Champ's POV
"Shh! Keep it down! Champ's moving! He's waking up!"
"You're the loud one here, Jiggs!"
"Shut up, or Master Champ might get annoyed!"
"Worse, he might wake up groggy and turn us all into his punching bags."
"I just miss Master Champ's patting on my head..."
Voices. Familiar, chaotic, and way too loud for my currently pounding head. My eyes fluttered open, and my consciousness sluggishly caught up with reality.
What happened? Did I black out after the competition?
How long have I been unconscious?
Where even am I?
So many questions swirled in my mind, but the important thing was—we were all safe.
I groaned as I tried to sit up. Immediately, a flurry of gasps and excited shouts erupted from the figures hovering around me.
"All of you are equally loud," I muttered, still feeling weak.
"MASTER CHAMP!"
Four Beta males practically tackled each other in their excitement.
"Champ! Finally! I thought you were just gonna sleep forever and leave us behind!" Jiggs whined dramatically.
"Idiot," I muttered, rubbing my forehead. I forced myself upright and looked around. "Where am I?"
The place looked... familiar.
"Congratulations, Champ."
I turned to see Uncle Henry walking in, holding a tray with a steaming bowl of soup.
"Uncle!" My voice cracked with relief, but before I could embarrass myself further, Uncle Henry held up a hand.
"Oh, no tears, Champ! We're celebrating, not filming a soap opera."
"I—I wasn't gonna cry!" I huffed, sniffing indignantly. "I just—something got in my eye."
"Sure, sure." He chuckled as he set the tray in front of me.
"Master Champ, we'll feed you!" Marsh eagerly volunteered.
"No, I will!" Gem cut in.
"I call next!" Martin announced.
"Can I go twice?" Daryl asked hopefully.
I groaned. "Stop it! I'm not disabled!"
Jiggs and Uncle Henry burst into laughter as the four Betas pouted but relented. I shook my head, massaging my temples. These idiots were going to give me a headache.
Still, I smiled.
I looked at them, one by one—each face filled with relief, exhaustion, and undeniable loyalty.
"Thank you," I said sincerely. "I know this wasn't easy for any of you, but you all gave it your best. We made it through together."
The four Betas looked like they were about to cry but valiantly held it in.
And then there was Jiggs.
I barely got his name out before he completely lost it.
"Jiggs! I haven't even said anything to you yet! Stop crying already!"
"I—I CAN'T HELP IT!" he wailed between hiccups.
I sighed, but I was grinning. "Thank you, Jiggs. If it weren't for you and everything you did, we wouldn't have made it. Can you believe it? There were only six of us, but we won!"
Jiggs wiped his nose on his sleeve and sniffled dramatically. "Next time, I'll do even better! I'll improve! And I'll bring even more food and drinks!"
I chuckled. "You're something else." Then I turned to Uncle Henry. "How long was I out?"
He hummed, leaning back. "About two days."
"That long?"
"But don't worry," he continued. "I checked your vitals, blood pressure—everything. You're fine. No lasting damage."
I let out a relieved breath. "And how did I even get here? I remember hearing my name announced as the winner, and then... nothing."
Uncle Henry's face changed. He walked over to the window, gazing outside as if weighing his words.
"Jiggs, boys, can you give us a moment?" he finally said.
Jiggs snapped into a salute. "Yes, sir! Rest up, Champ! We'll be back tomorrow!"
The Betas scrambled out, leaving me alone with Uncle Henry.
The room felt heavier now.
Uncle turned back, his expression serious. "Deux brought you here."
My breath caught.
"He carried you all the way—barely standing himself," Uncle Henry said. "He refused to stop, refused to rest. Even when his strength gave out, he wouldn't let you fall."
I stared, stunned.
"Where is he now?" I finally asked.
"Most likely at home," Uncle Henry said. "Alphas like him, with strong bloodlines, heal fast. He's probably already back to his usual self."
Relief flooded me. "Good."
But Uncle hesitated.
I frowned. "Uncle...? What is it?"
He swallowed hard, gripping my hands. His palms were cold and slightly damp. He was nervous.
"Uncle, just say it," I urged.
He took a deep breath. "Champ... there's something you need to know."
"Uncle?"
"Champ, I'm worried about you." Uncle Henry's voice was steady, his eyes locked onto mine with a weight that sent a shiver down my spine. "Now that Deux knows the truth about you, we can't predict what will happen next."
