take a turn.

Syverson hadnt been home in years, far overseas where he spent every day working hard to climb up the ladder. He was an experienced captain, feared and respected. The places he had been stationed had all been highly dangerous, and him and his men had been prioritized with liberating the omega population in third world countries. Places where they were treated like dirt, nothing more than property for an alpha to use and discard as he saw fit.

Syverson didn't hold these exact same ideals, but he did believe alphas were the providers, the dominant side when it came to the balance. He took pride in saving all of the omegas that he did, but he was shocked when he returned home after almost a decade to see how irrational his own country had become. He should've seen it coming, really. The longer he spent overseas, the less information he received about his own countrys standing, but now that he was back, it was like being in a strange place he had never been before.

The moment he arrived home, he had been instructed that there was going to be a welcome home party, his community's way of showing their appreciation for the hard work he had done. They wanted to gift him to an omega.

"You want to gift me to an omega?" He all but yelled into his phone, completely confused. "Run that by me again?" Syverson snapped, holding his bags tightly as he made his way through the airport, towards where someone was waiting to pick him up. He had been in the military so long, the man didn't even have his own place he called home anymore, let alone a vehicle. But before they dropped the bomb on him that he was to be owned by an omega, essentially, he forgot all about them also telling him he'd be set up for life.

On the car ride to his hotel, Syverson was completely briefed on all the changes that had happened since he'd been deployed. Omegas were never treated horribly, as long as he'd been alive at least, but this...just seemed like too much. Their numbers had dwindled over the years, less and less omegas were being born and due to that, the country's perception of them had changed. All of the omegas were kept together, and mostly used for breeding to try and bring their numbers back up. Omegas with the sweetest scents were kept the best, treated like little princesses, like little treasures that were so fragile even the softest touch would break them. That's how his driver was speaking of them anyway.

After being taken to his hotel room, he was instructed to dress in a suit they had tailored for him. "Why would I want to be in service to an omega?" Syverson demanded once again, still unable to wrap his mind around any of it.

"Have you ever been with an omega?" The beta attendant asked the soldier, as he helped him bring his bags in.

"Yes." Syverson glared.

"I'm told the effect they have over alphas is like euphoria, and it makes it all worth it."

Syverson could almost laugh as he grabbed the suit off of the bed. "What twinky alpha told you that, boy?"

Regardless, Syverson did what was asked of him, wrangling his large body into the tight suit they laid out for him. And not longer after that, he was being led to the ballroom where the party meant to celebrate the troops return was being held. "When you meet your omega, don't make any sudden moves, always ask before you touch her and never demand she do anything." The more the man spoke, the more Syverson believed he was about to meet an angel, not an omega.

"Whatever..." He grumbled, moving through the ballroom. His eyes glazed over the room, instantly able to point out the few omegas in attendance. They were all heavily guarded, alphas surrounding them on all sides, feigning over them. Sy couldn't understand it.

"Syverson, this is Penelope," the soldier was pulled from his thoughts when the alpha escorting him finally stopped at their table. "Penelope," the alpha bowed his head to the omega before introducing him, "this is your new alpha, Captain Syverson. Just returned home from Iraq."

Syverson's eyes fell on the omega and he did experience the usual tug he felt whenever meeting an omega, nothing more than his base instincts. She was gorgeous, her eyes positively radiating and the dress she wore was stunning, hugging her curves in all the right places and showing just the right amount of cleavage to remain classy at such an event. Her scent was sweet, pulling him to take the seat next to her.

"May I sit?" His words came out grumbled, but he barely waited for an answer before taking the seat next to her. Her shoulders and neck were completely bare, not one single mark decorating her flesh to signal she had ever been claimed. Apparently, that to was frowned upon now and Syverson just didn't understand it.

Omegas were meant to be claimed, but now...instead, he was?

@ castle.

