Determined to gain a better understanding of the ABO world with all its complexities and distortions, Damián delved into thorough research. He was not satisfied with surface-level information; instead, he delved into online studies from governmental sources and justice institutions, seeking to comprehend the guidelines and regulations that governed that world.
At 48 years old, he, a sarcastic mercenary by nature, saw this investigation as an intellectual challenge. He made a conscious effort to remain impartial and disciplined in his approach, avoiding being influenced by the thoughts of the original protagonist.
With an open and curious mind, Damián embarked on his quest to comprehend the ABO world at its deepest nuances. He immersed himself in studies encompassing philosophical and psychological appeals, aiming to unravel how the guidelines of this world influenced personal, social, and professional relationships.
Exploring the fundamental concepts of the ABO system, Damián discovered that society assigned different roles and characteristics to each category. Alphas were considered dominant and protective; omegas were seen as more submissive and in need of care; and betas occupied an intermediate position, not fitting into the extremes of dominance and submission.
However, Damián's research revealed a series of contradictions and inconsistencies within the ABO world's guidelines. He realized that, although there were established norms, they didn't always reflect real conditions and the diversity of people's experiences. This sparked profound questioning in him about the limitations and consequences of these guidelines, and whether they genuinely ensured the well-being of all individuals involved.
The relationship between the body and mind in the ABO world became a point of interest for Damián. He recognized the potentially dangerous potential of this connection and questioned the true freedom of action within this context. As he delved into the laws and regulations, Damián noticed a disconnect between the established laws and his understanding, which further fueled his sarcasm towards imposed norms.
Amidst his research, Damián also encountered the influence of pheromones in the ABO world. He acknowledged the power of these chemical compounds in olfactory communication, capable of triggering specific behaviors such as alarm, aggregation, defense, attack, and mating. However, he remained fully aware that pleasure was not synonymous with happiness, and he questioned the meaning and validity of this pursuit of pleasure amidst the restrictions of the ABO world.
Exasperated, Damián sighed and lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling. He felt lost amidst all the discoveries and questions that his research had stirred up, plunging him into a whirlwind of sensory details and philosophical and psychological reflections.
However...
Aster was in the living room, standing by the window of his apartment, gazing at the urban landscape illuminated by moonlight. In his hands, he held a crystal glass containing an unusual combination: hot chocolate with a generous dose of brandy. He stared at the amber liquid, allowing his thoughts to wander.
"What can I do with my life?" Aster murmured, speaking aloud, as if seeking an answer in the emptiness of the apartment. He was immersed in philosophical reflections about his choices, his journey, and the meaning of it all. The unusual blend of flavors provided gentle comfort and a tasty escape from the restlessness of his mind.
However, the silence was abruptly interrupted by the sound of the doorbell, which echoed unexpectedly throughout the apartment.
Aster raised an eyebrow, surprised. He wasn't expecting any visitors, nor had he received any communication from the concierge.
Curious and somewhat intrigued, he set the glass on the table near the window and walked toward the door. His steps were calm and cautious, as he was accustomed to distrusting the unexpected. He turned the doorknob and opened the door, revealing Callum before his eyes.
Their eyes met, and the air was charged with a mix of complex emotions.
"Sorry for showing up like this, Aster," Callum said, his voice filled with indecipherable emotions. "I know I failed to protect you when you needed it the most. As an Alpha, I understand that there are expectations I should fulfill with my Omega, but I wasn't there when it was necessary. I'm sorry."
Aster felt a mix of strong disappointment and relief at seeing Callum before him. He couldn't comprehend or accept the ABO world's organizations and behaviors.
Emotions swirled within Aster, but what the hell is this? He thought...
Ironically, he realized he was in front of the story's protagonist, meticulously analyzing every detail of his face and listening to his predictable words of apology. It felt like living in a cliché plot.
Callum was a man of imposing appearance, with light brown hair that fell in perfectly arranged waves. His intense green eyes were hypnotizing, conveying a mix of mystery and determination. His angular face displayed a well-groomed beard that accentuated his defined jawline. Standing at an impressive height of 1.93 meters, he possessed a commanding presence that filled the room.