I met his gaze with unwavering confidence, flashing him a reassuring smile.
"Don't be afraid, Uncle. Don't worry," I said firmly. "I trust Deux. I believe in him. He won't betray me."
Uncle Henry inhaled deeply, nodding as if clinging to my words like a lifeline.
"I may not know exactly what happened during the competition, but I do know this—your world is no longer the safe, ordinary one you once knew. It's more dangerous now, and you need to be ready."
"I know, Uncle," I said. "But I'm not scared. I have you. I have the Champ Clan. And I have Deux. I'm not alone."
For the first time, I saw a small, relieved smile tug at Uncle Henry's lips.
"Yes," he said. "You are not alone. You will never be alone."
Then, suddenly, a memory surfaced in my mind like a sharp gust of wind.
"Uncle, there's something I need to ask you," I said, my tone serious.
"What is it?" he asked, intrigued.
"Something happened during the competition—something I can't explain," I confessed. "It was... strange. Intense. I only realized it now."
His brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"I don't know how or why, but I felt this overwhelming surge of emotion during the match. And then... everyone around me—Alpha, Beta... even Deux and his cousin, Silver—they all dropped to their knees as if I had commanded them. But I swear, Uncle, I didn't do anything."
Uncle Henry froze. His expression hardened as he fell deep into thought, rubbing his chin absentmindedly. Then, without a word, he spun on his heel, strode to his desk, and flipped open his laptop, his fingers flying over the keyboard.
I barely had time to process his reaction before he found what he was looking for.
"The Omega's Blessing..." he murmured, eyes glued to the screen.
That caught my attention.
"A rare gift, only granted to the most powerful Omega males with an exceptional quality of genes," he read aloud. "It compels others to feel immense love, admiration, and an unshakable urge to serve them. According to this, you must have awakened it unconsciously in the heat of emotion."
A chill ran down my spine.
"Silver mentioned something... He said now he understands why the Alpha Kings order the execution of Omega males. Is this the reason?"
Uncle Henry exhaled deeply, his nod slow and heavy.
"History—well, the history that was erased—says that the first rulers of this world were Omega males," he revealed.
I blinked. "Wait. What?"
"It's a forgotten myth, one I was lucky enough to read before it was buried," he continued. "Omegas once governed this world, adored and revered for their nurturing and peaceful nature. They ruled not with force, but with wisdom and compassion. And yet... it didn't last."
"What happened?"
"Alphas," Uncle Henry spat the word like it was poison. "Alphas, being naturally dominant, resented bowing to Omegas. They refused to be ruled by those they deemed weaker. So they rose in rebellion. The first Omega King was murdered."
My breath hitched.
"And after that, they slaughtered every Omega male in existence to ensure they would never be controlled again."
The weight of his words settled on me like a lead blanket. It felt like listening to a crime documentary—except this was my lineage. My fate.
"As time passed, due to evolution and the constant culling of Omega males, their numbers dwindled. Eventually, Omega females stopped giving birth to them altogether. They became nothing more than a forgotten myth," Uncle Henry explained.
"But... I exist. So what am I? A glitch in the system?" I scoffed, trying to mask my unease with humor.
Uncle Henry sighed, leaning back in his chair, cracking his neck before looking up at the ceiling.
"In truth, Champ... you are not the only living Omega male in the world."
I shot up straight. "What? There's another one?! Who? Do I know him?"
Uncle Henry met my eyes, his stare unreadable. Then, he spoke.
"The other living Omega male in this world... is your Omega mother."
The room fell into silence.
I felt like I'd been doused with ice-cold water.
"My Omega mother—the one I thought was a woman—is a man?" My voice came out in a whisper.
Uncle Henry nodded. "Yes, Champ. I'm sorry for keeping it from you. I had to. I feared that if you learned the truth too soon—especially after expecting to become an Alpha—your mind wouldn't be able to handle the shock. I had to prepare you first."
I inhaled sharply, my expression hardening.
"Champ? Are you angry?" Uncle Henry's voice was cautious. "Your Alpha father also wanted to keep this from you. But I think... it's time."
I shook my head. "No, Uncle. I understand. And honestly... I'm happy. I'm happy I'm not alone. That there's someone out there who truly understands what it means to be an Omega male. And that person... is my mother."
