Cherry Red, Crimson Blood
Chapter 5: What I Want
Summary: You begin your training with Ghost, but not everything goes as smoothly as you'd hoped. At least you're learning how to want things, and that it won't kill you if you ask for them.
Pairing: Poly 141 x reader, some Ghost x Soap
Warnings: NSFW, 18+, oral sex, Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamics, Alternate Universe, a/b/o typical classism and sexism, military inaccuracies, suggestive content, language, brief violence, reader has a breakdown
A/N: I know I was supposed to rest, but I couldn't help myself. I just had to get this one done. I was feeling it. We're finally getting into the good stuff here. Things will kind of pick up after this part, so I'm really looking forward for that.
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You tug nervously at your sleeve, feeling exactly as you did when you had to sit in the directorâs office at The Institute. Only, you never got in trouble there. You had never been summoned because you misbehaved. You made it a point not to get into trouble, avoiding it at all costs.Â
Youâve been here just over a week and youâve already messed up.Â
Price is staring at you across his desk, leaning on his elbows as his blue eyes bore into you. Youâre not staring at Price, you think. No, youâve come face to face with The Captain. Heâs angry, though you canât be entirely sure. Youâve never seen him truly angry. Youâre waiting on the reprimanding, the punishment, for him to tell you theyâre sending you back because youâre too much trouble.Â
âI want you to tell me exactly what happened.â
You flinch at his voice, half expecting him to start shouting but he sounds almost calm. Thereâs a strain to his voice, like heâs restraining himself. Heâs doing it for your sake, you think.Â
âGhost and I were walking back from the mess when one of the alphas called out to me. He...he asked if I was going to go spread my legs for âthat freakâ and he said he could offer me a better time.â You swallow thickly, Priceâs shoulders tensing just slightly. âI donât know what happened...I just suddenly felt so angry and itâs like I lost control of myself and I went up to him and he asked if I was gonna take him up on his offer and that heâd like to bend me over and stare at my sweet ass all night...and then I hit him, sir.âÂ
âGood.âÂ
You look up at Price in surprise at his answer, your eyes widening a bit. âS-sorry, sir?âÂ
âI have little tolerance for alphas that think itâs alright to speak crudely to omegas, especially those they were explicitly told to let be. You saved me a lot of paperwork today. Simon would have done a lot worse had you not gotten to him first.â He moves the papers on his desk aside, holding out his hand. âLet me see.âÂ
You stare at his hand for a moment before you realize heâs talking about your hand. You push your sleeve up, putting your hand in his. Your knuckles have swollen a bit and bruised, tender to the touch as he runs his thumb over them.Â
âSimon told me you asked him to teach you to fight.â He says, closing his fingers around your hand.Â
âWell, not so much fight, sir.â You say, staring at your hands. âMaybe just how to throw a decent punch.âÂ
âIâd say the one you threw today was at least half-decent. Corporal Allen is sporting quite the bruise on his face.â The corner of his lips lift in a smile. âYou wonât have to worry about him anymore. Heâll be properly dealt with and theyâll all be receiving a lecture on proper base etiquette.âÂ
âSo...am I in trouble, sir?â You ask, pulling your hand back slowly as he releases it.Â
âNo, you were simply defending yourself after Corporal Allen made a pass at you. Just donât make it a habit of going around punching alphas.â He smiles.Â
âIâll try not to, sir.â You say, relieved that you werenât about to get punished for your mistake.Â
âGo on.â He nods towards the door. âIâm sure the boys are waiting for you.âÂ
âThank you, sir.â You say, standing up from your chair, heading towards the door.Â
Price leans back in his chair as the door closes, the sweet scent of caramel and strawberries still permeating his office. He breathes it in for a moment before pulling out his phone, scrolling through the contacts.Â
âYouâll be delighted to hear our girl punched an alpha in the face today.â He says once the other line picks up.Â
âShe did what?â Laswell asks, genuine surprise in her tone.Â
âOne of the Corporals made a pass at her, and she left quite the bruise on his cheek. Sheâs turning into quite the spitfire.âÂ
âI told you she would fit right in. Underneath all that institute-taught BS thereâs quite the personality. How is she settling in?âÂ
âSheâs softening up to the betas already. Still a bit fidgety, but sheâs found a way to get Simon to warm up to her.âÂ
âOh? How so?âÂ
âShe asked him to teach her to fight.â Price grins.Â
Laswell chuckles. âI told you sheâs smart. Just make sure heâs gentle with her.âÂ
âDon't worry, I reminded him to go easy on her. I think it will be good for both of them. Some forced proximity will be good for Simon and sheâll get to learn a few things that could be helpful.âÂ
âSo long as she doesnât go around trying to fight more alphas.âÂ
âSheâs already promised not to. The Corporal got off easy. I can only imagine what Simon might have done to him.âÂ
âIâm glad to hear things are going well, John. I worry about her sometimes, but I know you boys will take good care of her.âÂ
âWeâre doing our best.âÂ
âIf you ever need anything, you know you can call.âÂ
âI know. Iâll keep you updated as her heat gets closer.âÂ
âGood. Iâd hate to have to file that paperwork.âÂ
Price grimaces. âI know. I hope you donât have to.âÂ
Youâre tying your shoes as the knock sounds on the door. Youâre not sure how they manage to do it, always seeming to catch you at the perfect moment. Youâre glad Kate thought to get you some more active-wear type clothing, though perhaps she expected youâd be getting involved in their training or at least start a bit of your own once you arrived, just as she had thought to get you outdoorsy clothes too.Â
You open the door, staring up at the hulking form of Ghost.Â
âCome on.â He grunts, turning on his heel to walk down the hallway.Â
You quickly close your door, hurrying after him. Not much has changed since your request for him to train you, though you didnât really expect it to. Not at first, at least. You still have to prove yourself to him. Simply existing and getting involved in their lives would not be enough.Â
He escorts you to the gym, a building you havenât been in yet. Thereâs a few soldiers milling around, most of them in the weight room. Thereâs a pool across from the weight room, for more than just swimming, you think. Your father had talked about his own water survival training. You can only imagine the kind of water training they go through.Â
Ghost leads you towards the back of the gym, unlocking a door near the exit. Itâs set up not unlike a dojo, mats on the floor and punching bags and other training equipment along the walls. Ghost empties his pockets, setting his things on a bench before removing his sweatshirt.Â
You canât help but stare, only ever having seen him in long sleeves. His muscles bulge beneath his t-shirt, the first bit of skin revealed to you besides his neck, chin, and hands. Your eyes are drawn to his arms, taking in the sheer size of them.Â
Tattoos.Â
He has a sleeve of tattoos on his left arm. You have a desire to look at them closer, to trace each one but you wouldnât dare. Not right now. You pull off your own sweatshirt, folding it and setting it on the bench, leaving you in just a t-shirt and your leggings.Â
You fail in your attempt not to stare as he walks towards the center of the mat in his t-shirt and sweatpants, swallowing nervously. He turns to face you, motioning for you to approach with two of his fingers. Your face warms as you hurry onto the mat, coming to stand in front of him.Â
âLet me see.â He says, holding out his hand.Â
You stare at it for a moment before your brain catches up, and you put your right hand into his. You ignore the feeling of his fingers wrapping around your hand, lifting it so he can inspect your still bruised knuckles.Â
âWeâll start with dodging.â He says, releasing your hand, taking a step back. âLet me see your stance.âÂ
You part your feet a little, bringing your fists up to your face. His shoulders shake in a quiet huff of a laugh as he stares at you.Â
âYou need to stagger your stance more.â He says, circling you. âOtherwise,â Hands push you from behind, and you nearly avoid face planting into the floor. âYouâre too easy to knock over. The last thing you want is the fight to end up on the floor. You wonât be getting back up if you let your opponent overpower you that much. Again.â He motions to you.Â
You set up your stance again, widening your feet just a bit.Â
âGood.â He says, moving to stand in front of you. âThese protect your face.â He says, hands wrapping around your wrists, raising your hands just a bit. âYou get hit in the face...âÂ
âI wonât be getting back up.â You finish for him.Â
You know most fights end up with both opponents on the ground. Youâd watched your brothers wrestle and play fight enough to know that. Youâre not here to learn how to win a fight, only how to protect yourself enough until you can find space to run.Â
You barely have time to stumble back as his fist swings at you, nearly losing your footing. âHey! You could warn me first.âÂ
âYou think someone attacking you is going to warn you?â He asks.Â
He has a point.Â
âUse your legs.â He says as you set yourself up again. âMove side to side if you can instead of ducking under the punch, but if you have to, donât let your eyes leave your opponent.âÂ
You see this punch coming, ducking to your right to avoid getting hit.Â
âGood.â He says, repeating the motion with his left hand. âStay focused.âÂ
You continue with the same motion a few times, already starting to feel a bit fatigued. Running is one thing, but strength is another. Most omegas arenât naturally strong, nor are they inclined to increase their strength. Thatâs what alphas and their packs are for. Itâs not unheard of, though, for omegas to increase their physical strength. Perhaps youâll need to consider looking into doing that as well.Â
Ghost takes a step back, letting you rest for a moment. Youâre breathing heavily, though heâs hardly looking fatigued at all. Heâs used to this, you remind yourself. He probably throws more punches in a day in the field than heâs thrown at you so far in 30 minutes.Â
