Part I of II

There had been plenty of Alphas that had wanted Erina, thirsted and lusted after her in a multitude of ways and sought to gain her approval, if not her allegiance. But none could, she would never let herself be claimed, it was enough of an embarrassment to be branded as the only Omega in a long line of Alphas or even Betas. She had no doubts that if it wasn't for her God's Tongue that she would've been quietly 'taken care of' the moment her mark shimmered into existence onto her neck.

There was a standard omega symbol near the base of her neck on the sensitive skin near her collar bone, but this one wasn't the one that caused Alphas to flock her to very being constantly since her manifestation. It was the obscenely large mark that circledher delicate neck, looking more like a piece of ornate jewelry rather than an Omega Mark. It appeared to be a wide silver ring that was wrought with intricate designs until one looked closer to see that it was all omega symbols imprinted deeply into her skin.

Erina had never seen an Omega Mark as branding and obvious as hers, looking like the perfect collar on what should have been the most perfect submissive Omega. It had been long known that the larger and more obvious the Mark, the stronger those traits ran in those individuals. For an Omega like her, it meant the perfect breeding partner for any Alpha.

Even the thought made Nakiri Erina wrinkle her nose in distaste and derision, she hadn't fought so hard in her entire life so that she could be content to perch on the lap of some God be damned Alpha. She was the Headmaster of Tōtsuki, had several of her own Michelin starred restaurants, and an untouchable Ice Queen that thousands have tried and failed to claim. Yes, she was Nakiri Erina, so why did she want so desperately for Yukihira Sōma to shove his tongue down her throat?

Yukihira Sōma had always been sort of an enigma, it had been obvious that his manifestation hadn't occurred yet, there had been no mark on the base of his neck. It had been scarily bare the first time she had seen him and had remained so until the last time she saw him. At graduation.

Erina had always thought that he was a Beta, their designation usually manifested a little later in life and was what could be considered the common designation in comparison to both rare Alphas and even more elusive Omegas. He had been such a plebeian; he couldn't have been anything but a common Beta.

This was the one time that she, the proud Nakiri Erina would admit having been blind and any sort of synonym. It should have been dreadfully obvious that Sōma was not ordinary in the slightest, he attracted attention, envy, and the lust of an obstinate number of people. While it had been obvious to most others, he himself had been immune to the attention that he had been receiving because his designation as Alpha had yet to appear. While Omegas were characterized as submissive, Alphas were classically dominant in all aspects of their life; born natural leaders and successful in their pursuits because of their dogged determination.

The stronger the Alpha gene, the stronger Alpha traits would appear just like with Omega traits. This meant that those with who had greater Alpha traits desired an Omega with stronger Omega genes, making Erina subject to many advances. Even though it seemed that Omegas drew the short end of the evolutionary stick, Omegas exercised the ultimate decision of their choice in partner. Only when all of them surrendered of free will, body, mind, and soul, could they be truly claimed by an Alpha.

Which meant Erina was going to remain blessedly safe for the rest of her life. Which was totally going to be fine even as she felt saliva pool in her mouth as Sōma's tightly corded arms bulged in a movement to reach for some flute of champagne or whatever. Tearing her gaze away from him, she tried to come to terms with what had happened in the last couple of hours.

Yes, the morning had started off quite innocuously even if she had felt a strange sense of tension the minute she had woken up. It should have alerted her to what waited for her later on, but it had been such a goodweek for her, and nerves were a thing. Except she elected to forget that she rarely had nerves, and her nerves were usually a result of one thing. Or rather person.

Other than the strange skittishness that she felt everything was going great, her pop-up restaurant in Venice had received raving reviews from all of the best magazines and food critics and the annual fundraiser of Tōtsuki was planned out perfectly for tonight. Since she had become Headmaster, Erina had been making an effort to curb some of the ostentatious parts of the school. She didn't want to think too deeply about why this became her imperative and set to work making one of the events into a donation function.

Only one, she wasn't that generous. Tōtsuki had to maintain its lofty ideals and own internal events such as the Autumn Elections and even just regular Shokugekis. That all costed a pretty penny, and she wasn't about to let the school go destitute, but once per year she'd allow their coiffeurs to dry up a bit.

This year it was to open up a food distribution centre in a few cities and places of the students' choosing. These would be manned by at least one Tōtsuki graduate for the first year, granted in time slots ranging from two to three weeks, since all graduates were usually incredibly busy. Erina included, she smiled as she began pulling out the clothes she was going to wear for the function tonight, as the host she would look impeccable as always.