Uncle Henry's tension eased. But then, his expression turned grim once more.
"But, Champ... I don't know where he is. I have no idea where to find him."
I clenched my fists.
"Thank you for telling me, Uncle," I said. "But from this point on, I'll be the one to find him. I'll be the one to save him. I promised my father... and I promise you now, and myself—I will do it."
Uncle Henry sighed. "Be careful, Champ. I know Deux will stand by your side, but you must tread carefully... especially under the eyes of the Alpha King. Now that you've won this competition, your name will spread. He will hear of you."
"Let him!" I smirked. "I'll make him kneel before me!"
Uncle Henry gave me a deadpan look. "That's assuming you can actually control this power. Otherwise, he'll have you killed before you even try."
I hesitated. "Okay, fair point. But how do I—? You know—make the Alpha males, especially Deux, do whatever I want? Hehe."
"Champ," Uncle Henry's voice darkened. "The Omega's Blessing is not a toy. It's not meant for selfish desires or childish pranks."
I shrank under his gaze. "I was just kidding, Uncle!"
"Master it. Use it wisely. And never for violence," he warned. "You are not an Alpha, Champ. You are an Omega. Own it. I know you're reckless and mischievous—"
I groaned and buried my face in a pillow. "Uncle! Stop making me feel guilty!"
"Just promise me," he insisted.
I peeked out. "Fine! I promise! I'll be the best and nicest Omega ever!"
Uncle Henry eyed me suspiciously.
"Champ..."
"Okay, okay! I really promise!"
...
...
...
Deux's POV
(Slash!)
A brutal strike tore across my back, the force of it searing through my bare skin like fire. My hands and feet were bound, leaving me helpless as the whip cracked against me again. The pain was unbearable, sharp and relentless, but I refused to scream.
Screaming would only prove my weakness. And weakness was unacceptable in front of my father.
This punishment was for my failure—my disgrace in the Alpha Territory Treasure Hunt Competition.
But I did not regret losing.
In fact, I was relieved that Champ had won. That he had claimed victory.
"You humiliated me, Deux! You brought shame upon our family!" My father's furious roar filled the room, punctuated by two more lashes, each strike cutting deeper, sending a fresh wave of agony coursing through my body.
I could feel the warm trickle of blood pooling beneath me, staining the stone floor, but I did not care.
Pain was nothing. Pain was temporary.
"What kind of pathetic excuse for an heir allows himself to be bested by a nobody? A pathetic, weak Alpha! You were unprepared, undisciplined! You let yourself be distracted by your indulgences—whoring around with lowly Omegas instead of focusing on your duty!"
He was seething, pacing in front of me like a beast ready to rip me apart. I lifted my head slightly, meeting his glare with silent defiance.
(Slash!)
The whip lashed across my chest this time, tearing into already raw skin. My body tensed, but I swallowed the pain, forcing my breathing to remain steady.
A deep breath. A slow exhale.
My father exhaled sharply, shaking his head.
"Your incompetence cost us everything," he snarled. "Do you even comprehend what you've done? The Veydith, the power, the treasure, the legacy—gone, because of your failure!"
Then he stilled. His cold, calculating gaze locked onto mine, his lips curling into something unreadable.
"And for that, should I kill you now?"
A sharp, sudden fear knotted in my stomach. Not for myself—but for Champ.
If I died, who would protect him?
Especially when my father discovered the truth. That Champ was not just an Omega.
But an Omega Male.
A rare, coveted rarity in our world. A secret that, if exposed, would paint a target on his back far worse than anything I had suffered tonight.
But my father exhaled again, his nostrils flaring. "Tch. No. Not yet." He waved his hand dismissively. "You're lucky I don't have the time to deal with you properly. Killing you would be a waste. It would take too long to create a new heir to replace you."
My hands curled into fists, nails biting into my palms as he continued, his voice sharp and cutting.
"In a few years, a new Alpha King will be chosen. Do you honestly believe the Council will favor you now?" He scoffed. "You, who were defeated so easily? A disgrace like you?!"
I remained silent.
"They'll turn their backs on you. And when that happens, my brother's family will seize the throne—everything I've built, everything that should be ours, will be stolen by them!"
His eyes darkened, voice dropping into a snarl. "Silver will take the crown."