âNow, letâs make it a bit more realistic.â He says, a low rumble at the edge of his voice.Â
A wave of scent hits you, your brain nearly short-circuiting. Fear pulses through you, ozone burning your nostrils. You stumble backwards, landing on your back on the mat. Youâre breathing heavily, every cell in your body screaming at you to run or submit.Â
âThatâs...thatâs n-not fair!â You say, your hands trembling from the adrenaline coursing through you.Â
âAny alpha you fight is going to use every natural advantage they have over you.â Ghost says, stalking towards you. You can practically see it, the purebred alpha within him coming through. âYou need to learn to protect yourself against them.âÂ
âThat's...thatâs not possible.â You say, the edge of a whine detectable in your tone.Â
He kneels down over you, crowding into your space despite the souring of your scent. It doesnât even seem to phase him as he forces you flat on your back, his hands coming to rest on either side of your head. You stare up at him, every fiber of your being screaming at you to bare your throat, submit, give in.Â
Donât back down.Â
Donât back down.Â
You push past the fear, the instincts screaming at you as you drive your knee up into his stomach. He lets out a grunt but it doesnât phase him, his hand wrapping around your leg, using his sheer strength to flip you onto your stomach under him. He presses against you, body folding over yours. You resist the urge, the instinct to press back into him, to be a good omega.Â
âIf an alpha gets you onto the floor...â He says, warm breath fanning your ear through his mask. âYou wonât want to get back up.âÂ
His face presses against your neck as he inhales deeply before he pushes himself up, grabbing the back of your shirt and hauling you to your feet as well. Youâre shaking, your heart thumping in your chest. Your head feels fuzzy, your brain buzzing a bit. Your omega is confused, poised to strike but sheâs not sure against who. Ghost isnât a threat, and you know that, but he had just proved how easily he could be. Any of them could be, with a simple scent change and their sheer strength.Â
âAgain.â He says, getting into a fighting stance.Â
âYou canât expect me to fight after that.â You say, your voice breathless.Â
âIf youâre in a real fight, you wonât have much of a choice.â He says, the rumble still audible around his own voice.Â
Heâs right. If someone is attacking you, itâs likely going to be to kill, or to try and take you from them. Your omega shifts uncomfortably as you raise your shaking hands to guard your face. You continue to dodge punches, hitting the ground more and more as you continue to get tired. Youâre going to be sore, still feeling your hike through the woods a bit.Â
The door opens, giving you a moment to breathe. Soap enters, a grin on his face.Â
âAh, the wee lass is still breathinâ.â He says, leaning against the wall. âCame tae make sure ye hadnae killed âer.âÂ
You can practically hear Ghost roll his eyes, his back turned to you as he says something to Soap. You canât hear what it is, the ringing in your ears too loud. Your omega is still worked up, still poised to strike, more so now in your exhausted state. You push yourself off the floor, not having a moment to think things through before youâre throwing yourself at Ghostâs back.Â
He turns before you hit him, catching you and flipping you onto your back on the mat. You hit hard, the breath forced from your lungs at the impact.
âChrist, Simon!â Soap shouts, hurrying to your side. âYe tryinâ tae break her, ye numpty?âÂ
âDonât do that again.â Ghost growls at you, stomping over to grab his things before leaving the room.Â
âEasy, hen.â Soap soothes you as you gasp for air, his hand gently rubbing your shoulder. âBe over before ye know it.âÂ
Slowly the paralysis of your diaphragm begins to lessen, your stomach still aching but the air comes easier now. You squeeze your eyes shut, trying to fight the tears. Youâve messed it up. One day and youâve already done more damage than you would have had you not asked him to teach you to fight.Â
âDonâ worry, hen. Heâs just worked up, that's all.â Soap says, brushing a damp strand of hair from your forehead.Â
âItâs his fault.â You murmur.Â
âMaybe, but yer scent...surprised you didnât notice, hen.â Soap wiggles his brows.Â
Your face warms. You hadnât noticed the uptick of muskiness in the room, the heady scent of arousal before now.
Itâs not yours.Â
âMe?â You ask, letting Soap help you into a seated position.Â
Soap smirks. âIt wasnae me that tented his breeks this time.âÂ
Your face warms even more, your body feeling like it might explode.Â
âCome on, hen.â He says, slipping his hands under your arms to lift you to your feet. âThereâs still time tae shower before breakfast.âÂ
âI can assume you know why you were called in here sooner than our normal weekly meeting time.â Dr. Keller says as you sit in her office.Â
âBecause I punched Corporal Allen.â You say with a wince.Â
Dr. Keller nods. âIndeed. I just want to make sure youâre feeling alright, after that. Getting into an altercation with an alpha can be tough.âÂ
âI donât think Iâd call it an altercation.â You say quietly.Â
âMaybe not,â She says, shuffling her papers. âBut standing up to an alpha can be daunting.âÂ
âI wasnât alone.â You shrug. âGhost was there.âÂ
âI saw both yours and Lieutenant Rileyâs account of what happened. Iâm wondering, would you have confronted him if you were alone?âÂ
Her question makes you think for a moment. Would you have stopped? Would you have confronted him, much less punched him if you were alone, or even with one of the others? No, you likely would have ignored him and kept walking like you did with Gaz. Youâd likely have gone straight to your room and cried a little out of embarrassment and disgust.Â
âNo, maâam.â You say quietly. âI donât think so.âÂ
Dr. Keller nods. âYouâre aware of Lieutenant Rileyâs status.âÂ
You nod, a frown pulling at your brows. How did she figure it out? âYes, maâam.âÂ
âI know because I have access to their medical records.â Dr. Keller says. âItâs required for statuses to be present in medical records since purebreds have to be treated differently, just as alphas, betas, and omegas have to be treated differently.âÂ
You do know that. You know that an injured alpha can get defensive if they feel cornered. You know omegas can die from stress if theyâre not taken care of correctly. You know betas can get overwhelmed by large groups of injured people all in the same place without proper training to filter out the scents of agony and suffering.Â
âI think you reacted to his scent.â Dr. Keller continues. âYou mentioned feeling a sudden rush of uncontrollable anger. Do you remember smelling anything at that moment?âÂ
You nod. âOzone.âÂ
She nods, the pieces beginning to come together in your own head. âIâm sure youâve figured out how different purebred alphaâs are and how much more potent their scents are. Your own status makes you more susceptible to their scents and the changes in them. You were reacting to the change in his scent. Your omega sensed a threat, and took over for a moment to defend you. Itâs a natural response in omegas towards those they see as protectors, or even packmates.âÂ
Your eyes widen a bit at her words. Ghost is technically your packmate. Heâs an alpha in your pack, but youâve never considered that you see him as anything but. He has defended you, and he had defended you not long before your altercation with Corporal Allen. Had your omega begun to cling to him out of a sheer need for protection after something like what happened in the mess?Â
You would like Ghost to see you as more than just an omega in his pack, more than just Priceâs omega. You know heâd never claim you, but youâd at least like to get onto friendly terms with him. Soap said it had taken proving himself before Ghost started to accept him. Youâre hoping your time spent learning how to fight helps you prove yourself, that youâre not a threat or even a risk. That maybe you can be an acceptable omega for his pack.Â
âAside from this incident, how are you settling in? How are things going with your new pack?âÂ
âFine, I guess.â You shrug, starting to pick at your sleeve again. âGhost is teaching me to defend myself.â
âOh? Does this have something to do with what happened with Corporal Allen? Or is there a different reason?â Dr. Keller asks.Â
âI mean, partially that but also, Ghost, heâs...hard to get along with.â You grimace. âI know that in relationships, a good way to bond with people is to get into their hobbies so you have something in common. Ghost...ghost speaks in violence and I think it would help ease some of my fears if I can at least defend myself.âÂ
âI think this is a great idea. It allows for some bonding time between the two of you, and it can also be beneficial to ease your anxiety a bit. As long as youâre being careful and you donât get hurt.â She says, giving you a pointed look.Â
You think back to Ghost flipping you onto your back on the mat, narrowly missing getting hit, how heâd pinned you down using his own scent against you. âHeâs being careful.â You say, clearing your throat. âPrice would put him through the ringer if something happened. Even just as an accident.âÂ
âHow are things going with Price?â She asks, writing something down.Â
You shrug. âFine. He involved me in some training this past weekend. We hiked out to a watchtower and the others tried to follow my scent. We got to spend some time together while we waited.âÂ
âHave you done much of that? Spending time together?â She asks.Â
You shake your head. âNot really. Heâs...busy. A lot.âÂ
âYou should start making an effort to get to know him more.â Dr. Keller says. âItâll make it easier once your heat hits if youâre familiar with him. Have you knelt for him yet?âÂ
You shake your head again, not wanting to answer out loud.Â
âWhy not?â She asks.Â
âHe still hasnât asked me to.â You murmur.Â
âDo you know why omegas kneel for their alphas?â She asks.Â
You nod. âItâs good for our brains and bodies. It helps relax us and soothes our omega, makes it easier to process stressful events and can prevent stress related diseases later in life.âÂ
Dr. Keller nods. âCorrect. Itâs an important first step in building that bond between an alpha and an omega, when itâs done correctly.âÂ