This year's main fundraising event was going to some auction, while usually, it would be a meal handmade by one of the willing participants, her cousin's devious mind had come up with dates instead. Of course, Erina had opted out immediately when the idea was confirmed due to very high demand. Alice didn't bother to say a word in argument, it was a little dangerous for her to be 'on auction' because even though most attendees would have been vetted by Tōtsuki over many generations, there was no guarantee. The thought chilled Erina slightly when it appeared in her mind, she had been safe for most of her life, but that didn't mean that an unsavory Alpha wouldn't be able to hurt her if they wished.

A wave of anger washed over her whenever she thought about her statusas an Omega, she would always be vulnerable to an Alpha's whims if she bonded. Ifshe bonded, that was the only consolation she could give herself; there was no way there could be anyone who could make her willingly surrender. To want to be dominated by another, that was something she found both completely foreign and mildly disgusting; Erina couldn't understand why most Omegas had no issues with this.

Perhaps it was because she had grown up in a family of only Alphas that no one ever told her about a critical importance for Omegas. Even though Alphas were dominant in relationships, especially in the sexual aspects of it, they are fundamentally wired to take care of their Omega. It was really symbiotic in nature because Omegas were more than happy when their Alpha cared for them.

Yet in Erina's mind, Omegas had no position in a relationship with an Alpha, never mind the fact that Alphas would bend over backwards to keep their Omega happy and satisfied.

The salon was a little crowded, all four of the booths were being occupied by stunning women who were even more stunning chefs. There was Hisako, Erina's ever faithful aide, Alice, and Tadokoro Megumi who had grown close to Hisako over the years. Both Hisako and Alice were Betas, while the slim and seemingly meek Megumi was an Alpha. Granted her Mark was quite faint, but her innate desire to take care of others was an obvious tell of her designation and her quiet to be an overprotective mother hen.

"Erina, have you heard?" Alice's scarlet eyes were filled with only bad intentions, smile truly like the cat who got the cream, "The last-minute addition to the guest list, I'm sure you have."

The strawberry blonde woman opted not to fall for the bait, she wondered why her cousin relished regaling her about that blasted man. How many times did she make it clear that there was nothing there other than faint tolerance and grudging respect? He was usually little more than a headache and a half when anyone brought up his name in her office. If it wasn't some absurd idea he wanted funding for, it was trying to convince her that thiswas the city that a branch of Tōtsuki should be established. So pushy.

No, she was already spending too much time thinking about him and judging from the knowing look in the other three girls, it was too late for any defense. Letting out a small humph of annoyance she tosses her elaborately styled hair that was piled high on her head, baring her neck and Mark. "Yes, I have, the ingrate can finally cough out some cash for Tōtsuki after so many years abroad."

"Suuure," Alice dragged the word out, a delicately arched eyebrow indicating her skeptical reaction to Erina's words. "Yes, you definitely aren't at all curious about what happened to our very own first seat after graduation. Otherwise branded as the most wanted man to every step out of our school's doors, Alpha or not."

At this reminder Erina's face closes, faint resentment in her voice as she mutters, "You act like I wantto see him shove his status in my face. I'd rather not." The area where her symbol lay seemed tense as she waves the woman who was doing her makeup away, "I'll take care of the rest."

As she stood up to leave, Megumi leapt up in a lightning fast moment to clasp Erina's hands, "Darling, please don't leave. I'm sure Alice didn't mean it like that, you know we don't care a whit for whatever Mark you happen to have. I'd hate for you to have such a stressful start to what I believe will be a wonderful night." With those luminous pale-yellow eyes looking gently into hers, the Ice Queen relents with a soft sigh and smile.

Sitting back down, she reaches for a lipstick that had caught her eye and takes a brush to apply it meticulously on her lips. The deep cherry red sets off her pale skin and darkens her eyes into a rich shade of magenta, "Okay, but not a peep out of the white-haired witch." Erina ignores the indignant sniff to continue on, "What's the plan for the Auction, Megumi?"

"I'll be the auctioneer, both Alice and Hisako will be part of the auction," a playful giggle emerges from Megumi as she teases the two of them, "But of course their 'dates' are set in stone, and really it's just an excuse for them and their boyfriends to cough up some coin."

Hisako makes a face and reaches over to poke the blue-haired woman who was amusing herself at their expense, "Enough out of you. If it wasn't because you were the auctioneer I'm sure you would've fetched a very high price." And upon seeing that Megumi was speechless with embarrassment the other three girls dissolved into giggles.

The conversation moved to safer topics, much to the relief of Erina, and she could almost forget the many ways that this evening was going to go wrong. She had her friends, her hair and makeup were done to perfection, and she had a beautiful dress waiting in the wings. She was successful, confident, and there was no reason she should feel nervous about seeing him again.

If only she could tell her heart that.