A cold realization slithered down my spine.
If Silver became Alpha King, Champ would be in even greater danger.
No.
I would not allow that to happen.
"Father..." My voice came out hoarse, rough from the strain of holding back my pain.
His gaze snapped to mine, his teeth clenched. "What?"
"Give me another chance," I said, my voice steady, my resolve unshaken. "I will fix this. I will win. I will become the Alpha King."
A slow, humorless chuckle escaped him. He shook his head, staring at me like I was a fool.
"And how, exactly, do you intend to do that?" His smirk was cruel. "Would you be willing to kill the Alpha who defeated you?"
I took a slow breath, closing my eyes.
When I opened them, I whispered, "Yes."
"If that is what it takes."
His smirk widened, pleased. "Good. Then do not fail me again, Deux. Reclaim what is ours."
With that, he turned and left.
A moment later, Beta females entered the chamber, silently unlocking the chains that bound my wrists and ankles. As soon as the restraints were gone, my body collapsed forward, my muscles too weak to hold me up.
I stayed there, breathless and unmoving, until I heard the soft click of the door shutting behind them.
Then, in the empty silence, I inhaled deeply.
"Forgive me, Father," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the dull throb of pain.
I had lied.
I would not kill the Alpha my father despised.
Because my duty was not to him.
It was to Champ.
To protect him. To shield him from the horrors that lurked in the shadows of our world.
And if anyone—anyone—dared to stand in our way...
I would not hesitate to destroy them.
...
...
...
Champ's POV
The open field stretched before us, a vast expanse under the bright sun. I stood there with Jiggs and the four beta males—Marsh, Daryl, Gem, and Martin. The competition was over, but that didn't mean training was.
"No stopping! One hundred more push-ups! You better handle it!" I barked as I pumped out push-ups alongside the others.
Jiggs, bless his weak little heart, attempted to join in. Attempted.
He barely managed one push-up before collapsing onto the ground like a dying fish. "I—I'll leave this to you guys... I just... can't..." he wheezed, sprawled out like he'd just run a marathon.
I rolled my eyes and kept going.
Then, Jiggs, in between gasps for air, dropped a bomb on me. "Champ, do you know when you're getting your title for Veydith? You know, the territory you won?"
I paused mid-push-up and turned to him. "Huh? Title? I need one? I thought it was mine automatically?"
Jiggs cackled. "Oh, Champ, you really have no idea how this works, do you?" He wiped sweat from his brow and grinned. "When you win a territory, you have to go through a legal process. You have to register your name as the owner."
I blinked. "Where do I even do that?! No one told me that! All they said was 'fight and win,' and I did that! What's with all this paperwork?!"
Jiggs shook his head like a disappointed teacher dealing with a clueless student. "You should ask Deux for help. He owns, what, ninety-eight territories? You? This is your first."
I scoffed. "First? This one territory is worth a hundred! I'm already above Deux!"
"Sure, sure," Jiggs said, smirking. "But legalities exist. And to make sure all Alphas are aware that it's your territory, you have to do something special."
I narrowed my eyes. "What do you mean 'special'? How exactly do they recognize it as mine?"
Jiggs wiggled his eyebrows. "Are you ready to know, Champ? Hehehe."
"Just tell me! Stop dragging it out!" I snapped.
Jiggs took a deep breath, fighting a grin. "Well, it's simple, really... You just have to pee on the land. Mark your scent. That's how Alphas claim their territory."
Silence.
I stared. Jiggs smirked. The beta males looked anywhere but at us.
"Are. You. KIDDING ME?!" I lunged at him, aiming a solid flick to his forehead.
Jiggs ducked, laughing. "It's true! Ask Deux! All Alphas do it!"
I scoffed, but then—I hesitated. Because I wasn't actually an Alpha.
Did Jiggs overhear something during the competition when he was unconscious?
Jiggs, completely unaware of my internal panic, threw an arm over my shoulder. "Trust me, just pee a hundred times, and the Alphas will know Veydith belongs to you."
I groaned. "One hundred times? Do you know how BIG Veydith is? That means I'll have to be there every day, peeing on different spots like some kind of overworked fire hydrant!"
"Better get drinking," Jiggs teased.
I shot a glare at the beta males. "And who told you guys to stop? Keep going!"
They scrambled back into push-ups.
