Marie woke up, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. The days of heat, excitement, pain, and isolation were finally over. It was early, but she really felt better. She would never have imagined that going through a period of heat without taking pills would be so excruciating. They really helped lower symptoms, in exchange for headaches and nausea.

She wouldn't have survived if it weren't for May. It was very supportive having her by her side. After apologizing for the incident that first night, things became easier between them; when she wasn't under the influence of some needing-to mate-wave — in which she would lock herself in the bathroom until she could calm down — they would talk, eat together, play games on their cell phones and, lastly, catch up with school. May also took it upon herself to make video calls with Ed; which Marie hated as they got too mellow.

Anyway, her torture ended and it was time to go back to the way things were.

She dressed in one of her long-sleeved turtleneck blouses to hide her choker, this one was black and with a drawing of a skull, a maroon plaid skirt, fishnet stockings, her father's brown jacket and her favorite combat boots.

She took extra time to put on the alpha-scented perfume, applying it to her wrists and neck. While smelling it she made a disgusted face, instantly surprised. She had chosen one that most closely resembled the scent of his father, why did she suddenly dislike it?

She did not question it anymore and went with her sisters to school. She couldn't tell if it was her imagination but some turned to look at her while chatting. Maybe it was due to May; the outfit that she wore on that day was very pretty: a white shirt that fitted her torso and highlighted her breasts, beige leggings under her red minishorts. She wore a coat over her to have some modesty, but still, in the opinion of the blue-haired girl, she looked beautiful to look at.

Or maybe Lee had done something relevant in her absence and now everyone was talking about it. However, this latter theory was discarded when she went ahead of them saying that she had to do something before classes and that she will catch up with them soon. The whispers and glances did not stop until the sisters reached Marie's locker.

"I feel uncomfortable. They're looking way too much and I think the perfume isn't working," Marie murmured. "Do you think they know?"

"Please, Marie, you're being paranoid. You know people are weird," May shrugged. "Maybe we just look so good that they can't help but envy us," she replied with vanity.

Marie snorted and set the combination to open her locker. When she did, she was surprised to see a small bouquet of daisies resting inside it. She stared in shock until she chose to take them. May stared at them the same way as Marie held it up to her nose to smell them. The scent of them enchanted her; daisies were her favorite. But she carefully returned them to their previous position, realizing that only her sisters knew that detail.

"How did that get in there?" The blonde asked.

"Well, someone put them here."

"Does it say who?"

Marie shook her head. May didn't know anything, and she doubted Lee had said something to anybody.

"Looks like you have a secret admirer~" her sister spoke mockingly, smiling knowingly.

"Oh, don't start."

"I knew someone liked you," she clapped excitedly. "I was beginning to think that many were blind around here."

"May..." Marie began, in a warning tone.

"To be honest," the beta continued, "I think if they knew the truth, you would give Nazz a hard time for the 'Prettiest Omega' throne." She said softly.

Her sister turned slightly, looking distressed.

"Come on," the blonde smiled, "You're not ugly..."

"I never said I was," she snapped back.

May shook her head in confusion. "Then why-"

"LITTLE MAY!"

The scream startled them both, along with hurried footsteps running toward them. They turned to see Ed coming straight at them, sending anyone who crosses his path flying. May smiled cheerfully, but before she could say anything, Ed lifted her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and carried her with him, running down the hall.

Marie could only observe the direction where her little sister had been taken, processing what had just happened. She shook her head, searching for the books she would need for her classes. She saw the flowers for the last time without knowing what to think. The fact that she had an anonymous suitor was, well... weird.

"You ready?" Lee appeared next to her. She quickly closed her locker, preventing her from seeing the daisies. "Where's May?"

Marie smiled calmly, nodding to the left. "Ed kidnapped her."

"WHAT?!" Several students turned to see them, but quickly got back to business when Lee sent them a glare. "That son of a bitch... You've been absent from class too long for him to take her to some place to get down and dirty," she groaned. "Damn it, what if the teachers find them?! Dad will hang my ass!" She stomped down the hall looking for her little sister while Marie chuckled, but she came back to grab her wrist, muttering a low "C'mon".

Lee made sure she walked into her class before leaving in search of May. Marie understood her concern that the worst would happen, and the chain reaction as a consequence; her father's punishments were very severe, and she recognized this from experience.

She had a nice return to class, and by nice means boring as always. The only exciting thing was receiving a paper ball on her desk. She raised her head to see who was it from and only found Edd, watching her as always. She could guess from his gaze that he was the sender, and she opened the paper, realizing that it was a note.

`WE NEED TO TALK –EDDWARD'.

She arched her eyebrow, marveling at the audacity of the good Double Dee in passing a note during class. She settled into her seat, looked at him out of the corner of her eye and nodded softly; she will fulfill this request. She was curious what he might want to discuss with her.

