Short history on A/B/O dynamics! PLEASE READ! Even if you are familiar with A/B/O, I may be doing things differently from other writers!

B is for Beta

- Betas are just your average everyday humans and make up for 40% of the overall population. They come in either male or female and don't exhibit any behaviors akin to Alphas or Omegas. Betas do, however, have a keen sense of smell and are able to scent other people's types. Betas also have scent glands in their wrists, but lack the neck glands used for bonding and scenting their mate. In ancient society, Betas ranked below Alphas and above Omegas; currently, they have the same rights as any Alpha aside from secondary sex rights. Betas can have a relationship with anyone they choose, though they are cautioned to be very careful during ruts/heats with their Alpha/Omega partner since their bodies are not capable of handling the strenuous activities the rut/heat requires.

A is for Alpha

- Alphas make up for about 30% (20% male and 10% female) of the overall population. They come in both male and female types with some differences. Females are always considered higher up on the social ladder due to their insane fertility and virility rates. In the ancient times, the highest positions of power belonged to female Alphas. All Alphas emit a powerful scent from their scent glands that can intimidate or encourage the person it's directed at. Alphas also are known to use their Alpha Voice to force others to submit to their will. The Alpha Voice is near impossible to refuse if you're a Beta or Omega, but it is only supposed to be used in extreme circumstances (ex. protecting your mate, challenging another alpha, forcing your mate to submit). Alphas have been known to emit a growling noise when threatened or upset. The growl comes at two frequencies, low and high. Low frequency is used for private settings with the Alpha's mate, typically during intimacy; High frequency is used in public during altercations.

- Male Alphas: Male Alphas are built like a typical Beta male, except their stamina and strength are far superior. Male Alphas also have a secondary sexual characteristic called a knot. The knot is located at the base of the penis and will inflate at the beginning of orgasm, locking the penis inside the orifice it has penetrated. The knot is usually about the size of a fist but can vary based on build. The knot will stay inflated for 10-15 minutes outside of a rut and 25-30 minutes during a rut. The point of the knot is to make sure the semen is locked inside of the Alpha's partner for maximum chance of impregnation. Alphas have also been known to orgasm at least 5-9 times while knotted depending on virility and rut influence.

- Female Alphas: Female Alphas are built like a typical Beta female, except their stamina and strength are far superior. Unlike Alpha males, Alpha females do not have a knot or penis, but they are able to ejaculate sperm. During an orgasm, the female Alpha's vagina will contract and secrete an extremely fertile fluid similar to male ejaculate. Because of this, Female Alphas are the most fertile and virile of any sex and can both impregnate and be impregnated.

- Rut: A rut is a 3-5 day period that Alphas have once every three months after their 18th birthday. The day before their rut hits, the Alpha's aggression will increase and they will feel more inclined to exercise, fight, or be affectionate towards their mate. When the Alpha's rut hits, they secrete a thick scent that shows their virility and is intended to either attract an omega or ward off other Alphas. The Alpha in rut has little to no control of their actions and in some cases has been known to force themselves onto a person they like. Alphas can become violent when rejected, especially during their first rut, but as they mature they have been known to gain control over their urges. The Alpha in rut has one thought, breed. They will not be satisfied until they have successfully knotted and bred someone, or until the 3-5 days are over. Penetrative sex and knotting will not end a rut, but it will shorten the time to 2-3 days instead of the normal 3-5. Ruts are frustrating and very painful for an Alpha who chooses not to breed, but if they are given enough fluids, food, and toys to keep them sated, they will survive. However, a mated Alpha would not be able to survive a rut without their mate.

-Alphas in society: An Alpha, whether male or female, is at the top of the social ladder. For most of history, they have held positions of power and leadership over the other types. Most societies now allow Betas and Omegas the same positions (such as in Spargus, Aeropa, The Icelands, and Kras), but there are some places that uphold these ancient beliefs of sex superiority (such as Haven and the Maurauder tribes). Thankfully, due to the efforts of Civil Rights Activists, Haven is starting to abandon those old beliefs.