"Oh, and Champ," Jiggs continued, "you're gonna be on TV. They're doing an interview about the competition. You're about to be famous."
I froze. "WHAT INTERVIEW?! Why am I only hearing about this now?!"
"Well, you were unconscious for two days. As your secretary and right-hand man, I made the decision for you. Hehehe." Jiggs stuck his tongue out.
"You WHAT?! JIGGS, YOU—"
Jiggs bolted, knowing full well my fist was already aiming for his face.
"GET BACK HERE! TRAINING ISN'T OVER! I'LL MAKE YOU MY PUNCHING BAG! AND KICKING PAD TOO!"
I turned back to the beta males. They were watching me. Again.
I didn't even need to speak. They got the message and instantly started doing push-ups at double speed.
I sighed, rubbing my temples. "First an interview. Then legal paperwork. Then I have to freaking pee all over Veydith. Why did no one tell me this before?! I thought winning was the hard part! But it is the peeing! I'd dry myself out before I can finish it!"
I took a deep breath to calm myself—only for my nose to pick up a familiar scent.
Vanilla.
Deux.
I scanned the field and spotted him walking toward us. I waved, and he waved back.
But something was off.
I squinted.
Was he... limping?
As Deux got closer, I raised an eyebrow. "Why are you walking funny?"
He barely spared me a glance. "Ignore it."
The beta males immediately stopped their push-ups, straightened up, and bowed respectfully to Deux.
Huh. They used to treat him like an enemy. Now, they actually acknowledged him. That's a progress!
Deux gave them a small nod before sitting down on the ground. Slowly. Too carefully.
"Guys, you can stop the training for now. Can you please leave me and Deux for the meantime?" I asked the four beta males and they agreed to leave right away.
I sat directly in front of him and narrowed my eyes. "Spill it, Deux. What are you hiding?"
"It's nothing. Anyway, did you start the registration process for Veydith yet?"
I groaned and shook my head. "Apparently, I didn't even know it was a thing. I need help. Help me."
"What if I say no?" Deux smirked.
I smirked back. "That wasn't a request. That was an order."
"Oh? The mighty Champ, ordering an Alpha Prince around?"
I simply stared at him, raising a single brow.
Deux sighed. "Fine. I'll help."
"Good. See? You're easy to talk to. And don't forget, I'm stronger than you now. I own two more territories than you."
Deux didn't even argue. "I don't deny it."
That made me angry.
"FIGHT ME! I'm not used to you just agreeing with me!"
Deux sighed, rubbing his temples like I was the source of all his headaches.
And honestly? I probably was.
I let out a heavy sigh, rubbing my temples. "Deux, I have another problem, and I have no idea how to deal with it."
Deux, still seated, raised an eyebrow. "What is it this time?"
"Jiggs said that, aside from registering my name, I have to—" I took a deep breath, trying to gather my dignity. "—I have to pee in one hundred spots around Veydith so that the other Alphas know it belongs to me." My face twisted in sheer distress. "Deux... I think I might die of dehydration."
For a moment, silence hung between us.
Then, faintly at first, I heard something strange.
I dramatically slumped onto the ground, staring at the vast land before me, already imagining the impossible task ahead. But then... a sound. A chuckle? No, a full-blown laugh.
I turned my head slowly, my eyes narrowing.
Deux.
Deux was laughing.
"Deux!" I snapped, scandalized, watching as he tried (and failed) to stifle his laughter.
"I don't know what's funnier," he wheezed, "the fact that Jiggs actually convinced you of that, or the fact that you will pee a hundred times."
I huffed. "I don't know whether I should be mad at you for laughing or at myself for actually contemplating how to—never mind!" Then I sighed and managed a small smile. "But... I guess I'm glad to see you laugh, Deux. You look good when you're not brooding."
Deux composed himself, wiping the amusement from his face like it was a crime to express joy. Yet, I could see the corners of his lips twitching, threatening to betray him.
"Deux! This isn't a joke!" I groaned, throwing my hands up. "Do you know how stressed I was about—about peeing everywhere?!"
Deux shook his head, exhaling. "Jiggs was messing with you. You don't have to do that. There's no such rule."
I blinked.
My fists clenched.
"JIGGS IS DEAD TO ME."
Deux chuckled again. "Your friend might be a menace, but I think he's one of the most reliable people in your life."