At the end of the class, she took her precious time to put her things into her backpack. She saw that Edd had walked out the door, so she approached her teacher to ask him some details about the job he had given them, and that she had already completed half of it. When she finally dared to walk out the door, she was startled to see that the man was leaning against the wall next to the frame. He had his hands in his pockets and a serious look on his face.

"You took you longer than I thought." He said, and then he grimaced, wrinkling his nose. "Was someone with you?"

"No… Why?"

"I think... you smell like herbs... and tobacco."

The blue haired girl narrowed her eyes suspiciously. He was smelling the perfume, how was that possible?

"I thought betas can't smell the scent of an alpha or omega."

"Well, dealing with Ed most of your life makes your nose sensitive to smells," he explained. "Does it seem weird?"

Marie just shrugged in response. As much as she was curious, she feared what he might say to her; he knew her secret after all. They began to walk calmly towards the cafeteria.

"So… How are you?"

She was surprised by that simple question. "Eh, fine, I guess."

The beta just sighed. "I'm glad… I just wanted to know how'd you do with the nurse," he glanced at her. "You were there for a long time; I didn't have the opportunity to check on you."

"Why do you want to know? You just took me to the infirmary."

"It's just ... I'm concerned about your well-being." He lowered his head.

Look, Double Dee... fuck, your name is too long," she complained. "Can I just call you Dee? Alright, I'll call you Dee," she said quickly when she saw him nod in confusion. "I already said I'm fine, what more do you want?" She snapped. "I knew you have a crush on me, but it can't be that you've gotten so hang up on me; you just fingered me, you said it yourself, we didn't even have sex!" Her voice, though whispering, sounded like she was yelling.

"Technically, 'having sex' can be thought of in a number of ways," Edd spoke, looking thoughtful. "We had a sexual encounter that did not culminate in coitus, therefore: we did have sex, just not completely."

"Please don't ever say coitus again."

Marie let out a resigned sigh, Edd was so practical in everything he said, there was no way to argue with him. She considered what she would say next; for some reason she felt she had to tell him the truth.

"I can't take suppressors until further notice," she replied after a few moments. "That means I have to spend my mating cycles completely exposed, and spoiler, it's not nice at all," She really looked unhappy telling him that. "Also, I don't know how to hide my scent on my own, so I have to use an alternative; it's an alpha-scented perfume you're smelling."

Edd looked at her somewhat pained, and tried to take her hand. "I'm sorry, Marie..."

She pushed him away, and he looked hurt. "Don't. I don't need your pity."

They had passed through the girl's locker, where she took the opportunity to carry what she would need later. She shut it hard and turned to face him, being as cold as possible.

"If that was all, go. Just... stay away from me."

She saw him bite his lip as if he wanted to say something to her, but he kept silent, tightening his grip on the strap of his messenger bag. Leaving him there, she just left the hall to go to lunch, and continue with her life as if nothing had happened, and ignoring the slight pain on her chest.

.

.

.

The rest passed normally; May had received a reprimand from her older sister, although Lee allowed May to continue seeing Ed as long as they didn't do anything to put May in trouble, and Lee by extension.

'A couple's love must be a precious thing', Marie thought as she saw the two of them together, whenever Ed would join them for lunch. These gatherings would also be joined at times by Double Dee and Eddy, the latter making comments on occasions that would provoke an argument with Lee, which would attract the attention of everyone at the table, but which would not divert the eyes that Edd would keep glued on her while she ate her food. But that was all he did, and it didn't make sense at all; when she happened to ask him why, his friends were quick to scribble out an excuse.

She also used to watch Ed give May gifts, which made her think of the flowers in her locker. It was not only on that occasion with her younger sister, but from that day on she began to receive them every single day. And not only that, the notes also began: 'I hope you have a good day', 'I like your smile, you should smile more', 'It fills my heart with joy just seeing you laugh', 'I could get lost in your eyes', and so on.

She was being courted with flowers, and that left her a strange feeling, not necessarily unpleasant.

One day she decided to clear her mind with some reading. When she finished her art class, knowing she had minutes to spare, she headed to the library, looking for a book that caught her eye.

She went through the shelves, looking at the labels that marked the sections of all genres. In the distance she spotted Edd, sitting at one of the many tables; he seemed to be deep in reading, one elbow on the table supporting his head. She walked quickly to avoid being seen, and started looking at the titles.

Finally finding something to entertain herself, she reached out to take it, but she couldn't even reach it on her tiptoes. She cursed her height; If only she was two inches taller...

She prepared to jump as a last effort, but a hand reached out; taking the book and leaving it within her reach. Already anticipating who it was, she snapped an answer.