The loud whistle that came out of Alice was entirely uncalled for and made Erina's face flush with embarrassment, the colour only serving to make her even more delectable. Her shyness drew Megumi's attention like a moth to flame, making the smaller blue-haired woman flit about her nervously. Her hands seemed to flutter all about in a speed that startled even Erina herself, smoothing out the silky material of her gown, rearranging some of the tendrils of hair, or fixing the limited jewellery she had on.

"Megumi-san," she tried to stop her friend from fussing so much, but there seemed to be an almost glazed expression on the usually so clear-eyed woman, "Megumi-san! Stop." At once the small Alpha halts her movements and shaking her head as if to clear it, she stares at her hands that were currently resting on Erina's…impressivebosom and backs away with a squeak.

"I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me," there's a positively devastated expression on her little face, "I should've never touched you without even asking first, I'm so sorry." She punctuates this with a strangled sound of panic with her hands covering her face.

Erina gently moved the hands away to send the worried woman a reassuring smile, "It's okay, I don't mind it. I was just surprised is all, you seemed quite unlike yourself." She didn't mention that the other's touch was like if fire ants crawling about on her skin whenever they made contact. It wasn't painful, but it was incredibly uncomfortable and unnerving for a reason that eluded her; she shoved the thought to the back of her mind as she studied her reflection in her mirror.

She looked good, as she should when she had spent nearly the entire day to get ready. Her floor length dress that fell in sheets of flowing fabric from where it was cinched tightly to her tiny waist. The sweetheart outline was paired with off the shoulder sleeves that served to reveal her slim shoulders; Erina felt truly confident in the wine-red dress and hoped that it would be an adequate shield against what was looking to be a long night. Not particularly vain about her appearance, she usually wouldn't have lingered so long in front of the reflection.

There was something different about her face, she just couldn't put her finger on it, but she didn't mind it considering it made her glow. Just as she was about to leave, she was passed a sheer white scarf from Megumi, "Just in case you get cold." And without questioning the slightly worried expression on her friend's face, Erina takes it and folds it over her exposed shoulders and chest.

The small blue-haired girl had a strange feeling about this, and Erina especially; it wasn't like her at all to lose her head when she was around the icily beautiful woman. She's always been able to control her urges to hover and care for Erina, but it was like something possessed her and the subtle scent that hovered about the air around. Intoxicating.

Megumi's face paled. It can't be, there was no way Erina could be going into heat. It couldn't be because of her, she already had someone, and she doubted the proud heiress would submit to someone like her. But it made no sense, these were all signs of an Omega going into heat, she chewed her lip.

Erina didn't seem to think anything was wrong, and it wasn't as if Megumi was completely sure what was going on considering there was no Alpha that should have been able to instigate it. It might just be something else, and she was just overthinking like she usually did. Besides, she was sure that Erina would have a better handle on her own situation that she did, and if anything was wrong, she would do her utmost to help. Like she always did.

But why did she feel so uneasy about this now, she was really hoping that her suspicions were completely wrong because there would most definitely be a sceneif her guess was correct. No, she had to stop thinking so negatively, the evening was going to be a blast and there was nothing that was going to ruin all of their hard work.

She glanced at her cellphone, but just in case…

On the ride to the venue, Erina's stomach was unsettled, and her skin was tingling strangely, almost as if she had the incoming symptoms of a flu or a sickness. Or maybe she was just nervous, but that didn't really explain the way her hand was constantly smoothing over her Omega Mark, the tingling the worst there.

When she stepped out of her limousine and onto the luxurious red carpet prepared for all attendees, all signs of her discomfort had been wiped away. In the once pinched expression's place was one of regal coldness, heightening the attractiveness of her aristocratic features. What she didn't know was that there was something else that was making all of the reporters go crazy snapping pictures of her, her eyes glittered like diamonds and her cheeks were flushed delicately to the shade of peach blossoms.

It was fairly clear that she had stolen the spotlight, as she usually did without even intending to, and without stopping to answer any of the questions the reporters were hurtling at her, she enters the gorgeous venue. Erina wasn't sure how Alice got this place, but she wasn't about to complain. The gorgeous foyer gave way to a luxurious ballroom filled with high vaulted ceilings, enormous gilded windows, and glimmering chandeliers hanging overhead.

The room was already quite full, with most attendees all mingling about and chatting and catching up with old friends. There were quite a number of people that waved at her, but it was difficult to respond to all the greetings as she rushed towards the stage set up for the auction later on. Before the auction however, it would serve as just a stage where she would be giving her standard speech and also thanking those who helped make the event possible.