Penelope had been surprised when she was told that an alpha had finally been selected for her. Most of her life growing up, omegas numbers were continuing to dwindle like crazy. It was the biggest concern across the world. If omegas' numbers dwindled to the point that no one could procreate, then the world would change as they knew it. She was nervous to even consider having an alpha because cruel alphas had existed in the past. That was the whole reason that the world found itself in such a mess to begin with. Alphas had been cruel and took advantage of omegas in just about every situation that they saw fit.

Omegas heats could be dangerous and they were now kept on suppressants until they were gifted an alpha that could help them through their heats. Penelope had no clue what one would be like, all she knew was that it would be painful. That it would hurt and she would need her alpha to help her through. How Penelope didn't even know that.

Claiming was virtually unheard of now. It was frowned upon because of Penelope's understanding, it made the omega more susceptible to the alpha's charm. An alpha's demand was law for an omega if the omega was claimed. Just the thought was enough to send a shiver down Penelope's spine.

Her face scrunched as she looked in the mirror, twirling around slowly so she could get a view of herself from every angle. She wore an off the shoulder, all-black evening gown that accentuated her curves. She felt as beautiful as she looked and she hoped that she pleased her alpha. Even if the alpha had to make her happy, had to all but worship her, Penelope found herself not wanting him to hate their relationship. It would be just like an omega being in an awful relationship, as far as she was concerned.

Penelope was driven to the place where the ball would be held, butterflies filling her stomach as the towncar pulled up to the main entrance. This was it. She took a deep breath, thanking the beta who offered his hand to help her out. She was whisked away almost immediately, led inside before she was taken to the side, led through another entrance into the main area of the party. Penelope hated this part of going out, being surrounded by alphas who refused to even let her go to the bathroom alone. She had to be escorted to the door and back to the table like some sort of animal.

Biting back a huff as she was led to her table, Penelope thanked the alpha who had shown them to the table. She would be meeting her alpha soon and the thought was enough to excite her. She was nervous but she hoped that she could enjoy herself with him. Maybe they could go out and go hiking or camping or... any of the exciting things that she had never been given the chance to try because she was an omega and she could be hurt.

Penelope looked up when several people approached her table, her attention immediately going to Syverson. He held himself differently, he all but looked out of place. She gave him a small smile, wondering what his story was. And just like that, the alpha introduced them and she understood why he looked so uncomfortable. She could only imagine how different this was compared to being overseas.

"Yes. Of course," Penelope stated, all too eager to inch forward on her seat so she could be a bit closer to Syverson. "When did you get home, Syverson?" Her voice softened, her head tilting to the side as she studied him. It was one of the first real conversations she was ever even having with an alpha, she was hopeful that she could learn from him.

Syverson felt completely out of place. From the looks of it, no other alpha in the room seemed to have one problem with what was going on here. Syverson barely blinked as he stared around the room, growing silent rather quickly. The alpha had no idea how to act, not seeing one other dominant looking alpha in the room. There were other large, strong looking alphas in the room, but every single one looked like they were wrapped around an omegas finger, almost starstruck.

Pulling his chair in, Syverson instantly ran a hand over his beard, confusion written across his face. He had been with plenty an omega, but none of them seemed like anything that deserved worship. If anything, he had been worshipped by an omega or two across seas, some more than grateful after being rescued from rather abusive alphas. And now, his country meaned to tell him that after coming home from more than ten years of service, he was meant to be some sort of present to an omega? It was enough to cause his jaw to clench and every muscle in his body to tighten.

The captain tried to keep the anger from his face as he let his eyes meet Penelope's. Already, he could see the effect he was having on her. How she inched closer to him in her seat and her eyes brightened, he could almost hear how her heart had picked up. "Earlier this morning." Rather, Syverson wondered if it was an effect he actually had on her, or if she was just excited to have an alpha. Penelope looked so young, wide eyed and eager. If Syverson was meeting her on a different circumstance, he might've been more eager himself. But, unfortunately, he was more apprehensive. Serving his country had been easy, Syverson was almost ready to just beg to be shipped back off. Serving an omega? He didn't think he could.