Bad alphas can use kneeling to control omegas, put them in certain mindsets, make them more subservient. You know this, youâd heard stories from your fellow omegas after watching their parents. Thatâs not kneeling. You never had the heart to tell them it was so much worse.Â
âDo you want to kneel for him?â She asks you.Â
That word again.Â
You do want to kneel for him. Youâve wanted to since this past Saturday in the watchtower. Youâve felt that urge, that drive to drop to your knees beside him and let yourself go, let him carry everything youâve been feeling over the last week.Â
You nod slowly, ripping one of the strings off your sleeve. Youâre fighting the tears, fighting the emotions welling up inside you. You can feel them building, pushing against your stomach and your chest, threatening to burst right out of your skin and leave you nothing but an empty carcass. Youâre breathing has picked up, shaking a bit as you inhale deeply.Â
âWhy havenât you asked?â Dr. Keller asks, her brows furrowing as she stares at you.Â
âI donât know how!â The words tear from your lips, almost echoing as they bounce off the walls like projectiles. You havenât so much as raised your voice in years, much less to a person of authority, but you canât stop. The dam has been breached. âEveryone keeps asking me what I want, but I donât know how to want!â Tears cascade down your cheeks, your breaths coming in sharp gasps. You cover your face with your hands, muffling your sobs. âIâm not supposed to want.âÂ
âHey,â Dr. Kellerâs voice is soft as she kneels in front of you, her hands trying to gently pry yours away from your face. âWho told you that?âÂ
âThatâs what weâre taught!â You hiccup, letting her pull your hands from your face. The tears are still falling, lips trembling as you sob. âWeâre supposed to be good omegas. Obedient and serve our alphas. We donât want anything, weâre only supposed to give.âÂ
âWell thatâs a load of bullshit if Iâve ever heard it.âÂ
Dr. Kellerâs words shock you into reality, your sobs halting with a sharp inhale. You stare at her, the tears still spilling from your eyes. Your hands are closed into fists, your sore knuckles aching from the strain.Â
âYouâre an omega. Itâs in your nature to want, to need. You canât help your alpha if your own needs arenât being met first. Itâs okay to need things, to want things. Are there things you want?âÂ
âSofter blankets. Fluffier pillows. A nightlight. Something to put on my walls. Strawberry scented body wash. Some goddamn authentic Mexican food.âÂ
Dr. Keller chuckles lightly. âI can agree with you on that last one.â She squeezes your arms gently. âYouâre allowed to ask for things. Youâre not a soldier, and even they are allowed to have things of their own, comfort items, with them. It doesnât have to be material things either that you ask for. Iâm sure your pack would find a way to bend over backwards if you asked them.âÂ
Sheâs right. The book says omegas can hold great power over the members of their packs if they try. A mix of playing their instincts and the right behavior and temperament can have betas and alphas wrapped around your finger. The idea of having such control over four powerful men makes your head spin.Â
âI want Soap to kiss me.â You blurt out, your face warming as you hastily wipe at your tears to hide.Â
âOh?â Dr. Kellerâs eyebrows raise as she looks at you. âThis is a new development.âÂ
âWe...we almost did...a couple days ago.â You say, burying your face in your hands. âBut I stopped it because I thought maybe Price...but then he said he didnât care...âÂ
Dr. Keller gently wraps her hands around your wrists, lowering your hands. âItâs okay to want that, and itâs okay to want to kneel for Price. I bet heâd be delighted if you asked him. I bet he was waiting because he didn't think you were ready for it yet.â Â
The calming beta scent washes over you, Dr. Keller projecting it to try and help you calm down. Your tears have stopped, your breathing starting to slow as the gentle almond scent goes straight to your brain.Â
âIâd like us to still meet for our regularly scheduled appointment this week, but Iâm giving you an assignment to complete between then and now.â Dr. Keller says. âI want you to ask one of the members of your pack for one thing that you want. You can pick what it is, and who you ask, but I want to hear about it when I see you later this week, understood?âÂ
You push back the nerves twisting in your stomach. âYes, maâam.âÂ
âGood.â She pushes herself up to stand. âYou can stay here as long as you want. Just let me know when youâre ready to go back to the barracks. Take your time. You are my only patient.âÂ
She grabs the paperwork off the couch before moving to her desk. You watch her for a moment before letting your eyes wander. You wipe at your face, your cheeks feeling puffy from your tears. Youâre glad sheâs giving you time to relax. The last thing you needed was to run into a member of your pack like this.Â
Thatâs not a conversation you want to have right now.Â
You take deep breaths, letting the beta scent permeating the air calm you down. You sink down further into the chair, letting it surround you. Itâs soft, the cushions pressing around you like a hug. You wonder how she managed to get it in the hard, âfunction-above-allâ world of the military. You wonder how she got most things in her office, or maybe if sheâd brought them with her.Â
It was likely Kateâs doing, you think. The office space was made for an omega, set up to be as comforting as possible. Though, you don't doubt Dr. Keller would have argued her case for having these things fearlessly if she had to.Â
You stay in her office for a while, listening to the clacking of her keyboard as the soothing beta scent washes over you. Your eyes are still burning a bit as you force yourself out of the chair, out of the soft comfort you could spend days wrapped in.Â
âIâm ready to go now.â You say quietly.Â
âOkay.â Dr. Keller says, finishing what she was typing before she stands, grabbing her keys.Â
She locks the office behind you before you leave the medical center, pulling up your hood to protect you from the drizzling rain. Youâre growing used to the perpetually grey skies and sudden rainstorms.Â
Dr. Keller squeezes your arm gently as you stop at the door to the barracks. âRemember what I told you. Iâll see you in a few days, alright?âÂ
You nod. âThank you.âÂ
She smiles softly. âYou did good today. I am proud of you.âÂ
You slip into the door of the barracks as she makes her way back to the medical center, your shoes squeaking on the tile floors. You head back to your room, the silence in the barracks telling you theyâre not back yet.Â
You kick off your shoes, pulling your damp sweatshirt off as you sit on the edge of your bed. You stare at your ruined sleeve, the seam split to the edge of the cuff now. You got the sweatshirt from one of your fellow omegas at the institute, and youâve worn it almost every day since. Itâs turned a bit raggedy, and your picking at it hasnât helped any.Â
Ask for one thing that you want.Â
It would be easy to ask for a new sweatshirt. Youâre sure if you asked Gaz, heâd give you the one right off his back. Everything you can think to ask for, theyâd have to buy. If you asked Soap, heâd likely commandeer the closest vehicle and drive straight to town and buy you one in every color, even if he didnât have permission to.Â
You could ask for something thatâs not material.Â
Warmth floods your face as you think about it. How would you even ask? You canât just ask directly. You could, but you might die of embarrassment if anyone heard you. Thereâs nothing to really be embarrassed about, but you canât help it. Itâs a bold thing to ask for, and youâre not sure youâre feeling quite so bold today.Â
You chew on your lip as the barrack door opens, their voices echoing down the hallway as they return from their morning training. They pass by your door, their own doors opening and closing. You get up, moving to stand in front of your own door, holding your breath. You could just step out, knock on his door and ask. Heâs probably changing, though. Youâd never get the words out if he thought it was one of the others and opened it half dressed.Â
You have to do it, though, before you lose your nerve. If you donât do it now, youâll never do it and youâll have to tell Dr. Keller that you failed. Youâre allowed to want things. Itâs your nature to want things. Itâs human nature to want things. Thereâs nothing wrong with having needs and wants.Â
You can want this.Â
You repeat it over and over as you slowly open your door, letting it close behind you. You smell the air, finding the trail of his scent. It disappears down the hall and around the corner towards the rec room. Your legs feel shaky as you follow it, your stomach twisting anxiously. You can want this. Itâs okay to want this.Â
You turn the corner, finding him coming out of the rec room. He grins at you, eyes sparkling.Â
You want this.Â
âHey, lass, was just lookinâ for ye. Are ye ready for lunch-âÂ
His words cut off as you grab his face, standing on your toes to press your lips against his. He makes a surprised sound against your lips, his body tensing. Itâs quick, only a couple seconds before youâre releasing him, taking a big step back. Your eyes are wide with shock, almost as wide as his. His lips are parted in surprise still, his shoulders tensed.Â
âSorry.â You blurt out, your nerves only heightened. What if he hadnât wanted it? âSorry, I just...I wanted to do it and I wanted you to do it that day, but Iâve never had a real kiss before and I thought maybe Price would want to...but then he said he didnât care-âÂ
Your words cut off as he grips your chin, lifting your face so youâre looking at him. The tension has melted from his shoulders, the surprise gone from his face. His eyes are soft as they stare down at you, his thumb brushing your lower lip.Â
âI didnae know it was yer first kiss.â He says softly. âI wouldnae pushed it so far if I did.âÂ
âIt wasnât technically my first kiss, I kissed another omega at the institute but I donât really count it cause I did it for her.â You shrug. âIâve regretted pulling away since that day and Dr. Keller said I should start learning to want things and she gave me the assignment of asking for one thing that I want before I see her again at the end of the week and I could have just asked for something simple but-âÂ
