out of it to say anything, and so she left the finger in place to speak to him first before continuing. 

“Cale, is this good? Say ‘death’ if it’s okay.” 

Cale breathed hard, body on fire, every inch of him was laser focused on her skin against his; the finger, unmoving in his clenching hole. Her own breath warmed his neck, her soft pillowy breasts rubbing against his upper arm and chest with every minute movement. 

He needed to say it, he had to keep this going. Cale desperately needed relief. It was like swimming through a thick molasses to shape the words he needed to say. 

“Death.” he confirmed. 

“Perfect.” Cage moved the finger inside of him, causing Cale to release tiny, choked out noises in enjoyment. His body, nothing more than nerves and desire, shifted to try and swallow her finger more thoroughly. The woman caressed his face with her free hand, wiping away tears he didn’t even know he had shed, before she was entering another finger, scissoring inside of him to ensure he was ready for Taylor's bare and erect cock. 

“Taylor?” she questioned, looking at her long time lover briefly for confirmation. 

The blond was slowly caressing himself, watching the two at the edge of the bed. His cheeks slightly reddened at how enjoyable of a sight it was. Even through the haze of his growing pleasure his eyes held a tinge of sympathy, concern for Cale's well being shining through. 

“Time to get up, baby boy.” Cage told Cale, removing her hand for a moment before helping him shift up. Luckily the man weighed very little, so she was able to help hoist him up onto the wheelchair with little difficulty, guiding his hands to either side of the handlebars, his back facing Taylor's front. 

Quivering legs rested on either side of the gaps between the wheelchair. Cage assisted Cale's shivering form in lining himself up for Taylor's waiting cock. She was well accustomed to this, they often found themselves seeking mutual pleasure while Taylor was in the chair. It was good that her experience could help Cale now. 

“You know what to do, Cale?” Cage asked. She knew he'd had sex before, everyone knew about his previous heat partner. There were too few omegas for it not to be common knowledge.

But Cale just looked at her, blinking through the fog his mind had conjured, barely registering her words enough to even be confused.

“Here, let me help.” 

She moved her hands to rest on either side of his hips, shifting him just so, and Taylor then moved his cock to align perfectly with his well prepped, dripping hole. 

“Go on, sit down Cale.” Cage instructed. “You’ll feel much better, promise. Can you say death for me, Cale?” 

“D-Death.” 

“Good.” 

She help him lower himself, a smile forming as she intently watched Taylor's member disappear inside of his hole, a flush of slick dripping around the flesh to aid in his descent. 

Cage had to close her eyes at the rush of pleased omega pheromones that followed once he'd been filled entirely. Taylor groaned from both the sensation and the scent, his hands clenching at the arms of his chair to avoid accidentally cumming prematurely. 

An omega really was different. 

Cale moved shaking hands to grip at her shoulders as Cage began to assist him with learning the motions he'd need to make in the chair. She watched her own hands guiding his hips up and down, her own core pulsing as his squelching slick covered Taylor's thighs, glimpses of his straining, wet dick enough to make her feel needy. With her position, Cale's tiny moans sung directly into her ears, as if he was doing it just for her.

For some strange reason she swore she could hear the God of Death in her mind, complaining to her that what she was doing wasn't fair. 

She ignored it, focusing on the redhead instead. 

“See? Just like this, Cale.” she encouraged, looking at Taylor to see how he was doing. 

The man looked nearly as blissed out as Cale, eyes half lowered as he took in the sight of his cock being swallowed slowly, over and over, by a beautiful omega, while his long time partner guided his every move. 

Cale started moving on his own as the pace became too slow for his current mind-state. Cage felt herself being forced to her knees under a surprisingly strong grip as Cale lifted his own hips high before crashing back down again. The force of it causing the wheelchair to make a creaking noise.

Taylor found himself letting go of the chair to take over Cage’s position, nearly as wound up as Cale was at this point. One hand moved to Cale’s hip to help aid with their rhythm, the other trailing up his chest, fingers tweaking a pebbled nipple. 

“There he is.” Taylor cooed happily, nipping at Cale’s neck as he subconsciously tilted it to side, primitive omega instincts from a bygone era on display. He'd happily claim him, if he actually believed it was what Cale wanted. “Take what you need." Taylor groaned as Cale clenched tightly around him, "What an amazing omega you are.”  

Cale cried out as the stimulation became too much to bear, his body so keyed up from weeks of self denial to last long. He released on his third downward thrust, grinding against the man's groin as if searching for a knot. Semen splashed on Cage's face as Cale found his moment of ecstasy. She quickly moved to wipe it off, taking in the taste.

It still wasn’t enough to sooth Cale's current state. He'd been dealing with the mixture of sexual frustration and alpha pheromones for too long to make it that simple. He let out a dissatisfied noise as he began to bounce as best on his lover's cock, his release only easing his frantic movement. 

Taylor reached down for Cale's refreshed, leaking cock while whispering words of encouragement in his ear. He pumped in time with the omega's hips, his desperate pace accompanied by high pitched, needy whimpers. Taylor clenched his teeth as he held off his own orgasm, knowing that Cale was on the precipice once more.

Cage moved her free hands rest at his inner thigh, pressing down on the skin. She was unable to do anything more than kiss at his arms, his grip on her shoulders forcing her stay in place. The last thing either of them wanted to do was accidentally hurt him. This had all been for him, after all.

He resisted for as long as he could, but when Cale cried out once more, his channel gripping hard on Taylor's hardened cock, he couldn't resist. He let out a choked cry, releasing hot spend into Cale's waiting hole. Cale, who had felt the heat shooting through him, stiffened in pleasure, crying so loud Cage was certain his servant's would hear them. The joined scent of her partner and Cale clung heavily in the air. 

“Oh, Cal-” Taylor couldn’t finish his exclamation as his release continued, his body perhaps responding to Cale's needs, elongating his pleasure in turn. He had no knot, like an alpha would, but Cale's insides gripped tightly around him anyways, instinctually trying to draw in as much cum as physically possible. The omega arched against him, ass and upper back pressing more firmly against his front, the position all instinct.

Cale panted with the effort he’d expended, slowly returning to himself. He quickly determined that he really didn’t like having to do all this work, especially when it made him feel so exhausted. The vitality of the heart was keeping him relatively refreshed, but he could till feel the tenderness in his thighs, his unused muscles aching at the extended use. His arms burned from the effort of keeping him propped up, even if Cage had assisted him so readily. This wasn't a problem when Billos had fucked him, or Hans had pleasured him.  

How was he still this horny, anyways? He could feel it there, in his center, all the way up to his stomach. He wanted more.

He knew he wasn’t in heat. 

“My turn.” Cage spoke, Cale opening his eyes to observe the beta woman, arousal flashing in her eyes. 

She had gotten fully undressed while he’d been gorging himself on Taylor’s spend, finally freed from his desperate fingers. Even now he could see tiny red indents from where his finger nails had dug into her shoulders. He wondered if she'd bruise, a bit unsure as to why the thought of that pleased him so much.

He found himself stumbling to follow her as she pulled him off of Taylor, their connection broken with a small, wet, ‘pop’. His slick dripped as he ascended, glimmering as it fell to Taylor's thighs, joining the other fluids that remained behind. His center shifted as he found himself lying back on a soft blanket, his own cock bravely twitching in anticipation. 

“Shall I show the omega how it’s done, Taylor?” Cage playfully joked, winking at her partner. 

Taylor smirked, eyes focused on the pretty picture before him. 

“You know I want to see it.” 

She licked her lips, her expression turning predatory as she crawled onto the bed, climbing over Cale's lax form. She settled her knees on either side of his hips, her hands firmly sliding from his belly button up to his chest, forcing Cale to exhale. From this position he could see the weight of her breasts, so different than the flat chests he'd experienced.

She seemed to notice where his gaze had turned, giving a small chuckle, before she gifted him a small smile. She used her right hand to caress his cheek softly, cupping his jaw as she spoke sincerely. 

"You did really well, sweet thing." she absently ran her thumb over his bottom lip, dipping her fingertip into the warmth of his mouth when he parted them in response. "You okay now?" 

Cale nodded. 

Her heart clenched. He was so beautiful, and all theirs.

"Good." she replied, reaching for his cock to line them up with a practiced ease, before lowering herself down with zero hesitation. 

Cale didn’t know what he expected to feel, but this soft warmth was almost completely different than a mouth. It wasn't smooth, as he expected. There were ridges, not unlike a mouth, but they ripped around him, clenching him as he assumed his insides clenched others. His eyes rolled back in his head as Cage knowingly gripped down onto him, letting out a husky laugh as his whole body twitched. 

“You can do this, too.” she instructed, keeping her inner muscles clamped while: instead of bouncing, she instead rolled her hips, breasts shifting in time with her movement. They were small, but they seemed so soft. Cale kind of wanted to touch them. “My parts aren’t that different than yours, you’ve just got an added bonus or two. Watch closely.” 

“Y-yes.” Cale affirmed, trying to focus as she'd requested through the pleasurable feeling of her insides grasping at him. She was so warm. Was this what everyone else felt while inside of him? 

“You can tire out quickly when you're on top," she explained, having to take a moment to bite her lip, the pain enough to keep her on track. His scent alone was enough to make her quicker.  "So it’s—ah— okay to depend on your partner." she ground down on him, hard, pulling a grunt from the omega. "Taylor grips me sometimes, like this.” she pulled his hands to her hips, instructing him to pull her down. The impact gained dual moans from the pair.

"You feel how good that is?" 

Cale nodded. 

"That's how Taylor felt—" she gasped as he tried again. His grip wasn't nearly as strong as it had been when he'd been so desperate earlier, but he still had firm hands. "When he did it to you."

Cale could do nothing but keep trying, her own fluid making the slide even smoother.

“You smell so good.” she admitted aloud. She took a glance at her other love, absently noting that Taylor had regained his erection, from watching or smelling them, she couldn't be sure. She licked her lips as she watched his hand pump his hardness, Cale's slick lingering enough that he didn't need any extra assistance.

She wanted to badly to take his length into her mouth, to feel both Cale and Taylor inside of her. Taylor's pleasure was her pleasure, they were meant to experience it together—always.

“Not e-veryone wants to top.” she tried to focus, her breaths coming shorter and shorter. She matched Taylor's pace, following his hand with her hips. Cale's grip on her hips helped maintain their rhythm, the rising pleasure in the room so strong she could practically taste it. Cale was spread like a beautiful banquet beneath her, and Taylor was like a hard earned drink beside her.

Cale's chest was flushed red, small bruises beginning to bloom from his neck to his collarbones, Taylor's work. As she moved to more firmly grind against him, forcing his thighs further apart to brace against the onslaught she caught a glance at her partner's milky cum, mixed well with the clear omega slick trickling onto the blanket. She could barely manage to stop herself for reaching for it.

They’d made a beautiful mess of this little omega.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to. There’s other ways to stay involved in bed.” 

She guided his hand to her center, Cale's hooded eyes narrowing in curiosity as she guided him to her clit, pressing his fingers against it. The sensation wasn't much on it's own, but she wanted him to know how to recognize it by feeling rather than sight. Then, guiding him, she helped him learn how to circle the small nerve center, more of a massage, or a caress, than any hard pressure. Even knowing it was coming she still couldn’t help her reaction, head flying back as she clenched hard. Cale’s eyes closed as her pleasure echoed through him. 

She felt she needed to explain. She had this feeling the omega beneath her didn't know nearly as much as he should. Perhaps he'd been too sheltered, or maybe he'd assumed he would marry the alpha he'd been partnered with for so long. She wanted to help him however she could. He deserved it.

“Alpha men have knots," her voice was as instructive as it could be with a dick inside of her. "Beta men have versatility, alpha women are kind of like you—only far more aggressive.” she lowered herself to kiss him, open mouthed and deliciously wet. She grabbed his willing hands only to force them above his own head, rolling against him as she took what she wanted. 

She maintained eye contact even as she she heard the slick sounds of Taylor masturbating next to them, his small cries so familiar to her that she knew what came next.  He was close.

She had a job to do.

“Beta women like me don’t have a cock like an alpha woman would, but we have this. If you treat us right, we’ll always reward you.” 

Cale could do nothing other than watch as she took her pleasure, her breasts bouncing as she moved faster. His arms moved to resist her grip. 

"I..." Cale seemed uncertain. "Can I touch?" 

Cage tilted her head curiously, stopping her movement. She smiled, releasing her grip on him, allowing him to reach shaking hands for her chest. He reached for her breast, curiosity winning out over experience. Her gripped the weight of them, and although it didn't do much for her, it was a comfortable feeling. He tentatively moved to caress his thumb against one of her nipples— and that she felt, sensitive from their extended play— while his other hand moved to circle her other breast, almost like he'd been taught for her clit.

Not bad for his first time with a woman, Cage thought. If she'd been a woman with sensitive breasts perhaps she'd enjoy it more. But she wasn't, and she was getting frustrated. She slapped his hands away, giving him a parting grin, before she really went to work. She pulled his hand to her core, not needing to say anything to make him circle her clit properly. He learned quickly, then.

It took very little then, she'd been staving off her orgasm for long just to show him what to do that all it took was a few small grinds, the tip of his dick pressing insistently against the spot within her. She felt it building, building, before she gasped out as she stilled, her climax almost a surprise. Her fluids mixed with his and Taylor's on the bed as Cale released his spend inside of her, falling back against the pillow as he trembled, thrusting without any control in a fruitless attempt to maintain their connection. 

Cage took a brief moment to look over at Taylor, who'd settled, hand covered in his own cum, before smiling at the both of them. 

“Good job, team.” 

Cale didn't resist as Cage moved to clean them up, just glad Cage was in a right enough mind to do so. He felt like his nerve endings were still on fire, overstimulated from so much touching after such a long period of going without. 

At least he wasn't desperate anymore. He was back to normal, for the most part. 

Or, well, as normal as he could be as an omega. 

He barely noticed as she gave him a glass of tea from his spot in Taylor's arms, the man having been moved to the bed during their cleanup. If Cage had any problem with doing all of the work, she didn't say. He didn't have the energy to ask, honestly. He had made a single attempt to leave earlier, but the two insisted that aftercare such as cuddling was necessary in such situations like this. Even when they'd done little more than enjoy each other.

Apparently he had been ‘down’ for a portion of their experience, and they didn’t want to risk him having a negative reaction from a sudden shift in attention. 

He really needed to research omegas more. 

Taylor gave him a short kiss, making Cale blink. It was pleasant, sure, but he wasn't used to such affection outside of sex. The blonde didn't try to start anything though, just prompting him to drink. He did so, grimacing at the familiar taste. 

“What about you?” Cale asked Cage, gesturing towards the tea. He didn't know just how virile omega sperm was, but he definitely remembered cumming inside of her. He'd been so pleased at the time, finding almost as much enjoyment in releasing within someone as he did being filled. 

His father would really kill him if he got someone pregnant, however. 

“Priests like me can't get pregnant.” she admitted. “Part of our ‘bond with death.’. I’ll never be able to have a child no matter how hard I try.” 

She didn’t sound too sad about it, at least. Even if Taylor had lowered his eyes in a small amount of grief at the explanation. 

Maybe Cage had made peace with her lack of fertility, but there was a reason why Cage was Taylor’s ‘partner’ and not his ‘wife.’ 

Bloodlines were an issue in every reality, it seemed. Even if they had a semi-open relationship, Cale knew he would never be able to marry her and then breed an heir with someone else. She’d have to be the third in a triad, the other person being the main priority and second head to the family. 

He doubted that Taylor was willing to do such a thing, even if one day it might be necessary if he regained his place as heir. Hopefully they could find someone they both loved enough to commit to such a change.  They would never be able to go back once they started.

“Thank you for this.” Cale's tone was genuine. The lease he could do is change the subject. “I haven’t felt like using any of my staff, no matter how willing they are.” 