Not to mention, due to the dwindling number of omegas, omegas were urged to mate almost immediately after receiving their alpha. Syverson had been detailed on everything, how omegas, even though were treated like royalty, they were also being forced to breed every heat cycle, to try and bring their numbers back up. If the omega birthed an omega, the couple was able to keep the child, but if it was a beta or an alpha, the pup was ripped from the mom, and never seen by them again. It was like some strange, dystopian society he found himself in, and he didn't know if he could stomach it.

He tried not to think about it, instead trying to focus on the girl before him. There wasn't much he could do about the situation now. If he wanted to have a place to live and a bed to sleep in, for now, Syverson would have to do as he was told. This wasn't necessarily the hero's welcome he had hoped for. "So, Penelope..." Syverson started, unsure of what was appropriate to say and what wasn't. "you'll have to forgive me, I've been out of the country for more years than I'd like to admit and this wasn't what I was expecting to come back to."

@ castle.

Penelope had never voiced any of her concerns to someone because she knew it was wrong. It was selfish to want to be cared for the way omegas had been before. She had only heard tales of the past and just thinking about it made her skin crawl. If things were different, would Syverson be kind to her? Or would he be like alphas of the past, if he was given the choice? Penelope hated the way her instincts told her to be afraid of Syverson. He was clearly a strong alpha who was capable. Chewing on her bottom lip, Penelope couldn't hide her surprise when Syverson stated he had literally just gotten back.

"Really?! You should be resting and enjoying yourself!" Penelope was practically indignant at the thought of him having travelled from halfway across the world and being thrust into a world that wasn't what he was used to. She exhaled slowly, a frown on her face. "I'm sorry.. if you'd like.. to return to your home, to rest. You can. I don't want you to be too exhausted, especially since it's our first time meeting," she explained softly. Her brows pulled together as she relaxed in her chair, trying to piece together why this meeting couldn't have waited for another two weeks. These balls were held religiously, every few weeks so that alphas could meet their new omega in a public place.

She knew that she had the option of returning to Syverson's home with him tonight. Or she would be escorted tomorrow, in the early afternoon. Penelope knew what was expected of her and that was part of what terrified her the most. She had already started taking sugar pills, meant to induce her heat in the next day or two. Syverson would be with her and she would be expected to breed immediately. Penelope knew nothing about Syverson, she knew that she wasn't comfortable even if she was feeling pulled toward him.

Penelope knew giving Syverson so much choice in their first days together could prove to go horribly wrong but she didn't want to make Syverson feel like some sort of slave to her. That was why omegas were worshipped so much, because they had practically been slaves at one point. Clearing her throat, Penelope gave Syverson an uneasy smile. There were so many things she wanted to tell him but she certainly didn't want to say them out in the open with everyone listening to their conversations.

"You must be tired," Penelope started, tugging her bottom lip between her teeth. "After dinner, if you'd like, you can go," she said softly. "I don't have to join you tonight if you don't wish. It's become customary for the omega to join their alpha on the first day of meeting or the next day at the latest," she explained softly. Penelope had no idea what Syverson did or didn't know so she didn't want to just assume at this point. Her voice lowered when she spoke again, "my heat shouldn't arrive for another day or two so it should be fine to wait, if it would be better for you."

Syverson sat back in his chair, pulling his brow together when she offered him the choice of retiring home early. The alpha stared at her, wondering if he had already put the little omega off of him. Did they get a say in their mate? If she met him and absolutely loathed him, would she be able to ask for a different alpha? Glancing around the room one more quick time, Syverson already noticed differences between the girl sat next to him and the other omegas in the room. Penelope seemed more reserved and timid, while the other omegas he could see were eating up the attention they were receiving and seemed much more demanding. How were other freshly deployed soldiers already so welcoming to this new idea of life?

Returning his attention to Penelope, he wondered if this was some trick. If he was being tested, to see if he could obey and serve his omega. Even if it wasn't, Syverson wasn't the type of alpha to reject an omega. He still believed alphas should do their part to make their omega happy and as far as it was going, he seemed to have a pretty tame one sat in front of him. Seeing the other options, he could've gotten a real headache it seemed.