Your words are cut off as he leans down, pressing his lips to yours again. Itâs soft and sweet, his hand sliding from your chin to the back of your head, holding you against him. Your fingers grip his shirt, and you lift yourself onto your toes to press back against him as his lips move against yours.Â
His forehead presses against yours as he pulls away, your breaths mingling as you continue to hold each other. âGaz will be upset he missed out.â He says quietly, lips tugging up in a smile as he squeezes your waist.Â
âHe can kiss me later.â You say, pressing a quick kiss to his lips once more before pulling away. âAfter lunch.âÂ
Soap chuckles quietly, slipping his hand into yours. âAfter lunch.âÂ
You hesitate outside the door, shifting nervously on your feet. You could turn around and go back to bed, pretend like you hadnât spent an hour convincing yourself to walk down here, like you havenât been thinking about this all afternoon. You had already completed your assignment for the week. Youâd kissed Soap, done something you wanted. Youâve fulfilled that desire, and it didnât kill you. You hadnât dropped dead afterward. If the others noticed, they didnât say anything.Â
This isnât a want.Â
You knock softly on the door, half tempted to turn and run and hide under your covers until you inevitably have to get up tomorrow.Â
âCome in.âÂ
Your hand hesitates on the door handle for just a moment before youâre turning it, stepping into the office. He doesnât look surprised to see you, though you suppose if nothing else, he had smelled you standing outside. The thought makes your cheeks warm in embarrassment. How long has he known you were standing out there?Â
âWhat can I do for you, sweetheart?â He asks, setting down his pen.Â
You shuffle nervously, clasping your hands in front of you. âI-I was wondering...I..um...â You take a deep breath. âI was wondering if I could kneel for you.âÂ
You bite your lip as he stares at you, the words having come out fast, almost meshing into one long string of nonsense. His eyes darken just a bit, his scent thickening in the air.Â
âYou want to kneel for me, sweetheart?â He asks, his voice low and rough.Â
You nod, shifting your weight again. âYes, sir.âÂ
âGrab a pillow.â He nods to the couch. âI wonât have you hurting yourself.âÂ
You grab one of the pillows from the couch, wondering how often heâs slept in his office. How many nights heâs spent awake, pouring over files, his mind working too hard for him to find any rest. You set the pillow on the floor before kneeling down next to him, facing his desk. You shift until youâre comfortable, sitting back on your feet. You let out a long breath as your eyes slipped closed, your fingers twitching anxiously in your lap.Â
Priceâs hand is gentle as it comes to rest on the top of your head. You relax into his touch as he strokes your hair, working his way down towards your neck. You force your mind to relax, easing away the desire to tense your shoulders, to draw them up around your ears. Itâs pure natural instinct, one that will fade the more you practice, the more you bond with him. The more you trust him.Â
âReady?â He asks, his voice sounding far away despite the fact youâre right next to him.Â
âYes, sir.â You murmur, pressing your head into his hand.Â
His hand slips lower, curling around the back of your neck. You inhale sharply as he finally makes contact with the sensitive area. His hand is warm, the tension slowly easing from your body as he presses his thumb lightly into the side of your neck. The back of your brain begins to buzz, your mind slowly filling with static. You relax even further, your head bowing just slightly as you feel the weight of the last three months lifting off your shoulders.Â
All the emotions, all the fear, all the unknowns suddenly feel far away. All the apprehension and the anxiety are soothed to nothing as he holds you, the hand on your neck a firm reminder that youâre not alone in this anymore. You have an alpha now, a strong alpha that you can trust in, that will carry it all for you.Â
You donât need to be stressed or afraid anymore. A warmth begins blossoming within you, spreading from your core out to your fingers and toes. You feel a bit dazed, but not in a bad way. Youâre not afraid of the feeling, not with your alphaâs hand around the back of your neck keeping you safe.Â
Youâre not sure how much time passes, how long you kneel there. It could be five minutes, it could be two hours. Price continues to go over his paperwork, his other hand steady on the back of your neck. Itâs not until heâs done that he carefully pushes his seat back, kneeling on the floor next to you. He releases your neck, catching your body as it slumps over, drawing you against his chest.Â
âEasy, sweet girl.â He murmurs, pressing your face into his neck.Â
Youâre shaking a bit, brain still dazed and flying as you breathe in his scent. Earthy, trees, petrichor. The warm muskiness of a content alpha. You made him smell like that. You invoked that scent.Â
âFeeling alright?â He murmurs into your hair, gently stroking your side as you begin to come back into your body.Â
You hum in affirmation, wrapping your arms around his neck. You havenât been this close to him yet, not since the scenting and that was more of a formal closeness, a required closeness. This is because you want it.Â
âDonât let me go.â You murmur into his neck, clinging to him tightly.Â
His arms tighten around you for a moment before he slips them under you, lifting you into his arms easily. He pushes himself from the floor, moving to sit on the couch with you on his lap. You let yourself go lax in his hold again, feeling calmer and more relaxed than you have in months. You feel safe in his arms, not that he would have let anything happen to you before.Â
Youâve always been safe, you think as you let your eyes drift closed again.Â
The water is hot as it runs down his back, contrasting the cool tile against his forehead. His eyes are closed, breaths slow and steady through his nose. He canât get that damn scent of vanilla and sweet, sweet omega arousal out of his head. He drives his fist into the wall with a growl, cursing the blood rushing south.Â
He canât forget the way you felt under him, pinned so easily and helpless beneath him. He hates the way his cock twitches at the thought of the pout on your lips as heâd swung at you, narrowly missing you too many times. The way you tried to jump him.Â
He lets out another frustrated growl, slamming his forehead into the tile. A hand presses against his bare back and he turns on his heel, hand wrapping around Johnnyâs throat, slamming him back against the shower wall.Â
Jesus Christ, heâs going to kill the mutt one of these days.Â
âEasy, Lt.â Johnny rasps, not fazed at all by the alphaâs actions. His eyes flicker lower, to the hard cock standing at attention. âBit worked up, eh?âÂ
He lets Johnny go with a growl, stepping back under the water, turning it all the way to the right until itâs nearly freezing. He almost groans in frustration as the water shuts off completely, his eyes cracking open as Johnnyâs hand trails up his chest.Â
âEasy, big guy. Let me help ye.âÂ
Simon moves until his back is pressed against the tiles, eyes not leaving Johnnyâs sapphire ones as the beta slowly kneels in front of him. Johnnyâs hands trace over his hips, outlining scars both old and new. Johnnyâs fingers finally reach his cock, wrapping around the thick length. Simon sighs in quiet relief as Johnny slowly pumps his length, their gazes still locked.Â
Simon stares down at Johnny through his blonde lashes as Johnny leans forward, dragging his tongue along his head. A low growl rumbles through his chest as the beta circles his tongue around his head, smearing precum on his chin. Heâs painfully hard now, breaking his gaze as his head tilts back, eyes fluttering closed.Â
His fingers sink into Johnnyâs mohawk as the beta takes his cock in his mouth. He breathes through his nose, relaxing his throat as Simonâs cock sinks deeper and deeper, Johnnyâs hands closing around his hips to hold himself steady. Simon grips his hair tightly as he begins to move, bobbing his head along his length, his tongue pressing against the bottom of his cock.Â
Simon squeezes his eyes closed as an image comes to mind, a smaller hand fondling his balls. His hand wraps around the base of his cock as he imagines soft lips on his tip, Johnnyâs tongue tracing the parts of him that you canât fit yet as you take him in your mouth. The sweet whines that would be pulled from you as he choked you on his thick length, Johnny whispering sweet encouragements to you.Â
He can picture the two of you, you and Johnny with your tongues entwined, his cum stringing between your lips.Â
He growls, yanking Johnny off his cock and pinning him to the tile wall. Johnnyâs lips are parted as he breathes heavily, eyes blown with lust as he stares up at his alpha. Simonâs hand tugs at his hair, tilting his head back to bear his throat. Johnny lets out a quiet moan as he sinks his teeth into the delicate skin, leaving a mark heâll wear proudly for a few days.Â
âTurn around and bend over.â He growls to the beta, his cock still hard and throbbing.Â
âSir, yes sir.â Johnny says, smirking wickedly as he slowly turns to face the wall.Â
Fucking christ, Simon groans. Theyâre going to be the death of him.Â
Youâre going to be the death of him.Â
Taglist, part 1:
@bobaprint @ashy-kit @anunintentionalwriter @mockerycrow @hayleybarnesx @protokosmonaut @fruitymoonbeams-blog @blue-blue0 @hindi-si-ikay @hanellokey @thatonepupkai @redwites @kattiieee @141trash @ghostlythots @lothiriel9 @dillybuggg @beebeechaos @konigsmissedbeltloop @kaoyamamegami @thychuvaluswife @idkkkkkkk8363 @wallwriterstuff @bisky-business @smile-child-13 @anomiatartle @dangerkittenclaws @bless-my-demons @mystic60 @evolutionarry @red-hydra @lunaetiicsaystuff @cadotoast @linaangel @rancid-wasp @codsunshine @thriving-n-jiving @slayerx147 @ferns-fics @spicyspicyliving @cityoffallencrows @puppyel @ttsbaby01 @heeheehoohoohahahihi @sleepyoriana @ihatethinkingofnames10 @cassiecasluciluce @darling006
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Cherry Red, Crimson Blood
Chapter 2 - Adjustments
Summary: You're struggling a bit in your adjustment to your new life, and you're finding some of them are easier to get along with than others. Luckily you're not in it alone.