O is for Omega

- Omegas make up for 30% of the population, but 25% of them are female, making the Omega male the rarest type at only 5% of the population. Omegas also emit a powerful scent from their scent glands which are used to calm and manipulate whomever the scent is directed at. Omegas are naturally submissive and lack a Voice that demands attention, but most omegas have found ways around this. Some Omegas have developed a mimic growl that, when used combined with their scent, has the ability to sway even an Alpha to their point of view. Omegas can use this growl to intimidate others or convey their uneasiness. This usually confuses some Alphas whose natural instinct is to calm an upset Omega. Omegas also have a unique Purring noise that is normally used in private settings, and only when the Omega feels safe and happy.

- female Omegas: Female Omegas are built exactly like Beta Females, with an added Heat cycle. They are twice as fertile as a Betas and are both gentler and more nurturing, making them excellent mothers and caretakers. Their vagina has better elasticity and is able to secrete a lubricant called Slick .

- Male Omegas: Male Omegas are built like a Beta male, only they are typically seen as softer and curvy like a female. Male omegas have the same equipment as a beta male, but their anus and rectum are built more like a cloaca allowing for both waste and reproduction needs. Their rectum bisects into an intestinal channel and a vaginal channel which leads to a uterus designed much like a females. The walls of the vaginal channel secrete a special Slick that acts as both a lubricant and a disinfectant, making the entire internal channel quite clean. Male Omegas can become pregnant and give birth, but there are far too many complications and health risks to make them ideal breeders. In history, male Omegas have been used as no-risk lovers and prostitutes due to their low fertility rate (about half the fertility of a beta female), or even as bartering goods for wealthy families.

- Heat: Like an Alpha's rut, an Omega heat is a 3-5 day period Omegas have once every three months after their 18th birthday. A few days before their heat hits, an Omega can exhibit any number of behaviors based on personality. They can become more emotional, aggressive, affectionate, distant, and even become horny. One common behavior a mated Omega can show is called Nesting, where they will collect clothing items, preferably with their Alpha's scent, and arrange them in a private place where they plan to have their heat. Most Omegas can become highly aggressive and agitated if their nest is disturbed. Some Omegas will continue to build their nest infinitely until their chosen Alpha sees it and shows approval of it, at which point they will consider the nest completed and stop building. During their heat, the Omega's body heats up to feverish states and their body begins making copious amounts of slick in preparation for a breeding. The heat also is extremely painful and causes cramps in the Omega's abdominal, leg, and arm muscles. The Omega's vagina/anus also opens up in preparation for intercourse, so no prep is needed, though most mated couples do it anyway. During the heat, an Omega will emit Pheromones that can send Alphas into an early rut. Unmated Omegas are cautioned to find a safe, confined place where they will not be disturbed or taken advantage of. Omegas only have one thing on their mind during a heat, Impregnation. No matter if the Omega wants children or not, their body will forcibly rewire their brain and make them crave to be impregnated. It is advised during this time that Omegas use birth control and any toys at their disposal or find a partner they trust who can help them through their heat without being tempted to breed them. Unlike Alphas, a mated Omega can survive their heat without their mate, but it will usually last longer and be twice as painful.

- Omegas in society: If Alphas are at the top of the totem pole, Omega females would be the bottom, and Omega males would be buried in the ground below them. For most of history, Omegas were seen as having only one use, child bearers and mothers. And, due to low fertility and high risk pregnancies, Omega males were useless beyond sating sexual urges. However, a few centuries ago, most societies changed their views due to the efforts of Omega rights activists. Now, nearly every kingdom views Omegas as Equal to Betas and even Alphas. The only regions that still cling to the old ways are the Marauders and the Kingdom of Haven. Haven has made great efforts to change their beliefs, but the fight is still ongoing.

All about Mating

All types have the ability to "claim" a mate by biting them on a random location; traditionally, the bite should be on the neck or shoulder, but some couples prefer more hidden locations like the thigh, hip, or arm. The initial bite is only temporary and will fade unless the bite is returned by the claimed partner. Once both people have bitten their mate, the mark will create a strong bond that is meant to last forever. If one of the mated pair dies, the remaining person will refuse to mate with another and will stop having ruts/heats. There have been a few cases of some people being bound to multiple people, but it is extremely rare. Divorce is extremely uncommon. There is a way to break the bond, but it requires total separation for a decade and it is very risky for the pair to complete with most cases ending in death. In some societies, an Omega cannot divorce their Alpha, even in situations of abuse, but an Alpha can divorce an Omega. The majority of the kingdoms have moved beyond this due to Omega rights activists

- There is a very rare phenomenon called a Soul Bond. The Soul Bond is created when two individuals are predestined for each other and become Soul Mates. Soul Mates are rumored to be instantly drawn to each other even if they initially reject each other. Eventually, their souls will become codependant, and they will create an unbreakable bond. Omegas are far more sensitive to Soul Bonding, and if their bond is not fulfilled, they will become Bond Sick. There is one old story of a Soul Pair that consisted of a shy Omega and an arrogant Alpha. The Alpha believed himself too great to be tied to an Omega, and the Omega was too timid to confess. They both became Bond Sick and died.