"I'm not going to leave you early." Syverson finally answered her, only after her mentioning it the second time. "Or, if I do, you'll just have to come along with me." The captain had leaned forward to whisper his request to her, not wanting it to appear as if he was demanding something of her. His eyes took in her body, though he did his best to ignore the way he felt excited when she mentioned her heat. It had been awhile since he had gotten to pleasure an omega and help her through such a hard time... That was something he could look forward to.

@ castle.

Penelope hadn't looked away from Syverson from the moment that he had stood in front of her. She was fascinated by him, wanting to be close to him because there must have been a reason he was picked for her. She wondered if it was because she knew that she hadn't been an omega who craved the sort of worship that others did. This wasn't something she had ever admitted to anyone and she never would because she felt like if she did, it would only disappoint and upset people that she cared about.

When Syverson leaned toward her, Penelope was distinctly aware of the alphas around her who tensed, making to come forward if she was uncomfortable. Penelope's stomach flipped as she inched her chair closer to him, a silent action that would calm their nerves so they understood she was okay. She knew the moment that she raised the alarm, she would be whisked away to somewhere that was safe for her.

Penelope's body visibly relaxed when Syverson whispered his request. It was a request that she knew she could deny if she wanted to but it felt right to nod her head, agreeing without even thinking much about it. Clearing her throat as she leaned back, Penelope raised an eyebrow. "If you've.. been gone for so long, have you got a home for us to settle down in? Or should we start looking for a home once... I've settled?" She asked, unsure of how to even describe the end of her first heat.

Penelope knew that she was supposed to be excited about carrying her own pup but if she was honest, the thought filled her with dread. She didn't want to have children because she knew they would be ripped away from her if they weren't an omega. Carrying a pup for six months before the baby was ripped away from her just seemed cruel and like something she wanted no part in. The alphas surrounding them must have picked up on her distress because three of them moved forward before she could even react, one reaching for her arm to help her up.

It was the first time Syverson would have seen any real emotion from her as her back straightened, a glare settled on her face as she jerked her arm away from the hand that threatened to touch her. "Do not touch me!" Her voice was shrill and it was only a moment before the other two alphas backed the offending alpha away from her. Penelope's shoulders sagged as she watched the group of alphas retreat from the room before she turned back to Syverson. Her head was lowered as she stared at her lap. "I'm sorry. I try not to.. be so.. demanding," she murmured, twisting her fingers together.

Syverson was almost ready to open his mouth and interject to the alpha attempting to take Penelope away. He wasn't surprised her scent alerted them to her distress, he too had been put on edge by the shift in it. To him though, it was clear the thought of her heat had everything to do with it. Did she not want to carry? He supposed he couldn't blame her if she was afraid. However, there was no need for him to speak on Penelope's behalf, almost forgetting omegas had all the power in this weird, new world. Her piercing scream was enough to cause his eyebrows to shoot to his hairline, and his whole body to flinch back into his seat.

He watched in shock as all three of the alphas scurried away, all three completely humiliated by the rejection. Syverson swallowed thickly before he turned his attention back to his omega, becoming more aware of just how real this situation was. Omegas really were in complete control. "I-Its alright," he shook his head, trying to wipe the shock from his face. Sy decided it would be better to not speak about her heat, at least not here, in public.

"I.. I haven't seen my home yet, but I've been told I have one." The thought alone was enough to get him to laugh a little under his breath. He knew how silly it sounded, but he had only been home very few times since he had joined the military, right after high school. Each time, he spent the few days he had at his parents. Now, almost fifteen years later, he hadn't had his own home to return to. So, kindly enough and due to his many loyal years of service, he had been gifted a home out in the countryside. It was supposedly a couple hours away, so for the sake of the party, he had been set up in a hotel for the night.

@ castle.