Pairing: Poly 141 x reader
Warnings: Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamics, Alternate Universe, a/b/o typical classism and sexism, military inaccuracies, let's be real this is so unrealistic but it's a/b/o you're not here for accuracy.
Author's Note: I'm so just overwhelmed with the attention this fic has gotten, but not in a bad way I promise! I'm just surprised is all. Thank you everyone that has read and reblogged and commented. I love all of you and so, since I have no self control, here is Chapter 2. Lots more world building and dialogue in this part, but I promise good stuff is coming.
Also I promise Soap will get his time soon. He's just the hardest for me to write, and you'll see why in this chapter.
MASTERLIST | <- Previous | Next ->
âShe was lying.âÂ
Price doesnât bother looking up as a dark figure leans against the wall next to him. He stares out at the empty space between the barracks and the mess hall, not much traffic between the buildings during this time of day.Â
âAbout how she got to the institute.âÂ
âOr at least not telling the whole truth.â Price says, turning to look at Simon. âSomething tells me sheâd talk if we asked.âÂ
âSheâs soft.â Simon says, letting his gaze drift off into the distance.Â
âSheâs a civilian.â Price counters. âThe CIA did a little training, but sheâll need some work. We canât leave her completely defenseless...âÂ
Simon turns to face him again. âThereâs something else.âÂ
Price pushes himself off the wall, heading back inside. Simon follows, the two of them making their way down the hall to his office. âThereâs hundreds of American military bases across the world, thousands of regiments they could have chosen from, and yet, they sent her to us.âÂ
Simon closes the door behind him as Price sinks into his desk chair. âYou think it was deliberate?âÂ
Price pulls open one of the drawers, pulling out the file Kate had given him. âLaswell said the CIA has had eyes on her for years.â He slides it across his desk to Simon. âThereâs a lot of why's in this situation, and a lot of howâs. Like, if what sheâs saying is true, how did a Staff Sergeant get his daughter into FIOT practically overnight?âÂ
Simon glances up at him over the top of the file. âYou think thereâs something else going on with this Initiative.âÂ
Price nods. âI do. I think thereâs more than one experiment being run, and weâre the guinea pigs.âÂ
You stare at your reflection in the mirror as you run a comb through your damp hair. You look tired, the dark circles that have plagued your face for the last few weeks looking even darker now. Itâs been a long day, so long itâs hard to believe itâs only been a matter of hours since you boarded the helicopter in London.Â
Your new pack had made themselves scarce after dinner, leaving you to your own devices. You had been left alone after lunch too, and you had spent that time laying in bed, resting after the overwhelming scenting.Â
Youâd played back the last few hours in your mind. Leaving London in the helicopter, meeting your new Pack Alpha, Laswell leaving, meeting your new pack, the scenting. You had plenty to think about, to stress over, and you had been surprised when the knock came at your door for dinner. You were equally surprised to see Gaz and Soap waiting for you.Â
Youâd been sandwiched between them again as you walked to the mess. It was busier for dinner, and the eyes werenât quite so quick to look away with the alphas missing. You know they have to be curious, with an omega on base following around two members of a SpecOps team, smelling like them. You know what they were probably thinking of you, what they were thinking your presence means.Â
Youâve begun to understand Priceâs rules a bit more.Â
Price and Ghost had joined you as Soap said they would, coming in late from whatever they had been busy doing. You had been seated next to Soap, Ghost taking his other side while Price sat next to Gaz. It hadnât gone unnoticed to you how close Soap and Ghost sat, and you remembered the look in Ghostâs eyes when Soap had approached to scent you. How his defensive stare had turned icy, threatening even, when heâd gotten close to you as if you were capable of hurting Soap. It had been a silent warning. If you tried anything, youâd have him to contend with.Â
Ghost is territorial, more so than most alphas. You had seen it just a bit in Price, but only because you had been watching for it. Ghost was silent in his claim, but his gaze spoke of his territorialism. As you sat at the table with them, you slowly felt the stares lessen, the curious alphas and betas around you slowly turning away from your table until you were left in peace. You knew it was all thanks to a well-pointed glare from the second alpha at the table.Â
Theyâd escorted you back to the barracks before disappearing again, leaving you alone. Youâd opted for a shower to try and clear your head, exhaustion weighing heavy in your limbs but your mind was racing too much to really get any rest. You havenât been told what their normal schedules entail or even what they look like, but you expect an early morning tomorrow. Since Price had said at least one of them needed to escort you around base, that likely meant you were going to be constrained to their schedules.Â
You know even when theyâre not away, their days are probably full of training and briefings, much like yours had been for three months. Theyâre probably up early, earlier than youâd like to be, and then they go non-stop all day.Â
You wonder if they ever get a break.Â
Maybe this is a break for them.Â
You sit on the edge of the bed after you finish your routine, eyeing the pillows and blankets stacked at the end. Theyâre military issue, not as soft or as plush as you might have preferred. This is your new normal, though. Comfort isnât exactly going to be a high priority.Â
Tears prick your eyes as you run your hand over the comforter. You know itâs the exhaustion, the stress of the day beginning to weigh on you. Youâre worn out, and thatâs causing a slip in the tight reins you keep on your mood. Omegas and alphas were both prone to being moody, and those who were unrestrained could lose control quickly. Alphas were quick to anger, while omegas could get depressed very easily. Exhaustion drives both to being grumpy, though alphas will descend into irritability and anger, while omegas will get whiny and weepy.Â
You hate it, how easily you can be driven to cry. How easily you can lose control. It makes you feel weak and helpless, but thatâs partially by design. It was supposed to be your packâs job to fix that, to give you that support and take care of you.Â
Except you donât know your pack.Â
What would they do if you approached them like this, all teary and needy? Would instinct take over and snap them into their roles? Or would they give you an awkward pat on the back and leave you to take care of yourself? Gaz would help you, you think. He had slipped into that role so easily during the scenting. Your fingers twitch on the bedspread, your mind telling you to seek him out, track him down, even if itâs only to catch a whiff of his scent again. Â
Your phone screen lights up where itâs sitting on the nightstand, drawing your attention from the door. Kate had given you the phone just this morning before you left the hotel. It had her number on it, as well as your packâs. Youâd half expected to find messages already from them when youâd turned it on, but there had been none. They had kept that boundary of meeting in person first.Â
You pick up the phone, checking the message. Itâs from Price.Â
Breakfast is at 0700. Iâll take you to see the Omega Specialist after.Â
Seven oâclock. Itâs not terribly early. Youâd eaten around the same time at the institute. Youâll get to meet the Omega Specialist as well tomorrow. Youâve met plenty of them in your time as an omega, but something about the idea of having someone there who knows, who understands is comforting to you.Â
You send a reply in acknowledgement for tomorrowâs plan before setting an alarm for tomorrow morning. Thereâs an uneasy feeling under your skin, a tickling in the back of your mind that you canât seem to relax. Your eyes are drawn to the desk where the shirts still sit, and before you know it youâre moving to the desk, letting your fingers trail over each one.Â
You grab Priceâs shirt, taking it back to your bed. You curl up with your back facing the door, holding the shirt against your chest, letting the scent of tobacco smoke and whiskey fill your nose. Silent tears slide down your cheeks, your face pressing into the pillow to muffle your sobs.Â
As you try to muffle your tears, you miss the sound of boots pausing in front of your door, the person on the other side standing there for a moment before continuing down the hall.Â
You let out a groan as your alarm pulls you from sleep. You had drifted in and out for a few hours before finally managing to get a couple precious hours of sleep. Youâd woken when the others got up. You knew they were trying to be quiet but you had heard them shuffling around, talking quietly amongst each other. Youâre normally a fairly deep sleeper, but in a new place you always struggle.Â
A new place surrounded by almost complete strangers.Â