As she stepped backstage, she greeted some of her elders with a polite nod and scanned the faces for one in particular. She didn't even notice that she had been looking for him until the disappointment hit that the infuriating red-head was nowhere to be seen, she let out a frustrated sigh. Since it should be his return to Japan, she had arranged for him to be introduced along with some of the most successful graduates to come out of Tōtsuki.

"Shinomiya-senpai, have you seen Yukihira? He's supposed to be here when I open the event, but I don't see him here," the pink-haired chef was standing off to the side, conspicuously alone. The annoying tail that usually hung about him whenever he was visiting had made herself scarce today, much to the surprise of Erina.

"Huh?" He looked around as if surprised to see that Erina was standing right in front of him. "Yukihira? Haven't seen him." He notes the scowl of annoyance that appears on the strawberry-blonde woman's face, and continues on, "I don't think he's here yet."

She groaned when realizing how likely that was, she forgot just how flakey he could be and forced a smile onto her face, "Thanks, are you okay?" But upon seeing that the talented French chef was back to glaring at the wall, she turned and ran headfirst into Dojima Gin's impressive figure.

"Woah there," the tall male smiled, "What's the rush? The event looks perfect, you should just sit down and wait for the curtains to open. I'm sure you have a wonderful speech planned."

Erina smiled weakly, "Yes, I know, but have you seen Yukihira? He's supposed to be here by now. It will be all his fault later when I announce him and he's not even here, there he goes, throwing wrenches in my plans once more."

When he sees the agitated expression on her luminous face, there's a scratching feeling in his chest demanding that he get up and look for the perpetually tardy diner-cook chef. But upon seeing that he didn't know where Yukihira was, Erina had darted away once more to the next person. It was like she couldn't stand still, there was the nervous energy that thrummed through her body that only got worse as the moments passed by.

She was already starting to feel a little flushed, as if there was some kind of internal stove that had been slowly eating up coal and burned stronger and stronger as time went by. But she pushed her discomfort to the back of her mind, she had a job to do and she'd execute it perfectly or else she wasn't a Nakiri.

Seeing that the time was running short, Erina took her position at centre stage with her fellow graduates flanking her on her sides, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she allows calm to wash over her. As the curtains open to reveal all of the world-renowned talents of the cooking world, certifiably blinding in her humble opinion as she waited for the exuberant applause to lull.

Her confident voice echoed in the expansive room, "Welcome to all of our graduates, peers, and supporters, Tōtsuki is honoured that you would be here to share in this event tonight. As you all know, this is our yearly fundraiser made to honour those of us who have had less than humble beginnings but still rose to the top."

Gesturing to her left with an elegant hand, she turns to the side to introduce, "Joining me here today are only just some of our successful graduates, starting with our very own Dojima Gin, Shinomiya Kōjiro, Sonoka Kikuchi, and Tadokoro Megumi, and to my left you will see Hayama Akira, Tsukasa Eishi, Inui Hinako, and Satoshi Isshiki. Of course, these are only a few of many other graduates you will see tonight, the rest elected to either not be on stage or could not set aside their busy schedules."

She sent a surreptitious glance to the chefs by her side and was disheartened by the still absent person from her carefully chosen line-up, "You may have noticed that there is an absent place next to Ms. Tadokoro. I am sorry to say that the last guest, who needs no introduction, Yukihira Sōma, will not be attending this evening." She could seethe disappointment sweep across the room and she hides the way her jaw clenches in annoyance by sending the masses a stunning smile.

"But that does not deter any of us from having a wonderful—" the heavy wooden doors burst open to interrupt her and succeeded in drawing the attention of every single person in the entire venue. And striding in nonchalantly in a tailor-made suit and wild red hair was the very person she had just said wouldn't be making an appearance. If she wasn't so busy staring at him, she might've been able to summon some annoyance or even anger at the way he was crashing her party.

But her mind and eyes seemed more preoccupied by the way the suit fit him too perfectly, emphasizing his impressive physique, broad shoulders and tapered waist. When their eyes met, she noted in some far corner of her mind that he had aged a little too well; his features had matured even more, with a jawline that would rival any filet knife in sharpness. She felt her heart hammering in her chest as her bones felt like they had turned to jelly, the way his golden eyes shone was enough to make her feel lightheaded.

The thought stops her short, what was going on? All of a sudden, her Mark was tingling again but perhaps a million times worse and she could actually feel her body getting warmer as Yukihira got closer and closer onto the stage. His eyes were no longer on hers anymore and it felt a little easier to breathe but watching as his suit strained against his body while he quite literally swung himself on stage made it difficult for her lungs to function.

"Sorry guys, I got a little held up," his lips were curled into a naughty smirk that had likely the same effect on Erina as it did anyone else in the room. "But I couldn't help but to hear that you were all going to have a fun time without me." His voice didn't need a microphone, but the crowd was silent enough that it carried even more than Erina's.