The "Soul mated pair" will be inexplicably drawn to each other, no matter what, and they will be unable to bond with anyone else.

All about Scenting

Scenting can be used in two ways, Pack scenting and Mated scenting. Both are very different.

- Pack scenting usually involves one Alpha who is the leader of a group of other types, including omegas, betas, and other alphas. The pack Alpha is the Alpha who is considered the strongest and can provide the most protection. If the pack Alpha is mated, then there can also be a pack Secondary Alpha, which is given to the pack Alpha's mate, no matter their typing. Pack scenting is used to keep strength in the pack. The pack Alpha and the Secondary can rub their scent on every member of the pack as they please, marking them as part of their family. This type of scenting is formal and utilizes the scent glands in the Alpha and Secondary's wrists. They rub their wrists on the neck of each member of the pack and should do so every 2 or 3 months.

- Mated scenting is done with the secondary scent glands located underneath the jawline and is far more intimate; only done between courting or mated pairs. Scenting is usually initiated by the Alpha and permission from the partner is ideal but not necessary. An Omega can also scent their Alpha, but some consider it to be "emasculating". Both are accepted behaviors and very private. It is extremely rude to scent a stranger without their permission, unless courting or mated. It is recommended for courting couples to scent biweekly, and for mated couples to scent daily.

( )

For over 30 years, the kingdoms of Haven and Spargus waged an unspoken war against one another. Travel between the countries was forbidden, and the people lived in constant fear and hate of what they were unfamiliar with.

No one truly knew how the hostility was spurred, but one truth was that King Damas Mar and Baron Praxis hated each other to the point where their people suffered from it.

Trade was impossible, each kingdom lacked greatly in something the other thrived in, and neighboring kingdoms banded together against the rising threat of marauders, leaving Haven and Spargus alone and easy targets.

The people feared that there would never be peace.

They were joyfully mistaken.

Baron Praxis fell ill and died, leaving his only daughter to inherit the throne. Her name was Ashelin Praxis, an alpha female whose bravery, kindness, and leadership abilities undid the damage done by her father and filled the citizens of Haven with hope.

After an entire year of battling Spargus's enemies and trying to initiate an alliance, King Damas finally agreed to a peace summit with the Haven council.

And that is where our story begins.

It was a beautiful morning in Haven, the day of the peace summit, and the entire kingdom seemed to radiate happiness. The council members frittered about the halls of the palace, laughing cheerily and pondering aloud about the possible outcomes of the proposed treaty.

In spite of the apparent serenity, Commander Torn's observant blue eyes scanned the area for any signs of trouble. He paced along the far wall of the corridor outside of King Damas's assigned quarters, taking mental note of any strange noises, people, or items entering or exiting the rooms.

Torn was aware of the questioning gazes of his guards standing watch outside the main door, but he didn't get to be Commander of the guard by being careless.

No, Torn Reise was in charge for a reason.

Being born an Omega in one of Haven's most prestigious aristocratic families, he was already set at a disadvantage. Everyone knew that Alphas were the tough decision makers, and Omegas were the submissive child-rearers; and the nobles made a point to enforce those ideals. His entire life, Torn has been coached on what a "proper" omega should be and nearly was forced to act as such, least he incur the wrath of his grandmother, Countess Reista.

But due to the strives made by the Omega Civil Rights Activists, he was finally able to turn the stereotype on its head and focused on his passion.

After his parents allowed him to join an Omega Inclusion Initiative for the guard, he crawled his way up the military ladder. He trained hard every day, pushed his body to its limits, and let his physiology be a tool instead of a crutch. By the time he made First Lieutenant, it didn't matter what he was. He was a soldier, and a damn good one despite also being an omega. His accomplishments oppened the path up for other Omegas like himself. His second in command, Tess, was also an Omega who crushed stereotypes against Omega females. She was a great soldier and he was honored to work with her.