You turn off your alarm, sitting up and rubbing your eyes. Theyâre burning a bit, the exhaustion still weighing heavy on your shoulders. You pad to the bathroom, splashing cold water on your face to try and make yourself at least look more alive than you feel. The last thing you need is them getting worried about you. Thatâs attention youâre not sure you want right now.Â
You blink sleepily at your closet, trying to decide what to wear. Were you allowed to wear anything? You didnât have much besides the basics, since the only thing you had been allowed to wear at the institute was its uniform and the clothes they provided. Then when you were with the CIA, they had provided clothes for you to wear as well. The things you have now had been bought by Kate before you left D.C.Â
Everyone on base wore similar variants of the same uniform. Youâre not military, though, so you donât think those rules apply to you. No one had said anything about your state of dress yesterday. You opt for comfort, knowing youâd likely find out soon if you were going to be forced to dress differently too.Â
Youâre tying your shoes when the knock sounds on your door. You had heard the others moving around, footsteps in the hallway, opening and closing doors, quiet voices talking and Soap laughing at something. You know itâs one of them, yet the nervous tickle at the back of your head is back.Â
Soap is leaning casually against your doorframe when you open the door. His face lights up in a smile as he sees you. âMorning, bonny. Sleep alright?âÂ
âYeah.â You shrug. âTossed and turned for a while.âÂ
âWe didne keep ye up did we?â He asks, his smile faltering just a bit.Â
You shake your head. âNo, I never sleep well the first few nights in a new place.âÂ
âWell, our beds are always open if ye need something more comfortable.â He winks at you playfully.Â
Your face warms at his words, the double meaning not lost on you. You were right, Soap was going to be the one to push your boundaries the most.Â
Gaz elbows him in the ribs as he passes. âSheâs been here a day, mate, donât go scaring her off now.â He leans on the other side of your doorframe, giving you a smile. âMorning.âÂ
âMorning.â You say, your face still warm from Soapâs teasing.Â
âYou hungry?â Gaz asks.Â
You nod. You do feel hungry this morning, likely a side effect from your emotional night last night. You step out of your room, the two betas stepping back to give you space as you close the door behind you. Ghost is leaning against the wall next to his door, his eyes watching with the typical cautious disinterest that seemed to be his default setting.Â
Gaz and Soap sandwich you between them again, close enough their arms brush yours as you walk. It was almost as if they could sense your inner turmoil, the neediness still tugging at the back of your mind. If Ghost hadnât been trailing the three of you, you might have been tempted to give in and grip their sleeves, or slip your hands into theirs. How would Ghost respond to such a bold move? The mental image of your body flying through the air as he punted you into next week almost makes you laugh.Â
Price is already seated at a table frowning at his phone over a cup of coffee. Gaz and Soap load up your tray for you, something youâre getting used to rather quickly. It was expected from the alphas, or at least Price, to coddle you a bit, but it seemed the betas were more than happy to get in on it as well.Â
The thought makes something flutter in your chest.Â
Youâre seated between Gaz and Price again once you reach the table, Price greeting you with a tired smile. âMorning. Sleep alright?âÂ
âNot really.â You say honestly. âNew place and all. Iâll settle in eventually.âÂ
âMaybe the Omega Specialist can give you some ideas to help.â He glances at his watch before looking at you as you spoon a heaping spoonful of porridge into your mouth. âTake your time. We have until 8.âÂ
You listen to the conversation at the table as you eat, Gaz and Soap talking about a football game thatâs on tonight. You feel eyes on you, your skin prickling a bit. You glance up, half expecting Ghost to be glowering at you again, but his gaze is focused on his eggs. You cast a quick glance around the mess, turning slightly to look behind you.Â
Three tables over, you find the gaze of some soldier focused on you. You havenât paid much attention to anyone else on the base, but then again you havenât had much time or reason to yet. You canât read the expression on his face as he stares at you, but you feel a shiver run down your spine as your eyes meet his.Â
He stares at you for a few seconds before his gaze moves slightly past you, quickly dropping back to his plate. You turn around, finding Ghost staring just past your head. His eyes are narrowed, his scent coming off stronger than it had been. You can practically see his hackles raised, the warning clear in the air. You feel the urge to curl in on yourself, the threatening aura radiating from him makes you want to cower.Â
It doesn't go unnoticed by those at the table either.Â
âEasy, Ghost.â Price says calmly, Gaz turning to follow his line of sight.Â
âBloody wanker.â Ghost grumbles before rising from the table.Â
You turn back around, but the soldier that had been staring at you is gone.Â
You nervously pick at your sweatshirt sleeves as you sit in the plastic chair next to Price. Youâre still on edge a bit from what happened at breakfast. It wasnât so much being stared at that bothered you. After now three meals in the mess, youâve almost come to expect it. Itâs Ghostâs reaction that has your mind still reeling.Â
âIâve always hated the medical center.â Price says with a sigh as he leans his head back against the wall. âIt smells too sterile. Makes my nose burn. Reminds me of too many close calls.âÂ
His words jar you a bit. You hadnât even thought about that aspect of his job. Heâs used to getting shot at, to getting into fights, running head first into danger that would send most running the other way. You wonder how many times heâs been the one with the close call, and how many others heâs had to watch have their own.Â
You wonder how many times heâs had to make that trip to tell someoneâs family.Â
Youâre pulled from your thoughts as the door across from you opens. Price pushes himself to his feet, and you follow as a kind looking woman steps out. You breathe a quiet sigh of relief. You donât have anything against male Omega Specialists, but you were already surrounded by men. Sure you have Kate, but sheâs half a world away.Â
Sheâs tall, dark hair pulled back into a ponytail. Despite being a doctor sheâs dressed casually, no white coat or gloves to be seen. Her eyes are light green and crease in the corners when she smiles.Â
âHello, Iâm Dr. Keller.â She introduces herself, shaking Priceâs hand.Â
American. You think, silently breathing another sigh of relief. Kate really had pulled some strings with this one.Â
âCaptain John Price.â He says.Â
You introduce yourself when she turns to you, shaking your hand. Her voice is soft and gentle, the scent of beta coming off her in waves.Â
âCome on in,â She says, leading you into the office. âSit anywhere you like. Make yourselves comfortable.âÂ
Her office isnât what you expected either. Instead of the harsh fluorescents, the lighting is softer, warmer. Thereâs paintings and posters all over the walls, along with several plants. Thereâs a desk covered in books and paperwork in one corner and a bookshelf with several books packed into it in the other. Thereâs a couch on one wall, and a couple plush looking chairs on the other.Â
You move to one of the chairs, sinking down onto it. It envelops you in softness, and you feel as if you might sink into it and never be able to get out. After a day of hard plastic and stiff blankets, it nearly makes you weep.Â
Price takes the chair next to you, Dr. Keller sitting on the couch across from you. The office smells good, a light, neutral scent in the air aside from the pure almondy scent of beta.Â
âAlright,â She says, holding a tablet and a stack of files in her lap. âI always like to start by introducing myself and telling you a bit about me, then weâll get into the important stuff.âÂ
She jumps into telling you about herself. Where she grew up: California. Where she studied: UC Berkeley. What institute she did her residency at: West Coast Training Academy. Where she worked last before Kate called her in: some poor inner city institute in LA.Â
âNow, on to the more important stuff.â She says, turning on the tablet. âI got your medical records yesterday. Youâre quite the healthy girl.âÂ
âYes ma'am. I have good genes. Thatâs what my mom used to say.â You respond.Â
Dr. Keller smiles. âHardly even been sick. Your heats are all normal, too, correct?âÂ
âYes, maâam.â You say. âExcept for a three month stretch two years ago.âÂ
âYes, the heat sickness epidemic that hit America.â She says.Â
You nod. âFIOT locked down completely and everyone was supposed to quarantine, but I heard a rumor that it was one of the beta food workers. She snuck out to see her alpha boyfriend and brought it in with her. We only think it was her because she disappeared not long after the first omega got sick.âÂ
Dr. Keller hums. âI know not everyone was so willing to take it seriously. You made a full recovery, though. No lasting side effects, Iâm sure thanks to the state of the art medical facilities that FIOT keeps.âÂ
