Ela felt the sun rays warming up her cheeks and started to wake up slowly, she opened her eyes and could have panicked looking up at the ceiling not recognizing it for a second, but then the memories of recent events caught up with her, and although her muscles were still tense from the recognition of her whereabouts and what she had engaged in, she could relax enough to slow down her breathing and sit up straight.

She carefully stretched her arms, rubbed her eyes a bit, and felt the wetness that lingered in her undergarments blushing at the thought of the man who had produced it and how ecstatic she had felt, how proud she remained of having pleased him too.

A slow breathing pattern made her stop the tracks of recollections she was daydreaming about, and quickly turned around to the sound, only to find him, the man of her fantasies, her darkest dreams, the only one who had managed to make her uneasy and calm at the same time, whose eyes colored her days, and make her heart flutter. He was sound asleep in a chair close to her, looking peaceful and content, with the tiniest hint of a smile playing on his lips while his chest rose and fell almost looking like an infant who doesn't have a worry in the world.

Ela stood up and got close to him, dragging quietly a chair next to his. For a moment she admired his features as she had not seen him like this before, so quiet and untroubled, she examined every aspect of him, his long dark lashes, and full lips, the tiny scars across his face, the strings of perfectly straight back hair carefully combed in place.

She checked the clock behind her noticing over an hour had passed since they had fallen asleep marking a quarter past one, and she knew it was time for both of them to continue some arrangements and get everything ready as time was of the essence.

With utmost delicacy, she let her fingertips trace his strong jawline and caress his cheeks, all of her love pouring out of her and into her touches to wake him up sweetly; after a few seconds, he opened his eyes marveling her as his very dilated pupils caught the light becoming smaller in an instant leaving behind his ice-cold stare that somehow had become warmer around her.

Tommy caught her hand in his squeezing it lightly while the corners of his lips gifted her one of his rare smiles before holding her fingers in front of his lips to kiss each knuckle never breaking eye contact.

Ela blushed at his motions but accepted them without hesitation, knowing she would forever remember this shared moment.

-"How are you feeling sweetheart?" Tommy said while stroking her cheek with the back of his hand leaving a warm tingling in Ela's heart.

She smiled back at him with shiny eyes and a bit of a cheeky tone

-"Remarkably good, all activities considered".

-"It's good practice, for the ones to come, eh" Tommy remarked with suggestive eyes looking Ela up and down reminding her of his want and promises to not hold back.

-"Indeed," she said attempting not to let her voice falter even with the blush creeping up her neck.

Tommy smirked at her reaction and glanced at the clock, walking over to the chair where he had left his jacket hanging to put it on in a single motion.

-"I'm glad you enjoyed your sleep, but it's past noon already, go upstairs and freshen up, it's time we talk to the servants"

-"The servants? Whatever for Tommy?" Ela stood up and glanced nervously at him already guessing why he would want to gather the house help, but almost dreading it.

Tommy eyed her curiously before speaking matter-of-factly.

-"It's time they become aware of the changes this house"

It was obvious the personnel at the house needed to be informed of the turn the house and family would take to avoid misinformation, and somehow he knew Ela was well aware of that but some creeping doubt made her nervous.

-"And these announcements will include, that is, mentions of our union I suppose" She gazed away not wanting him to see her confidence faltering although he could smell it on her scent.

She was proud of her new position, but other people's opinions or remarks were not something she wanted to endure.

-"That is the main change, you will become the mistress of this house," he remarked calmly for her to understand it was not only necessary, but it was also a joy for him to put the information out in the world as he couldn't be happier she was his wife-to-be.

Ela understood all of it, but as much as she didn't want to show it, she was distressed about them thinking she had gotten involved with the master of the house despite his gangster ways for status and fortune when that had never been her intention, but it was not as if she wanted to disclose her true feelings because then he would get to know she loved him, and she also couldn't tell anyone outside a trusted circle of people the reason why they were getting married so quickly, and either way, nothing would assure they believed her good intentions.

-"Yes of course... you're right".

She said with a half smile knowing she was giving too much away with her change of mood.

There was no way out of that situation. She would need to accept that people would think whatever they wanted, and n return she would have to try not to feel impacted if there were poisonous words thrown her way.

-"Are you already having second thoughts sweetheart?" Tommy asked almost jokingly walking to stand in front of her but a part of him did wonder if she was regretting her choices.

-"No, of course not." She looked up at him with as much feeling in her eyes as she could manage to reassure him her attitude had nothing to do with their arrangement, and she did notice it seemed to decrease the tension in his muscles he had let her see after witnessing almost devotion for him behind her bright hazel orbs.