No, Torn didn't get to be the Commander because of carelessness. He became the Commander because he was strong, cunning, and a brilliant strategist.

This was exactly why he didn't trust these Spargans as far as he could throw them.

Torn growled low in his throat, letting his uneasiness slip as he continued pacing the hall. Anyone who happened to turn down the hall immidiatly turned back or cut a wide berth around the bristling omega who practically radiated irritation.

Someone must have complained about the unsettling aura he was creating with his pissed off scent, because as he was about to turn around and pace back down the trench he wore into the carpet, he caught a whiff of equally pissed alpha scent coming towards him.

He didn't have time to dive behind a plant or out a window before Ashelin was upon him.

The Governess snarled in annoyance and marched right up to him, "And what the hell are you trying to accomplish here?" The redheaded alpha crossed her arms and glared daggers at the taller omega.

"I have no idea what you mean."

"Bullshit!" She uncrossed her arms and a slight rumble started in her lower throat, "I've recieved 15 messages from soldiers and councilmen alike complaining about a 'menacing omega stalking around a hallway'. Care to explain?"

Torn narrowed his eyes and huffed, "I'm not 'stalking around a hallway', I'm keeping a watchful eye on our…guests."

Ashelin rolled her eyes and sighed, "Exactly what do you think is going to happen, Torn? It's a peace summit. King Damas came here with like, three guards, which is a humongous sign that he trusts us probably more than he should."

Though she had a point, Torn wasn't convinced, "Or it's an elaborate plan to coax us into letting our guard down." He sighed and glared a hole into the floor, "I don't know why but…I've been getting bad vibes ever since they arrived. And," he paused before looking Ashelin in the eye and whispering, "…my scar is hurting."

At the new information, Ashelin suddenly tensed. She looked around before whispering, "When did it start?"

"Two nights ago, when they arrived." He glanced at the door and absently brought a hand up to scratch at the small scar on his cheek, "I took one look at their kind and bam, it started to sting. Something bad is going to happen…I know it."

Ashelin glanced at the door as well, her apprehension clear in her body language, "Maybe you're wrong this time?"

"Have I ever been?" He turned to give Ashelin a worried stare.

"Let's hope this is the one time you are." She sighed and rubbed at her temples, trying to fight a growing headache. "We need this summit to be successful, Torn. I trust that you'll keep your head, despite scar pain?"

Torn nodded, "Of course, hopefully it's either nerves or not as big a problem as it's advertised." He turned back to the door…scrutiny and mistrust evident on his face. Ashelin rolled her eyes and gave her friend a playfull punch, "Well, when you're done trying to blow up the door with your stare, I actually need you to set up personnel for the summit."

Torn grunted in response, his eyes never leaving the door.

Ashelin sighed and turned back down the hall, "Go take a nap or something! I swear, if you pass out from exhaustion and make me sit through that meeting alone, I will temporarily demote you and give Jinx your job."

That was enough to make Torn turn to her, eyes wide, "You wouldn't…"

Ashelin turned back with an evil smirk, "And I'll let him sit in your office…"

"Don't…"

"And use your coffee machine…" She leaned against the corner of the hall.

"You…"

"And drink out of your mug!" She retreated around the corner.

"THAT'S IT!" He abandoned his post in favor of chasing the laughing alpha through the halls; briefly ignoring the small warning that came from his oldest wound.

He had no idea that this scar prophecy was the most life-altering premonition he's ever received. And unlike all those other times…there was no alternative.

( )

He always hated these council meetings. Being the Commander unfortunately meant he had to attend alongside the Governess; especially if the meeting pertained to security. This may be a peace summit, but it could be just an elaborate ruse to get all of Haven's leaders in one place so they could assassinate them…

That's what he told himself as he once again returned to the trench he dug outside of the Spargan King's damn door.

It was midnight, everyone else was asleep...and here he was; walking up and down the stupid hall and attempting to set an innocent door on fire with his gaze.

He resisted the urge to growl, but kept glaring at the door.

"This is stupid…" Torn sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He knew he was being paranoid, but the damn scar pain was back full force, and there was no reason for it! Usually, there was at least a slight hint of danger accompanying the scar pain, but the Spargans haven't even left the damn room!