âYes, maâam. We were lucky it was just a mild case.âÂ
âThat is lucky.â She flips through something on the tablet. âYour lab results all look phenomenal. I like to do checkups monthly, just to ensure everything is working as it should. I know the CIA gave you quite the cocktail of vaccines while you were with them.â She turns her gaze to Price. âCaptain Price, Iâve sent in a request for your teamâs vaccination records as well. Iâm sure youâve had everything under the sun, but Iâd like to ensure thereâs no risk of any accidental exposures.âÂ
âI donât see a problem with that.â Price says. âIf RAMC gives you any trouble, just let me know. Iâll get them for you myself.âÂ
âThank you, Captain.â She says. âOne last bit in this part and then we can move on. I see FIOT issued an implant before you left, as is standard practice.âÂ
You nod. âYes, maâam.âÂ
âGood. Youâve had more than enough time for it to take effect so we wonât have to worry about any accidental slip ups during your next heat.âÂ
Your cheeks warm at her words a bit. Youâve been trying to avoid thinking about that inevitable side of things.Â
âAnd your next heat is roughly six weeks away.â She says, looking at the calendar. âDon't be surprised if it comes a little earlier now that youâre being exposed to alphas again.âÂ
Your stomach twists nervously at that thought. It was common for heats to be triggered early after exposure to alphas, especially after such a prolonged period without exposure to them. It wasnât likely to start tomorrow, but you knew it could jump a week or two due to the natural pheromones alphas put off, and the instinctual call for the alpha/omega bond.Â
âYouâre planning for the claiming to take place during the heat?â Dr. Keller asks.Â
âYes, thatâs the plan.â Price says.Â
âThat is the most natural time for it.â Dr. Keller says. âOf course, it is always up to omega preference in the end.âÂ
You donât miss the way her eyes dart to you for a second.Â
âNow that thatâs over with,â She says, putting the tablet to the side. âIf itâs alright with you, Iâd like to do this next part with just the two of us.âÂ
A beat of silence passes before you realize sheâs asking you. Her eyes are on you, and so are Priceâs. Sheâs asking you. Sheâs asking you what you want.Â
âI-I guess...yeah.â You stutter over your words, not quite sure how to answer. Is there a wrong answer? Would Price be upset if you said yes? Would Dr. Keller be upset if you said no? Your eyes turn to Price, trying to gauge his reaction.Â
âItâs up to you.â He says softly. âWeâre here for you.âÂ
You sit up a little straighter at his words, nodding your head. âY-Yes. Thatâs okay.âÂ
Price pushes himself to stand up. âIâll be right outside.âÂ
The air inside the room seems to lighten as he leaves, Dr. Keller reclining back on the couch as the door clicks shut. She pulls out a stack of papers and a pen before she looks at you. Your palms are sweating, and youâre starting to think youâd like the chair to swallow you whole.Â
âThis next part can feel a bit personal, but I just want you to know that everything you say in here is as confidential as youâd like it to be. Captain Price is right. I am an Omega Specialist, Iâm here for you. Iâm not just a doctor, Iâm here to help you in all aspects of being an omega. I know FIOT teaches a lot, mainly obedience and compliance. I want to make it clear that you can be honest with me.â She holds up the stack of papers. âNo one is going to see these papers but me, alright?âÂ
âYes, maâam.â You nod.Â
âYou donât have to be so formal with me.â She smiles. âYou can call me Dr. Keller, or Doc. You could even call me an evil bitch if you want, it wonât phase me any.âÂ
You canât help the small smile that forms on your face.Â
âIâve got some questions Iâd like to ask you. Theyâre a sort of tracker to measure how well youâre settling in and bonding with your new pack. Iâd like to meet once a week until your next heat just to see how well youâre settling in. After that we can meet as often as youâd like. Sound good?âÂ
You nod in approval. It sounds like a lot, but you also know youâre going to have a lot of downtime, even with your pack on base.Â
âAlright, letâs get started. How are you settling in? I know itâs barely been a day, but I want to know how you feel here.âÂ
Your heart begins to pound in your chest. How do you feel here? How do you feel after being pulled from the institute and taken to a training facility where you found out youâd be moving halfway across the world to be a military packâs omega.Â
This wasnât what you had expected when you reached the age where you became an available omega. Most omegas at FIOT came from rich, powerful, important families and your purpose there was to be groomed into the perfect omega to return right back to that world.Â
You thought you would be chosen quickly. You had expected it. With your scores and your high ratings and your status, you were what most alphas dreamed of. Yet, the years had passed and though there was some interest, nothing had ever come of it. You werenât alone in it. There were others like you, those who excelled at being an omega, but then seemed to stall in the selection once they came of age.Â
Of course, now that you look back on it, you canât help but think it might have been done on purpose. The Omega Initiative was new, you had been told during your first briefing explaining why you were taken to a remote building somewhere outside of D.C. and greeted not by your new pack, but swathes of CIA agents. Military packs were nothing new, but they wanted to utilize the naturally formed packs and make them stronger and more stable by adding in omegas.Â
Only highly skilled omegas were considered for the program, but of course you had no say in whether you were going to partake or not. They chose the omegas and they decided where you would end up.Â
It wasnât that dissimilar from being chosen from an Institute. At FIOT there was a screening process packs had to go through to be determined eligible to have access to omega files. Then the pack would have to send a neutral emissary, usually a beta, to meet the omegas in person and choose on behalf of the alpha. Most institutes donât have that strenuous of a process, and some donât have a process at all. In some, alphas themselves could walk in and choose an omega without even so much as a background check.Â
Omegas never got a say. As soon as you were handed over to an institute, the ability to choose was taken from you. Whoever your caretakers were as a pup signed over their rights to you and the institute became your legal guardian. They dictated your life up until you joined a new pack.Â
You had hoped it would be someone rich. If nothing else, youâd get to live a cushy life and youâd never have to worry about anything. When they told you what was really going to happen to you, you had almost cried. You did cry, late at night curled up in your bunk after hours of training and briefings.Â
Kate picked you for this pack specifically because she knew them and she knew you could handle them and their world.Â
Maybe if you had been worse at being an omega, things would have been better for you.Â
Or maybe they would have been worse.Â
âItâs...different.â You finally say, picking at your sleeves again. âBut in a lot of ways, itâs similar to The Institute. It always takes me time to settle somewhere new.âÂ
âMe too.â Dr. Keller says, writing some things down. âAnd with the time change, itâs just so much harder. I feel like I should be in bed right now, but itâs 8 AM. Have you started nesting?âÂ
You shake your head. âNo. I donât even feel the urge to.âÂ
âThatâs fine.â She says, writing something else down. âIn truth, Iâd be more concerned if you were.âÂ
Your eyebrows raise a bit. âWhy?âÂ
âDuring an adjustment period for an omega, especially in a new pack, there can be something that happens called false instincts. The sudden urge to nest, a drive to bond with pack members too soon, false heats. Itâs usually brought on by a sudden change in environment, like when omegas are taken from a place where theyâve spent sometimes years with no exposure to alphas and are suddenly thrown into a space with a lot of alphas. Itâs more common in larger packs where you have alphas, betas, and other omegas.âÂ
âCould it happen in smaller packs?â You ask.Â
âItâs possible, though rare. It can cause some serious issues down the line when those instincts are actually supposed to begin to show up, like adjustment sickness. Iâd say if youâre starting to feel the urge to nest or bond before the first week is up, then come talk to me, alright?âÂ
âYes, maâam.â You nod.Â
She smiles, turning the page. âHow far have you gotten with the bonding process?âÂ
âJust the scenting yesterday.â You answer.Â
âAnd how did that go?âÂ
You pick at the loose thread on your sweatshirt. âFine. It was...overwhelming.âÂ
âThey can be.â Dr. Keller says. âThe new members of your pack, how are you getting along with them?âÂ
âFine, I guess.â You shrug. âI like Soap and Gaz. Price, heâs...heâs nice, and Ghost...â You trail off, not sure how to answer. If sheâd asked before breakfast you might have said he doesn't like you. He doesnât want you to be part of his pack, but after what happened at breakfast...