Penelope forced herself to look up, not wanting Syverson to think she was upset with him by any stretch of the imagination. She knew that he was on edge, trying to adjust to everything that was had changed since he had left home. She could only imagine how hard it had to be for him. Her inner omega practically whined at the thought, wanting to console Syverson. She wondered if he was upset with her for having such an outburst. She could feel others' eyes on them and she shifted, unable to deny just how uncomfortable it made her.

Before she could speak, Penelope noticed that food was being brought out to the tables around them. She was relieved, intent on leaving the moment they had finished their meals. Penelope wasn't cut out for this sort of lifestyle of being worshipped and the constant being doted on. She was an omega, it went against all of her instincts and she absolutely hated every aspect of it.

"Well, at least we can choose to decorate together," Penelope said, forcing a smile to her face at the mention of Syverson's home. If he had never been to it, the house would be theirs to decorate together. Penelope cleared her throat, lifting her gaze to meet his. "I hope you're ready to be my guinea pig. I like to cook a lot," she added, hoping to change the subject so that they could talk about something a bit happier.

It also came as a relief to Henry when he was met with the distraction of their meals being brought out. It took the attention away from Penelope's outburst and off of them. The second Syverson could hear people getting carried away around them in their own conversations, he turned his attention back to Penelope.

Their meals were placed in front of them, and while Syverson couldn't remember the last time he had actually enjoyed a meal, he found he was almost too nervous to eat. Instead of turning to his food, he lifted his glass off of the table. "Oh?" He looked down to Penelope before he took a sip of his champagne, not sure if he should be surprised or relieved by the sudden new knowledge. Syverson had been expecting he'd be shoved into the kitchen, fumbling his way around like an idiot. "Lucky for you, I'm a hungry man."

After their meal, it almost seemed as if Penelope was in more of a rush to leave than he was. Not willing to speak against her in front of so many people, and wanting to leave almost as badly, he agreed and requested for his valet. "I suppose tonight, we could just head back to my hotel room? And leave for my home in the morning? You can spend all night shopping online for decor," Syverson tried to make a joke, but it almost seemed forced. He stood, offering Penelope his hand as he led her out to the parking lot.

@ castle.

Penelope was relieved when Syverson called for his valet, just wanting to be away from this ball. She wanted to be at home, in her nest where she could find comfort. She was quiet as she took his hand, following Syverson out to the parking lot. "Thank you," she was quick to speak as he helped her into the back of his car. She smiled as she settled into her seat, trying to appear more calm than she felt. Would Syverson expect more from her once they were alone? She knew everyone was going to anticipate them sleeping together so even if she wasn't wanting to jump right into things, she didn't really have a choice in the matter. At least it didn't feel like she did.

"That sounds like a plan," Penelope agreed, letting out a small laugh. She hesitated, wondering if she was asking for too much from Syverson as she reached out to take Syverson's hand once he was settled beside her. She was quiet for the rest of the short car ride, not wanting to say too much around the driver. She knew that if the wrong thing was said, it could mean trouble for them in the long run. If anyone thought that Syverson was being too demanding or that Penelope was in any way in danger, they would be bothered for the rest of their lives.

It wasn't until the hotel room door closed behind them that Penelope's shoulders sagged as she kicked off her heels. She was quiet for several moments before she spoke, turning to face Svyerson. "I'm sorry about my outburst. I just... he was going to take me away from and I didn't want to leave and.." she trailed off, shrugging because she had no clue what else to say to him. Penelope cleared her throat, her face hardening. "Before we leave, someone is going to check up on us. Just to... make sure I'm okay," she whispered, wincing at the implications. If she was okay sounded as if she thought Syverson was going to hurt her and that was the farthest thing from what she thought at the moment.

Syverson felt like he could finally breathe once the door to his hotel room shut. Inside this room, there was no one for him to try and impress, no one he was worried would be listening in on him. He began to pull the tie loose from around his collar, stepping further into the dark room before he turned to face Penelope. Of everything he had been told about omegas, he hadn't expected her to start apologizing to him... Something didn't seem entirely right to him.

