Ezra
The next morning came faster than I expected. I barely had any chance to sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Alpha Allen's face above me again. The way his eyes were staring at me intensely, the warmth of his voice, the feelings he left after exiting the room…..
Safe to say that I dreamt about my fellow man the entire night and instead of feeling ashamed, there was a tingling sensation in my tummy.
So when my maids entered the room, I was already awake, sitting at the edge of the bed and asking myself when I suddenly became gay.
They bowed politely.
"Omega Ezra, today you will be having breakfast with the four alphas," one of them said.
My stomach dropped. Breakfast? With all of them?
"I thought I would have more time," I muttered, rubbing my palms together. I had started adjusting my mind to whatever this new reality was because it turns out that sleeping wasn't going to unlock the door out of this place so might as well start getting used to it, at least until I can find a way to run away.
"There is no need to be afraid," Seris said. "We are here to prepare you."
They guided me to the washing area. The bathwater was warm and smelled faintly of mint and some kind of soft flower. They washed my hair, my arms, and my back.
When they dressed me, they chose a simple robe in deep blue. It wrapped neatly around my waist and rested lightly over my shoulders.
They brushed my hair back and sprayed me with the sweetest scent my nose had ever smelt. It was so good that I was tempted to eat myself.
"You look really good," one of them said. "The alphas will be pleased."
Yeah right. Can't believe I'm dressing up to look presentable for my fellow men.
They led me down a long hallway. The palace was abuzz with people who I guessed were either maids or servants. They were all over the place—cleaning, standing but overall, the entire hall was full.
When we reached the large wooden doors of the breakfast hall, both maids stopped and bowed.
"You may go in, Omega Ezra. We will wait here."
I took a breath and stepped inside.
The hall was large, but not overly decorated. Long windows allowed sunlight in. The breakfast table stretched across the center of the room. The four alphas were already seated. They were talking quietly among themselves, but the moment I entered, all four of them stopped talking.
Their eyes turned to me at the same time.
Alpha Xenon sat closest. He had sharp features, strong shoulders, and an expression that always looked slightly irritated even when he wasn't speaking. I don't know why but he pisses me off for some reason. I wished I could smack the arrogance off his face.
Next to him sat Alpha William, with a calmer expression but it was clear his eyes missed nothing.
Alpha Richard was beside him. He was the quietest so far, with his fine black hair tied to the back of his head loosely and had a thoughtful look that made him seem distant. He wasn't as physically imposing as the others, but he was handsome in a nerdish way that could pull anyone in. Matter of fact, they were all breathtaking specimens.
And finally, Alpha Allen—who was watching me with those emerald eyes that made my knees feel weak. He didn't smile at me, but there was a softness in his gaze that made my stomach warm.
Get a hold of yourself Ezra.
I bowed slightly. "Good morning, Alphas."
Only Alpha Allen responded.
"Good morning, Ezra."
The others stayed silent.
Of course they would.
"Sit," Alpha Xenon said, motioning to the empty seat near the end of the table.
I sat quietly. My hands shook for a moment, but I hid them under the table. Food was already served. It was fruit, warm bread, and eggs.
I started eating slowly, careful not to spill anything. Who knows, with the way Alpha Xenon was staring at me, it would be a good reason for him to chop my head off.
After a few minutes, Alpha Xenon finally spoke.
"I'm sure you know the breeding season is approaching," he said in a clear tone. "And as per the usual rites, you should be warming your womb in our chambers by now."
Warming my womb? They can do that? How the hell was that even possible?
"However," Xenon continued, "Alpha Allen here, thinks it is better to give you time to get used to the palace. And possibly to get used to us as well."
I felt Allen's eyes on me.
Xenon straightened. "On that note, we will introduce ourselves properly."
He placed a hand on his chest. "I am Alpha Xenon, the third-ranking alpha in the league. I command the Aethelgard army and oversee the training grounds. My beast animal is the Tiger."
Alpha William went next. "I am Alpha William," he said plainly. "Second in the ranking. I handle financial matters of the kingdom and maintain the internal stability of the palace. My beast animal is the Boa Python." Well, isn't that great? A hybrid beast animal.
Alpha Richard lifted his gaze and spoke softly. "Richard here. I have no interest in rankings. I work with the scholars and keep records of the bloodlines. My position isn't as important as theirs, but it is needed. My beast animal is the Panther. "
Then Alpha Allen leaned forward slightly. "I am Allen," he said simply. "First-ranking alpha as you already know. I am the commander general of the military forces of Aethelgard. My beast animal isn't limited to one and so, I've been given multiple abilities."
I nodded. "It's an honor to meet all of you. And I believe Alpha Allen is right. I think it would be best for me to get used to the palace and everything around me first."
The moment I said it, Alpha William frowned.
"You are an omega," he said. "Omegas do not have the privilege of having opinions where alphas are gathered."
His voice wasn't loud, but I could taste the annoyance in his words.
"The only reason we even consider your words," he continued, "is because of Alpha Allen's position in the breeding system. His rank gives him the right to make decisions regarding you."
My jaw clenched. I wasn't sure why I felt brave enough to speak, but something inside me filled me with so much confidence and annoyance that I let the words out.
"With all due respect," I said slowly, "I do not think it is a royal trait to strip anyone of the right to an opinion."
Every alpha at the table went still.
Even Alpha Richard looked up fully, his eyes were wide with surprise.
Alpha Xenon blinked, almost as if he wasn't certain he heard me correctly.
Alpha William stared at me like I had just broken a rule that nobody has ever dared to before—which technically, he was probably right.
And Alpha Allen… his expression was unreadable but I could have sworn that he was about to laugh. I only caught it briefly before it disappeared.
The room was eerily quiet and I actually felt like the ground should open up and swallow me this instant.
"Omega Ezra," Alpha Xenon said, "apologize this instant."
I looked at him, meeting his eyes with equal defiance.
"No, I will not do that."