Pinching herself to get out of this strange funk was the only thing she could do to clear the increasingly muddled thoughts in her mind; she allowed her emotions to freeze off of her face. She was thankful that Sōma at least had the decency to jump up on stage far enough away from where she stood. She wasn't sure what kind of mess it would be if he was right next to her.

Erina turned up the charm several notches, becoming every inch of the perfect host while still maintaining that untouchable grace, "It seems that I was mistaken, the one and only Yukihira Sōma has deigned to grace us with our presence. If only he had the generosity to let me know that he would be late."

She didn't even bother to look in his direction as she forged on, "But now that he's here, I can announce the main event for this year's fundraiser. The Auction, a new addition created by Tōtsuki's Nakiri Alice." The spotlight follows where she is gesturing to reveal the gorgeous white-haired Danish beauty. "And hosted by the wonderful Tadokoro Megumi," now it was the blue-haired woman to be under the spotlight.

"More details will be provided before the Auction begins, but if you are interested in participating in the Auction please find a server to fill out an agreement form," Erina begins to wind down her speech, wanting nothing more than to get out of this place as soon as she could. "Forms will only be accepted an hour before the event starts. Have a wonderful evening, to Tōtsuki!" And upon hearing the roar of applause she quickly makes herself scarce by darting through the backstage and diving into the smallest room she could find. It was a broom closet, but it would have to do.

Sinking down into a random box she trails her fingers on her oversensitive skin, an unnatural warmth emerging from beneath her fingertips especially where her Mark was. It was burning there, and so terribly sensitive that her body quivered whenever her fingers made contact with it. What was happening to her? Was she sick? She felt like the world was spinning when the door cracked open to reveal an incredibly worried Megumi, but she was so delirious that she didn't even notice.

"Erina-san," Megumi called to her, trying to see how far gone she was and upon seeing that she was still somewhat responsive quickly knelt down beside her. "You need to eat these; can you understand me?" In her hands were small innocuous white pills that were no bigger than a half a pinky nail along with a glass of water in the other hand.

Seeing that she would have to help her take the pills, Megumi steeled her nervous and held her breath before sitting next to Erina and helping support her as she fed her the pills. When she had swallowed them, along with most of the water the smaller woman hurries a distance away to take a deep breath. She was beginning to be affected by Erina's pheromones, and her pheromones were heady and intoxicating to a degree that scared Megumi herself. If she hadn't already been bonded to her own partner, she wondered if she would even be able to control herself.

She was glad that she had been keeping tabs on the seemingly impervious woman, it would have been tragic if anyone else had found her when she was so vulnerable. Already the symptoms had abated, and Erina was slowly coming to, gingerly moving her head from side to side and staring blankly at where Megumi was currently sitting.

"Megumi-san? What happened? What are you doing here?" Her neck felt pinched and her mouth felt drier than a desert, in summary she felt quite terrible. If that wasn't the worst part, she also felt so disappointed for some reason as if something her body had been hoping for had been taken away. "Why do I feel so…"

"Disappointed?" Her blue-haired friend said knowingly, a worried look in her pale-yellow eyes, "Erina, you almost went into heat."

At once she feels her heart drop, no, it can't be. She's not even in a relationship, it wasn't possible that she had been going into heat, there had to be another explanation. But even though her denial she's checking off the symptoms of Omega heats and it's all there, too obvious for even her stubborn brain to ignore.

Omegas only go into heat when they are ready to be claimed, when they've found the Alpha that they've determined that they want to take care of them. In all manners of life, including sex, the very first step of bonding. Under normal circumstances if the bond isn't tested, either through things like long-term distance or suspected infidelity, an Omega would only ever have the one heat.

The world assumed it was simply there to make the bonding process easier, but it also gave new couples the opportunity to screw like rabbits as an added plus. However, Erina had never heard of an Omega that went into heat without a partner, it didn't even make any sense. Her head was beginning to pound just thinking about it, "So I was going into heat, and then what happened?" A look of horror came upon her face as she looked between the two of them with wide eyes, "Megumi-san, you…didn't, right? Oh my God, tell me I didn't just force you to cheat on Takumi."

A look of startled surprise that melted into laughter answered Erina's question, but still, Megumi had to clarify, "No, no! Can you imagine if that happened? Takumi would probably try to kill you, and I would never be able to live with myself. I just gave you some of those heat-suppressant pills that Takumi uses whenever one of us has a long business trip somewhere."

The relief was palpable in the sigh that Erina lets out, "So I won't go into heat now?" But upon seeing the way that Megumi was chewing worriedly on her lip, she knows that the solution couldn't possibly be that simple.