"There's.. there's no need to apologize to me," Syverson insisted, sliding the tie out from around his neck and shrugging his jacket off. He couldn't see how he had just gotten lucky, having been given an omega who wanted a more traditional relationship. How she wanted to succumb to the instinct of being subservient to him. Draping his jacket over one of the seats in the sitting room, Sy flicked on the lights and finally looked up down at Penelope now that he could see her better. She was much smaller once having kicked off her heels, and Syverson was so much larger than her, it was obvious why he should feel the urge to protect her, but to serve her? That certainly wasn't right. He was large enough to break her in half, she should bend to him.

For now, he thought it was best to keep quiet on his opinions. He needed to understand the situation better, before he could go about finding a way to break the rules. "Just relax," Syverson gave Penelope a gentle smile as he closed the distance between them. "No need to get worked up, I'm here to make sure everything's alright, right? Let's get out of these uppity clothes, into something more comfortable and then we can do ...whatever you want." Syverson clenched his teeth as he smiled down at her.

@ castle.

The small bag that Penelope carried into the room with her held her toiletries and a change of pyjamas. She held it against her side as Syverson approached her, butterflies filling her stomach as she looked up to him. Every part of her body was desperate to be wrapped up in Syverson's arms because she knew she would be safe with him. She didn't know how she could possibly know that but she was positive about it. "I'll.. be right back," she agreed, holding up her bag to indicate that she was only going to change in the bathroom. Penelope changed into her pyjamas and quickly brushed her teeth before taking her makeup off.

Penelope hesitated with her hand hovering over the bathroom doorknob. Was she read for this? It would be their first night together and even if they didn't sleep together, it was the start of something she had been dreading for longer than she could remember. She took a deep breath before leaving the bathroom, smoothing down the material of her shirt before she found the courage to look up from her feet.

She felt so awkward standing in front of Syverson, her arms sliding around her torso as she studied his form. It was no secret why Syverson had done so well in the military. He was nearly a foot above her, his muscles looked enough that she couldn't help but wonder if he'd be able to break her in half if he wanted to. Preening at the thought, Penelope gritted her teeth. No. That wasn't something she wanted but was it so wrong to want to submit to Syverson?

"I'm sorry. I-I'm just.. I'm nervous," Penelope managed to force herself to speak, willing herself to look up to meet his gaze.

Syverson only undressed down to his pants while Penelope was gone. He figured anything more than shirtless might be a bit too much for having just met. Without the belt, they weren't too uncomfortable at all. He kicked his clothes off to the side, not minding much about leaving a bit of a mess. He headed into the little kitchen and pulled a beer for the fridge, popping it open while he waited for his omega. His eyes instantly zipped up to her once he heard the bathroom door creak open. Being alone with her now, her scent was that much more noticeable and he found it just as enjoyable as he had the second he sat down next to her.

"No need to be nervous, 'mega." He muttered, lifting the beer to his lips before questioning it. Was this something he should've asked her about first? Just how submissive was he supposed to be with her? Bringing the bottle away from his lips, he studied Penelope's face and decided she most likely wouldn't say anything either way. "We don't have to do anything you don't want to do, tonight." He cleared his throat when he put emphasis on the timeframe. When her heat started, that would be an entirely different thing.

"Are you thirsty?" He asked, trying to change the subject as he turned back towards the fridge. He pulled it open and looking over his shoulder a Penelope. "There's sparkling water and lemonade?" The moment she made her decision, he grabbed a glass for her and made her a drink. "C'mere," he insisted, motioning for her to come sit at the bar, closer to him. He sat her drink down where he wanted her to be, before leaning against the opposite side of the bar, returning his attention to his beer.

"You don't seem to be what I expected," Syverson huffed, though it was clear he was more relieved than anything.

@ castle.

Penelope hardly even noticed the beer that Syverson lifted to his lips. She didn’t care one way or another about it. So long as he didn’t start drinking excessively, she didn’t think she would ever mind. She knew some omegas were afraid that it would make alphas lash out but even after a few hours of knowing Syverson, she felt at ease with him. Like she could trust him not to hurt her. Even if he did hurt her, the morning would come around and she would be whisked away. It was that simple.