The two blinked in shock that it had been Cale who had chosen not to sleep with anyone, not the staff simply leaving him be.  Taylor's grip around Cale's waist tightened as if to comfort the omega, but Cale didn't notice. 

“What about that strong alpha we smelled?” Cage asked. “His scent was all over that first campsite, it was like he was claiming the whole place.” 

“We were going to see if he wanted to join, too.” Taylor mentioned. “He smelled nearly as good as you do, but we hadn’t seen him.” 

“Ah.” Cale didn’t know what to say to that. Did he really rank somewhat close in desirability to Choi Han? He hoped not. His employees found themselves distracted by Choi Han more often than not. That wasn’t happening with him, right? 

Maybe they just weren’t used to the scents and it created a stronger reaction in the two of them. That must be it. 

“He had to go do something on his own.” Cale explained. “He won’t return for a while still.” 

“A shame.” Cage replied. “It’s been a while since either of us have had an alpha.”

“We also like to watch.” Taylor quipped. "Alphas can be a bit...possessive, of the people they prefer to bed." he eyed Cale with amusement, recalling how thoroughly Cale had been scented when they first met.  "It can make things difficult when we're all trying to share."

“You’re our first omega, though.” Cage moved to sit on Cale’s free side, adding her hand to Taylor's over his abdomen. She tilted her head to grant him a kiss while Taylor, always in sync with his partner, kissed at his neck. “We really appreciate the experience. I Hope you were able to learn something as well?” 

“Y-yes.” Cale said, eyes the two as they shifted ever closer, distracted by the kissing. “I’ve never been with a woman before.” 

Cage laughed, shifting closer, her leg drifting over his as her foot began to play at his calf. 

“That makes sense, we’ve heard about you, after all." she ran her hand up his abdomen, settling over his heart. "Protected by your father, with every alpha on the continent outrageously jealous of Eric Wheelsman for keeping you all to himself.” 

“Eric and I aren’t together anymore.”

“Oh, we know.” Taylor's fingers found the entrance to his robe, gently trailing downwards to the slope of Cale's thighs. “The entire continent is speaking of it. He’s freshly engaged and you’re without a partner.” 

“You’re free now, though.” Cage reassured, as if worried he missed his old alpha. ”Going to the capital will be good for you. You’re sure to have more experiences." she playfully bit at his hear, causing him to jump. "They'll be lining up at the gate for you.” 

“But you don't have to wait anymore," Taylor followed up. "It'll be days until we reach the capital." he reminded, sliding his tongue up his neck. "How about we take care of you until then?” Taylor proposed. Cale shuddered as Cage's nips at his lobe moved to the other side of his neck. Taylor's hand, which had been lingering near his heat, gripped his semi-erect penis, giving it a gentle tug. 

Cale was being actively seduced. 

“We can’t have you going without release when we’re right here, after all.” 

“Since you don’t wish to use your servants, we’ll be okay, right?” 

Taylor's grip on him grew firm, giving him a small grin as Cage reached those deviously experienced fingers behind him, pushing inside of his freshly cleaned backside. 

He gave himself over to the pleasure, form going lax so they could do as they wanted.

It was going to be an educational journey to Huiss. 

Chapter Text

Cale had spent the rest of the journey towards the Capital within the embrace of Cage and Taylor. He took their advice to heart, the scare after his body had nearly broken from his longer term abstinence enough to make him pay closer attention to himself from then on. After reading up a little more about his biology he knew where he went wrong weeks ago. 

Omegas didn’t have to have sex with someone else to relieve themselves, not usually, at least. But as a sub-gender they tended to prefer physical comfort whether it be sexually or platonically at a higher rate than the other genders. Not receiving a proper amount of this comfort could result in symptoms that mimicked touch starvation that would inevitably lead to an actual illness.

Cale had quickly pieced together the progression of his symptoms from before the duo had come to his aid, realizing that it was only due to On and Hong’s casual affection and habitual cuddling that Cale hadn’t reached the brink far earlier. He had ignored any attempts of contact with the rest of their entourage in fear that he’d try to progress it further than a casual touch. 

His ignorance had nearly been his downfall.

It was a bit annoying, just how necessary touch was in this universe. He'd need to properly keep track of himself and his actions if everything was to go to plan. So he adjusted, as he always did. When On and Hong leaned against him, asking for pets, he didn’t push them away. When Ron moved to brush his hair, tidy his clothes or, more likely, rest his hand against Cale's shoulder he'd allow it. It was these tiny, casual touches that helped stave off future illness and sate his instinctual desire for affection. 

Even if, admittedly, their casual attention wasn’t nearly as enjoyable as being driven to an orgasm. 

Ron and Hans had voiced their disappointment upon finding out that he’d slept with Taylor and Cage, not that he would have been able to hide it. He'd spent a whole night and half a of a day with them during their first liaison. Ron pointedly reminded him that Taylor's position among the nobility was tenuous at best, only a step up from 'slumming it' with Billos. They hadn't even bothered to remind him that Cage had no noble blood to speak of, their lack of discussion on her enough to let him know where they stood.

However, outside of reminding him of his options and reiterating that he should have higher standards they didn't do much else, perhaps too relieved that he'd finally done something to bring himself back to sorts. Neither of them even bothered trying to stop Cale when he left each night to join the two betas in their carriage. When he'd removed himself later, as the night turned was its darkest hour, Ron would be waiting patiently, handing him a glass of bitter tea with a blank, professional smile. 

The lovely feeling of satisfaction and warmth that had pooled in his belly and saturated his scent slowly began to fade as Taylor and Cage separated from him upon entering Huiss. He’d not been so foolish as to draw back as he had before, allowing Hans to take care of him when he needed it. He’d willingly deal with his father’s over-enthusiastic conversations about his sex life if it meant staying in control.

He still found himself falling back more on the platonic affection he received from On and Hong overall, though. It was more comfortable for him that way. 

Everything was going according to plan. Or at least, it was. Until Choi Han showed up out of nowhere with a half unconscious Lock and an exhausted looking Rosalyn trailing behind him. 

The first thing he noted, unsurprisingly, was that Lock was entering berserk mode—and more importantly, was presenting. It wasn't uncommon for beast people to present simultaneously upon entering the first beserk state, so Cale didn't really think it odd that it was happening to him. However—the sweet scent billowing through the air as slick stained the seat of pants signaled what could only be the emergence of an omega. This alarmed Cale, it was the first real change to the novel he knew that he hadn't had an active part in.

Lock had presented as an alpha originally, and not until much later. Even outside of his sudden shift in dynamic this was a strange turn, he’d only gone berserk after Pendrick had died. 

Could someone present as something completely different depending on varying factors? Had his circumstances been that different? 

Unlike humans, whose bodies showed signed of their secondary genders from birth; beast people didn't have any specific genetic or physical markers. All of them being 'unpresented' until they hit a moment in puberty that would then bring their sub-gender to the forefront with a heat or a rut, if said beast person wasn't a beta. But for Lock to do switch from one extreme to another, wasn't that too strange? 

The novel hadn’t gone too far into what made an alpha or omega what they were, just that they existed. It definitely hadn't explained why beast people were so different than humans. Did Cale changing things in this world create large enough ripple effects that it was affecting biology, somehow? What could have possibly altered Lock's designation? 

What was the trigger? 

He only had a brief moment to think about it before he was returned to reality by Lock's pained groan. He quickly guided Choi Han to lay the boy down, uncaring if his bed became a mess. 

It didn't help that the presenting omega pheromones were affecting him just as much as it was the alphas, but not in the way he would have suspected. He fought down the urge to bare his teeth at Choi Han and Rosalynn, inserting himself between them and the sleeping boy as if his very presence could do anything. He simply felt like he needed to protect the other omega, like it was natural for him to do so. He had to resist the urge to climb into bed and cover Lock with his scent, his mind insisting that the young omega would be far safer if he protected him.

But that wouldn't work. Eventually, Lock would wake up, and when he did, he'd be aggressive, lost to his instincts. Cale would die if he tried to nurture him like his omega instincts were screaming at him to do. A wolf beast person would especially would be difficult for him to manage on his own, Lock needed to fight it out to return to normal. 

He’d have to make it work. 

He ripped his focus from the other omega to explain his plan to Choi Han and Rosalyn, noting absently that the two smelt rather heavily of one another. From here he could see how Rosalyn shifted in place, a small grimace she couldn't hide on her lips. She looked almost uncomfortable, perhaps sore. Upon looking closer he could see the indents of large bite, long bruised, peeking out over the edges of her cloak. Signs that she'd been held down, teeth helping to keep her pinned.

In contrast Choi Han looked no worse for wear. It was easy to see which alpha had won the fight for dominance before mounting the other. He wondered how long they'd last before giving in to temptation. 

Despite the consistent tension between him and the alpha, Cale could only feel relieved. This, at least, was consistent with what he remembered about the novel. Rosalyn was a frequent bed companion to Choi Han, one he was sure other readers believed was his primary partner— maybe even a potential mate. To see that they'd still fallen onto the same path in this altered world was a boon he didn't know he needed.

He was glad Choi Han had been able to find relief, the way Cale had. He knew alphas that couldn't find release enough could become even more aggressive than they already were, making it harder for them to find a willing partner with the associated risk of physical pain. The term 'feral' came to mind. 

Still, it seemed Choi Han's foray with Rosalyn hadn't been enough to satisfy him entirely. He could see how Choi Han followed him with his eyes, his nose scenting the air. If it wasn't for the hungry look he openly gave, Cale would assume he was taking in Lock's scent rather than his own, but he was being too obvious for Cale not to understand. 

Cale probably still carried Taylor and Cage’s pleasure on his skin, even after bathing. Pheromones stuck around longer than body fluids after all, and alphas noses were unmatched in this world. 

He ignored the flash of desire clear in Choi Han’s gaze as their eyes met, only to turn away completely once Rosalyn proved to be no better than her companion, dragging her eyes up and down his form without reservation.

Horny, terrible alphas. They made him feel like he was burning up inside when he needed to focus on what was in front of him.

They needed to take care of Lock. 

One emotionally charged conversation fight for their beserk omega's control later and Cale found himself stuck in bed next to the unconscious boy. His protective instincts had prickled at him during the fight, and once Lock had returned to himself it seemed he was no better, zoning in on Cale's scent. He'd attached himself to Cale's side the moment he was able, letting out a terrified whimper when Rosalyn tried to gentle remove him.

Cale might have let out a warning noise of his own, but he would never openly admit to it. How embarrassing.

It would do them no good to fight against something they were both feeling, so he'd brought Lock back to his room and let the boy wrap around him like an octopus. As if he knew Cale was thinking about him,  the omega cuddled deeper against his side, nosing into his neck for comfort, breathing in Cale's scent. His heat had seemingly fallen to the wayside, perhaps the appearance of another omega in a protective role had been enough to shift his instincts to desiring comfort rather than touch? Cale couldn't be sure, but it seemed correct. Not unlike how he could substitute out sex for cuddling, when needed.

The two cats, who still had engrained instincts even if they hadn't presented rested above their heads, resting but on the edge of alertness. 

Even the dragon had opted to stay inside, carefully settling at the edge of the bed, watching over them with a a protective glare. 

“He smells like you.” The dragon noted, "I'd never met anyone else who smelled like you did before."

Cale carefully nodded, avoiding waking Lock up. 

“That’s because he’s an omega, like me.” Cale responded quietly. Lock, already close, burrowed in closer, his arms around Cale's waist repositioning to better feel him. There was zero sexual motivation in the action, nor did Cale gain anything from it other than the smooth sense of comfort he received from the others in the room. 

Seeing how comfortable Lock was, and how much easier this presentation seemed to with the help of another omega, Cale couldn't help but wonder what the original owner of this body did when he first presented. He was the only omega noble in the continent of age. That point had been underlined and reiterated multiple times within the novel, reminding the reader that they needed to take note of the detail. 

Had someone come to the Henituse territory to help him along when his first heat came hurtling at him? Had Eric come for him, mounting his body while it was still adjusting and confused, out of his mind with conflicting feelings and desires? Or, more likely, had he been left alone with only Ron for comfort, the way it seemed the original Cale had been countless times before.

He let the thought flicker away. There was no need to think on it, it didn't matter. Whatever Cale’s history was, Lock wouldn’t need to worry. He would be provided for and protected as an omega should be, Cale would make sure of it. He could at least do that much for the boy, especially considering the plans he held for him. 

“No one else in this city smells like either of you, either.” the black dragon spoke once more, tilting his head. “Are omegas rare?” 

“I suppose we are.” Cale agreed. “Not many of us around, human or not.” 

“I see…” the dragon plucked at the bedding, watching him carefully. “There’s not many like me, either." he hesitated, thinking.  "I’ll remember that." his expression darkened at something, though Cale wasn't sure what. "You’re so weak, I have to stay…silly human.” 

Cale had already guessed as much. He'd been showing himself more and more often over time. He'd have to deal with that particular fallout another time. 

He was ready to respond, a quip ready on the edge of his tongue, when Choi Han entered the room. 

Ah, Cale thought, noting the look in the alpha’s eyes. There was no avoiding this confrontation, then. 

In the end, Cale had to carefully separate himself from Lock. Ong and Hong moved to take over his spot as the young boy whined, reaching out for him, only relaxing once Cale grabbed his pillow and handed it over. Lock locked himself around it, nuzzling into the fabric to chase Cale's lingering scent. He hated leaving like this, but if Choi Han wished to do this now, it would be done. 

He followed Choi Han outside, not giving the alpha a chance to ask for too much before he spoke up, promising the young man answers. Out here, with the crowds of the city gone to their beds and the scent of a presenting omega far behind them, he had to deal with the reminder of just how strong Choi Han's pheromones were, the dominant scent filling the air around him. It was still intermingled with Rosalyn’s scent, fresher than it had been in the morning. They'd likely slept together before he'd come to Cale.

Probably for the best, it would keep him calm for their next stop.

Cale led them to the Temple of Death without hesitation. There, he made his vow, maintaining eye contact with Choi Han to better show his sincerity. He laid out every truth he was capable of giving, knowing Choi Han needed this to truly trust him.

If he began to release slick due to the way the alpha gripped his hand during the vows, thumb caressing against the inside of his wrist before releasing him, only Cale needed to know. Desire had no place in the temple.

They left the building with Cale fully assured that the protagonist would now be able to move on without a confrontation after the terrorist attack on the capital. He'd done it, he'd achieved his original goal of avoiding being beaten by the alpha. He’d directed Choi Han properly, allowing him to locate Rosalyn and Lock, albeit a bit earlier than plan. He'd set Choi Han up for success, there could be no better outcome.

Cale could ignore the ever present lust for the man now, at least better than he had been capable of on the journey here.  He’d been thoroughly satisfied daily by Taylor and Cage, and he'd carefully maintained his health. He was even beginning to become less embarrassed about asking Hans for release, though he hadn't risked asking Ron. 

Even he had his limits.

He walk ahead of the world's future hero, avoiding direct eye contact now that he was free of the temple. Choi Han was a power force of nature, one he knew he wouldn't be able to fight against if the alpha truly asked.

He knew that moment was coming when only moments later Choi Han reached strong arms out, pulling Cale back against his chest. His firms hands gripped at Cale's hips tight, pressing himself flush against the omega's back. 

All Cale could do is close his eyes at the sudden feeling surrounding him, the alpha encasing him in his warmth and scent.  

“I missed you.” Choi Han whispered suddenly, breath hot against his neck. “I’ve been thinking about you non-stop. Cale-nim, you smell…” 

He pressed more firmly against him, the alpha's length hard against his backside. His offer so clear Cale would have to be a complete and utter fool to miss it. Cale bit his lips as his hands twitched over Choi Han’s, gripping the hands against his hips. 

It was the first time either of them had openly breached this topic with one another, carefully maintaining their distance in the past. 

Either Choi Han had become more comfortable in his presence with the vow in place, allowing him to properly trust Cale. Or, just as likely, Rosalyn had given him advice on how to get Cale into bed. Considering the slightly smug smile she'd given him earlier, he couldn't help but assume this was her doing. 

