In the beginning their love was empty. Merely a signed contract between the two. They didn't need each other. They needed a partner... A mate.
An uneasy stiffness fell over the group one side of the table belonged to Shui and the other...all of Zhen's family. The ordeal would have gone smoothly had it not been for the alpha in front of Shui. What they were discussing was a natural occurrence in the world they lived in and very simple. However, usually both parties consented to be with one another.
After the long conversation it had been settled and the pair were legally mates. Not anything special just a government title to protect omegas from being left abandoned. They weren't married just tied together until they died. Of course neither of the two wanted this or more so one wanted it less than the other.
Shui watched as the parents left and pulled on the edges of the hoodie he was wearing.
The only thought in his mind was how out of place he looked with all the fancy dƩcor and even Zhen who was wearing a suit even now with his hair brushed neatly back. The two were like complete opposites: blue versus brown eyes a light strawberry blonde against dark black hair and soft fair skin against light beige smooth skin. Even their heights were completely off with Shui at only 5'6 with Zhen towering over him at 6'0.
The other's voice knocked Shui off guard, "You can sleep in the guest room." It sounded so deep and mysterious. However, the words were what actually caught him off guard. Right... This was a business deal and not romance. Shui quietly nodded it had taken nearly all day to settle this so he didn't mind it today at least.
Shui watched as the other walked down the darkened hallway towards a mysterious room he had yet to be introduced to. However he had yet to learn much at all about the place except for three rooms; his room, the Kitchen, and the living room.
Shui was not allowed to go anywhere else in the house unless Zhen told him to. It wasn't his place anyways he was a guest not a lover. As stated by the law, code 941- Mates may choose if they want to be romantic. Their purpose is reproduction not love. This was installed onto the people shortly after arguments between families who did not want to marry or love the mates their family made them take so that they might still be able to fall in love. It did not apply to everyday people but to the rich or privileged it was a way to keep their freedom.
With a sigh the small male found himself in the room his eyes trailing the surfaces. One hand slowly reached to pull off the hoodie to reveal a button down shirt, which he soon unbuttoned allowing himself to move freely with little restriction. The boy's chest area was covered in reddish purple marks from the night prior.
Shui had been very reckless the last couple of days mainly because his heat had decided to come. He wasn't that strong against the burning sensation that started from the inside and working its way out. It seemed to taint his inner spirit with the want of something to ease the pain.
As the male laid on the bed his eyes slowly slide closed. His body felt heavy like he was waiting for a long time to relax like this. Before falling asleep his hand reached to the back of his neck making sure the suppressant was still there and he wouldn't need another. It didn't have anything to do with his heat but to mellow his scent to a normal smell.
Most Omegas have a sweet smelling pheromone unless they haven't been marked and have messed around at least a little. Once they were marked all omegas mellowed out a lot not calming but subtly sweet. Which was completely opposite from Alphas which had a nature like scent that is irresistible to omegas. Once they have marked their omega it mixes the two together as to show they are taken. As always the Betas are the safest with their calming clean scents that don't change at all.
Shui had started the suppressants shortly after his first time because of the stares he received by others. To alphas it was like wearing a red flag like a call for a mark but, to betas like the mark of a beast. It showed impurity among the class which was to be avoided at all costs. However, he was never taught about the patches until someone pulled him to the side and dropped the box in front of him before walking off.
The softening memory slowly lured him to sleep promising him a sweet dream. Shui didn't usually have good dreams which was why this time the opportunity was quickly taken. It didn't take long before he drifted off into a deep sleep. The blanket was messily draped over his body folded and just barely covering the lower part of his torso.
In the morning a hickory like smell lurked in the air. It reminded him of a time when he was very young which was why he had quickly gotten up pulling the shirt around to hide his body as he entered the kitchen. As he was finishing the top button a much older lady greeted him with a smile. With her age she had started to show the markings of her soul animal on her neck over where omegas had glands. It seemed like a crane but he was a little unsure having been sick during most of the lessons during that part of school. For sure he could tell she was a beta from the soft rain smell she had.
"You must be the Young Masters registered mate. Its so nice to meet you I'm Mrs. Sato the cook and housekeeper. Please take a seat I'll serve you!"
Shui made a respectful bow before taking a seat at the island. Soon a bowl appeared in front of him and his eyes scanned the food before looking up.
"I'm.... I'm sorry but I'm allergic to blue berries.. Could I get a different bowl...?" Shui asked with a quiet and soft voice.
Mrs. Sato seemed really apologetic for the mistake and quickly switched bowls of the oatmeal for him. Shui murmured an apology before he was cut off by the entrance of Zhen, who to his astonishment was dressed in a robe with what looked like basketball shorts underneath. As soon as his eyes met Shui's a disgusted look passed his face and he took a seat on the other side of the island. Shui felt really on edge checking to make sure no marks were visible and even checking the patch on the back of his neck.
There didn't seem to be anything wrong and quietly the both of them are there food amongst the thick tension. It was driving him insane and he could feel his heart thumping in his chest like he might die.
And only one thought ran through his head..... What was this feeling?