"No, I don't think so," her voice was slow and thoughtful, "These pills will naturally wear off when your Alpha gets close to you since they aren't designed to keep your heat away when your Alpha is there. It might make things a little better, but if your Alpha is at this party…I would give it a few hours tops."

There was an annoyed expression on Erina's beautiful face, "I don't have an Alpha, there's no one that I have submitted to. There's no way that I'm in heat because I have an Alpha now."

"Erina-san, as much as I don't want to say it, I can't just let it go. There is a one hundred percent chance that you have already submitted to an Alpha, but you just never noticed it. A heat could not possibly come from any other reason," Megumi's small hand came to hold onto Erina's tightly clenched fist. "You need to find out who it is immediately, not that it won't be easy considering they might be suffering as much as you are right now."

The blue-haired woman's touch still felt uncomfortable, which is what she voiced only to see that Megumi immediately snatches her hand back with a look of fear, "Oh I'm so stupid, your body is rejecting any other Alpha, I shouldn't be touching you and neither should anyone else. It's only going to get worse as the evening goes on, are you sure you don't want to go home?"

Erina thought about it, it was the first thing that came to mind when this whole conversation first started. But she's had enough running, she would find her so-called Alpha and tell them exactly how she felt about this mess. A stubborn grimace appeared on her face, there wouldn't be a relationship, just a simple transaction to keep her condition away. She wanted her own autonomy, and there was no way some Alpha was going to just take that away from her. She closed her eyes, taking a moment to level herself and return to some semblance of calm before sending a confident smile to Megumi. Without another word, she swept out the room as if it was the finest parlour and not a random broom closet, even if her hair was not as immaculate as it was before.

She was going to get through the evening, she wasn't about to have some no-name Alpha ruin her night, in fact, she was going to do her damnedest to pretend that they didn't exist. Stepping back into the party that was in full swing, she allowed herself to retreat to a dark corner by a Grecian-styled column to observe the event.

To her relief things were going just as planned, all the attendees were mingling well and even those who preferred the shadows had found others to chat with. The atmosphere was near perfect, and she could feel the benediction of a well-planned event wash through her. The food available was being very warmly welcomed by both guests and former students, mind-blowingly delicious would an understatement to the wide selection of finger foods.

But almost against her will, her gaze was drawn to the tall figure currently being surrounded by the largest crowd in the entire room, male and female, chefs and business associates. Colours of all kinds fanned around him, all while he entertained them with the same infuriating playful smile and charm that made the women blush and the men laugh.

His eyes seemed to glow beneath the light of the chandeliers, and she found herself absorbed by the way his teeth flashed whenever he let out an amused chuckle. Even though he didn't lose his approachability and casual mannerisms, there was an undeniable aura that screamed leader, ruler, king.

Mine. The thought sends a jolt through her, a fierce wave a possessiveness surged in her chest when she saw a woman lay a delicate hand on his forearm and without even realizing it, she had begun glaring at him. Why wasn't he removing it? Why was that blasted arm still on his, was it glued there? It became the only thing she could focus on, but as if he could feel her intent stare he turns to where she was now spying only to find nothing.

Or at least that's what Erina hopes as she clutches her clammy hands to her chest, back against the wide pillar and heart pounding too quickly. She was warming rapidly once again, but a faint discomfort in comparison to the way her mind was racing as she peeked cautiously from her hiding place. He had returned to entertaining the people that flocked to him in droves, likely with witty repartees and clever jokes that never failed to hit their mark.

Her eyes moved to that still untameable red mane that sat wildly atop of his head, long fluffy locks tousled and almost begging for fingers to smooth it down. She could almost feel his thick soft strands between her fingers, twisting them in her hands as his lips pressed against her own in a hot and passionate kiss. The delirious thought felt like an icy slap to the face, making all the blood drain and leaving her pale with a thought that she did not want to confront.

Erina's ever-confident frame was curled in on herself, shaking slightly as she took deep breaths to calm her raging feelings that were swirling into a maelstrom. Yukihira Sōma couldn't be her Alpha; there had to be some mistake.

How could she submit to such a lowly diner-chef? Someone who knew not the perfection of her God's Tongue? Someone who traveled the world without a care for her? The bitterness in the last question escaped Erina herself as she fumed, but even her ire couldn't completely ignore the satisfied purr that came from somewhere deep inside.

It almost seemed like seductive whispers that reminded her that Sōma was more than any accomplished chef even if he didn't have a restaurant or Michelin Stars to show for it. He was one of the most wanted men of this generation for a reason, excluding the clear effects of his dominant Alpha traits. Something she seemed very happy with, even if it argued with older feelings of anger regarding the irresponsible man.