After his worry faded away she continued.

"But it can be quite a shock; if I still can't believe it, I can't begin to guess what others might think".

-"I'm not one to concern myself with others' opinions," he said walking over to the bar and pouring them both a drink he knew she needed to loosen up her uncertainty.

"but I know most of them have become your friends, I dare say they'll be thrilled with the news after the shock wears off" he handed her the whiskey and kissed her forehead before looking down at her with so much fondness Ela could barely take it. She cast her eyes away to hide the shyness but felt his support and kind words wash her fears away.

Feeling in a lighter mood she sipped her drink and changed her approach making him notice she had recovered her good humour

-"You know, some maids will hate me in secret for a while too, they were always hoping you would get interested in them even if just for a night".

-"Well, now they'll know I go for governesses and not maids" Tommy smirked at her knowing his words could be taken at least a few ways.

-"Is that right Mr. Shelby?" Ela raised an eyebrow pursing her lips a bit and Tommy knew exactly which way she had taken them, now he only wanted to see where this would lead.

Ela continued with a diplomatic tone and forced manners polite enough to remain a lady but far away from her sweet nature, but no tranquil tone could cover up the built-up angriness her scent was demonstrating.

"Then I'm glad I'll get to keep that position as well, the next one might have swayed you away"

The angrier she got the more Tommy enjoyed her reaction, she didn't need to show love for him to recognize it, he could see it behind her grudge.

Pushing her toward a breaking point could be a fun little experiment, he wanted to see how close to the edge he managed to take her, so with an arrogant tone he knew she'd hate, he replied

-"Not married yet and already jealous Miss Dawson, I didn't consider that in my calculations"

The cockiness of him and the playfulness of his eyes told her he was just toying her around, but she was not backing down, it's a game she wanted to win.

-"You seem to be forgetting about your own jealous displays during the charity ball, not to mention when you got hold of my admirers' letters Mr. Shelby, but as you can tell I have not; back then there was not even a marriage proposal to consider," she said walking around the studio and stating her ideas carefully letting him hear every word in her posh accent and notice her tone was much relaxed, joyful even.

-"I have never denied my feelings Miss Dawson, yours, on the other hand, have always escaped me like fog," Ela held his gaze as stedily as possible containing herself almost inhumanly "But tell me, what could happen, would you say, if I wasn't a faithful man and we hired another governess I got interested in, what would you do then, eh?"

He sat on the edge of the desk eying her every move, every twitch of her face and motion of her body eager to witness how she would conduct herself after such insinuations.

Ela's chest tightened for a second before remembering what he wanted was for her to lose composure and give in to her jealousy, displaying how much she cared for him.

Although it hurt her to think he could actually do it, she didn't believe those were his intentions at all, his teasing had moved to a new territory but his goal was the same as always; make her uneasy.

-"Me?" She wouldn't lose composture in her looks, her voice, but she knew her words would be severe enough to make a point.

"Oh no, Mr. Shelby I would do nothing at all, I wouldn't want to, that would be unbecoming of me," she said with a fresh smile and the rehearsed manners she always used back when she was forced to talk to insufferable wealthy men his parents introduced her to.

"Instead, I believe, even if the maids of this house might hate me at first for our upcoming union, as you said, they have become my friends, along with everybody else in this house, the chefs, the kitchenmaids, the housekeeper, the gardeners, and so on"

He squinted his eyes marveling at the way she wiped any sign of upsetness from her and wanting to know where she was going, trying to remain collected but managing to use such pointy statements.

-"All of that is true, so what are you implying?"

-"That what the house help likes even more than fresh news, is sharing gossip," Ela said batting her eyelashes at Tommy, and he noticed her pupils had widened and the hazel tone had darkened again, but this time he was sure it was not only because of her nature going into heat but because her temper had been played with.

"If you were to cheat on me one morning, by the afternoon all Birmingham would know it, and London by evening" She got close to him and traced his shaved sides gently with a spark in her eyes.

"So every man, woman, and child in the empire who has gotten to know and love you would hate me," Tommy finished taking a sip of his Whiskey before taking her hand in his and kissing the back of it softly.

"I'm a criminal sweetheart, you overestimate me if you believe some pointed looks and comments from day-to-day people can affect me".

His lenient tone covered with condescension made Ela's temperature rise but she concealed it well enough finishing her drink and leaving the glass behind him on the desk.

With her now free hand, she caressed his cheek and jaw slowly while looking deep into his eyes to show resolution.