"I don't need help."

"Really? It seemed to me that you couldn't reach it."

But she had not expected to be the owner of the voice. She turned to face Kevin wearing that boyish smile of his.

"I correct myself: I don't need your help," she replied.

"Accepting the solidarity of others is not a crime," he shrugged.

Marie eyed the alpha warily and took the book. "What are you doing here?"

The redhead cocked his head. "I thought the library was a public place."

"It's not the usual place for a mindless basketball player."

Kevin smirked, leaning one arm against the shelf. "Ouch. Give me more credit; I'm also in advanced classes."

'And that is a mystery I'm never going to solve.'

"What do you want of me? Did you get tired of blondie?"

"I didn't say that." He frowned. "I can't talk to you?"

"You never talk to me," she replied dryly.

It was true. In all the time they had known each other, she had never spoken to him. He only talked to May to try to hook up with her, and he would occasionally say something to Lee to avoid getting on her bad side.

"And now it's something I want to fix." Marie didn't say nothing, giving him the most bored and serious look she could give. She didn't trust him; he reminded her of how she used to be — which she hated — and he was a two face with his friends, she had witnessed that more than once. "I'll get straight to the point by saying something nobody probably has told you." He put a hand to the back of his neck, scratching it and looking away. "I know I've never spoken to you, but lately there's something about you that attracts me. You're also really hot. Wanna go out with me?"

Kevin liked her, which came totally out of nowhere. Her world fell apart when she considered that he was responsible for the flowers. And she really liked them, but if the author of such a nice gesture is this person changed everything. She couldn't help but let out the amused laugh that came out of her mouth. It was somewhat rude and loud, but in a way he deserved it.

"Fuck you, asshole."

The red-haired alpha chuckled. "Feisty, I like that."

She looked at him in disbelief before shaking her head and turning to leave him there. However, the next thing he said made her pause.

"Look, I know how things are in your family."

She stopped short, turning slowly. She saw him with his hands tucked into the pockets of his letterman jacket, his gaze unconcerned.

"I'm listening," she whispered.

"In your family they are only alphas and betas; I can prove I'm a good match."

'Oh… it's that', she thought, releasing the air she had been holding.

"Well, it's not like I'm looking to be romantically involved with someone. My priority is school right now, it's the most important thing," she lied.

"That's not what you used to say in 8th grade, Marie." He looked at her in amusement, not believing her.

She gave him an exasperated look, spreading her arms. "Look; Lee can't stand you and will break your legs if she sees you with me," last strategy: use your intimidating sister. "For your own sake, just leave me alone."

"Oh come on..." He reached out for her hand.

"Is there a problem?"

The soft voice made them turn to see Double Dee. He was smiling calmly, walking slowly towards them. He heard Kevin curse next to her, which made her smile herself. Now that moron had to appear.

"Kevin. It's not usual for you to be around here," Edd acknowledged.

The redhead scoffed.

"I'm only here for Marie," he smirked, placing an arm around her neck. Edd stared intently at the hand resting on one of her shoulders, as if he was trying to burn it. He looked up when Kevin spoke again. "Now if you could give us some privacy-"

"The library is no place for flirting," Edd snapped.

The Alpha frowned. His countenance changed when Marie suddenly elbowed his ribs, causing him to bend forward in shock. She slipped out of his grasp to look at him in annoyance.

"Wow, you're so stubborn to take a hint," she snapped, stepping away from the two men to go and register her book.

Kevin just smiled, watching her go, more likely staring at her ass. Double Dee noticed it, narrowing his eyes.

"Playing hard to get. What a good challenge."

"She straight out rejected you," he corrected, crossing his arms.

The alpha scowled at him, tilting his head slightly upwards; Edd was a few inches taller.

"What would a nerd like you know? Double Dork."

"I know more than you think, like more variations of that word other than dweeb-"

Kevin growled, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and raising his pheromones to subdue him. However, that was a futile attempt, as it did not work on Edd.

"Keep talking; you'll get a bigger hole," he growled, referring to the gap between his upper teeth.

Edd smirked defiantly. "Well, give it a try, Mr. Hall Monitor."

Kevin released him, knocking him against the shelf and causing some books to fall. "Whatever. After all, she will accept me. Everyone wants an Alpha. A real one." He pointed a thumb at himself.

He gave him one last look before leaving, looking most casual. Edd scowled at him, squatting down to pick up the books and return them to their respective places.

Hours later he went to knock on the Kankers' door with determination. It was dark enough by now and the temperature dropped considerably. He prayed that May would open the door, or hopefully Marie. He wouldn't know how to answer Lee's questions, or worse, her father. To his relief a red-haired woman — identical to Lee, but not Lee — opened the door.

"Can I help you?" She asked kindly.