Dressed in an elegant deep blue suit that complemented his skin tone, the attire hugged his broad and sculpted shoulders, showcasing his athletic form. Every detail of his outfit, from the buttons to the impeccable stitching, denoted sophistication and refined style.
When a subtle and captivating fragrance filled the air, enveloping Aster's senses, it was a scent similar to or derived from the Santalum album tree. Suddenly, something changed within him. A burst of sensations flooded over him as his sense of smell awakened him to a new reality. It was a powerful, unique, and unmistakable fragrance.
Instinctively, Aster drew closer to Callum, his gaze fixed on his clothes. Without thinking about social conventions or norms, Aster brought Callum's clothes to his nose and deeply inhaled. The sense of smell, one he had always considered underdeveloped compared to animals, overwhelmed him.
A torrent of information flowed through the scent, connecting him to Callum in an inexplicable way. In his mind, flashes of shared moments from days before emerged, as if unearthing memories from a forgotten past. It was an overwhelming experience for Aster, who had never before encountered such an instinct.
Noticing Aster's intense reaction, Callum found confirmation in his eyes of something powerful. He felt the intensity of recognition coming from Aster, a visceral response that transcended the social conventions of the ABO world. It was the confirmation of a deep connection, an undeniable personal choice.
Without saying a word, Callum leaned towards Aster, their lips slowly approaching. Aster felt his heart race, a mix of nervousness and anticipation running through his body. He closed his eyes and allowed the moment to unfold.
As the kiss deepened, Callum felt engulfed in a wave of pleasure and satisfaction. Aster's presence filled his world, and this moment was the confirmation of their choice and the deep connection they shared.
As the kiss continued, Aster let himself be carried away by the moment, exploring the sensation of Callum's lips against his own. Flavors intertwined, creating a unique and intoxicating sensory experience.
Satisfaction and contentment consumed Callum as the kiss went on. He felt whole as if he had finally found the missing link in his life. The recognition of his omega through taste was a powerful confirmation of his choice and deep connection.
Each moment of the kiss was a mixture of sweetness and intensity. Aster's unique taste invaded Callum's senses, igniting an overwhelming passion that pulsed in his chest. It was as if his entire being was connected to every movement, every shared sigh between them.
While Aster and Callum were enjoying their intimacy, the door suddenly opened. Adam entered the room, his eyes searching for Damián. Upon seeing Callum and Aster together, he froze for a moment, surprised by the scene before him. His gaze quickly shifted away from them, realizing he had walked in at the wrong time.
Adam, somewhat embarrassed, composed himself and apologized for the intrusion, seeking a polite way to leave. He mentioned that he was looking for Damián.
Feeling the discomfort of the situation, Aster quickly tried to act to avoid problems. He told Adam that Damián was resting in the bedroom and that they could talk later or another day. Aster attempted to persuade Adam to leave, fearing Damián's reaction if he woke up and found a stranger in his room.
However, Adam insisted on finding Damián. He expressed his concern and stated that it was urgent to speak with him. Adam asked where the bedroom was and headed towards it, ignoring Aster's attempts to stop him. Tension grew as Adam approached the bedroom, disregarding Aster's concerns.
Feeling a lack of control over the situation, Aster followed Adam, apprehensive about what might happen when Damián woke up.
However, Callum intervened, saying, "Don't worry, Aster," as he gently placed a hand on his shoulder, "Adam and Damián need to be together now. It's important that they have this time together."
Damián lay on his bed, his mind filled with turbulent thoughts. He looked at the ceiling, lost in his reflections, when suddenly the door to his room began to open slowly. His eyes widened as he recognized the demon from his nightmares entering the room.
Instantly, anger consumed Damián. He felt a mix of frustration and rage pulsating in his chest, fueled by the emotional wounds surrounding him. Without thinking, his instincts kicked in, and he grabbed the nearest object, hurling it toward Adam. However, his injured hand hindered him, causing the object to miss Adam and crash into the wall with a loud thud.
Surprised by Damián's explosive reaction, Adam took a few steps back, his eyes wide with disbelief. He expected to find his omega sad and vulnerable, but instead, he was confronted with intense fury expressed through Damián's furious gaze.