I grumbled, arms crossed. "Yeah, yeah. He's annoying, but he's sharp. If only he'd use his brain for good instead of evil!"
Deux tilted his head. "Does Jiggs know? About you?"
I stiffened. "You mean... my real—" I leaned in, whispering, "identity?"
"Mm."
I exhaled. "I haven't told him. But... maybe soon."
Deux studied me for a moment, then smirked. "You might not need to. Jiggs is sharp. He probably already knows. He's just waiting for you to say it first."
I frowned. "Wait, are you saying—he figured it out before you did?"
"Maybe," Deux mused. "And maybe he's just been waiting, out of respect."
I let that sink in before nodding. "Yeah... you're probably right."
Then, I turned to pat Deux on the back, and—
"Nggh!" Deux flinched, his body jerking forward.
I froze.
Wait. What was that?!
I stared at his back.
There was... blood.
"Oh my god," I gasped. "Did I—did I pat you too hard?!"
Did my Omega powers awaken?! Did I accidentally crush his spine?! AM I TOO STRONG FOR THIS WORLD?!
"Deux, I'm so sorry!" I panicked, my hands instinctively grabbing his chest to steady him.
"Accck!" he choked.
I pulled my hands away—only to see more blood staining his shirt.
"No!" I cried. "I'm becoming a monster! My power is uncontrollable!"
"Champ," Deux coughed, "it's not you. Calm down," Deux said, wincing.
"H-How can I be calm?! You're BLEEDING!" I tried to peer behind him, but the blood was already soaking into his shirt. "Can I check?"
Deux gave a small nod.
Carefully, I unbuttoned his shirt, peeling it away.
And then I saw them.
Searing, deep lash marks across his back and chest—long, raw, and brutal.
Whip wounds.
"Deux..." My voice was barely a whisper. "Who did this to you?"
Deux met my gaze and smirked slightly. "What if I told you... it was you who gave me these wounds?"
"WHAT?! WHEN?! I—I don't remember doing anything like this!"
Deux exhaled slowly, offering me a small, reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Champ. These wounds are nothing compared to what really hurt me."
I frowned. "And what really hurt you?"
Deux's eyes softened. "The time when you avoided me. When you thought I was a monster and wouldn't speak to me."
My stomach twisted. "Deux..."
I reached out again—without thinking—patting his back. Right over the wound.
"NGGH!"
"SORRY! SORRY!" I panicked, flailing in distress.
Deux sighed. "I'm starting to think you might actually be an Alpha. You're too aggressive to be an Omega."
"Shut up!" I huffed. "Don't change the subject! Who did this to you? Tell me the truth, Deux."
Deux hesitated before finally speaking.
"My father."
I inhaled sharply.
"He punished me for losing the competition," Deux admitted.
I shot up to my feet. "THEN I'LL JUST TELL THEM I LOST! I DON'T WANT THIS TERRITORY ANYMORE! IT'S YOURS!"
Deux grabbed my wrist. "No, Champ."
"But—!"
"You won this fair and square." His grip tightened. "You brought Silver to his knees. Even I—a proud Alpha prince—kneeled before you willingly."
"But because of that, you suffered," I said, voice thick with emotion.
Deux smiled faintly. "I told you, Champ. The wounds don't matter. What hurt me the most was when you treated me like I was something to be feared."
I clenched my fists, guilt twisting deep in my gut.
"Come with me, Deux," I finally said. "I'll treat your wounds at my place."
Deux raised an eyebrow. "You expect me to walk there in this condition?"
"Want me to carry you?" I challenged, grabbing his arm to pull him up.
I tugged.
He didn't move.
I tugged harder.
He still didn't move.
I gasped dramatically. "Deux, did you gain weight?! Why are you so heavy?!"
Deux smirked. "Or maybe you're just weak."
I scowled. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
"Immensely." Deux sighed dramatically. "I would go with you to your house, but in this condition, walking will be difficult."
I sighed. "Fine. If you can't walk, is there a closer place where I can treat you?"
Deux nodded. "Yes. I know a place nearby."
I snapped my fingers. "The university clinic! We can take you there!"
"Absolutely not." His voice was sharp. "You. Will treat me. Not some strangers. I don't want them to touch me!"
I frowned. "Oh, don't yell at me, mister!" I huffed—and for good measure, I gave his injured chest a light poke.