"Evening, Mrs. Kanker." He smiled awkwardly. "I'd like to talk to Marie; we are classmates."

The woman evaluated him with narrowed eyes, and Edd could feel that the determination that he possessed at first, little by little, was fading. Although, the woman smiled.

"Aren't you one of the neighborhood kids?"

"Yes ma'am. I live across the street," he pointed at the house across the sidewalk. "My name is Eddward... with two D's."

"Oh, now I remember you," she nodded. "I'll go get Marie, wait just a bit."

She walked away from the door, going for her daughter. Double Dee could hear her calling her upstairs while he waited patiently on the porch. Not knowing what to do at the moment, he lowered his gaze to see himself balancing on his feet, though the wait wasn't long.

"Dee, what are you doing here?" He heard her say.

He looked up to see her with her arms folded in front of him, much shorter than him.

"Come take a walk with me," he asked.

Getting no response, more than just a suspicious look, he added. "It's nothing funny, it's just to... talk. I'm sure you want some explanations from me."

Marie cast a glance over her shoulder, making sure no one was watching, and grabbed a coat that hung by the door. "Okay, but make it quick."

They decided to go around the neighborhood. The blue haired girl shoved her hands deep into her pockets; she was so cold that she could see her own breath. Double Dee seemed to notice and searched for something distressed inside his jacket.

"My apologies for the time, I really had to talk to you. Please accept this offering for interrupting whatever it is you were doing." From inside he pulled out a flower, extending it towards her.

Marie felt her heart stop and took it carefully in her hands; it was a daisy.

"You know you're killing flowers when you pluck them from their mother earth. Putting them in water is only delaying the inevitable wilting." It was obvious that he knew; he is the smartest person she knew, and he also usually works in the school greenhouse. She just wanted to divert the focus, not to notice her nervousness.

"Yeah, well... this isn't a real one," he said, putting a hand to the back of his neck. Marie touched the texture, checking that it was true. "I figured it was better than killing several on a daily basis."

They had reached the path by the creek. It was nearly dark, being illuminated by a single streetlight and another by another much further ahead. The freezing temperature caused the water to freeze, creating cold vapor in the air.

The Omega stopped in her tracks, glaring at the man in front of her who only stopped when he saw that she wasn't following him.

"Is something wrong?"

"It was you with the flowers..." she murmured in a low voice when realization hit her.

Edd chuckled.

"You're right. You said you wanted me to stay away from you, so I had to see an alternative to get your attention. You didn't like them?"

Marie nodded, but then shook her head, feeling silly.

"I came to consider that it was Kevin who sent them…"

When she looked up, Edd was already in front of her. The scowl on his face confused her.

"Why would you consider a prick like him would have the decency to send flowers to an Omega?" He asked.

"Well, he asked me out. I turned him down," she added when she saw his mouth open. "It was so out of nowhere that I just thought he came from a long time ago."

"Kevin is an Alpha," he spat. "One of those who take what they want regardless of what others think."

Marie saw him angry, spitting out each word on the redhead with poison. She recognized it as jealousy, which she found cute and a compliment to her person. But he was berating her, so she felt small and lowered her head to avoid his eyes.

"Well, you didn't do anything but having your gaze fixed on me..."

"'Nothing but-'" He sighed. He saw the reaction it caused in her, he didn't want that. He took a calm breath and she looked up again.

He had to be gentle with her, giving her her own freedom of expression. The flowers had been a method to get closer to her, creating a field under them where she will decide if she accepts him or not, but that method had a fault in not having shown his face, like a damn coward. But now he will do it right.

He took her hands in his and felt them cool; apparently her coat didn't help much to keep her warm. The girl noticed that her own hands were very small in his, reaching to cover them completely and to share his warmth. She looked into his eyes, those bluish greens that were shimmering as they focused on her hazel ones.

"You are so beautiful; there is no way I want to take my eyes off you. I would like to do more than that, but I have in mind to give you your space. I know our past is somewhat... turbulent. But that's what it is; the past. And the present is so much more precious." He paused to swallow hard. "I have watched you for a long time, and when that meeting happened I... I couldn't stop thinking about you; I do it all the time, and I have a hunch you do too, but… I really like you." Marie's eyes widened. "And from that moment I made a decision; I will do my best to get close to you and have your affection and love as something more than that of a simple friend, because I feel that I won't be able to settle for that, and I won't stop until I make you mine."

Marie had a lump in her throat. She did not know what to say to such a confession. She bit her lip; he was looking at her with such love and intensity. "How are you so sure of your feelings?" She let out a sob. "How are you so sure it's me you want to love?"

Edd smiled, tightening his grip on her hands a little.

"Because you are my destined partner, Marie Kanker. You're my mate."