Everyone else seemed relaxed…everyone seemed excited…

So why did he feel like his world was about to implode?

"Trouble sleeping?"

Torn turned to glare at the unfortunate soul who dared interrupt his inane pacing, but he sighed in relief at seeing his older brother, Arippa's, soft smirk.

"I had a good 40 minute nap." He ignored the eye roll from Arippa.

"Frankly, I'm surprised you managed to lay down that long," Arippa leaned up against the wall, arms crossed as he surveyed his younger brother, "Though, I may be giving you too much credit. You probably slept standing right there…with your eyes open no doubt."

Torn gave Arippa a dirty look, "Sleeping with your eyes open is a legitimate military strategy and has come in quite handy for me, so kindly fuck off."

Arippa gave a soft chuckle at the insult, "Rather touchy tonight, are we?" He had long since gotten used to Torn's unnatural aggression despite supposedly being a "calm and submissive" Omega. The older Alpha stood beside Torn, letting his gaze wander to the door, "Ashelin told me about your…premonition."

Torn just grunted in response, trying to keep his eyes open…which was proving more difficult as time went on.

"I know you've never been wrong before but…maybe…" Arippa paused for a moment, as if trying to choose his words carefully, "…maybe this time you're mistaken. I met King Damas briefly when he arrived. He's a charismatic, honorable, and pleasant man. I sensed no ill-intent from him."

The fact that this was coming from Arippa gave Torn pause.

Arippa had carried on their family's legacy and joined the council alongside their grandmother. The only reason she even allowed it was because Arippa had a sixth sense when it came to reading people. He was never wrong…much like Torn's scar.

"What if you are wrong this time?" Torn turned his gaze from the door to his brother and took in his appearence.

He noticed that the dark circles under Arippa's forest green eyes had become more noticeable. Even his red-brown plaits looked a bit messy, "Have you been sleeping?"

Arippa sighed tiredly, "About as much as you have. The damn witch is constantly breathing down my neck. I've been pushing for the equal marriage laws for months and the evil cow isn't budging. You know how traditional she is. She's got the entire council under her thumb and no one is Alpha enough to challenge her!"

Torn shook his head, feeling bile rising from the sheer amount of distaste he held for his grandmother.

Countess Reista was not just on the council…she was the head of it. Her views were strictly traditional, meaning she believed that Alphas were superior to everyone else, Omegas were only good as child-rearers, and same-type relationships were perverse and abominable.

So she absolutely hated Torn for obvious reasons.

But, she also hated his twin brother Tear, who was also an Omega, because he refused to be married off and instead opened his own bar. The moment he announced his decision, their grandmother disowned him. Luckily, he was smart and collected their deceased parents' trust fund beforehand.

She also hated Arippa, even though she gave him a spot on the council. Why? Well, because he fell in love with one of Torn's soldiers, Captain Eryn…who was also a male Alpha.

Just like Torn has been fighting for Omega rights by being in a position of leadership, Arippa fights for the right to marry his mate and be formally recognized as a mated couple.

Despite them both being Alphas.

They were still a long way off from truly reaching their goals, but it didn't slow them down one bit.

"Look, don't worry about it, Tori…" Arippa clapped a hand on Torn's shoulder, "this is my battle to fight…you have more than your fair share already."

Torn shifted slightly, "I know that…but still-"

"You can't win everything, Torn…and you most certainly can't take on everyone's problems as your own." He gave Torn's shoulder a loving squeeze before pulling away, "Just focus on being the best damn Commander Haven's ever seen. And for Mar's sake go to sleep." He playfully ruffled Torn's dreads before turning and walking back down to hall, most likely heading to his room for some well-earned R&R.

After Torn fixed his hair, he stifled a yawn and returned to staring at the door.

Arippa's reads were never wrong...Torn's scar was never wrong...but both of them couldn't be right. Torn flinched as that stinging pain flared up once more. As he stared at the door, he thought to himself, If Arippa is right, and King Damas has no ulterior motive...then what is my scar trying to warn me about?

Maybe Arippa was right…

The Spargans STILL haven't made a move and the summit was tomorrow. If they were planning something, it would most likely be during the summit. Therefore, Torn decided that the most beneficial thing he could do was get a semi-good night's sleep. He turned down the hall and headed to his room, while resisting the temptation to look back at the suspicious door.