"ARGH!" Deux doubled over, clutching his wound.
"Oh no! Oh no, I'm sorry!" I panicked. "Reflex! That was a reflex!"
"Champ," Deux groaned. "You... are more brutal than any Alpha I've ever met."
I scratched my head sheepishly. "I guess I am pretty aggressive for an Omega."
Deux chuckled weakly. "Tell me again... what did I do to deserve falling for an Omega more terrifying than an Alpha?"
I shot him a look. "Okay, first of all— Your fault not mine. Second—stop changing the subject! Where do we go? I need to treat you!"
Deux smirked. "Fine. Help me up."
I reached out a hand.
Deux dramatically extended his arms like a royal waiting for assistance.
I rolled my eyes. "You are not an disabled, Deux. You have wounds, not broken legs."
"What can I say?" He grinned. "I like the attention."
I groaned. "Get up already before I accidentally poke you again!"
Deux chuckled, but his eyes softened. "Fine. Let's go, then."
I sighed, wrapping an arm around his waist, steadying him as we made our way.
But before we left, I clapped my hands together. "Oh! Before that, we need a medical kit!"
Deux groaned. "You're enjoying this too much."
I grinned. "Maybe just a little. We can just walk for a little bit only. Hehe!"
...
...
...
The moment we arrived at the place Deux had told me about, I was left utterly speechless.
"Wow! I thought you were going to take me somewhere terrifying! But how did I not know a place like this existed so close to the university?" I exclaimed in awe, spinning around to take in the breathtaking paradise before me. A serene stream flowed gently, cascading down a small waterfall into a crystal-clear pool where fish swam freely.
The area was secluded, untouched. No signs of human presence—just the two of us, alone.
Lush greenery surrounded us, towering trees casting dappled shadows, vibrant flowers adding bursts of color. Birds chirped melodiously, and butterflies danced in the air, making the whole place feel almost magical.
"This is incredible! How did you find this place, Deux?" I asked, turning toward him.
But instead of answering, Deux was just... staring at me. A soft smile played on his lips, his eyes fixed on me in a way that made my stomach flutter.
"Deux! I'm talking to you! Have you lost your mind? Why aren't you saying anything?" I demanded, waving a hand in front of his face.
He chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm just happy... Happy that I got to bring you here. I never thought this day would come—where I'd be in this place with you, someone I never expected to fall for so deeply. Someone who, at one point, I thought could never be my type. An Omega so different from the norm, from what I was taught to desire."
"Oh, okay. Cool. I'm leaving now," I teased, turning on my heel.
Panic flashed in his eyes as he grabbed my hand. "Wait! No! I was kidding! Don't leave!"
I burst into laughter. "I was kidding too, Deux."
His grip on my hand tightened for a second before his brows suddenly furrowed. "Wait... Champ, don't you have AEDS?"
I blinked at him, eyes widening slightly. I said nothing, simply giving him a look that practically screamed, Deux, you already know the answer. Don't be stupid.
"Ah!" He suddenly let out a dramatic gasp, his face scrunching up in frustration.
With a huff, he released my hand and looked away, jaw tightening.
"I knew it! You lied to me! You and Doctor Henry! You don't have AEDS because you're not an Alpha! You had me so worried! Do you know how hard it was for me to sneak around and get you medicine?! The things I went through just to make sure you were okay!" he grumbled, avoiding my gaze like a sulking child.
I had to suppress a laugh.
"Deux..." I said gently, sitting beside him. "You understand why I lied, don't you? You know my identity is not normal. Being a male Omega is dangerous. If people knew the truth, I'd be in constant danger. And back then, you were still Deux—the immovable Alpha prince who followed his father's every command. Should I have really risked my life by telling you the truth?"
He inhaled deeply before meeting my gaze, eyes firm. "Not anymore, Champ. Now that I know the real reason, there's only one person I will follow from now on." His voice was steady. "You."
My breath caught.
I couldn't respond immediately, too caught up in my own spiraling thoughts.
This Alpha prince, so arrogant and untouchable before, was now lowering himself for me.
I swallowed, quickly averting my gaze.
My heart was hammering wildly in my chest. Jumping. Rejoicing.
I didn't want him to see. I didn't want him to know that his words, his gaze, his everything—it was all affecting me.