The whispers turned into reminders of how he well treated her during some of the most difficult times of her life, how he had never failed to look after her and care for her. Yes, he would take such good care for her, how could she choose anyone else but him?

Her mind felt like a warzone, with neither side any closer to victory as she slowly slid to the ground while clutching at her pounding temples. Worries of ruining her gorgeous dress and hairdo were far from her thoughts as she tried to calm the seemingly unending conflicting emotions whenever Sōma was concerned.

"You okay there, doll?" A wickedly smooth voice startles her from her stupor as she lifts her face to see the darkened eyes of the one and only Saiba Asahi, all dark curls and suave smiles. Her chest tightened with a mixture of uneasiness and anger, there had yet to be a conversation with him that proved him to be above a disgusting slimeball.

Ignoring the proffered hand, she picked herself up in an enviously smooth movement that hid her trepidation, "I'm doing just fine, thank you." And upon turning to leave, she feels his ice-cold hand clamp firmly onto her wrist, stopping her from darting back into the safety of the crowd. Erina tries not to cringe at the intrusive sensation that his contact had on her skin and turns around with an infuriated look in her purple eyes.

"Now, now. Is that any way to treat a guest, I am simply appalled by your lack of manners," a glint appeared in his eyes, hinting at a playfulness that was more malevolent than kind. "What kind of host would you be if someone was left all alone, and rudely brushed off when they just wanted to make some conversation?"

Closing her eyes and willing the heavens to give her a little more patience, she spat the words through her teeth, "Then what would you like?" Her fingers were reflexively clenching in frustration, her temper was like a ticking time bomb and the only person that could neutralize it was someone who was currently having the time of his life in the ballroom.

"I request little, just a dance is all," but without waiting for her to respond, he had pulled her to his chest and led her out and onto the dance floor. His arm was wrapped too tightly around her waist and pulling her indecently close as she tried to push him away, his proximity making her feel like she was about to throw up.

"You're making a scene," his low voice sing-songed, but the annoyed twitch to his eyebrow indicated his true displeasure, "It's just a dance, I don't see why you're being so adamant about refusing. Then again, you're the only woman who seems determined to reject me, and perhaps I would've simply accepted it…"

Fire boiled in the pit of her stomach, this is why she hated this man, the way he treated her with thinly veiled charm when really he saw her nothing more than an object. Asahi's eyes left her face and focused on the silver Mark that wrapped delicately around her neck, "…If it wasn't for the fact you would be the perfect Omega. We were made for each other; your God's Tongue would only be satisfied with me and I could only be satisfied by you."

"Shut up," she hissed, eyes narrowed in a fury that came from the fact that she had more self-respect than to be talked to this way. But in the back of her mind is the small voice that said that in the end that would be her destiny anyway, suppressed by an Alpha for the rest of her life. She looked around to see if anyone had noticed their less than savory conversation, and without even needing to look for him, she was met with a pair of warm golden eyes.

But the brief reprieve was cut short when he leaned in closer, breath raising the hairs on the back of her neck, "Do you think you're better than me? Is that why you won't submit to me? I don't come from a pure enough bloodline—"

Seeing that this was becoming yet another unsalvageable conversation, Erina allows her fury to seep through slightly as she shoves him away and tosses her head proudly to the side. Her bravado had always been feigned but it gave her the ability to look imperiously at him while stating, "Yes, I deserve more than what you can give me, a person like you is not even fit to lick my shoe." And at that, she sweeps away in a flurry of blonde hair and red skirts.

. . .

Erina was becoming well-acquainted with this broom closet tonight. There was a headache pounding between her temples and her skin still crawled from that interaction with Saiba Asahi. For someone adopted by her idol, Joichiro, he was a sorry excuse for a human being even if he had the cooking skills to back it up.

Inhaling deeply through her nose, her mind wanders inexplicably to the redhead who had likely seen most of what happened. She didn't want to speak to him, Sōma would likely just shrug it off or worse, gloat. No, she couldn't allow him to see her weak, not after all those times he's had to pull her to safety when she desperately needed it. She let out the breath with a strangled sound of frustration.

She rubbed her hands on her heated skin, trying to alleviate the feeling of discomfort as she debated if she just wanted to go home for the night. This had already proved to be a disastrous day for her, and Erina would like to retreat to the comfort of her home and forget what a mess her life was. Upon deciding, she got up from the curled position she had been in to find Megumi and ask her to cover for her for the rest of the evening, she didn't want to wait and tempt fate.

But it seemed she had acted a step too late when she emerged from the closet walked only a few steps, Alice had found her and dragged her to the side of the stage. Megumi had already begun explaining how the Auction would proceed and the limitations of the 'date' that could happen when the bidding concluded.