-"I'm surprised Mr. Shelby, you seem to have forgotten about my dear friends in Camden town, not to mention your family who seems to adore me as much as I adore them, and in the file, you have of me I'm sure there's a mention of the wonderful relationship I've always had with my godfather Mr. Churchill" Tommy took her by the waist and stood up in front of her to show his power and dominance but she didn't flinch, Ela was resolute in disarming him.

"If you were to humiliate me I wouldn't have to do anything at all Sir, I'm certain others would do it for me without a word from my lips" he didn't know what he liked more; her reasoning, her confidence, her wit, or the look of sweetness surrounded by danger that had installed in her from her time in his world.

She had won in his game.

-"Very well played Miss Dawson," he said tightening his grip on her waist while giving her a rewarding smile.

"Sharp-minded, beautiful, and now cunning; Polly was right, we might have corrupted you a little" his voice was dark but subtle showing only a little he was struck by her newfound courage to warn him off, but demonstrating his pride for her.

"I'll be the luckiest man in the world with you by my side" Ela's eyes recovered their light in seconds understanding she had not only procured a victory for herself, but she had also impressed him.

"And it's worth mentioning at least once more, that I have no intentions of seeking pleasure or love anywhere else but with my wife" he pushed her close to him and his eyes showed complete honesty and devotion for her.

Ela's scent returned to her sweeter-than-honey nature mixed with intoxicatingly lustful want for him.

But she wanted to tease him just a little bit more.

-"Was the sound of imminent danger what convinced you, Mr. Shelby?"

-"If I feared danger I wouldn't live my life the way I do Sweetheart" He smirked, maybe she had gotten to like the provoking of him as he did of her, but it was right about time he showed her she wouldn't win them all.

"I didn't need convincing, all I want is you" he lowered his hands from her waist onto her ass squeezing firmly making her jump at the touch.

"But if it's threats what excites you. Here's one for you" he pulled her hair back and got close to her ear whispering deliciously slow so she could hear every word as clear as day.

"If you keep calling me Mr. Shelby, I'll lift your little dress, bend you across my knee, and spank your ass until the flesh turns red and purple, so you remember every time you take a step I want to hear my name from your lips when you refer to me" he let his tongue into her ear licking from the lobe to the inside of it earning a loud gasp from her.

She felt him pull his head from her side and look directly into her darkened eyes that matched his perfectly until he raised an eyebrow. He wanted an answer.

-"Yes Tommy".

-"Good girl"

He smirked and let go of her noticing her attempts to not look unbalanced from the contact.

"Now, go and change, we have news to deliver" She turned around and Tommy saw her walk out of the room knowing she was thankful everyone at the house were Betas because if the locked doors, moans, and screams coming from the office weren't enough, a sniff on their direction would betray her afternoon activities.

When Ela was done changing her attire and cleaning herself up, she heard Tommy tell Frances to gather everyone for an important announcement.

She shook off her last bits of hesitation and collected herself as she knew they needed to be a united front from this day onward.

As the army of employees converged in the main hall near the dining room entrance, they all saw Tommy offer his hand to Ela for them to walk down the stairs together. It was not a new sight as he would do it often for her, but it was clearly different this time as he was seemingly protective of her, as if shielding her from any danger that may come her way. So it was not that surprising for many when Tommy spoke saying they had decided to unite in matrimony.

Although there was some recognizable shock that had Ela on her toes expecting a wave of rage and disappointment to come her way, most of the personnel congratulated them, and since they could never get close to even offering Tommy a handshake out of fear, they did step close to her, offered her smiles, hugs, and their very sincere prayers for a new life to begin, Frances kissed her cheeks and held her hands tightly in hers decreeing many blessing were sound to come her way, and the housekeeper was the only one brave enough to reach out for Tommy's hand blessing him as well.

There were also a few pointed looks directed to Ela but it was only natural that envy rose from a couple of maids that had always felt entranced by their employer's presence. Ela wanted to believe it would pass soon enough because she knew that without a mention from anyone on the matter, her soon-to-be husband would dismiss them from the house, and it was completely unnecessary over a resentment for an unfulfilled crush.

After everyone had taken on the first portion of the news, Tommy settled them again so they could hear the next part.

He explained none of them would be expected to come work in the house for the upcoming two weeks except for Frances and his main chef who would be driven every 3 days to the house to prepare food and deliver it to his room. Before anyone could voice concern over the impact they would face on their salaries and their families by extension of such an absence from work, which was sure to come by the look of concern on their faces; he rushed to explain all of them would receive in advance a full payment for that exact period, they would have to get to Small Heat and receive the money from Polly the next morning. Everyone felt ecstatic with joy, such concessions were unheard of everywhere else, although Thomas Shelby was a criminal he was a much better employer than any other man with his wealth.