( )

Even though he managed to get about 7 hours of sleep, Torn had to pinch himself awake every ten minutes to keep from falling asleep during the exceedingly boring peace talks.

Honestly, he was just here to showcase their military power…and to look intimidating.

The looks of disguest and dissapointment from his Grandmother were well-worth the effort. She sneered at him every time she thought no one was looking, clearly appalled at how Torn proudly wore his masculinity and strength in public. If there was one thing Torn wanted his Grandmother to know...it's that she will never see him fall into that feminine, soft, and elegant persona that she wished upon him.

On another note, Torn had to admit that Kind Damas was certainly...not what he expected.

The older alpha male wasn't the gruff barbarian he anticipated, but rather a well-spoken and intelligent man who sharply picked up on all the subtle phrasing and roundabout arguments the council was trying to make.

Naturally, the council of Haven was trying to get the lions share of the aggreements and King Damas was having none of it. Surprisingly, he wasn't trying to coerce them into giving Spargus a better deal than Haven. He genuinely wanted both parties to have equal assets and come to an agreement where all parties were happy.

Torn was relieved when they finally came to an agreement.

Until his grandmother suddenly stood up and spoke...

Countess Reista stood a head taller than most of the other people in the room. Her stern blue eyes fixed on Damas. Torn knew the smile she wore was fake and could see the wheels in her cunning mind turning as she spoke, "Well, now that all the details are in place, it's time to discuss requirements to seal the treaty. I trust you have no issue with how we wish to close the arrangement?"

Damas shook his head and returned the Countess's smile with one of his own, "Not at all. What are your terms?"

The countess grinned, "As you know, we Havenites have traditions for these things. Since it is a momentous occaision of great importance, we wish to bind our treaty with a time-honored tradition...an arranged bond between one of our noble Omegas to your Alpha heir."

The room fell silent where the Spargans were concerned, but whispers of excitement started to sprout between the Haven councilors. One of Damas's advisors leaned in to whisper something to him. He nodded then adressed the council, "We...accept your terms, but on one condition. I want you to choose the strongest omega you have. My son's mate must have a will strong enough to lead my people. I will not accept a rose without thorns, so to speak."

This didn't seem to phase Countess Reista, as her smile grew slightly sinister, "Of course. I have such an Omega in mind."

With that, the council was dismissed for the afternoon and scheduled to resume in the evening.

As soon as the Spargans funneled out to retire to their wing of the palace, a loud debate erupted among the Haven Council. Each wanting a member of their own family to be part of the arranged bond.

Torn let out an irritated sigh and Ashelin gently tapped his shoulder in sympathy, "Hey, at least you can rest easy now. Seems that scar pain was nothing to worry about after all."

Torn smiled down at her and laughed, "Guess not...that's never happened before, but I suppose there's a first time for everything."

He spoke too soon...

"Then it's settled!" Countess Reista's voice rand out as the other members fell silent, "King Damas's son will bond with my dear Omegan grandson, Torn."

The room seemed to freeze, as if someone pressed the pause button on a movie.

The only thing that brought Torn back to reality was the singing on his cheek from the small scar that seemed to scream "I told you so!"

"What?!" Torn barked out in both disbelief and anger.

Ashelin joined him no more than a second later with her own angry retort, "Torn is the Commander of Haven's entire military! He cannot be part of this arranged bonding!"

"Oh can't he?" The countess held Ashelin's gaze, "He is still an Omega, regardless of the flashy title you've given him, and I am still his Reigning Alpha. If I decide he is to marry, and the reason is dependant on his compliance, then he must absolutely do as I say."

Ashelin let out a growl and stood up, slamming her hands down on the table. Several other members froze in their seats, some even tilted their heads down in submission. Torn fought the urge to tilt his head, even though his biology begged him to do so, as he absolutely refused to bow his head to anyone in this moment...not when everything he had worked so hard for was about to be ripped away from him.

Ashelin glared at his Grandmother, green eyes beginning to turn pale yellow with rage, "That...'flashy title'...is something he earned by working his ass off for years. He wasn't given anything in this world, unlike every single fucking person here, including you and me. He's had to fight people like you the whole way, and I'll be DAMNED if I let you turn this into an excuse to get him under your thumb again!"