You canât be sure he did it for you. He could have thought that soldier was staring at Soap or Gaz or even Price. He could have thought the soldier was staring at him and was annoyed with it. He had scared off the stares at every meal youâd eaten together, but how often did they get stared at? You couldnât know if that was a daily occurrence and he was just growing sick of it.Â
He could be annoyed with you because youâre drawing in the stares.Â
âI donât know what to think about him yet.â You answer.Â
She writes something else down, going through a few more questions with you. How is your appetite? How are you sleeping? Are you taking care of your needs? Do you have any concerns?Â
Before you know it the hour has passed and youâre walking out the door into the fluorescent, sterile hallway of the medical center.Â
âRemember, you have my number. If you need anything, Iâm here for you.â Dr. Keller says as you part ways.Â
You walk with Price out of the medical center, glad to be out in the fresh air. Itâs not particularly warm, and the sun is hidden behind a layer of clouds, but itâs better than the medical center.Â
âWhat do you think?â Price asks as you follow him back to the barracks.Â
âI think it went well.â You say, mind still reeling from an eventful morning. Youâre beginning to feel your restless night.Â
âDo you like Dr. Keller?â He asks, probing a bit.Â
You nod. âYes, sir. Sheâs nice.âÂ
âGood.â He says, opening the door to the barracks for you. âI have to leave to oversee training for the next few hours.â He glances at his watch. âOne of us will come get you for lunch.âÂ
You nod. Of course youâd find yourself alone again between meals. Youâre beginning to notice a pattern. âYes, sir.âÂ
His hand is warm as it settles on your shoulder, squeezing gently. Youâre surprised by the touch, as small as it is. Were they too fighting the urge to get close to you, like you had this morning?Â
You can still feel the warmth of his hand even after itâs disappeared and heâs gone. You head for the rec room, deciding to avoid the constricting feeling of being shut in your room for the time being.Â
The TV is on when you enter, but the room is empty, playing some morning talk show. You move to the bookshelf against the wall, letting your eyes scan the titles. There's a surprising lack of military-based books shoved into the packed shelf. Of course there's a handful of old manuals and handbooks, nothing that you're particularly concerned about needing to read. You let out a sigh, standing on your toes to reach a Brandon Sanderson novel.Â
You look around the room but the remote for the TV seems to be missing, and itâs too high on the wall for you to reach the power button, so you leave it on, curling up on one corner of the couch as you begin to read.Â
Youâre not sure how much time has passed when something moves in your peripheral. The sun has come out briefly, shining in through the windows. You look up from the book, suddenly feeling very small under Ghostâs gaze. His eyes are narrowed as he stares down at you, a thousand things flashing through your mind. Are you in his spot? Is this his book? Had he come to the rec room hoping to be alone and here you are infringing in his space?Â
âCome on.â He says, his voice rougher than it had been this morning. âLunch.âÂ
Heâs already turned and heading out the door as you scramble up, leaving the book on the coffee table as you hurry to catch up to him. His steps are quick and wide, and you find yourself having to almost speedwalk to keep up with him.Â
Your thoughts are jumbled as you follow him out of the barracks and off towards the mess. Why would they send him to get you? Was he the only one available? Yesterday they had time before lunch to return to the barracks, or had that only been because of you? Or were they perhaps hoping this might offer a chance for the two of you to bond a bit?Â
Or were they entirely blind to Ghostâs disinterest in your existence?Â
Perhaps they were used to it. After so long together, perhaps they just thought it was normal. If you were brave enough to bring it up, would you get a âoh thatâs just how he isâ in response?Â
You canât see the others as you enter the mess, Ghost leading you to the line. He stands behind you like a hulking shadow, his scent covered by the smell of gunpowder and sweat. You fill your own tray for the first time, grabbing things that look appetizing. Youâll have to get used to it eventually, even though the others insisted on doing it for the time being. When theyâre not here, youâll have to do it yourself.Â
Ghost leads you to an empty table, and you opt to sit across from him. You begin to eat, taking big bites to avoid the need for conversation, not that you really thought Ghost would strike up a conversation with you. Your eyes flicker around the room nervously, glancing over the entrances time and time again, waiting for the others to arrive.Â
âStop twitching. Theyâre on their way.âÂ
The words cut straight through you and you snap your head around to face Ghost. Heâs got his mask pulled up to his nose, your eyes immediately drawn to the exposed pale skin. Thereâs light stubble on his chin. You remember how that had felt on your own skin when heâd scented you. Heâs blonde, you think, or at least has light hair judging by the color of the stubble. Thereâs a scar on his chin, almost hidden by the stubble.Â
Your face warms as you realize youâve been caught in your nervous fretting. Of course, you should have known he would take notice. Thereâs not a lot they donât notice, you think. Though, when your survival depends on noticing even the smallest detail of anything or anyone...
You jump as a tray is set down next to yours, your eyes snapping up to see Gaz with a smile on his face. You turn back to look at Ghost, his mask pulled back down but you see a slight shake to his shoulders for a second.
Was he...laughing at you?Â
Your attention is drawn from him as Gaz takes a seat next to you, sitting close enough his arm is almost brushing yours. Price and Soap taking their usual spots as well. Youâre beginning to pick up on the patterns that existed around them, and their own patterns. Perhaps that will make it easier for you to fit yourself into their lives. You knew from the start they werenât going to change to fit you into their lives. They couldnât. You were going to have to find a way to fit into their lives.Â
Gaz walks you back to the barracks after lunch, abnormally quiet as he watches you warily. He walks you to your door, leaning on the doorframe as you step inside.Â
âYou alright?â He asks, big brown eyes shining with worry as he looks you over.Â
âYeah.â You nod, shifting on your feet. âJust tired. I think I might take a nap.âÂ
He nods, and youâre sure he doesn't quite believe you, but he doesnât press any. âAlright. Happy napping.âÂ
You close the door as he leaves, sinking down onto the edge of the bed with a sigh. Itâs been a long day and itâs only lunch. Between the probing questions from Dr. Keller and the few minutes you had spent alone with Ghost you feel exhausted. It was good to know you werenât entirely broken in your lack of nesting instincts, and perhaps your turmoil with belonging in this place wasnât quite as abnormal as you thought.Â
What to do about Ghost.
Heâs said more words to you today than he did in the entirety of the previous day. In fact, you think today might be the first time heâs spoken to you at all. You know he doesnât approve of you, and youâd go so far as to say he doesnât like you. You can imagine he fought the hardest against you being added to the pack. They were fine without you. It didnât take a genius to see that.Â
Youâre an outsider. A civilian. A risk.Â
An unneeded disruption to their lives.Â
You pull your phone out of your pocket, staring at the dark screen. You know Ghost might never accept you. He wonât want to claim you, he wonât mate you, but...perhaps you might just get him to tolerate you.Â
You unlock your phone, sending a quick text to Kate.Â
âCan you get a book for me?â
You regret your decision momentarily as you step into the rec room. Gaz and Soap are lounged on the couch, beer bottles open on the coffee table. The TV is playing ads, their attention on each other. You almost feel as if youâre infringing upon a private moment as they laugh, half tempted to race back to your room and hide until your hunger draws you out or someone breaks down the door to get to you.Â
âHey!â Gazâs face lights up when he sees you, Soap turning to look at you.
âHey, bonny!â His face lights up with a smile.Â
âDo you mind if I join you?â You ask, shifting nervously on your feet.Â
âNot at all.â Gaz says, patting the empty spot on the couch next to him. âYou want a beer?âÂ
You shake your head. âNo thank you. Never could get past the taste.âÂ
Soap throws his head back as he laughs, slapping Gazâs shoulder. âI keep tellinâ ye!âÂ
âYet you keep drinking it!â Gaz attempts to defend himself.Â
âCause itâs thâ only thing we got!â Soap argues, leaning around Gaz to stare at you. âSo, ye a football fan, bonny?âÂ
âWell, I watched the World Cup a couple times as a kid.â You say. âMy household was more of an American football and baseball household. Two of my older brothers played soccer, though they never were very serious about it. Mostly just did it to fulfill my dadâs physical activity extracurricular requirement.âÂ
âWhat did you do to fulfill that requirement?â Gaz asks as he takes a sip of his beer.Â
âSoftball. I was...not good at it.â You laugh. âI could catch and throw, but I donât think I hit the ball a single time I was at bat.âÂ
Both of them chuckle, turning back to the TV as the ad ends. âDonât worry, weâll turn you into a proper football fan yet.â Gaz says.Â
You watch the game with them, and it doesnât take you long to realize theyâre rooting for opposing teams. They explain things to you here and there in between yelling at the TV and each other. Despite how loud they are, you find yourself relaxing further and further, the tension from the last two days easing away, even as the two betas yell at each other over a soccer game.Â
Gaz tenses for a second as he feels a sudden weight on his shoulder. He turns his head slightly, noticing youâve fallen asleep, your head drooping onto his shoulder. His lips quirk up in a smile as he gently nudges Soap.Â
âWha?â Soap asks, turning to look at him.Â
He jerks his head to the side, leaning back just slightly so Soap can see. A grin breaks out on the younger manâs face and he pulls out his phone. âAww, look aâ that. Think we should wake âer and get âer tae bed?âÂ
âNah.â Gaz says. âLet her sleep for now. She probably needs it.âÂ
You sleep soundly through overtime, Gaz not moving until the post game is over, letting you sleep as long as possible. He knows you have to be tired, after the last few days and the time difference. You looked tired today, with dark circles and droopy eyes. He hates to wake you, but he knows you canât sleep on the couch.Â
He nudges you gently, trying to rouse you. âHey.â He nudges you again, your head finally lifting off his shoulder.Â
You blink sleepily, rubbing at your eyes. You make a quiet sound in protest of being awake, eyes drooping closed again.Â
âCome on, love.â He says, keeping you upright. âItâs time for bed.âÂ
You cover your yawn with your hand, blinking at him sleepily. âBed?â You murmur sleepily, Gaz smiling softly at how adorable you are in this state.Â
âYeah, youâll be more comfortable in bed.â He pushes himself to stand, hands on your arms to pull you up.Â
You make another sound in protest, nearly falling against his chest when he gets you on your feet. He wraps an arm around you, letting you lean on him as he guides you back to bed, Soap cleaning up the mess they had made.Â
Youâre more awake once you get to your door, blinking up at him with bleary eyes. ââS fun.â You murmur, rubbing your eyes. âShould do that more often.âÂ
âYouâre always welcome to join us.â He says. âGet some rest. Youâve had a long week.â He leans forward, pressing a kiss to your forehead. âNight, love.âÂ
He waits until your door is closed before heading back down the hallway towards the rec room, a small smile on his face.Â
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