“Lemonade, please,” Penelope said, moving toward the bar the moment Syverson had motioned toward it. Such a simple action would have alarmed other omegas, she knew but it seemed to calm her nerves. Her gaze dropped to her lemonade, her heart skipping a beat at Suverson’s words. Had she somehow disappointed him? That was just about the last thing she wanted to do. Penelope took a sip of her drink, huffing as she set the glass back down.

“I just... I dont... it feels wrong. To breed for pups and not even be able to raise them. I know you’re supposed to listen to me but why, if you’re not hurting me? I know omegas suffered in the past but we still are now. I don’t even... I don’t even want to have pups because it’s so rare to have an omega that I don’t even think I’ll be able to hold one of my,” she paused, dragging in a deep breath. She knew she was rambling but she couldn’t seem to stop the words now. “Our pups before they’re taken. I won’t know if they’re an alpha or a beta. Male or female. I won’t have a say in how they’re raised and I just...” tears threatened to spill over now that she was voicing her concerns and she felt awful to be dumping all of those on Syverson the first night they met.

Penelope cleared her throat and tried to speak, her voice wavering a bit. “I-I’m sorry. I shouldn’t.. that was wrong of me. Of course I’m happy to try and help our population, it’s my duty as an omega.” The words were harsh as she spoke them, the same words that had been recited to her time and time again.

Syverson frowned, crossing his arms over his chest as he listened to Penelope's little spill. He couldn't even begin to understand what she was feeling. Would he be upset to have an alpha son and it be torn away from him? Yes, incredibly, but he wouldn't have to carry and birth them and have them ripped away, time and time again until an omega was born. Syverson let his eyes fall to the floor because he didn't know how to comfort her. He somewhat agreed with the breeding cycle. If omegas were preoccupied with multiple beta or alpha pups they couldn't continue to try for omega offspring. It was a harsh reality, but he understood why it was in place.

Sitting his beer down on the counter, Syverson stared across at his omega. He wanted to round the bar and take her in his arms, to tell her everything would be okay, because he'd take care of it all, but... That would be a lie. As of right now, there was nothing he could do for their situation. They would have to breed and she'd most likely give birth to a beta, and he couldn't stop them from taking them. "It's alright, bug. Don't start cryin' on me."

He moved around the bar, coming up beside of her. He leaned against the counter and tried to do his best to cheer her up. "Look at the bright side, we have a home to go to tomorrow, one you can decorate however you like. And they said it was out in the country, so I'm sure there's plenty of room for a dog if you want one?" He lifted his hand to run his fingers through her hair. "And, and I'm sure plenty of space in case we do have an omega."

@ castle.

Penelope blew out a slow and deliberate breath as Syverson neared her, in an effort to calm herself. She didn't want to break down in front of him and see him upset with her. That was just about the last thing she wanted. Biting down on the inside of her lip, Penelope looked up toward Syverson as he reached out toward her. She listened intently to him, giving a small nod of her head as she sniffled. "A dog sounds like a good idea. But we should wait until.. everything is decorated and we're settled in. Then we can decide if we want a puppy or not," she added after a moment, chewing on the inside of her lip. "Puppies are a lot of work so I don't know.."

Steeling herself, Penelope's back straightened as she bit back a sigh. "I'm not normally so emotional, I swear. It's just.. a big change for me, too. I've never even ben alone with an alpha in the same room before," she explained quietly. That seemed better to her. To tell Syverson she was just letting her nerves get the best of her instead of the truth. Everything she had just said was exactly how she felt, even if she had been taught that it was wrong. She was an omega, she was supposed to be worshipped by the man in front of her and yet, Penelope wanted to please him.

Penelope twisted around in her seat until she was facing Syverson fully. "When we are alone, I don't... I won't be like they expect me to. It feels wrong and I don't.. like it," she supplied. She inched closer to the edge of her stool, almost positive that Syverson wouldn't mind. He was former military, a strong and capable alpha that was still trying to learn the laws of this new country that he had called home for so long. Penelope swallowed thickly before she spoke again, "so if you don't... like that, it's okay. I can go, if that's what you'd prefer."