Torn felt a wash of affection float over him. He truely did love Ashelin. Romantically, they could never work out, but no one has been more on his side than her, not including his siblings of course.

Torn turned to his grandmother, giving her a smirk.

That was a mistake on his part, as she turned to him and let out a growl that was too strong for him to ignore. He had to look away from her at that point, though he did manage to keep his head up.

"Torn." She started, her alpha growls lacing every word, "You will be part of this arrangement...or I will make Tear take your place."

That made him snap his head back to face her, mouth dropping open slightly. Arripa stood up in shock, "Grandmother you cant-"

"SILENCE!" That growl forced Arripa to sit back down and finally forced Torn's head to tilt down in submission.

Even though he was no longer looking at his grandmother, he could feel her eyes boring into him as she hissed, "You know my influence, boy. That silly little 'establishment' he's managed to peice together, that boyfriend he isn't even properly courting,...everything he's ever loved...I will take it from him. And he will do it willingly if it means you will be spared. You know he would do it...and I know you can't let him. So I will give you a choice."

She straightened herself and cruely taunted, "Who will make the sacrifice...you...or your brother?"

She knew his answer...

Arripa knew his answer...

Ashelin knew his answer...

...even he knew what his answer would be before he said it.

Because yes, Torn didn't become the Commander of Haven's military because he was stupid...and he didn't do it because he was selfish either. In fact, he was a martyr...and love cost him everything he ever worked for.

His entire world changed drastically with three little words...

"I'll do it."

( )

Damas was overjoyed when he learned the Omega chosen for his son was the decorated Commander of Haven's military.

Torn manahed to convince him that it was his choice, and he wasn't coerced into anything. He feined excitement and humility at being allowed to become the Prince's mate.

In the privacy of his twin brother's bar, he fell apart.

There he sat, nursing a drink, half tuned in to the conversations happening around him, as he reminisced his life up to this point.

All his hard work, all his sacrifices, all his progress...completely wiped away by the end of his story.

And for him, this truly was the end. He died when he said those three words to his Grandmother. She knew what she was doing by volunteering him. She had long been an obstacle in his path to success. She so desperatly wanted him to fail so he would stay in the box she made for all Omegas.

He had fought her for so long, and after so many victories, it felt like she had won the war.

This was his last day in Haven before he boarded the Transport to Spargus the next morning. Ashelin, Jinx, Tess, Eryn, and his brothers decided to have one last pow-wow before his departure.

Tear gently placed a hand on his bicep, and Torn turned to look at his twin's tear-filled face as he lamented, "It should've been me Torn. Why did you say yes? You're so much more important than me." Before he could reply, Jinx interjected, "Look, I'm grateful that Tear gets ta keep 'is bar an' we don't have ta break up...but you were like the role model for all young omegas in the city. What kinda message does this send 'em?"

"Jinx shut up." Ashelin sighed as she took another swig of beer, "This doesn't erase any pf his accomplishments. and whos to say this is where it all ends?" She turned her attention on Torn, "You managed to get Tess as your replacement...I'd call that a victory, not defeat."

Jinx huffed out a laugh, "Oh yeah! I forgot 'bout that!" he looped an arm around Tear's shoulders, pulling him against his side, "it was funny seein' the Countess's eyes bug out like that."

"She was certainly not expecting it." Arripa shook his head in agreement before continuing, "Though I fear Tess will have her work cut out for her." Tess gave a giggle, "Don't worry, I'm a lot tougher than I look. Just ask Jinx!" Jinx nodded in aggreement, "Girl packs a whallop in that right hook 'a hers!"

Laughter began around the table as Jinx and Tess began to tease each other over lost sparring matches, and Torn wished he could be as calm as them.

As he stared down into his unfinished drink, he decided that he would at least enjoy himself a little tonight.

After all, tonight was his funeral.

( )

Hello all! To say I had writers block was an understatement. My laptop was destroyed, along with ALL of my writing. I now have a fancy new PC, and have had to rewrite an ENTIRE STORY from scratch.

Anyways, here's the first chapter of my ABO fanfiction. I can't say when the next chapter will be out, but hopefully I can get it done over summer. I now work as a teacher, so I'll only have time to write over breaks.

Let me know if yall enhoyed this! I love seeing comments. they help me get my butt in gear to write!