He really shouldn't—hadn't before for good reason. Choi Han was the center of so many pivotal, world changing events in this world. He'd read all about them, and about the alpha's relationships. Choi Han had a temper in the books, as he became settled into his position within the world and grew his harem he'd begin to grow jealous and possessive over his partners. There were hundreds of chapters of him guarding his lovers like treasure, so burnt out from his years alone and the families he'd lost to share the people he slept with.

If Cale slept with him now, he risked becoming one of those harem members, unable to experiment as he wished due to Choi Han's jealousy. It could take ages to unfurl those feelings.

Then again...Choi Han had already been out of character, hadn't he? In the book, Choi Han had struggled much more with his secondary gender, and he hadn't slept with anyone this early. This Choi Han was more secure in himself, more capable of relying on others. He even called Lock his family, something he'd never done before...

Not to mention all of the other changes, what with the dragon being alive and Lock being an omega of all things...

Maybe, just maybe, he could have this without any long term repercussions? 

Choi Han kissed the back of his neck, his scent wrapping around their joined forms, daringly allowing his right hand to slip inside of Cale's pants, teasing at the sensitive skin he found there. He had moved on from an obvious offer to total seduction, it seemed.

“Fuck it.” Cale cursed, turning around to wrap his arms around Choi Han’s neck, moving to his toes to take in the man’s taste. 

There was no hesitation to be found, any potential shyness Choi Han had before long destroyed by Rosalyn’s talented hands. He angled his head to the side, moving to deepen the kiss. Their tongues, slick with spit, battled for dominance. He dug his finger nails into the skin of Choi Han's neck as the alpha let out a heavy breath, desperate to maintain their connection.

Unwilling to wait, or perhaps recalling just how long they'd been circling each other, Choi Han moved to hoist Cale up, too impatient to walk to a bed. Cale, understanding his intent and feeling the ache within him grow, didn't argue at the change of position. He wrapped his legs around the swordmaster’s waist, holding on tight as Choi Han began to move them out of sight. 

Choi Han didn't stop his ministrations, however, moving to bite Cale's exposed neck, sucking hard on the exposed skin. His grip on Cale only tightening when he heard the omega release a tiny gasp of pain mixed with pleasure. The alpha wanted him to feel it, wanted the memory of his teeth against Cale's pale skin. He found them privacy in the darkness of an alley, clean if only due to its proximity to the temple. He could handle it if anyone tried to pass by, well aware that there were few he couldn't kill if they threatened his lover in any way.

Cale couldn't complain about the risk that came with such a public display even if he wanted to. He was already halfway gone, blissed out on the scent of his chosen alpha, the press of his large cock perfectly aligned with where Cale needed him most. 

Cale wanted that inside of him, now, preferably. He reached down without any shame, through the layers of clothing separating their skin to grab the length, gripping as hard as he could through the fabric. He used the small spittle of pre-come that he could feel to pumped downwards, lingering on the ridges of Choi Han's knot; uninflated but ever present. He wanted that, too. 

“Cale-nim.” Choi Han groaned, a sharp ache flittering down Cale's spine as he release his neck. “I want you.” he admitted, voice deep with arousal. “I’ve wanted you for so long. Since that first night.” 

Cale nodded in agreement at the confession, they'd both knew it to be to truth. He didn't care about discussing their feelings, or their past, only that they could finally join together one as one. Cale's hectic hands pulled to remove the alpha's clothing, he wanted the warmth of his bare skin, he wanted to feel their hearts beating together. Choi Han, who'd been embarking on a journey of his own, removed his seeking hand from Cale's rear to help unclip his cloak. The fabric fell away, its presence wouldn't be missed. He then ripped at his own shirt when Cale's efforts proved to be fruitless, the omega crying out in dissatisfaction. The moment his skin was free, the ripped shirt joining the cloak on the cobblestone below, Cale’s hands wandered happily, gripping at the panels of his chest before moving up to his shoulders and then down his bulky arms. 

This was the protagonist alright. Every inch of him was beautiful, well formed. There was power rippling beneath his skin, barely contained within this human form. It pleased his instincts, having such a powerful man beneath his fingertips. His thighs began to quiver, slick moistening his linen undergarments at the just the thought of this much strength making a home inside of him.

Really, he could curse himself. What was the point of ignoring the draw between them if it meant missing out on this? Why had he allowed himself so much frustration just because he'd been afraid. 

Choi Han, who’d stilled in response to Cale's wandering, allowing Cale to peruse his upper body, preened at the scent of his obvious approval. It was difficult for him to keep control, Cale could tell. His pupils blown so wide he could barely see the darkened color behind them, his breathing heavy and stilted. 

He was trying to be a proper alpha, Cale thought it was kind of sweet, really. But a bit unnecessary.  

Cale was willing to try it now, ready to say the words that Taylor and Cage had spoken as casually to him day after day.  His face bled red as he opened his mouth to speak to embarrassing words. 

“Please, take me.” it came out as a breathy whisper. He rolling his hips against Choi Han’s erect length, gasping as the much needed pressure. He whined at the feeling of Choi Han’s finger edging against his slick hole, teasing him with the idea of being entered. “Can’t you see I want it?” 

He was louder the second time around, his whine turning demanding. His grip on Choi Han's shoulders tightened as he did his best to press against the finger, pulling it just past his entrance. 

He didn't have enough power in this position, at least not the kind he needed to put Choi Han to work. He was so focused on trying to drag that finger inside of him, so desperate to be penetrated, that couldn't see just how smug the alpha looked. A confident half smirk resting on his face as he reveled in the knowledge that this omega wanted him—wanted Choi Han. Cale didn't know that Choi Han had listened to the others in their journeys, had heard about Cale's unique position both within the kingdom and within his homeland. He was to be serviced by only the best, and had been constantly reminded as such by Ron, and Hans, and even Hillsman once. 

but here that omega was, begging for him.

Things moved very quickly then. 

Choi Han pumped his finger into Cale's entrance, giving the omega what he wanted. He cried out, twitching in his arms, but Choi Hans did his best to stay focused, using his other hand to loosen his own pants, letting them drop to the ground. He removed himself from Cale just long enough to rip the omega's pants from his form, tossing them behind his shoulders, taking the extra moment to fully step out of his own clothing. He needed the extra space so he could widen his stance, give the omega what he was asking for. 

Cale, clad only in his shirt, hissed as his sensitive lower half was revealed to the world, slick shining against the lantern light. Choi Han pulled him back in before the cool evening air could result in a chill, forcing Cale's back against the cobblestone wall and lifting his legs to rest over his shoulders. He had no ability to move in this position, his slick, gaping entrance ripe for the taking. 

He scrambled to grip something as the alpha wasted no time, forcing his alpha cock inside—so much larger than a finger. His hands ended up in Choi Han's hair, gripping at the strands as Cale was lost to the feeling of the hardened flesh burrowing inside of him. There was no delicacy to his movements, the thrusts mindless, powerful, glancing against his prostate purely by chance. This was not an act of love, but a claim. One he could do nothing other than take.

The alpha breathed heavily into his ear, a building growl growing stronger as his balls slapped hard against Cale's ass. He was lost in a sea of sensation. Choi Han's scent, his cock, the ridges of his knot edging past his sensitive hole. His body ached at being held in one position for so long, the persistent movement within him forcing his bare back to scratch rough against the wall. For some reason, the added pain only made him desire it more, clenching hard around the alpha as he found his voice once more.

“Yes, Choi Han.” Cale cried, angling his neck in submission, hoping his scent was doing it's job at encouraging his to move just a bit harder, finds his home deeper within him. The alpha pumped into him with a force he had never felt in this life, every insistent strike against his prostate forcing his body to jolt, his hands releasing their hold on Choi Han's hair to desperately brace itself against the wall, trying to add to their pleasure.

It was both too much and yet not enough. 

Cale wanted more. He had been taught to use his words. 

“That’s right.” he could feel blood dripping down his back as he tilted himself forward best as he could. This body was more flexible than his old one, but he could still feel the strain in his muscles. He reached Choi Han’s neck, nipping at the skin, licking up the salt of his sweat, dragging himself up to the alpha's jaw and then bringing their lips together. It was of a kiss and more of a sharing of air, their tongues attempting to find a rhythm but unable to as everything began to reach a fever pitch.

Tiny huffs of breath signaled to Cale that Choi Han was coming close, the knot beginning to show that it wasn't just there for share. He resisted it for as long as he could, a small popping sound filling the air as Choi Han's thrusts grew shorter, more intent. Cale met his eyes as best as he could, the two staring at one another as they dared the other to reach their climax first. 

Then, Cale clenched down just as Choi Han's knot passed his rim once more, forcing it home. 

Choi Han staggered to the ground as his knot expanded, orgasm bursting from within him. Cale, who'd been holding on by a thread, lost himself as the heat of Choi Han's cum flooded his insides, the knot keeping it safe and secure. His eyes rolled back in his head as he cried out, pleased whimpers filling the air.

Choi Han came back to himself slowly, moving to carefully grip on the back of Cale’s head as he shifted, just a little, his knot tugging at his rim as he did so. Cale cried at the overstimulation, but Choi Han knew he'd be more comfortable once they were properly sitting. He ensured their bare forms remained on their discarded clothes, shielding them from the ground below. He ever so gently removed Cale's legs from his shoulders, massaging his thighs to ease the feeling back as they settled, acjomg and useless on either side of Choi Han's hips. 

Choi Han grit his teeth as a secondary orgasm flew through him, spurting into his knotted omega, causing Cale to shiver in response. Cale knew that their bodies shared an instinctual goal, and were finely tuned to find pleasure in that goal. When Choi Han tilted his head for a kiss, guiding him by the cheek, Cale went, rolling his hips as another wave of cum busted inside of him. His insides gripped down, bringing the spend further into him. 

It was all part of their biology, he knew that. His omega form was compelled to breed, even if he wasn't. But he hadn't expected just how different sleeping with an alpha would be than a beta. 

Eric had been an alpha, of course, but he really couldn't compare to Choi Han. He was softer than the alpha resting inside of him, noble. and he'd never shown the desperation for Cale that his lover did now.  Even then, both alphas had been different than any of his beta experiences. 

He couldn’t help but wonder how a different alpha would compare to the original protagonist of the novel, one that could at least compare to Choi Han's battle experience, not held down by noble sensibilities and customs. 

“Cale-nim…” Choi Han hesitated. “I…I’m not done, yet.” he admitted. 

Cale bit his lips at the billowing scent of his arousal, his knot slowly releasing him but his girth still so solid inside. He found himself responding in kind, his body keyed in to his lovers, his own scent swirling and mixing into the air. 

He hoped no one lived nearby, there was no hiding this. 

“I’m not, either.” he finally agreed, resting his palm over Choi Han’s heart, feeling it beat. He playfully leaned forward and bit down on Choi Han's exposed nipple, forcing a hiss from his lips.

Surely the kittens and the dragon could look after Lock for a few more hours?

“Take me home, though.” Cale demanded “I want to be on a bed.” 

Cale cried into the pillow as Choi Han's grip on his hips turned bruising, the bed creaking loudly beneath their weight as he took Cale from behind.

Choi Han had kept to his word when he said wasn’t finished. The swordmaster had carried him home, cloak draped around them as he held their joined bodies together. But the moment they'd entered the estate it was obvious he wasn't being taken to his room. The alpha brought him into his own chambers without argument, locking the door behind him. 

There, he’d barely been given a moment to adjust before Choi Han was on him, flipping him to his hands and knees. He took just a moment to spread the omega's legs to his preference before mounting him as Cale had seen in the textbooks, encasing him within Choi Han's power. 

Cale had never been mounted by anyone before. To say it was an enjoyable experience was an understatement. 

He felt safe like this. His upper body was free to move, though he didn't do anything, simply allowing the alpha to find his pleasure within him. His hands gently gripped at the mattress beneath his pillow, twitching as echoes of pleasure flew up his spine and throughout his body. The slapping of skin filled the room, he'd grown so wet, his body so willing, that he could feel it slick against their skin every time Choi Han went flush against his hole. He turned his head to breathe better, the changed angle allowing him a clear view of Choi Han’s kneeling, sweat ridden form. The alpha was hyper focused on pushing inside of him, deep grunts forced from his lips before he grit his teeth, pressing harder inside of him. 

He looked like he did on the battle field, like failure was simply not an option.

Cale rose his ass higher in response, instincts prompting him to reward his alpha, make his pathway easier. The alpha licked his lips at the change, shifting his stance to be more straight, giving Choi Han more power within the small of his hips.  

Cale could feel the shift within them that came with this change in stance. His prostate, abused for so long, was subjected to the press of his alpha's length once more, each thrust reaching it directly. He could feel the alpha's knot beginning to swell within him, falling to his instinctual drive to take and mate. The familiar feeling of that wonderful knot, joined by the press of his prostate and the dick keeping him so filled was enough to have Cale crying out, an orgasm rippling through him. His alpha didn't slow down, if anything he increased his pace, a satisfied smile playing across his face as he basked in the scent of well-fucked, satisfied omega. 

Then the door opened, the lock only useful if someone didn't have the key to open it. Cale, breathing heavily, his form still shaking from its orgasm met Hans widening eyes as he took in the couple mid coitus. 

This, of course, was a mistake. 

Choi Han's alpha instincts came to the fore front, his omega exposed and vulnerable to outsiders. He growled in warning, gritting his teeth as he eyed the beta servant. His scent soured, forcing the omega hidden in his arms to release a displeased whimper in response. 

Hans, being a beta, likely couldn't tell that they had still been mid-act, and had assumed he'd be entering the room of a slumbering pair. He held Cale's tea in his waiting hands. Cale wanted to respond, knew that it was risky to interfere with an alpha's mating even if it wasn't with an omega, but the thing was that all he could do is bite his lip, holding back a cry as the alpha's length moved insistently within him. Choi Han hadn’t stopped fucking him during the intrusion. The only thing that had changed was his position, Choi Han moving to cover him, bending his upper half over Cale's, encasing Cale's body between his arms. His thrusts increasing in power as if to prove to the intruder that this was his time with the omega and it would be his spend burrowing inside of him. 

Cale should feel shame, should feel mortified, but instead he felt himself working himself up all over again. The tingling within him growing into an electric shock as he came to orgasm only moments at his first. He froze at the feeling, the spurting of his come from his untouched dick joining with the slick pulsing out of his rim, gliding down his thighs. He blinked erratically, trying to keep his eyes on the pair of them.  

He gasped for breath as Choi Han thrusted once, twice, three more times before his knot finally caught, expanding within him until they were locked together, his cum making Cale release a sound he wasn't even sure he'd ever heard before. All the while, Choi Han watched Hans’ frozen form, waiting for the beta to make the wrong move.

Cale did his best to reach for his lover, his searching hand grabbing onto some part of the back of his alpha's neck, holding on tight once he'd gotten ahold of it. The alpha shivered at his touch, further hunching over him, his growls turning far more dangerous the longer Hans lingered. 

“I…” Cale tried to speak, ignoring the way the alpha pressed against him, reminding him of the knot holding them together. His scent, which was pumping out the proof of his claim, grew stronger, making Cale have to bite the inside of his cheek just to stay sane. “I–thi-nk you should—leav-e.” he struggled to speak, gasping as Choi Han tried to thrust further inside of him as he seemingly disobeyed his alpha. A slosh of cum pushed its way inside of him, his walls gripping down to ease its passage. “Th-the tea. T-table.” Cale gestured to the tiny table which only purpose seemed to be to hold a flower vase. “Wi-wil drink. Soon.” 

Hans was flushed red, whether it be because of embarrassment or arousal Cale couldn't be sure. His servant's eyes lowered to their barely visible connection point, lingering on Choi Han's balls as they seized up, releasing more cum for Cale to devour.