Syverson's hand dropped from her hair as he stared into her eyes. He hadn't been expecting a confession like that. Had he really gotten lucky? He knew he still had to be careful, that there would be regular check ins on his omega. He didn't own her after all, she wasn't his omega. Syverson had never claimed an omega before, but still felt the urge from time to time. It didn't make sense to him that alphas would give away something so integral to their relationships.

"Because it is wrong," Syverson frowned, his gaze darkening as he told her how he really felt. He was sure it wouldn't come to any giant shock. "This new world is backwards. Alphas aren't supposed to serve, they're supposed to protect and provide..." Syverson tried to soften his voice, not wanting to scare or offend Penelope too badly. She could still run away from him if she wanted, and then he'd be given to another omega. One more likely to be much more annoying. "and, omegas are supposed to...tend to their alphas."

If Penelope was telling the truth, then this would mean he would only have to act like a submissive dog out in public. Hopefully not for long however. Sy knew other men just like him who had recently come home, or did along side him, who he knew wouldn't be okay with this new world they found themselves in. He was almost sure they could do something about this mess. Slowly but surely they could bring about some radical change, give alphas back some of the power.

@ castle.

Penelope pushed herself off of the stool, taking the small step forward until she brushed against Syverson. She gave a tiny nod of her head at his words, relieved that he felt the same way that she did. She had been afraid that she would be gifted an alpha who only wanted to worship her and that simply wasn't something that she was interested in. She wanted to serve Syverson, she wanted to please him, and show him that she could be submissive and love him the way that he deserve to be loved.

"I want to do that. I want to.. make you happy," she whispered. It was clear that Penelope had no clue what she was doing as she lifted her hand, hesitating for a moment before she reached out to press her hand to his chest. The contact eased her nerves as she visibly relaxed as she tilted her head to the side. "I was worried that I would.. be gifted an alpha," she paused, her face scrunching at the words. "That wanted to worship me. And yes, I don't want to be abused and taken advantage of but I still want to please you. I don't understand why that's so wrong," she huffed.

Penelope's brows pulled together as she pressed closer to him. She wanted more out of what was happening but she had no clue how to ask for it or if she even should. "I guess I got lucky with you," she murmured, chewing on the inside of her bottom lip. "Thank you."

Syverson wouldn't proclaim himself a monster, but he still didn't suspect he was exactly the type of alpha Penelope had hoped for. He wondered if she'd be so willing once the world starts to change, and it would, if he had his way. The moment alphas are given back the power and omegas are put back in their place, he wondered if Penelope would wish for things to go back to the way they were. But then, it will be far too late. He looked down at her when she pushed herself off of her stool, moving to stand only centimeters away from him.

In the pajamas she had changed into, the shirt still hung loosely around her shoulders. It exposed her neck and collar bone completely and Syverson's eyes lingered on the little space between her shoulder and neck and wondered if he would ever be able to claim her. "I s'ppose we both got lucky, 'mega." A small grin appeared on Syversons face and now, knowing she'd be more willing to do as he said, Syverson wanted her that much more. He had always been an alpha willing to take care of an omega, especially a good, obedient one.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her flush against him before pressing his lips gingerly against hers. There was no warning, just immediately Syverson wrapping Penelope up in his embrace. Their lips mashed together, only parting slightly when Syverson's tongue came gently grazing over bottom lip. Keeping their mouths together, Syverson slowly guided Penelope back, until she was pressed firmly up against one of the kitchen walls. Syverson was a very handsy man and already, his fingers were dipping into the waistband of her sleep shirts. He pulled away for a moment to peer down into Penelope's eyes, wanting to make sure she was okay with this. He didn't want her being ripped away from him when the morning came. "I know you're not in heat yet, 'mega, but," his lips trailed down her jawline, his teeth gently nipping at her ear, "why don't we go ahead and get started?"

@ castle.