There were roughly twenty graduates all waiting in the wings, ready to march onto the stage and selling their time for what will be hot meals for many needing children. As the host, she would be seated to the side along with a few of the other administrators of Tōtsuki and as much as she wanted to just leave, it was too late. So, she bit the bullet and forced a cool smile onto her lips as she sat down on the prepared seat next to one of the biggest investors of the school's resorts and hotels.

"Have you been enjoying the evening?" She extended the query, knowing that this was a pivotal part of playing a good host. And watching as the older woman's eyes softened, lips parting to praise Erina for a job well done, some of her earlier anxiety and worries melted away. The Auction was already half-way through, with both Ikumi and Hayama fetching eye-catching prices.

Megumi's crisp voice continues to call, "Next we have Nakiri Alice, not only is she a proud graduate but is a decorated leading researcher in the meshing of gastronomy and cuisine. You would only be so fortunate as to be able to accompany this Danish beauty on a date of your choosing." Alice's scarlet eyes flashed with mirth as she sauntered easily onto the loveseat prepared for those being auctioned, all pale, graceful limbs that draped over the plush fabric of the couch.

Erina wasn't surprised that Alice's 'price' had shot through the roof, given that Ryou had been there to ensure that there wouldn't be someone else that would 'steal' his lady. To make sure that the event wouldn't be accused as being unjust, each individual could only successfully auction for one person and no organizers would be able to auction.

The first was to ensure that one of the wealthier investors wouldn't be able to bid for everyone, and the second was to ensure that there was no artificial 'inflation' of the prices. Even though the event was for charity, it should still be honest and not be a ploy to grab as much money as possible.

Tuning out of the Auction, she let her mind wander as her eyes closed about what she was going to do when she finally returned home. A warm sudsy bath sounded heavenly, she could almost feel her muscles unknotting and softening at the prospect, but Megumi's voice interrupts her daydream.

"Next up is Nakiri…" Megumi's voice trailed off, wide golden eyes staring at the sheet of paper in her hand that had Erina's name written in the last position. It wasn't possible, why didn't she notice earlier that the list had been tampered with? But now it was deathly silent as the awkward stretched longer and longer. Her pale face turned to Erina's who had an identical expression of panic. It was too late.

If only she hadn't already said her last name, it could have been simply waved away but now that everyone knew that Erina was the only Nakiri other than Alice in the room…it was too late. The blonde woman looked calmly in Megumi's direction and sends her a subtle nod and began preparing herself to walk to where that loveseat was.

"Only our supremely talented Headmistress of our great Tōtsuki, there are too many accomplishments that I will not bore you all with while I enumerate them. One of the holders of the greatest number of Michelin Stars and the most decorated female chef of our time, please welcome Nakiri Erina." Even though Megumi had been able to 'save' the situation, it only put Erina in a more vulnerable position.

She watched as that gorgeous figure strode confidently to where she was supposed to sit, the red dress that hugged and emphasized every inch of her womanly frame and hair that revealed her swan-like neck. Erina sat to the side of the couch; legs tucked primly underneath as she stared into the darkness beyond the stage.

Even if she wanted to hide her wariness and nervousness, it was no doubt that Megumi could see right through it. She wished that it was Hisako, or even Gin bidding for her; an expression of slight fear crossed her mind as she remembered that Saiba Asahi had likely never left. She could almost feel his cold eyes and even colder smile as he plotted what he would do to her if he won the bet. A sliver of her composure cracked as she fought through a shuddering breath to look even the slightest bit more confident.

And unlike how it comes easily to her when she had to do a demonstration in front of hundreds of people, the opening day of her restaurants, this was so much harder to do. She rarely if ever had so little control over her life, yet this was a moment where she was exposed and could only sit there and wait for her fate to be handed to her. Unlike Alice and Hisako, there wasn't anyone waiting in the wings to take her home, pamper her and tell her that everything was okay.

She could feel her eyes beginning to water slightly as the noise dulled to an unintelligible hum, she just wanted to get out of here. She was scared. She wanted to go home. She wanted…it was getting a little hard to think, what was even going on?

"Nakiri, hey," a warm voice fought through the din, shining like the brightest gold and feeling like home. Her glassy eyes swung in the direction of that soothing voice, face devoid of expression save for the faint tremor of her full lips. An arm helped to lift her up, her body leaning against his like a crutch as they walked somewhere.

She wasn't sure what was happening, but she did know that there was a divine scent coming from the warm strength holding onto her now. It reminded her of summer and sunshine with a faint hint of a spice that warmed her from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. There was an irrational part of her that thought as long as this scent surrounded her, she would be just fine.