Cale's eyes widened as he watched the beta lick his lips, clear interest flitting across his face. He felt a spark of it reflect inside of him, pulsing through the air, only for the thought of possibility to be immediately squashed by strong arms gathering him even closer.

Choi Han's furious gaze met his servants, death silently promised if even dared to approach.

Not that Cale could see that. 

Hans was an intelligent man, one who knew when to push his limits, and when not to. He weighed the risks and knew without a doubt that this wasn’t one worth taking. Even if his nose could grasp just how tempting the smell of them joined together was.  

He set the tea down and quickly fled the room, careful to flick the lock behind him. 

It was only well after he was gone that Choi Han began to release him from his arm shaped prison, muscles still flexed in a sign of alpha posturing. 

Irritated eyes stared back at him, every inch of the man on edge from the unexpected intrusion. 

Cale had known this was a possibility. Choi Han had been an abnormality in this world from the start, he shared the same earthen sensibilities that Cale did upon first arriving. The difference between them, however, was that Cale's mind had gone untouched by the madness Choi Han experienced in the forest of darkness. He knew Choi Han had been possessive over his chosen lovers in the beginning of the novel, something Cale—no—Kim Rok Soo, had criticized him for. He had zero qualms screwing anyone he was interested in as often as he wanted, but hated when their attention drifted from him. 

It took multiple people—and nearly three books worth of content— to ease that possessiveness. He held an ingrained fear of abandonment that had warped his personality, Cale had seen it over and over again on the pages. 

 He'd assumed that things had changed due to Choi Han's altered circumstances, had given in to his desires because he believed that the alpha wouldn't do to him what he'd done to his partner within the book.

He'd have to handle this before it got out of hand. 

Cale sighed as he grabbed either side of Choi Han’s cheeks, planting a long, lingering kiss onto his lips. Might as well get straight to the point.

“I’m going to have other lovers.” Cale flatly stated, ignoring Choi Han’s flinch. “And so are you." he reasoned, allowing Choi Han to rest their foreheads together, a nervous expression on his face. "We don’t own one another.” 

“But…Cale-nim.” Choi Hand tried to argue.

Cale shook his head. 

“I want to see the full spectrum of opportunities this world can give me." he explained, knowing he was toeing the line a bit.  "Don’t you want to that experience that, too?” 

Slowly, as if annoyed by being called out on his accidental hypocrisy, Choi Han sheepishly nodded. 

“Good.” he confirmed, kissing the tip of his lover's nose. “Get a reign on that jealousy. I need my servants for many things." he rose a brow. "I didn’t get jealous that you stunk of Rosalyn upon your arrival, did I?" 

Properly chided, Choi Han lowered his gaze. 

“No.” 

“And you want to sleep with her again, right?” 

Choi Han inclined his head once more, a red flush coloring his cheeks at being spoken to so directly. 

“Then it wouldn’t be fair for me to not be able to sleep with others, too, right?” 

Hands gripped at him for a moment, before loosening. Cale watched Choi Han go through a series of emotions before the alpha leaned in to peck at his lips once more. 

“You’re right. I’m sorry, Cale-nim. I was…” he hesitated. “Being a bit selfish. I’m not used to…well, having people.” 

Cale didn’t hold it against him. After all , he knew how things had gone in the book. He sympathized a little, honestly.  Between the unfamiliar alpha instincts and his trauma from losing both of his families, Choi Han was quick to hold on to those dear to him in whatever way he could. Adding sex in to equation had only complicated some already messy situations. 

Oh, well. At least Rosalyn wouldn’t have to have this confrontation with him later, as she'd done in the story. He’d take the fall for his own minor lapse in self control. 

“Later.” Cale began, wrapping a slightly bruised leg over Choi Han’s, the man’s cock stirring in interest inside of him. They were truly well matched. “We’ll get you some books to help with your instincts." he gripped at Choi Han's shoulders, guiding the alpha to following him as he laid back against the dampened pillow. "I think you need to read more about what makes you different.” 

“Yeah.” he agreed, falling for Cale's shaky attempt at seduction. “I think you’re right.” 

“Mm.” Cale acknowledged, biting at Choi Han’s pouted lips as he rolled his hips, bringing the head of Choi Han's cock deeper within him. He allowed a small grin to spread across his face as he felt the alpha spurt a little in response, his body jolting at the sensation. “But for now, how about we enjoy the rest of the night together?” 

Choi Han didn’t need to be asked twice. 

Chapter Text

Cale had never been more grateful that he'd acquired 'the vitality of the heart' than he was in this exact moment. Even with the revitalizing power flowing throughout his body he could still feel the soreness between his legs from night before, echoing down his thighs and at the base of his spine.

Not that he regretted his actions.

The tension between him and Choi Han had reached its breaking point and then some, with the would-be protagonist screwing him into the sheets until Cale eventually had to call it quits. He'd begun wishing more for a shower than a knot, the sticky combination of cum and slick ruining the sheets, drying across their skin. It made him itchy, uncomfortable. He couldn't focus on pleasure when he felt like that.  

It was no wonder the man became the leader of a harem; his sex drive was nearly endless. There was absolutely no way that Cale would ever be able to handle it alone, even with his ancient power easing the way a little. He only fully understood the alpha's true potential when, upon waking, he’d ended up lifting his tired thighs, spreading himself so the overenthusiastic alpha could slide between them, filling him with even, powerful thrusts. It was as if they hadn't gone for hours the night before, like nothing had even happened. All Cale could do is hold on, yawning as the alpha found his pleasure within him. If it wasn’t for his concern for his new friend, Cale reminding him that Lock needed them just as Choi Han's knot began to deflate—the alpha had been gearing up for round two and Cale's orgasm had nearly killed him, he couldn't do another— He doubted that Choi Han would have let him leave the bed. 

Needless to say, by the time he’d checked on the kids and cleaned himself up—again— he always already flagging with exhaustion. Then Rosalyn had wanted to take brunch together, which he definitely couldn't turn down, not when he knew she was so curious. He resisted the urge to sleep at the table, meeting Rosalyn's amused glance with what he hoped was an accusatory glare of his own. She should have warned him, the book had never explained this!

Ugh, sex was so much effort. If it didn't feel so good he'd never do it again. 

“So," Rosalyn gave a small laugh, her lips curling into a smile. "He finally got you, didn't he?” Rosalyn questioned between bites, gaze fluttering to his bruised neck before focusing once more on the dragon he’d introduced. The little one didn’t bother looking at her, focused more on devouring the meat in front of him. She sniffed the air intently, her expression turning smug. 

Cale didn’t need to ask who she was referring to, memories of Choi Han’s face, twisted by orgasm, flashing through his mind at the vaguest mention of the alpha. He knew she could smell it on him, there was no hiding it, no matter how much tea he drank or how much soap he used. Choi Han's alpha scent was pungent, too strong for their standard blockers. 

“Yes.” Cale responded simply, doing his absolute best to seem unbothered. But then he remembered that, in the end, it was kind of her fault that the demon that was his alpha lover had awakened. “I suppose I partially have you to thank for that.” 

Rosalyn chuckled, cheeks flushing red as she moved to raise her glass to her lips. 

“Mm.” she voiced in confirmation. “He needed some confidence." her scent spiked, remembering their time together fondly. "You really did a number on him, you know?” 

“Oh?” Cale rose an eyebrow. 

“He was nearly bursting by the time we met." she explained. "He smelled so tempting that even I could only hold out a few hours before I had to drag him behind a tree.” she admitted, her eyes flashing at the memory. “He’s a very eager learner. I made sure to teach him a few things for you.” 

“Should I apologize or be grateful, then?" 

Rosalyn smirked, dragging her gaze up and down his exposed chest, his shirt doing little to hide his bruising, before looking him right in the eye. Cale felt a shiver run down his spine at the heated gaze. Then, as if nothing had happened, she moved on.

“You don’t have to say a thing." her gaze shifted to the bed, where Lock had rested the night before. His scent lingered even after they'd changed the sheets "After all, you saved Lock.” 

Cale cleared his throat, deciding to shift his attention to the baby dragon instead of the confident woman across from him. Children were much easier to deal with than alpha’s with an active sex drive and heaps of confidence. Even as she discussed the omega they'd saved her pheromones were saying an entirely different thing. He knew what she was offering, but there was absolutely no way he was bending over for anyone anytime soon.  

“You’re the ones who did all the work,” he explained, refusing to acknowledge her interest “I just happened to know what he was going through.” 

“Hmm.” Rosalyn tapped the glass with her index finger. If his lack of response bothered her, she didn't show it.  “Perhaps. I suppose you would be uniquely qualified to deal with him, after all.” 

Not a comment about his knowledge on beast people, but on his gender, then. 

“Being an omega isn’t so different than being an alpha.” 

“I don’t know about that.” Rosalyn disagreed, shifting forward. “There’s what?" she paused, as if she wasn't well aware of the population and its numbers. "A dozen or so omegas— total— on this continent." she gaze at him rather intently, that mage's interest locked on him just as readily as it had the dragon. "Most are either too old or too young to be of any help to Lock. Even alphas usually need help when they first present.”  

“I didn’t do much.” Cale felt no particular way about his gender's rarity. This wasn't his original body, and even if it was his gender was no where close to being his primary concern.

He was far more preoccupied with the new burden that had been placed upon his shoulders.  

After all, Lock was an omega.

He'd already taken the initiative to protect the boy, sending out a letter out to his father. If Count Deruth would allow it, Lock would be taken in as a ward of the Henituse family. He was willing to take in Lock's siblings too, unpresented as they were, if it meant keeping Lock within his sight.

He needed Lock for his plans, there were too many variables to risk losing him. If anyone in high society discovered that there was a new omega with no noble ties—beast man or not—the teen would be snatched up by either the church or another family the very second Cale looked away. By putting Lock under their protection they would not only gain political and social influence associated with caring for an omega, but the hefty dowry that came with it, if Lock wished to marry. 

Not that Cale particularly cared about those things, no. He just needed Lock's unique abilities. His gender was secondary.

But Cale knew he had to be careful. He'd quickly learned that, despite the novel stating how well loved omegas were, real world experience had taught him that they were also considered status symbols. He was protected, both by his family and his companions, to an almost overbearing degree, but he hadn't missed the looks he'd received in the Capital. The way his guards lingered closely by his side. It hadn’t taken him very long in this world to realize that his father hadn’t allowed Cale to leave to be with Eric outside of his territory in fear of the omega being coerced into a marriage—perhaps impregnated during his heat, or Eric's rut.

It had taken only minimal researching to realize that Cale's family was even more unique than he'd thought. That Cale's mother had also been an omega, and her relationship with Count Deruth was just as it his was with his current wife—exclusive. That was not only seen as rare in their social circles, but almost an insult. Omegas were so rare that it was expected—encouraged, even— for them to hold multiple partners even within a marriage.

Count Deruth had been dealing with a mixture of envy and anger from the rest of the nobility for years because of this. And as Cale grew, blossoming into who he was today, their whispers even fiercer that the count was hoarding national treasures, keeping them all to himself.

He was not someone to be bartered or shared, not without his express permission. 

He may not wish to be involved with the main characters,  but he’d already broken his own rules by sleeping with Choi Han and getting involved with Rosalyn and Lock. Not to mention the baby dragon who refused to leave his side. 

If he was going to keep them around, he would do it properly. Lock would be able to live as he wished, nobility be damned.

After finishing his strangely charged lunch with Rosalyn, Cale readied himself before heading out to meet with the other northeast nobles. There was little he could do about Choi Han’s clinging scent, even after bathing himself in neutralizers the protagonist’s pheromones lingered on his skin. 

Hans had remained diligently by his side, their carriage ride becoming more and more tense the closer they arrived. Cale didn’t quite understand it, but just as they began pulling into the long driveway Hans spoke up. 

“If Sir. Wheelsman gives you any trouble, do not hesitate to inform me.” 

Cale blinked. 

“Sorry?” 

He didn’t understand the issue. Why would Eric cause any trouble? What sort of trouble?

Hans hesitated for a moment, searching Cale's face, before a sad expression settled over him.

How confusing. 

“I know you were together for many years, young master.” Hans began slowly, as if to console him. “Ron has informed me to watch over you, given your most recent behavior. It’s unlike you to reach out to other people for…physical comfort, but it’s understandable. You’ve just left a long term relationship and you’re seeking out companionship.” 

“Comfort?” Cale was confused. Relationship? With who, Eric? 

To his knowledge their ‘ relationship ’ had been nothing more than a heat partnership. Had the original Cale held some form of affection, maybe even love, towards the alpha? Strange, there had been nothing in his room to indicate such a thing. No mementos or hidden letters, not even a piece of clothing that stuck out as unusual. 

He knew, of course, that the original Cale had gotten rather drunk after the end of their partnership, but was that a sign that he had loved Eric? 

For some reason that didn’t feel right, but Cale couldn’t place why. Who was he to judge the feelings they may or may not have held for the alpha? It’s not as if Cale—or even Kim Rok Soo—had ever felt any desire for a romantic relationship before. He wouldn’t know. 

“It’s only natural to mourn the ending of such a long relationship.” Hans reached for his hand, and Cale allowed it with only the slightest bit of confusion as to how he should act in this situation. 

“But don’t worry, young master.” Hans squeezed his hand, giving him a small smile. “This butler will always be here to assist you, along with whoever else you wish to give your attention to. If your father takes issue with your choice of companion I’m certain I can convince him otherwise.” 

“...Right.” Cale replied, “Thanks?”

“Of course,” Hans nodded. “I am prepared to defend your choice of partner no matter what. Even if said partner is an alpha with no discernable background or prospects…” 

Ah, that was obviously a dig at Choi Han. Perhaps revenge for the rather territorial display from the night before? 

“He’s not my partner.” Cale denied. “We were simply…relieving stress.” 

Even if said relief came with the risk of a possessive protagonist who definitely wouldn’t have objected to calling him a partner the night before. 

“That’s a relief.” Hans smiled, even if it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He didn’t believe Cale, then. Well, whatever.

Cale exited the carriage, ignoring Choi Han’s lingering puppy dog look at the sight of them being separated, and then entered the Wheelsman estate. 

It was awkward. 

There was no other way to put it, but ‘awkward’. From the moment he had entered, Eric’s eyes had been on him, nose sniffing unabashedly at the lingering traces of another alpha on his skin. Amiru and Gilbert, the other two north east nobles, had done their best to mitigate the issue, but even that had stopped rather quickly at the sight of Eric becoming more tense the more they talked. 

Things had started relatively well, with the three nobles assuring Cale he wouldn’t have to put any effort into the banquet with the Crown Prince. He had been pleased to know he could slack as he wanted, drawing little to no attention to himself in the process. Sure, he was bound to draw a little attention no matter what he did given his secondary gender, but nothing that would draw the Crown Prince’s eyes to him. The last thing he needed was for that to happen. 

Still, as the topic switched from their plans for the banquet to general pleasantries, Eric had become blunter with his responses. Especially when Cale had revealed to the curious Amiru that he actually did have other prospects now that he was unattached to the alpha sitting across from him. 

It had been a rather normal conversation to have, one meant to show there was no bad blood between the previous pair, but Eric had nearly shattered the glass in his hand when Cale hadn’t denied looking elsewhere.

Which was rather disrespectful, given the man had no claim on Cale and was currently engaged to be married to Gilbert’s younger sister. Even now, Cale could smell how intermingled their scents were, a uniquely feminine presence surrounding Eric. They had likely slept together just this morning, which was no different than what Cale had done with Choi Han. 

He understood that Eric may have some lingering attachment, perhaps even some possessiveness as he was Cale’s first and only heat partner for quite some time, but it had been weeks since the dissolving of their partnership. To act like this was practically unheard of in noble society. Even Choi Han’s possessive behavior had gotten him into quite some trouble in the novel before Rosalyn had set him straight. Not even the Crown Prince’s influence could stop that sort of social backlash. 