Everyone thanked him and they all began packing their belongings while they discussed how they would use their paid time off, Ela heard some of them talk about how they could spend the time with their children, take care of their sick relatives, visit their elderly parents, or just take care of their own household. Her heart warmed with Joy seeing everyone so relieved and delighted with the arrangements as none of them had ever experienced a vacation from their duties, much less a paid one. As much as he liked to deny it, Thomas Shelby had a heart, and every day she was falling more and more in love with him.

The last thing that Frances did before parting was serve dinner to the master and new mistress of the house. They sat together at the large dining table, none of them with much appetite for food, but in desperate need of each other; Ela had been caressing her glands most of the afternoon, pressing harder and harder as she could barely keep herself from faltering at any stimulus from Tommy any longer.

Tommy knew Ela was having a hard time adjusting to a reality where her heat was not being controlled, because as liberating as it was, it was also a heavy burden to bear being in her mid-twenties with no understanding of how to make it easier on herself and having him as a top alpha next to her to entice her senses was proving to be impossible, not to mention the impact she was having on him, she had also stopped using the balsam on her glands as it irritated her now with them being enlarged from her season, and her virginal wanting scent was torturing him endlessly.

But Tommy could not falter now, they had maybe only a couple of hours until she peaked and they needed all the energy they could muster for the days to come, as their natures would barely care to eat, sleep, think even; all they would want the next few weeks was pleasing the other fucking their brains out senselessly.

He suddenly felt the need to care for Ela differently, she needed him to guard her health. His brain understood his role and made him change his attitude almost entirely. He became serious, pulled his chair closer to her, and although it physically pained him to see her restless and needy for him to release her from her bounds making her whole for the first time, because that's indeed all he wanted to do, he had to make sure she could take the exhaustion without real harm coming her way.

He took the silverware from her shaky hands and began feeding her from his own hand. At first, Ela felt as if the gesture although adorable was making her feel childish, by the time she accepted the first portion from him, it was as if her nature relaxed under his care, submitting to him and his need to safeguard her, she felt protected and at ease letting him continue until she had finished her plate.

Both of them had Certainly heard ancient stories of Alphas feeding their Omegas to build a closer bond in their relationship, but not being a common practice in more recent times, and none of them having done it with anyone else, they could only recognize how important and intimate it felt to share such an experience.

Ela wanted to instinctively fall to her knees in many of the reverence poses she had learned during her formation years. The need to demonstrate her worship to the man next to her was enormous. She had never thought she would feel such a need to display herself that way; when learning all of that in school she had believed they were practices that had been created for Omegas to submit to Alphas for their enjoyment, but never had she considered Omegas could find delight in them too, and she guessed many would never, they would comply only to fulfill their role, but without pleasure on the other end of duty to greet them into that delicious sensation of feeling whole.

She was feeling more and more grateful to destiny that she could get to experience so much bliss with the man she had gotten to know even if in her mind he could not love her back.

After dinner was over and they both drank two large glasses of whiskey to help with their frenzied minds, the clock was announcing it was time to get ready for bed.

Fear of the unknown, excitement, nervousness, embarrassment, amusement; all that and more was going through Ela's head.

To ease her anxious state and level her temperature a little until she finally erupted in heat, Tommy suggested Ela take a bath which would also serve as a means to soothe her body and mind. She agreed gracefully and returned to her room one final time, as from that day forward she would share the master bedroom with the only man who bewitched her completely.

She discarded layers upon layers of clothes leaving a robe in the hanger nearby to wear after she was done. She got inside the ice-cold water of her tub that chilled her to the bone, but it did help to reduce her feverish state, and the way she had prepared the fragranced salts to unwind her senses compensated for the discomfort of not having a warm experience, but if she was honest, it was nice to at least feel a remotely normal temperature after the outburst of flames she had been undergoing the last few days.

Ela closed her eyes, drowning in the feeling of calmness the water brought her, and suddenly, her thoughts stopped completely, still awake but her mind became a blank page, it was as if she had ceased to exist; and then all of a sudden her temperature exploded once and for all, she opened her eyes and the blackness of her pupils had darkened them entirely; without further warning the Omega took over her completely, she stood from the tub warmer than when she had gone into it, she didn't care to put on her robe and instead, rushed to the room where the most delicious manly smell called for her.

It was time, that's the only thing she could think about.

She wanted to hand over herself wholly, surrender, submit; only for him, only for Tommy.

Destiny was upon them.