"Hmp!" I scoffed, trying to mask my emotions. "Also, Doctor Henry isn't just my doctor. He's my uncle. He's my Alpha father's brother."
"Huh?! Really?" Deux's eyes widened in shock.
"Yes. So don't be mad at him for lying to you. He did what he had to do to protect me. And please, don't expose him for forging my certification that says I'm an Alpha instead of an Omega. I don't want him to get into trouble." I pleaded, stealing a quick glance at Deux's lips.
Lips that, for some reason, I found myself wanting to... touch.
They looked soft. Warm.
Had anyone kissed them before?
If someone had—I'd be furious.
Hmp!
"I understand, Champ. Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me." Deux smiled softly. "Your secret... is our secret. Because if anyone finds out that I know, my life would be at risk too. But don't worry. Just a few more years and I'll be Alpha King. And when that time comes, you won't have to hide anymore. You'll live in a world where you won't have to pretend."
His words.
His voice.
His promise.
"Deux..." I whispered.
I closed my eyes, swallowing hard.
I could feel his warm breath fanning against my face, comforting in ways I couldn't explain.
Before I realized it, I was leaning in.
Closer.
Closer.
Just as our lips were about to brush—
I snapped out of it.
I jerked back, quickly averting my gaze.
"Why did you stop, Champ?" Deux asked, puzzled.
I shook my head, steadying myself.
As much as I wanted to kiss him—I am not sure if I can control myself after this.
Too dangerous.
"...Do you want to taste my lips?" Deux asked innocently. "Were you trying to eat me?"
I facepalmed.
He... he really doesn't know what kissing on the lips is?
Of course, he doesn't!
Alphas don't love. They mate. They breed. They claim. They satisfy their urges.
But they don't know romance.
They don't know what it means to fall in love.
The thought made my stomach twist.
"Have you ever kissed anyone on the lips, Deux?" I asked, embarrassed but curious.
"None." He blinked.
I knew it!
"Good," I muttered.
No one has touched his lips and kissed it yet! Finally!
"I don't know what it is for, but... earlier, when our lips almost touched, my whole body felt like it was burning." Deux admitted. "I stopped myself because I didn't know what would happen if I let go."
"H-Hey!" I shouted, flustered.
"But, Champ?"
I turned toward him—only to notice where his gaze had landed.
His eyes were locked onto a very specific part of my body.
His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed.
I knew what he wanted.
"Deux!" I growled, covering my neck.
"Can't I mark you, Champ? So everyone will know you're mine?"
Deux's voice was calm, almost tender, yet the weight of his words sent a rush of heat straight to my core. His gaze—steady, unwavering—held me captive, pulling me deeper into something I wasn't sure I could escape from.
"Deux..." I whispered, this time, my voice barely above a breath. I wanted to resist, to push back, but the way he looked at me... It was as if he already knew I wouldn't.
My heartbeat quickened, pounding against my ribs like a desperate creature trying to escape.
Then, with a slow, deliberate movement, Deux's hand found my arm. His grip was firm but not forceful—an unspoken promise of restraint. And yet, when he gently pressed me down onto the ground, I found myself yielding far too easily.
My body should have fought back. My instincts should have screamed at me to break free.
But I didn't.
Now, beneath him, I was utterly trapped—his legs caging mine, his body hovering just close enough for his warmth to sink into my skin.
"Champ..." His voice softened, brushing against me like the whisper of a breeze. A small smile played on his lips, something both gentle and possessive gleaming in his eyes.
I swallowed hard as his breath, warm and slow, ghosted over my face, making my own breathing hitch.
And then, as if sensing my last line of defense, Deux's gaze flickered down.
I had been clutching my neck—protecting it, shielding it.
But Deux was patient. His fingers brushed over mine, featherlight, coaxing rather than forcing. Slowly, deliberately, he pried my hand away, unraveling my resistance with nothing but a touch.
His warmth replaced mine, his fingers grazing over my exposed neck with an unbearable softness.
A shudder ran through me.
His face dipped closer, his breath fanning against my pulse point. My eyes fluttered shut as something deep inside me—something I didn't want to name—gave in.
"Champ..." His voice was a mere whisper now, reverent. Possessive. "I'm going to mark you, my Omega."
And from that moment, I can feel his fangs slowly sinking into my neck...
End of Chapter 20