“Hyung.” Cale spoke plainly, blinking when the alpha glared back at him. “I thought we agreed that our relationship moving forward would be civil, with no lingering attachments?” 

Amiru’s eyebrows raised at the rather blunt way of addressing the matter, feigning interest in her teacup. Gilbert, however, frowned at Eric with a quickly souring scent that indicated just how displeased he was with his soon to be brother in law. 

Neither of them could address him so openly as Cale had; The Wheelsman’s geographical position and sway in court was too strong to take the risk. The Henituse family may be the furthest away and thus the most exposed to risk if there was capital backlash, but they also held the largest amount of wealth in the kingdom and had Cale, himself. 

It was completely within his power to admonish the angry alpha. 

“I know, but Cale.” Eric moved to argue, eyes blazing. “You’ve never taken another lover before, and to do so, so quickly. I just–” 

“We weren’t lovers.” Cale argued. “We were heat partners, never anything else. You agreed to this years ago, and entertained other offers throughout that relationship. If you wished for monogamy you should have stated as such.” 

“But Cale-” 

Cale held a hand up to stop him. 

“You are engaged to someone who wants to be with you alone, you need to respect both her and me.” he tsk’ed at the alpha’s expression, feeling slightly bad for the original soul who held this body. How could someone be so reliable in things related to nobility but when it came to anything sexual he was horrible at communicating. “I will not entertain this anymore.” 

Gilbert, gaining his courage, spoke up to agree. 

“My sister deserves more than your half-hearted affection.” 

Eric immediately panicked. 

“No, Sir Gilbert, my future brother, I swear I hold nothing but love for her. I just…” Eric trailed off. “You wouldn’t understand. It’s hard…getting over an omega.” he peeked at Cale, who was frowning even more now. 

Now he was treating him as if he wasn’t even here? 

“Well, perhaps I should, then.” Gilbert rose from his seat, offering a hand to the red head. “Care to join me in my room, Cale?” he smiled. “After all, I’ve been staying here with my sister to help ease her into this engagement. Since Eric is so attached to you, perhaps we should find the reason.” 

“I agree.” Amiru rose, practically dropping the tea cup. “What do you say? Gilbert and I have been partners before, and we get along quite well. How about we find out together?” 

The two smiled at one another, completely in sync, before looking at Cale. 

Cale gaped, shocked by the spiteful proposition, before glancing at the now silent Eric. This was a teaching moment for the boy, and one not so uncommon in these circles. Jealousy was unacceptable among partnerships. If he followed Gilbert and Amiru he would be solidifying his stance against Eric’s claim against him. 

He didn’t need to, of course. He had been properly fucked by Choi Han just this morning. There would be no pressure on him to follow the two, and he knew he could kindly reject them if he wished to, all while still getting the point across. 

But, he found himself wanting to. Maybe not for him, but for the last person who inhabited this body. The original Cale had been driven to drink from Eric’s mixed signals, and had likely felt somewhat abandoned even due to them. Even without love, there had to be fondness for the alpha that had only served to hurt him in the end.

Cale—no, Kim Rok soo — wasn’t above pettiness. Besides, Gilbert was an alpha, and he’d been wanting to experiment with other alphas at some point. 

So what if it was a bit sooner than planned? 

“I’m happy to join you.” Cale took the offered hands, Amiru releasing him as he stood to wrap a small hand around his waist. “Eric, perhaps you should go to your fiance. I’m sure she’s unsettled by my presence if you’re acting like this now.” 

Eric couldn’t say a thing in response, instead biting his lips as he watched the two lead his ex-partner away. 

It was strange, knowing that this was happening in broad daylight within the house of a person he’d just chided. His carriage and guards—Choi Han included, were waiting for him outside, and he’d left them for…a quickie? 

Not a singular person would be ignorant to what he was doing. 

Still, it didn’t stop him from releasing a pleased groan as Gilbert ran long fingers down his naked body, the two of them having stripped him without delay upon entering his room. Amiru had moved to the side of the bed to grab some supplies, leaving the naked alpha and omega to their mutual exploration of each other's bodies. 

It hadn’t taken much work before Gilbert was easily scissoring his fingers into Cale to stretch him all while rubbing his cock against Cale’s thigh, making tiny noises of enjoyment as Cale’s body did what it was best at. 

“You do smell incredibly good.” Gilbert admitted, openly scenting at his neck. “Even if I can smell an alpha on you. They smell…” he hesitated, licking at the skin. “ Taste , amazing. You must have had quite a fun night with them if you still have the scent on you like this.” 

Cale made a noise of agreement even as he arched into Gilbert’s thrusting fingers, the digits finding their way in even deeper. Cale's eyes were drawn to Amiru’s bare backside as she reached down to grab a small glass bottle filled with lubrication. Seeing his focus, Amiru smiled, raising the bottle in victory. 

“I know you won’t need it, but I will.” she admitted, coming to join them on the bed. “I’ve always been a little dry, even with a more than capable partner.” she winked at Gilbert,expertly taking the topper off. “But nothing a little of this won’t fix.” 

A beta woman, but still different than the other one he’d known. Cage hadn’t needed any assistance, even if she did use Cale’s slick to ‘ease the ride ’ a little. It was amazing how different people could be even among the same secondary genders. 

The woman came to lay in front of him, Cale’s back resting against Gilbert’s chest. He blinked at the feeling of pillowy breasts moving to his face as Amiru leaned over to kiss Gilbert, his vision blocked out by overwhelmingly soft warmth. All he could hear was the sound of squelching fingers in his ass and two wet, intertwining tongues above him. He felt the tingling warmth of arousal rush through him and moved to lay small kisses on her breasts, Amiru shifting more firmly against him at the unexpected stimulation. 

Then, she pulled back from Gilbert, eyes leveling with Cale’s once more as she slid down against him to return to her original position, before leaning in to kiss him as well. 

This was something familiar to Cale, who easily met her lips, his hand reaching back to grip at Gilbert’s pumping fingers as the simultaneous stimulation was beginning to become a bit much. He’d rather have a cock in him, if he was honest. 

“Have you done this before?” Gilbert asked, nipping at his exposed neck. He had taken Cale’s denial easily and instead ran wet fingers up Amiru’s hip, pulling the three of them even closer somehow.“Two people?” 

“Mm…” Cale wasn’t sure what to say, wishing to lie but struggling to focus on forming the words. He could feel every line of their bodies against his own, and it was heavily distracting. His morning with Choi Han had made him easy to rile up as he was dripping now, his body more than ready for a repeat performance. 

 Luckily, Amiru reached down for his dick just as he moved to speak, her other hand busy loosening herself as she giggled at his quick release of pleasure. 

“We do this every year.” she admitted. “Anytime we get together, we try to have some fun.” 

“We’re very compatible.” Gilbert agreed, lifting Cale’s thigh to slot over his leg, the alpha’s head just brushing his hole. Cale shivered at the feeling, letting out an unconscious whine at the alpha’s lack of filling him. “But being able to sleep with you…it’s..” Gilbert pushed in slowly, trailing off at the overwhelming heat wrapping around his cock, releasing a small groan before he continued “It’s definitely a dream come true.” 

“We’ve been told you like to be pampered.” Amiru took over, her leg coming to rest over Cale’s and settling on Gilbert’s hip. Cale released a tiny breath as she expertly moved his penis to line up with her entrance, eyes fluttering as she sunk down onto him. 

Cale’s body stiffened at the overwhelming amount of stimulation pulsing through his form, unsure of what else to do except stay perfectly still. His time with Taylor and Cage hadn’t included this, the two liked to take turns with him rather than fucking him at once. The closest they had ever gotten to this was Cage giving him a handjob while Taylor took him from his chair. How was he supposed to deal with this all at once? The sounds, the smells, the heat surrounding him so thoroughly he could barely think to breathe. 

“Don’t worry.” Gilbert soothed, noting the omega’s heavy breathing and hoping to help. “We’ve done this before. All you need to do is…” he thrusted once, hard enough to release a tiny squeak from the omega, his body moving from the force of the thrust. Amiru released a pleased gasp as said force caused Cale to move inside of her, leg tightening around the two of them. “Stay just like that.” 

Cale nodded absently as he focused on not coming immediately, laying his head back against Gilbert’s shoulder, hand moving to grip Amiru’s waist. He could only hope this was enough to keep the three of them slotted together. He couldn’t speak, couldn’t do anything more than what he was now.

Then, Gilbert began to thrust, and Cale was lost to sensation. 

With every movement of his hips came his beautiful alpha cock, pushing deep inside of him, hitting spots that made Cale gasp in pleasure. That alone could be enough, had been enough with all of his previous partners, but with it came Cale’s body shifting to accommodate the force, and then an almost delayed rush of pleasure as his own cock moved inside of Amiru’s wet,grasping heat that continued to pulsate all around him and it was as if he was feeling that first shock of pleasure all over again. 

“ Oh— ” cale voiced as a particularly hard thrust sent him deep inside of Amiru, the woman clinging to him tightly as she released heavy breaths, Her head ducking to bite at his exposed neck, covering Choi han’s bruises with her own. Her hand had shifted from it’s stabilizing place on Gilbert’s arm to rub his nipples, smirking at Cale’s cry when she pinched down. 

“Feels good, doesn’t it?” Gilbert huffed out, too focused on keeping a steady pace and watching the two in front of him to do much else. He gripped Amiru’s hips harder, focused on his task, chasing the pleasure gifted to him so readily. He resisted the urge to cry out when Cale unconsciously tightened around him, hips stuttering as he quickened his pace. 

Cale couldn’t respond, unsure of where or when he was, two sets of scents flooding his nose. Two bodies pressed tightly against him, his front and back releasing a confusing set of tingling pleasure that echoed throughout his body as he found himself quickly scaling to the peak of a climax. 

Amiru bit down on his abused nipple, licking the tip just as one strong thrust of Gilbert’s cock hit his prostate and suddenly Cale was coming, practically blacking out from the sensations surrounding him, his body trembling. 

Immediately the two surrounding him switched gears, Amiru gripping around him as best as possible to prolong the climax inside of her, Gilbert’s thrusts halting. 

Cale began to come back to himself, feeling that although Amiru had begun pulling away from him, his pulsing dick meeting cool air, that Gilbert was still hard inside of him. The man smiled at him when he tilted his head back, leaning forward to kiss the red faced omega. Cale could barely respond,tongue slipping against parted lips as every part of him became a tingling mess. 

“Want me to keep going?” Gilbert asked, moving slightly to show what he meant. Cale let out a loud gasp at the otherwise small movement within him. “Or was that a little much?” 

Cale could barely stutter out his answer. 

“N-need. Break.” 

Without a singular sign of disappointment, Gilbert pulled out, pecking Cale on his nose and moving the omega to better rest in the blankets.The omega found himself tucked in properly, surrounded by his latest partner’s scents. He blinked at the sight of Amiru resting on her knees, ass in the air as Cale’s cum slid down her thighs. She looked at Gilbert suggestively, pointedly biting her lips when she reached his erect penis. 

“Do you mind?” she asked Cale, “We can always wait, if you need us to.We want you to be comfortable.” 

Cale shook his head. 

“No,” Cale let Gilbert wrap another sheet around him, fingers clenching at the fabric. What was that experience, really? Did he even like it? He wasn’t sure. “Go ahead.” 

“You’re such a treat.'' Gilbert laughed, kissing his head in reaction. “Why don’t you go ahead and enjoy the show, then?” 

Cale watched as the alpha moved over Amiru, better shifting her into his desired position. Gilbert moved a finger down to her thigh, slipping it through Cale’s dripping cum before moving it to his mouth. Cale whimpered as Gilbert licked it off, keeping eye contact with his resting form the entire time. 

Then, without hesitating, he pushed inside of the woman and began moving without a moment to let her adjust.

Cale had never watched porn in his past life, and had never had any reason to see two people having sex in either life before. Sure, he had seen glimpses of people in alleyways, could smell what had occurred thanks to his new biology. He’d even been an active participant multiple times now. But now, watching the two chase their pleasure, he was spellbound. 

Gilbert's cock was hard and dark and everytime it pulled out of Amiru it glimmered with her wetness. His abdominal muscles relaxed and flexed, fingers tightening on soft hips as he took her from behind.

Amiru was flushed red, laying her head against crossed arms, eyes focused on Cale and smiling even as every movement inside of her came small gasps of pleasure, giving him a wink before a particular thrust had her closing her eyes in reaction. Her breasts moved with every movement, her back arching more as Gilbert pushed down against her shoulders. 

If he looked hard enough, Cale could swear he could see the outline of a cock in her lower abdomen. 

Cale felt his pulse match the sound of squelching skin on skin, his penis hardening against soft sheets, but every sense was tuned in to the way this alpha moved inside of his partner, of two people joining in bliss. 

He could tell what was coming next, could see how Gilbert’s jaw clenched as his thrusts became disjointed, how Amiru’s voice became more of a wispy cry as she clenched down to hold him in. A quick, bursting of liquid trickled down Gilbert’s balls as she orgasmed around him, the alpha moving with more force before he stiffened, coming after. 

Cale felt a rush pass through him as he watched the man knot inside of her. The blood pulsing throughout his body loud in his ears. 

He wanted more. 

Cale entered the carriage to go home with no hesitance, too focused on this strange new desire to worry about how Eric watched him from the window or how Amiru and Gilbert lingered on his ass as he walked away. Hans only blinked when Cale dragged Choi Han into the carriage, a quick demand for Hans to ride with the driver going unanswered as Cale ignored the slightly possessive growl the alpha released at the obvious shift in his scent.

“Choi Han.” Cale grunted out, pulling the alpha’s hands to his clothed cock. “I need more.” 

The alpha didn’t bother asking what he meant, already pulling down his pants in hopes of covering the scent of the alpha and beta pair with his own. Cale happily allowed the man to pull him into his lap, memories of the way Gilbert’s dick looked while moving inside of his partner, of Amiru’s flush of pleasure, the way their cum and fluids combined to stain Gilbert’s thighs stuck in his mind. That was how he looked, how Choi Han looked, how Taylor and Cage and Hans and Billos looked before. They watched him and he watched them and even now, just outside of this carriage, countless guards and Hans would hear and smell everything they were doing.  

By the time Choi Han entered him Cale was already moments from coming, the omega holding on to the man’s shoulders, clenched so tightly on his form he’d leave bruises, as the alpha brought him to a quick and heavy climax. 

Cale made a note to put hidden mirrors throughout his room later…for reasons.

Chapter Text

Cale breathed in deeply as he observed the temporary camp set up, servants and guards working together to create a comfortable, secure environment for a night of much needed rest. They had set off for the Ubarr territory two days ago, and due to the recent events in the Capital they hadn’t felt secure enough to risk a proper camp setup until today. 

The event in question was, of course, the bombing Cale had been so worried about. He’d been lucky enough to have so many skilled individuals, far more useful than himself, there to find the majority of the bombs before anything terrible could happen. Of course, he’d had to reveal his ancient power due to the plot somewhat changing, but now he knew just how much his shield could withstand and had earned a little bit of money from the crown prince for his trouble. 

Choi Han had been furious, of course, alpha instincts rioting within him at the sign of someone he’d partially claimed as his own being hurt. Cale had somewhat expected that from the would-be harem protagonist. Choi Han had gone nearly out of control in the novel when seeking revenge after Pendrick’s unfortunate end. He’d quite literally ripped his enemies apart for the omega. 

Luckily, Cale was able to handle the alpha’s sudden fury, simply redirecting his energy to other, more useful tasks. He’d even been able to convince the man to journey with Rosalyn and Lock. Rosalyn needed to settle things in her homeland, and Cale needed Choi Han to get the plot back on track. With them gone, he could gain his next desired ancient power and have a bit of rest as well. 

It was difficult being favored by an alpha harem protagonist. He’d barely been able to sit properly at first once they’d separated. Choi Han had been intent on leaving a lasting impression on Cale’s body during their final evening together, and he’d certainly done his job. Cale could barely contemplate the idea of sleeping with someone for days after their parting, wrung out to a point that not even his ancient powers could assist with the lasting ache inside of him.

He could only hope that Choi Han would redirect some of that favor towards Rosalyn. He knew the two had already slept together. Surely some time together would get them-and the plot- back on track. 

Of course, Cale could complain but he had to admit as the days began to pass — and his body recovered — without a partner he was beginning to get that uncomfortable feeling once more. He’d learned his lesson the last time around, and had done his best to circumvent any potential omega-enhanced touch starvation before it could begin. 

Luckily, the children that surrounded him didn’t seem to mind a pat here or a brush there, gentle affections that kept the more domestic side of his omega instincts happy. He felt nowhere near as bad as he had when Taylor and Cage had assisted him, his mind was clear, his body relaxed.

That should solve all his problems, sex wasn’t a necessity, every book he had read had stated this as fact…

But, Cale had kept a steady sexual partner for weeks. There had been a constant source for relieving stress and finding pleasure within reach. The echoes of bodies pressed against his own, the warmth of another being all around him, inside of him, constantly brushed the edges of his awareness. His body may not need the contact to remain healthy with his current options, but he wanted it. 

Really, there was no reason why he shouldn’t find enjoyment in another partner. It wasn’t as if he didn’t have options. Cale took in the people still present around the campfire. Perhaps one of them would be willing.

Cale could use Hans, as the beta had promised he’d always be of service, but unfortunately he had left with Beacrox for the privacy of the forest not long ago. The two apparently were rather compatible in the bedroom, something that made Cale shiver. The book hadn’t gone too into detail about Beacrox’s preferences, but considering his specialty he could only assume it was something darker than Cale was accustomed to. This assumption was, of course, backed up by the variety of small bruises that seemed to hold the shape of ropes that constantly lingered on Hans' skin. 

No, Cale didn’t think he was ready to try something like that, especially not with a torture specialist. 

Still, who else was available? Many had already paired off for the night, a consequence of Cale waiting for the children to fall asleep to make a move. He could wait until they reached the Ubarr estate, and was certain that Amiru wouldn’t be opposed to enjoying an evening together, but this itch…

A small clearing of a throat drew his attention away from the campfire, to the guards tents to the right of him. There, standing with his back firmly straight, a small blush on his face, was Vice-Captain Hilsman. 

Despite the man’s cheeks reddening further upon their eyes meeting, Hilsman didn’t turn his gaze away, instead carefully reaching with his free hand to the small cloth folds of his tent, opening it as if to invite Cale in. 

Which it was exactly that, an invitation for Cale to join his Vice-Captain in bed. 

He considered it. 

Hilsman wasn’t unattractive, if anything he held an appeal more suited to Cale’s tastes, if Cale were to think about it for long enough. His face held none of the baby fat lingering on many of his partner’s cheeks, the sharp cheekbones and the almost lazy stare spoke of maturity.

Not that any of his previous partners had really been young, Choi Han couldn’t help the fact that his body hadn’t aged in the Forest of Darkness, but Hilsman did have an air of confidence that stood out even in this sex positive world. 

Cale was a bit surprised at the offer, to be honest. Hilsman didn’t seem to have any strong feelings towards the original Cale, and had generally avoided him when not on duty. Perhaps the events at the Capital had changed things?

Nearly convinced, Cale allowed his eyes to wander, lingering on tan, muscular arms, strong shoulders. The memory of others who had held him down as their bodies intertwined flashed through his mind, prompting him to stand and take a step in his guard’s direction before he truly knew what he was doing. 

If the Vice-Captain wished to offer himself, Cale was not going to say no. 

The red headed omega moved towards Hilsman, not so subtly brushing up against the side of the man’s body closest to the opened tent. The Vice captain’s fingers gripped the rough fabric tighter, struggling to maintain contact with the red-brown eyes so calmly staring back up at him. 

Cale gave the man a small, lazy smile, before ducking into the tent. Hilsman took a brief glance around, widening his stance when his soldiers stared back at him, before he entered after, making sure to tie the entrance tightly behind him. 

“Young master Cale, it truly is an honor–” Hilsman stopped speaking immediately upon turning towards the omega, jaw dropping as his eyes drank in the sight of a nearly fully stripped body. Soft skin glowed in the magic lantern light he’d kept by his cot, the red in the omega’s hair and eyes practically burning as Cale dropped the clothing onto the ground without a care. 

Still, Hilsman wanted to thank the omega for choosing him, for granting him such a rare gift. He knew once Cale’s partners returned from their own journey that he would never have the opportunity again. After all, he was simply a beta, and not even one of Cale’s inner circle- even in employment. To get this chance…

So, he tried again.

“Young master-” 

“Vice- Captain Hilsman.” Cale interrupted, the ties of his pants coming undone under steady fingers. Hilsman could only watch, mouth watering, as the noble let the pants fall. “I understand what you’re trying to do, but it’s unnecessary.” 

Cale moved to the small cot, uncaring of the hard dirt floor beneath just a flew layers of fabric. He laid back and spread his legs wide, giving the vice captain a full view of his leaking hole. He even stretched his neck for good measure, all around appearing as submissive and ready as possible. 

Cale really missed this. He didn’t need flowery sentimentalities. 

“Fuck.” Hilsman hissed, quickly moving to strip himself. He did his best to pull his boots off, glad that he’d changed to simpler clothing after dinner. Still, he wasn’t moving quickly enough for the omega waiting like a feast, greedy hands reaching through air to grip at him. 

“Strip later.” Cale commanded, pulling the off-balance beta on top of him without a care, barely registering the hands that had scrambled to gain purchase on either side of his head. “Just get inside of me.” 

“Yes, sir.” Hilsman practically squeaked, only taking a moment to push down his breeches, freeing his straining dick from its cloth prison, before gripping it firmly to better guide it to Cale’s entrance. 

In response, Cale tilted his hips, legs moving to wrap around the beta’s hips. 

Just like that, two low groans filled the air as they joined as one. 

From there, it was simple. Hilsman quickly found a home in Cale’s neck, huffing out quick breaths of air as he tried to maintain steady thrusts. The sound of wet flesh colliding filled the air, the two doing their best to silence their enjoyment in respect to the sleeping members of camp. 

It was so good, better than anything Hilsman had ever experienced before. The omega beneath him was so warm, his skin so soft, his scent so welcoming. It was a warm embrace he never wished to leave, and never would if given the option. 

He understood now, why despite all of the bad rumors surrounding Cale that so many alpha’s were ready to fight for him, why his family clung so tightly to keeping him within their territory. 

He reached for his now discarded shirt without thought, bundling it up and quickly raising Cale’s hips to rest it below him as a makeshift pillow. The omega released a pleased moan at the change in angle, Hilsman’s aching cock hitting his pleasure spot much easier from this position. 

All Hilsman could do is keep his lips busy against Cale’s neck, his hands gripping as tightly as he would allow on the omega’s hips. He didn’t feel worthy of kissing the omega, of taking more than he deserved. Everything needed to be done for Cale, to help his young master with relieving the stress that had been souring his beautiful scent over the past few days. 

He was no alpha, but he could do this. He could. 

“You’re so beautiful.” Hilsman gasped out, unable to help himself from speaking a fraction of what he’d been bottling up. “So gorgeous, so amazing.” 

Cale stilled at that, but Hilsman didn’t notice, too caught up in the pleasure of the moment. 

“You deserve the world.” he continued, thrusts slowing as he moved not for strength, but depth. He wanted Cale to feel his affection, his care. He was so focused on not giving in to his instinct to rut into the omega that he didn’t hear the sound of discontent coming from the red head. 

“You’re so much better, sweeter, than I’d ever imagined.” he whispered the compliment, feeling the crest coming, his balls tightening as he moved to go as deep as he could. He kissed at Cale’s neck hard, wishing he had the courage to kiss the omega’s mouth, and came inside of him, groaning out his pleasure. 

It took Hilsman a moment to come back to himself, too disoriented from the combination of a good fuck, the combined scents of him and the omega he’d grown to respect so quickly, and the warmth of the body pressed against his own. 

It was only when he pulled back, smile on his face as he struggled to gather the courage to perhaps ask for another round, that he saw Cale’s frown. 

It dawned on him then. 

Hilsman was still inside of Cale, his penis soft deep within the omega. His hands had lost grip of Cale’s hips during the orgasm, but the red head still kept his legs loosely around his waist, silently staring up at him. 

The omega hadn’t orgasmed, hadn’t found enjoyment within his grasp. 

What had he done wrong? Was being a beta that incompatible with omegas? He’d pleasured many partners before, he knew this. Cale had definitely been enjoying the experience when they’d first started, but now he smelled just as he looked–dissatisfied, irritated. 

Hilsman had failed at satisfying the young master. 

“Young Master Cale, I’m so sor–” Hilsman immediately moved to apologize, but Cale held up a finger to his lips, frown growing in response. 

“No more talking.” Cale commanded. He let his legs fall from Hilsman’s waist and pushed at the man’s chest. Unsure of what to do, Hilsman followed his movements, sitting back in wait for whatever the omega decided to do. 

He imagined a variety of outcomes in the span of a second. One, the omega laughing at his lack of control, his inability to pleasure a being so rare and so important. Another, Cale simply standing and dressing, not bothering to even acknowledge the beta waiting for direction. Countless scenarios, some more embarrassing, more shameful than others ran through his mind. 

Instead, Cale simply widened his legs, cum and slick dripping out of his swollen hole. 

“Put your mouth to better use.” he stated simply.

Hilsman didn’t question it, instead moving with haste to place his mouth to where it was most needed, intent on treating this as if it was his last meal. 

He paid closer attention this time, so focused on bringing the omega to orgasm that it was easy to ignore his own erection quickly coming back to life. He chased any sign of pleasure that the omega showed, cradled within soft thighs that gripped tightly on either side of his head as slowly, ever so slowly, Cale began to voice his enjoyment. 

It wasn’t enough. 

Hilsman released his tight grip on the omega’s thigh and moved to grasp Cale’s cock, gripping the flesh as hard as he would ever dare, the dual sensations causing the omega to squirm in his grasp, soft hands unsure of whether to push against the sensations or hold him closer, fingers weaving around Hilsman’s hair. 

Cale’s body tightened, form going stiff as he finally achieved orgasm, a tiny, relieved gasp freed itself as his thighs slackened, falling away from Hilsman’s head.

The Vice-Captain pulled himself away from the omega, taking a moment to fully take in the beautiful form beneath him, skin flushed red with pleasure, chest drinking in air as he trembled with the aftershocks. 

Hilsman was finally satisfied.

Meanwhile, all Cale could think was that as long as he could keep the man quiet, that he wasn't too bad of an option. 

'Maybe a gag?' he thought in passing, imagining the man above him in such a position and shivering with unexpected pleasure at the thought. 

That could work.  

Chapter Text

Nothing was going Cale’s way this week.

First he’d had that not so great experience with Hillsman, but at least the man had been capable of doing something for him after he shut his mouth— relieving the tension that had been building a bit. 

Then, when he’d finally arrived at Amiru's territory she’d informed him that they had saved someone from the sea in his absence, his description fitting the alpha, Toonka. 

Someone Cale definitely didn’t want to meet, not if he wanted to avoid a headache. 

But still, he continued on, settling into his temporary chambers and avoiding the looks he received from the staff. He’d begun to grow used to these stares, aware that they weren’t looks of fear; but wonder. 

Whether or not they were amazed because he was an omega or because he’d saved the Capital —barely, he’d had help—he couldn’t be sure anymore. 

It was probably both. 

He continued with his plan regardless of the added attention, requesting to see the island where he knew the sound of the wind was hiding beneath the waves, waiting for him to snatch it. 

He'd need to grab it quickly, before Toonka could recover and take it for himself. 

He should have known that things weren’t going exactly as planned when he’d found those mermaid corpses on the island. Of course something had to be off. Things had been too easy since he’d left the Capital, too quiet. 

Then the dragon had told him that he could sense life within the cave, confirming Cale’s silent concern. Things had changed again, and he was at the center of it. 

“It smells similar.” the dragon had informed him, intrigued. 

That made dread pool in Cale’s stomach. He’d said that before, when Lock had presented. 

It could only mean one thing. 

He prepared himself for an omega, his thoughts wandering as he considered the potential addition of an injured omega mermaid, or a human who’d somehow bypassed detection from society as a whole and had unfortunately ended up here;  but even he was left to stand in shock as what he found appeared to be a whale person 

An omega whale person. 

There was absolutely no way that was possible, couldn’t be, even if he was staring directly at proof that it was. 

It was already strange enough that Lock had swapped dynamics completely, but the whale people were notoriously alphas. It was something about their genetics mixed with the inherently aggressive environment they tended to live in that did nothing to create a place for betas or omegas to thrive. Their bodies were simply not compatible.  

Even when one was unlucky enough to be born as such, they tended to die young…

He racked his brain to try and remember if there’d been any mention of this in the novel, only for a flash of a very quick throwaway conversation between the King of the whales and Lock to appear within his mind. 

The King’s son, a half whale-half human hybrid, had been an omega. But he’d died in the war against the merpeople despite every attempt to protect him. 

This had to be him. 

Cale couldn’t leave him to die, it didn’t appeal to either his sensibilities nor his instincts; which had been screaming at him from the moment he’d caught the other’s scent. 

The omega whimpered in pain, pleading for his assistance as he dragged himself across the ground, his voice determined as he informed Cale that he had more to live for—a mission to accomplish. 

So Cale returned to his rooms with the injured omega in tow and a merperson’s arm to heal him. 

It was strange, the feeling lingering within his chest. Lock had been in distress during his presentation, and Cale’s instincts had reacted accordingly, urging him to comfort the omega, hold him close, keep him content as he grew into his full nature. 

But Lock hadn’t been injured, and despite presentation generally being considered the road to adulthood, his instincts didn’t consider Lock a viable partner. A relief, really, one could never be sure with novels like these. 

This omega made him feel different in more ways than one. He was injured, firstly. Cale had never dealt with an actual injured omega before. His only experience with such a thing being himself. And above that, his body fully recognized that the omega was well into his maturity, making something within him perk up in attention; drawn to the scent wafting outwards in an attempt to call in those willing and able to help him. 

He didn’t hesitate, taking the merperson’s arm and dunking it in water, before slicing it open so the man could be rid of the poison pumping through his veins. 

The whale person had been surprised by his methods, but grateful upon finding relief. Under normal circumstances he would be far more on edge, untrusting of Cale’s intentions and concerned as to how Cale knew what he was. But that was the funny thing about secondary genders, they were so good at informing others of their true intentions.

Cale was an omega, one who smelled of nothing other than comfort and safety, lowering the whale person’s guard.  

So the omega moved to introduce himself instead of taking his offer to return to the ocean for further healing. 

“My name is Paseton.” 

Cale knew that, of course. He’d remembered the name just as clearly as  he’d remembered the conversation. But he didn’t respond, not immediately, keyed in as he observed Paseton’s every minute movement. 

He wondered if this is how other people felt when they looked at him. 

Whale people were said to be the second most beautiful race within the novel, only falling behind dragons. There’d been an entire arc of Choi Han getting caught up in their society, seducing and bedding alpha whales of all kinds before Witiria willingly joined his harem, their time together making her more sympathetic to his cause. While they’d been resting in bed, Choi Han’s knot pressed deep within her, she’d promised to aid him whenever he needed her in the future. 

But those were alphas, and despite their beauty nothing could ever compare to the draw of an omega.

With Paseton being both even Cale felt a little flustered looking at him.

He was donned appropriately for his status, as an omega prince he’d practically dripped in gold and gems, his hair donned with small, glittering treasures. He was a little disheveled from his fight with the merpeople and the slashes left from their cuts, but it was obvious how beautiful his clothing was meant to be. His hair was so blue, and as it shifted across his shoulders it appeared almost as if it was the ocean itself, the color ebbing and flowing against the light just as the tide would. 

He wasn’t a small man, though his appearance seemed somehow daintier than an average whale person’s should be; slighter. It was familiar to Cale as he saw the same thing every time he looked in the mirror. He knew it was just omega bone structure that made them this way, but it was the first time he’d been properly affected by it the way others were. It made him want to reach out and comfort him, as if the omega couldn’t kill him where he stood—dragon or no dragon. 

Not that any of the children could help him now anyways, given they weren’t in the room.

And his smell. 

Paseton shifted under his intent gaze, his knees rubbing against each other as he blinked up to where Cale was kneeling, the man having not moved since he’d helped with the poison. 

“I’ve never met another omega before.” Paseton breathed out quietly, his eyes glimmering in fascination. 

“That’s understandable.” Cale replied simply. 

Paseton shakily kneeled, still weak from his injuries and the neutralized poison. He would feel better if he returned to the ocean, allowing his body to heal as it should. 

But Cale knew he was likely feeling the same, strange connection that Cale did. One that could only exist between two people as rare as them. 

It probably didn’t help that, because he was injured, Paseton’s instincts were in overdrive. Omegas weren’t meant to ever be in the position to feel hurt, after all. HIs scent was pumping out his distress, his body slickening itself in preparation as it beckoned others to come and protect him. Promising that those who did, and were deemed worthy, would be rewarded in turn. 

He’d felt something similar, although for only a brief moment, during the attack on the Capital. When he’d endured the flash of pain as the bomb attacked his shield, right before his powers had kicked in, he’d felt something hum beneath his skin, reacting to the hurt. 

The alphas in the area had reacted accordingly, quickly ushering him away as slick pooled within his pants and blood dripped down his chin. His body hadn’t caught up quickly enough to stave off the immediate flash of distress, his scent doing what Paseton’s was now, reeling in support without him doing much of anything at all to inspire it. 

It had been embarrassing at the time, especially once Choi Han had gotten involved, but he could understand it, a little, smelling this now. It felt wrong, all the way down to his core, to allow this scent to exist as it was. 

He could only imagine how much stronger this compulsion to protect Paseton would be if he was an alpha. 

“I need to…” Paseton trailed off, his hands reaching to touch Cale’s cheek as he looked directly into Cale’s eyes, “I want–” 

Cale let the other omega caress his skin, watching passively as the touch only emboldened Paseton, who shifted ever closer, his breath hot against Cale’s skin. He was tilting his head in a way to reveal his neck, the gesture familiar to Cale, one he’d found himself doing a number of times. 

He knew what Paseton wanted, and it was a rather intriguing proposition, he’d admit. But his injuries wouldn’t fully heal until he returned to the water. 

So Cale reminded him. 

“You need to return to the ocean.” 

Paseton immediately shook his head at the refusal, letting out a whine in return. 

“I can’t,” he insisted, pushing closer still, til his chest was flush with Cale’s. “Please, I can’t go, not like this.” 

He moved to press a wet kiss against Cale’s neck, trailing upwards until he’d reached Cale’s ear. 

“I’ll be fine if you take me.” Paseton whispered. “It’ll help, I know it will.” he pulled back just enough to look Cale in the eyes. “Take care of me,” he beseeched. “You know how this feels better than anyone.” 

He did. 

It wasn’t that he wanted to deny Paseton. He was fascinated at the idea of sleeping with another omega, curious as to how different it might be. But sex wasn’t advisable under these circumstances, even if their instincts told them otherwise. 

Besides, he’d never topped anyone before. Cage and Amiru had been in control during his previous experiences at having penetrated another person; he'd never done more than just hang on for the ride. 

He was unsure that this was an advisable situation. 

“I’m inexperienced.” Cale admitted without shame. “Surely you must have another partner.” 

“Not here.” Paseton bit his lip, running cool hands up his arms before gripping at his shoulders. “I don’t want to wait.” he continued, nudging their noses together. “Please, help me.” 

He considered, very briefly, the idea of asking for Toonka. The alpha was surely nearby, and he’d been written to be more than acceptable in bed. He headed his own harem, in the novel, boasting about how many children he’d have after the war. 

He’d know what to do for an omega in need, would be far more capable of taking care of Paseton than Cale, himself. 

But he quickly discarded it. Paseton might be an omega, but he was strong just as any other whale person was. He knew Toonka would see that strength first, and would consider him as an opponent rather than a lover. 

It’s not like he could tell the staff, or ask Amiru. Paseton would likely bend for a stranger, if said stranger was an alpha—but a beta? Unlikely. 

“Very well.” Cale agreed. 

It would need to be him. 

He used one hand to gently push Paseton back, the other omega quickly obeying his request, laying against the marble floor of the bathroom and spreading his legs, unsteady hands grabbing at his own clothes to bare himself for Cale’s eyes. 

“You need to go back to the ocean directly after.” Cale commanded, waiting for Paseton to nod his agreement before he began to strip in return. 

“Thank you.” Paseton whimpered, pale skin shimmering in the moonlight as he fully undressed himself. His injuries, although no longer bleeding with the poison removed, still shined an angry red, lingering signs from the battle for his life. 

“Don’t thank me yet.” Cale advised, moving until his knees sat on either side of Paseton’s hips. “I can’t promise I’ll be any good at this.” 

“We’re omegas.” Paseton lifted his hips, the slickness of his core brushing against Cale’s hardened length. His own wetness, seeping from his backside in preparation for a knot that wouldn’t come, trailed down his thighs. “We know what we need better than anyone.” 

Then the beautiful whale leaned up to kiss him, sliding his tongue into Cale’s mouth and wrapping his arms around Cale’s neck as Cale attempted to enter him, struggling to push in with just how slickened his passage had become. 

It took him removing his hand from the floor and gripping Pasteon’s hip to finally breach his entrance properly, the warmth of his inside making Cale choke out a sound which was quickly smothered by Paseton’s greedy mouth. 

He set a consistent pace, his hips brushing against Paseton’s backside with every thrust, the other omega finding no difficulty in taking in his entire length. It was a different sort of pleasure, taking an omega. Not unlike his experiences with Amiru or Cage, only wetter—with the added difficulty of Paseton’s burgeoning pheromones, the scent of his pleasure growing stronger as Cale moved deeper, harder, pressing the omega firmly against the floor as he had his way with him. 

Paseton returned the effort as much as he could, even though he’d promised not to do much of anything at all. His hips tried to match Cale’s rhythm, one of his arms dropping from Cale’s shoulder to grip at his flexing ass, digging his nails in every time Cale’s tip hit where he needed it most. 

“So good.” Paseton cried out, taking in a large gasp of breathing as he released Cale’s lips. He sniffed in without restraint, eyes fluttering as he took in the mixture of their pleasure. “I—ah!” he shuddered as Cale thrusted in hard, trying to grind deeper, knowing how good it felt to be on the receiving end of such an experience. 

He wanted to do more, as others had done for him. He wanted to fondle Paseton’s cock, try to bring him to orgasm in both places. Maybe bite at his neck, which never failed to make Cale shudder, or play with his nipples—knowing omegas were far more sensitive there than they should be. 

But all of his focus was on maintaining his movement within the other omega, keeping himself steady as he struggled to keep up. 

His body just didn’t have alot of stamina, and it was exhausting to do all of this work. His skin was flushed with sweat, his lungs expanding and contracting hard to keep his breathing up. He could feel his heart beating against his chest, the feeling resonating all the way up through his neck, pounding in his ears as he tried to push the feeling aside—to remain focused on the feeling of Paseton clenching around him. How soft the omega was against him, how wonderful their combined scents were, how sweet his taste was. 

He felt his arms begin to shake as he upped the power behind his thrusts, hardly registering the way Paseton’s head flew back, crying out in pleasure. In his desperation to finally get a moment to rest, feeling envious that all the omega beneath him would need to do was sit in some salt water, he ducked his head, swirling his tongue around sweat shined nipples. 

He felt the sting of Paseton’s fingers in his hair, the hand that hadn’t taken residence on his ass digging into his scarlet locks. He didn’t try to draw it out, instead, slurping greedily at the puckered skin, biting down once the it had grown firm against his ministrations. 

Paseton cried out, his body shivering at the stimulation. 

But he still hadn’t come. Cale needed him to come, he didn’t even care if he did, anymore, but Paseton had to. 

Knowing that his own body could go for hours when it wasn’t the one doing the work, Cale knew he would need to do even more. He oh-so-carefully removed his right hand from the floor, the shift in weight making his movements slower, more jagged, but still possible. 

He could fill Paseton the way he needed like this even if it wouldn’t last for long.

He used his teeth against Paseton’s skin, biting down as his hand wrapped around the omega’s cock, feeling relief as his inside’s clenched down hard on Cale’s length. This was the way to take him to where he needed to be, Cale knew it. 

It didn’t take much then, the stimulation far too much for one body to take. Cale used his own slick to smooth his glide against Paseton’s dick, grinding his cock within him to better match the pace. 

It was just as Cale bit down on Paseton’s collarbone, the sound of a particularly large slap of slickened skin smacking together filling the room that the whale omega finally cried out his release, the mixture of his pleasured pheromones and the feeling of his walls clenching down around Cale’s cock enough to make him push in as deeply as he could, whimpering out his own orgasm as his hole clenched around nothing in return. 

His mission complete, Cale fell to the side, his limbs shuddering in both exhaustion and pleasure as breathed out hard, trying to return himself to order. He could feel his rejuvenation power flow through him, easing the ache in his muscles and soothing the pain from where Paseton had gripped him particularly hard. 

Whale people were way too strong. 

“Thank you,” Paseton spoke, shifting in their somewhat strange embrace to kiss his shoulder. “You didn’t do so bad.” 

“I’m exhausted.” Cale admitted, hiding his face within the burrow of his arm. “I never want to top again.” 

Paseton giggled in reply, his fingers moving to remove his face from its hiding place. 

“It wasn’t so bad, was it?” he asked politely, gently kissing his lips. It seemed he was affectionate after the act, preferring the comfort of his lover to linger. 

“I guess not.” Cale sighed out, blinking at him. But then he had to hold back a frown as he yawned. 

Ugh. He was tired. 

“I get it.” Paseton smiled. It is a little difficult…” he ran his hand up Cale’s side, soothingly running his fingernails against the exposed skin of his ribs. “If I wasn’t injured, we could have done this differently, savored each other properly.” 

He seemed disappointed at their mutual loss, a frown falling across his lips. 

“There’s plenty of ways where neither of us would have to do the heavy lifting.” he further explained, before giving him a smug little grin. “And if you did want it, I wouldn’t mind taking over.” His fingers dipped down, edging against Cale’s untouched hole.

 There was that glimmer in his eye again. The one that hadn’t gotten Cale into this mess in the first place.

“I like putting alphas in their place.” 

Cale didn’t need him to specify to understand what he meant. He considered the concept, topping an alpha. He imagined trying to enter Choi Han, holding the man down as he thrusted within him the way he did Paseton. He’d have to fight against both his own instincts and the alphas, box him in to keep Choi Han from taking over entirely.

That sounded even more exhausting than bedding the omega resting against him had been.

“Not tonight.” Cale watched as the other omega pouted, but acquiesced, his teasing press against Cale’s entrance dropping. 

“You need to get back to the ocean, Paseton.” he advised once more. “You’re not fully healed.” 

Paseton released a great sigh, freeing himself from their tangled embrace, pressing one final, long kiss against Cale’s lips before he stood. 

He seemed far more relaxed now, less needy. This was who Paseton was when not overcome by instincts. A little teasing, a little smug, confident in his own skin. 

It probably came naturally to him, living as a prince amongst whale people, both his gender and his status providing him respect and consistent reverence. 

“I won’t forget this.” he promised, uncaring of how damp with sweat and slick he was as he slid on his own clothes. He probably knew they were just going to get wet again, anyways. “I’ll return tomorrow night, once I’m healed.” 

He looked at Cale’s lax form, the way the omega laid bare against the floor, his thighs slightly spread. His eyes flashed as he took it all in, hands clenching against his side as he resisted the urge to rejoin him. 

He hadn’t been lying. He really did enjoy doing the work, and under normal circumstances, when the blood within his body wasn’t screaming at him in pain and his bones weren’t sore he knew just how long he could go once he started, knew an omega’s sexual drive could be practically endless under the right conditions. 

“That’s not necessary.” Cale argued, though his tone was softer than usual, his nose sniffing the air. He could smell Paseton’s growing arousal and was obviously trying to ignore it. 

“It is.” Paseton returned. 

Cale was unable to argue more, the omega prince stepping away, towards the balcony. He could drop into the ocean from there, Cale knew. 

He stood slowly, ignoring the dripping between his thighs. He ambled over to the balcony, looking over the railing, but he didn’t see the other omega. They were quick swimmers, he was likely long gone. 

He wouldn’t have to take his tea, which was probably the only benefit to being the one doing the hard work. He’d enjoyed the feeling of being inside of the omega, wouldn’t say no to experiencing it again, but he refused to go through that sort of effort again just to have it. He was exhausted, and honestly a little frustrated. He’d grown so used to something being inside of him during these occurrences, even when he wasn’t being taken his lovers generally used their fingers on him, or their tongues at the very least. 

He felt empty, and his instincts hated that. Insisted that he couldn’t possibly be done. 

Oh, well. He’d have to suck it up. He wasn’t planning to see another partner anytime soon, and he wasn’t in the mood to call over someone else to try and fix the problem. Anyone he invited in would be able to smell the other omega, and then there’d be questions. Ones he didn’t want to answer. 

At least now it was over. All he had to do was get through tomorrow, observe the effects him taking the ancient powers had on the ocean, and then he could go home. 

No more whale people, no more risk of running into Toonka. Once he was away from this place, he would be free to laze about for a little bit. 

He couldn’t wait.

Chapter Text

Of course things hadn’t gone his way. 

He’d been hoping to avoid Toonka entirely, and had done rather well at achieving that goal up until the man decided to reveal himself just as Cale boarded the boat to return to the island he'd ventured to the day before. He’d volunteered himself into joining, falsely sympathetic to Amiru's concern, because he had wanted to observe the state of the whirlpools after receiving the ancient power. What he hadn’t realized was that Toonka would have so readily joined them, given his personality. He wasn't exactly the type of person to investigate something he couldn't fight.  

What Cale really expected, however, was how difficult it would be to remain focused within the vicinity of such a strong alpha presence. 

It wasn't that he was too physically strong for Cale to handle, that wasn't the problem.  Toonka had nowhere near the warrior presence of Choi Han, who'd Cale had become intimately familiar with.

Not that he wasn't capable, as a barbarian—although barbarian’s weren’t truly a race in this world, more of a cultural phenomenon– he did exude a certain air of strength, his form confident and relaxed; well aware that he could fell anyone on the boat if he needed to. He didn't seem to care that those who surrounded him were either direct nobility or those who served them. Toonka was dressed far simpler than anyone else in the immediate area, his hair wild, his face unshaven; his scarred skin, marked from countless difficult battles over the years casually revealed for all to see. He held no shame for his appearance, Cale could tell just how comfortable he was within his own skin. 

He didn't begrudge him that, he preferred a simple appearance and a life without noble decorum just as much as any modern man would. Not that he would ever say so. It wouldn't do to have his senses questioned. 

But as expected from his readings, Toonka was all muscle. His borrowed clothing taut against his firm form. He seemed unconcerned at the lingering stares he received, instead confidently staring back, measuring each person he came across with his gaze before, seemingly disappointed with what he found—turning away. 

His nostrils had flared for just a moment when those dark eyes had settled on Cale, Toonka’s scent, already boasting of its incredible strength, flaring for just a moment before turning away, disregarding him just as easily as he had the others. 

Cale had been quietly grateful for that. Barbarians didn’t care about secondary genders, wealth, or status. Toonka didn’t care that he was an omega, only whether or not he was strong enough to challenge. 

He was happy to be a disappointment. 

So the surprise addition hadn't been an issue, as a matter of fact, everything had been going fine until the whale princess, Witira and her brother showed up. 

He’d thought she was going to kill him for just one moment, likely misinterpreting her brother’s lingering smell on Cale’s form as a sign that he'd slain him rather than laid with him. But then Toonka had shown himself, scent wild with aggression and excitement as he launched himself recklessly into an attack, forcing her attention elsewhere as they proceeded into a rather one-sided conflict. 

As a consequence, Cale had become soaked from the ocean's spray, and then nearly crushed, and then soaked again before Witiria had decided to transform into her humanoid form. 

Which had only made things worse for Cale, but for an entirely different reason. 

Because she was an alpha, and an absolutely beautiful one at that. 

If Toonka looked rugged and wild, with wide hands and an ever wider chest, Witria seemed to be an almost equal opposite. Her form was deceptively delicate, appearing light and sensual, but anytime she shifted he could see the definition of her muscles shifting with her, too. He could practically taste her power, carefully controlled beneath her skin. 

And in her human form, he could smell her just as easily as he could Toonka. Between the two of them he found himself embraced by alpha pheromones, unable to do anything more as his most primal instincts reacted accordingly; assuming that what he was seeing was a battle for the right to mate him and preparing his body for the victor. Slick dripped down his thighs, escaping his under garments and ruining the silks he'd chosen that morning. He pressed him thighs together, ignoring the way his dick throbbed at the sudden stimulation.  

Instincts could be wrong, and in this case they definitely were. The alphas weren't fighting for him. 

In reality, the battle was because Toonka was reckless and Witira was defending him on behalf of her brother, deciding that this farce of a battle needed to end. It was time to put the upstart alpha in his place. 

Which was fine, he even found enjoyment in watching how she toyed with him, until they’d accidentally gotten civilians involved. Then he’d had to put up his shield to stop them from getting harmed and people misinterpreted his leg cramping from being in one position for too long, and then suddenly there were people all around him; touching him with gentle hands and attempting to sooth him with their scents when he really didn’t need it. Between his instincts confusing the battle and the pheromones and physicality of it all he nearly had to ask for someone to assist him that instant. 

His body didn't care that he wanted to move on, to return home; it wanted fulfillment, and it specifically wanted an alpha. He'd had to form words and think out the best course of action all while his brain whispered that he should be getting a knot by now, what with Witiria winning the right to bed him.  

Instincts were the worst, sometimes. 

Once they’d returned to his temporary lodgings he’d very carefully dodged Paseton when he’d tried to stealthily offer himself up again. His sister lingered at his side, concerned over his health, but he still kept looking at Cale with those cunning eyes, tilting his head in question. If Witiria wasn't here, Cale was certain his scent would be far less reserved, he'd experienced how powerful an omega could be the night before and had begun to understand why his secondary gender was so coveted. But no matter how tempting, he was unwilling to risk having to go through all of that effort once again just for an orgasm. 

He might have been more willing to have someone join him in his chambers if it had been Witiria asking. His instincts were still whispering in his head, and she was incredibly attractive even without her pseudo-claim. But she’d seemed more concerned over her brother, and he had never been one to push. 

He figured he could wait until he returned home. It wouldn't be long now, so it's not as though he needed to worry over harming himself. He was sure Choi Han would approach him the moment he could and if not him, there was always Billos or Hans or someone else until he could receive the knot his body craved so badly. . 

There was a small part of him that wondered over when he'd become so well adjusted to this world that the thought of approaching someone for sex seemed almost like he was planning out a shopping trip, and a willing partner was just one of the items he needed to find. He supposed it didn't matter, he'd dropped his original world's sensibilities and thoughts around sex and love the moment he'd allowed Billos to find pleasure within him, his curiosity long turned to acceptance. 

Cale, no, Kim Rok Soo, didn't know if he'd be able to return to his solitary existence even if he did return to his previous world. Even without being an omega, he believed he'd crave the relief he so readily found here, the comfort of a body over his.

Not that he believed he'd ever return, anyways. He had resigned himself to being Cale Henituse, and with all of the trappings and caveats that came with the name.

Still a little flustered from the afternoon, Cale had fled his quarters to better observe the whirpools, taking the chance to deal with them properly now that he was alone. 

But of course, he wasn't alone. Toonka had found him, approaching him from the sea. He'd swam through turbulent waters like they were nothing, and then he'd completely misinterpreted Cale’s abilities and his actions before trying to force him into a fight. 

Careless, reckless man. 

It had taken longer than he would have preferred to convince him that he wasn’t a threat, let alone a mage. He’d explained his ancient powers, knowing they would shift the alpha's perception in his favor, and then he laid out his true intentions: offering to buy the magic tower. To sweeten the deal, he even added on that he’d help send the man home if he agreed. 

The alpha had laughed, his scent sweetening as he relayed his terms. The two came to a workable agreement, with both coming out of it under the impression that the other was getting the wrong side of the deal. 

But Cale knew it was Toonka who was really missing. Not that he would tell him. The man would never know what rested beneath his nose, not even after Cale snatched it for himself. 

He thought that would be all of it, the deal done, the misunderstanding put aside.

But then Toonka surprised him once last time. 

The alpha moved in close, well past what was common courtesy for an acquaintance; sniffing loudly and openly against his neck, before pulling back and giving him a smirk. 

“You know, where I come from, letting an omega walk around smelling that unfulfilled is a great dishonor.” 

Cale blinked.

“I’m not unfulfilled.” 

That wasn't strictly true, considering the primal part of his brain was still whining for a knot. But he had control of it, for now. He just needed to wait until he got home. 

“Coulda fooled me.” Toonka returned, lingering close, the smell of the ocean clinging to his damp form. “I can smell your frustration, can see it in the lines of your body.” 

Cale resisted the urge to look down, to follow the man's lascivious gaze, knowing that he wouldn’t be able to see whatever it was that Toonka supposedly saw. 

“You probably think I can’t smell that other omega on you,” Toonka grinned, just as smug as he always ways. “But I can, I have a fantastic nose.” 

Cale knew that, of course. The barbarians within the novel were meant to be closer to their primal roots, partly due to experimentation they’d forcefully undergone but more so due to their environment. They didn't have the luxuries of the wealthy, or the stability of the common folk living under a lord's protection. For generations, Toonka's people had been living and breeding within the wilds, with little creature comforts. It only made sense that his senses would still align with that environment. His people didn't adapt because they couldn't. 

It made his eyes sharp and his nose powerful; allowed him to quickly grasp things which no one else would until it was far too late. 

Under other circumstances, he could see Toonka being a protagonist of his own. If only Choi Han didn't outmatch him in almost every category. 

Still, it was embarrassing, having his liaisons spoken about so casually. 

“Did he not mount you properly?” Toonka’s question was blunt, his fingers itching to touch, only holding back because Cale had not given him any approval “I’d be willing, since you’re not a mage.” 

“Wh-” 

“Normally I wouldn’t bother with someone so weak.” he admitted, shifting his stance, showing off the lines of his shoulders as he preened for the omega's attention. “But you’re interesting enough, and I haven’t had the pleasure to taste anyone in this kingdom before I was sent away.” 

Cale felt himself slicken despite himself, simultaneously mortified and turned on by his casual disposition. Unlike the nobles he’d fallen into bed with, who’d spoken of their interest between honeyed words and careful scent manipulation, Toonka was all honesty, with a fierceness to match. 

He reminded Cale of Choi Han not for the first time that night, but somehow even less tactful. 

It didn't help that he'd been craving a knot all day, his mind still lingering on the fight from before.

Toonka chuckled, scenting the air even more shamelessly, pressing their hips flush against each other; goaded on at such open desire. In this position, Cale could feel the hardness under his britches, the promise of an alpha cock with all of its specific features just out of reach. 

“I’d like to return home satisfied.” Toonka explained, just the tiniest bit raspy as he gripped at Cale's hips, pressing harder to amplify the feeling. “Wouldn’t you like to say the same?” 

Cale couldn’t even believe he was considering this.

Toonka was a foolish man, one who’d had already proven to be too difficult to deal with. He lacked forethought and was inconsiderate of others; far too busy seeking out challenges and recklessly attacking anyone he considered somewhat magical. 

But he was also an alpha, with a strong form and an attractive face. He could already tell that his dick was large enough to satisfy him properly if the man knew what to do with it. 

Which Cale could only assume he did, given the books insistence on him having a loyal harem of his own. 

And he supposed it really had been a while since he’d taken a knot. It would stop the cravings, at least. His other lovers hadn’t been alphas, and he’d been struggling to achieve the lingering bliss and comfortable relaxation afforded to him only when he was properly sated. Hillsman and Paseton had done their best, but their individual issues at the time of their joining had left Cale a little less than satisfied. 

Toonka wouldn’t have been his first choice, but he was a choice, and one that was eagerly offering himself. 

“There’s no bed.” Cale stated. They were on the island, after all, far from the careful comforts of his temporary lodgings. It would take time to return, especially as the dragon had left some time ago. He didn't think he was strong enough to carry the man back to his chambers, even with the ancient power. 

Toonka snorted. 

“Nobles.” Toonka gripped his hips. “Too separated from your instincts.” 

“What does that—” 

Toonka lifted him, causing Cale to sramble for his shoulders, holding on in fear of falling. He felt a flash of arousal at the muscle flexing beneath his grip, the ease in which the alpha carried him. Toonka moved him just a few steps, away from uncovered dirt and rock to settle him onto a patch grass. 

“Nature is better than any bedding.” 

He moved to rip Cale’s clothing off, not polite in the slightest. He was lucky his evening garb was far simpler in design, allowing his pants and lounge shirt to be removed without much fuss. Before the omega could think on the matter, bare to the night sky, the alpha was moving him once more, shifting him to his hands and knees, one large hand grabbing for the back of his neck and pushing him down; forcing Cale to arch and turn his head, resting the side of his face against grass so he wouldn't end up with his nose pressed into the ground.

Toonka kneed his thighs apart, his hand firmly keeping him in place. In this position, Cale would be able to do little other than take whatever Toonka wanted to give him, the weight of him flush against Cale’s back. 

The sound of fabric shifting was the only sign he had that Toonka was freeing himself for the taking, his current field of view blocked to only seeing Toonka’s face and the length of his arm. 

Then the alpha was pulling himself into position, shifting up just a bit, his free hand reaching for his hardened cock, before Cale felt himself being entered, the heat of the alpha’s length almost too much as it breached inside of him. 

He could only whimper as his body adjusted. Toonka hadn’t loosened him with his fingers or his tongue, and there had been absolutely no foreplay to ease the passage. Cale’s insides ached as they attempted to stretch to better welcome in the alpha, producing more slick in hopes of smoothing the ride. 

Toonka bottomed out, his hips flush against Cale’s ass, his balls slapping hard against his inner thighs. The alpha huffed out a laugh, his left hand gripping at Cale’s hip while the other maintained the grip on his neck. 

“You were able to take me.” Toonka casually acknowledged, shifting forward to lay one long lick up his spine, stopping just below were his hand rested. “Now let’s see if you can bear it.” 

Before Cale could say anything in return, the alpha was moving. Hard, deep thrusts jolting through his core and up his stomach, forcing Cale to grip at the grass beneath him as he tried to handle the onslaught. 

Toonka wasn’t a quiet lover, not by any stretch of the imagination. He wasn’t a talker, but he grunted loudly every time he reached as far as he could go, and he laughed when his movements proved to be a little too hard for the omega under him, reveling in the way Cale cried out his pleasure, scrambling underneath him for stability. He kept his mouth open as he exerted his effort, voicing his claiming as was custom to the cooling night air. 

Cale would normally have found that annoying, but he was so focused on remaining still that he had little time to think beyond his current position. His body had slowly adjusted to the forceful invasion, his passage slickening more and more with each powerful thrust. It did, regrettably, feel incredibly good. Better than he'd had in ages. Toonka’s cock was long and thick, and he had found Cale’s prostate with little effort, pressing insistently against it as he sought out his own pleasure. 

His knees hurt from being consistently pressed into the grass, the softness of the greenery doing little to stave off the ground beneath it. The side of his face, the one that had been shoved into said ground, would likely be bright red and sore once they were done, blades of grass prickled against him, teasing at his nostrils, distracting him from fully losing himself to the encounter. 

But the hand wrapped around the back of his neck was doing something to him that he hadn’t expected. He had known about the scent gland there, of course, just as he knew about the ones on his wrists and between his thighs. He had heard how sensitive that particular gland was, but generally nobility was so bond by their self imposed rules and decorum that no one had ever dared to grab at it so intently, even during the most intimate of joinings. 

Toonka, with no nobility to speak of, didn’t share that same courtesy. 

He found himself sharply crying out, the sound shocking even him, as a well timed thrust paired with the firm grasp tightening over his gland enough to force him into orgasm. He came onto the ground beneath him, his untouched penis aching as it released everything it had to give.

But Toonka wasn’t letting up, if anything the insides clenching around his dick only made his victory of Cale's body sweeter, causing the man to huff out a pleased laugh as he released Cale’s neck, moving his now free hand to the other side of Cale’s hips. 

Oversensitive and weakened from orgasm, Cale couldn’t even be bothered to change his position, his mind drifting to the point that he could do little more than gasp out a whimper here, a cry there, helpless to the onslaught of the varying sensations he continued to experience. 

Toonka’s movements became erratic as he pressed down on Cale’s hips, his knot beginning to thicken as he came closer to his own pleasure. He grunted, shifting his stance wider, and pulled Cale’s ass back towards him with each thrust, strengthening his fucking to a near unbearable degree in its final moments. 

Then, just as Cale felt himself falling over the edge once more, gasping out as his slick dripped from his channel, slickening the cock within him as his insides clenched down to the point of near pain, the alpha pressed in deep, his knot bulging against his entrance as Toonka proudly growled to the world his satisfaction, his cum bursting into Cale, painting his insides and giving him the relief he so sorely needed. 

Cale could do little more than breathe as he came down, his lambs shaking, nearly ever part of him sore in some manner. He allowed the alpha to pull him to his side, relieved as he was finally given a moment to rest. 

Toonka didn’t comfort him as his others lovers had done after a proper joining, no, instead he seemed rather smug as cock continued it's steady release, the knot keeping his seed from dipping onto the grass. His hand on Cale’s hip was more to keep him in place while his body did as it desired than in any desire to remain close as instincts would generally dictate. 

He couldn’t see him from their current position, but Cale could hear him scent the air. 

“That smells better.” Toonka boasted. “How an omega should smell.” 

Cale absolutely refused to reply to that. 

“I bet we can do better than that, though.” his grip tightened, his hair brushing Cale’s ears as he came closer, nosing at his chin. He bit at the skin there, the closest they'd come to a kiss. “Maybe just one more time?” 

In this, at least, Toonka was familiar to him. He’d had this same experience with Choi Han and Eric before him, he could only assume this was simply how alphas were. It would make sense, given their role in the breeding process.

Cale sighed, wishing he’d been more insistent on finding a proper bed before agreeing to this arrangement. 

But he also would admit, if only to himself, that Toonka’s description from the book wasn’t inaccurate. He was a suitable bed partner, one who'd brought Cale great pleasure, even if it had been a bit rougher than he was used to.

So instead of arguing or ending it there, he simply spread his aching thighs, hissing as his movement accidentally jostled the knot within him. Gently, so as to not disturb their position anymore than it already was, he rested his calf over Toonka’s.  In this position, he'd be able to do as he pleased, not that Cale would assume he wouldn't, anyways. Then he tilted his head so the alpha could better smell him. 

His growing arousal had to be answer enough.

Toonka chuckled, his voice heady with desire, and then he was pressing himself deeper within Cale's passage, the knot, still not fully deflated, tugging relentlessly as it was forced further in.

Cale bit at his lip to stop from gasping, his partner too busy reveling in the sound of their bodies smacking together, the slick squelching with every miniscule movement he made to notice. 

It was going to be a long night.