Chapter Text
You had woken up with a start one night, not to anything actually disturbing you, but a shift in the air. Like a comical moment in a horror movie, thick with tension and just… wrong.
You slid off your mattress, toeing on your shoes that were tucked underneath the metal of your bunk, careful not to wake any of the other omegas around you. The room you all slept in seemed so much bigger in the dark, the rounded roof of the complex added to the illusion, seeming to cage you in with its shadows. Against your luck, the girl next to you rolled over, looking up at you with wide eyes. She called your name in a hushed whisper, and you hurried to duck next to her to avoid anyone else waking.
Danae was a sweet girl, younger than you by a considerable margin, and thus had a hard time controlling her volume.
“Where are you going?” She asked you, her starched blanket tucked under her chin. The twin braids you had put in her hair mere hours ago were beginning to frizz, defying order. “Can you get me some juice?”
You smoothed a hand over her curls, shaking your head. “I’m not going to the canteen. Just wanted to check something out, okay?”
Danae’s eyes widened impossibly. “A ghost?”
You laughed. “No ghosts. Just Alpha, I think. He’s probably being silly.”
Danae considered the information in the best way a nine year old could, rolling her tongue over her teeth and looking up at the bunk above her.
“So no juice?” She pouted.
You smiled. “No juice. Tomorrow, okay?”
She rolled over with a huff, and you took the opportunity to kiss her temple. “Go to bed, baby. I’ll be back soon.”
She didn’t answer, still upset about her apparent juice drought, and you walked to the door, carefully passing the other omega’s bunks as you did so. You were light on your feet naturally, years of practice you would brag.
Grabbing your jacket and checking the tag to be sure it was actually yours this time, you slid on your lanyard with your ID and opened the metal door with a heavy tug.
The hall lights were motion-activated, so they didn’t turn on until you had closed the door and stepped onto the tile, near blinding you with their suddenness. Blinking rapidly, you hugged the right wall to avoid the lights, listening intently as you went.
The compound was silent, normal for this time of night, you supposed. But something still felt off. You continued your walk, rounding the rec room and library, before stalling as you picked up your Alpha’s scent.
Heavy with tobacco and stress, Alessandro was a serious man. The Alpha of such a facility had to be serious, strict with you but kinder to the younger Omegas. You never took any of his jabs too seriously, and kept in line just enough for him to forgive you when you stepped out.
There was something else in the air, however, and that’s what gave you pause.
Also tinged with tobacco, but something sweeter underneath. Pine. Patience. Something warm like cardamon. Alpha.
The two of them were conversing in low tones, and as you peaked your head around the corner, you saw them talking at a round table in an equally dark room, only the one light above them. Alessandro had his guards flanking him as usual, heavy rifles in their hands and pushing Beta as hard as they could. Alessandro had a pile of cigar nubs in his ashtray next to him, and he was talking exaggeratedly like he was upset.
The other Alpha was unguarded, and remarkably simply dressed. Compared to your Alpha, in a shining dark suit and black undershirt, this stranger was clad in a grey turtleneck and loose slacks, leaning back in his chair. Relaxed. In control.
You squinted in the dark, thankful you had been still enough for the lights above you to not have turned on, and saw a manilla folder on the table between them.
They were arguing over an Omega’s contract, and your Alpha was losing. Whether it be for price or time, he was more upset than you’d ever seen him. Curiosity enveloped you, and you took another few cautious steps forward. Just to be sure.
“That is not how this works, Capitano ." Your Alpha huffed around what must’ve been his fifth cigar, teeth digging into the wrapping. “You came to me for my product, you don’t get to hassle. ”
“Oh?” The stranger’s word slid out of his mouth like molasses, a heavy accent coating his tongue. “I think I can, sir. Or, if you wanted me to tell my friends back home about our little deal, that could happen too.”
Your Alpha stiffened, snubbing his cigar early out of frustration. He waved his hand to bring one of his soldiers forward, muttering in the Beta’s ear while making dangerous eye contact with the stranger. Said Alpha is taking this moment to look around the room, at the surrounding dining area currently engulfed in darkness.
You snicker at him for a moment– he’s so confused at his environment, had he never seen a dining room before?
Your snickering stops as he seems to look directly where you’re hiding behind the corner, his focus becoming more intense.
You hope and pray he’s just looking at a painting or something before that previously relaxed spine straightens and his scent is ladened with Curiosity .
You scramble back, caught, forgetting about the lights for just a second before they turn on, illuminating your snooping.
Ducking back behind the wall as fast as you can, you scan the now visible decor of your surroundings. Vases on pillars, more paintings of your Alpha, the office waiting couch– there!
You duck behind the piece of furniture, it just far away from the wall to squeeze your ass behind, pulling a nearby coat rack in front of your crouching form to mask your hiding spot. You hear thundering footsteps and the unmistakable scent of furious Alpha coming towards you, and you hold your breath.
“I’m sure it was nothing,” the stranger sounded like he was trying to soothe Alessandro, and if you pictured hard enough, you were sure you could see him with his hands up. “A trick of the light, maybe?”
Your Alpha was breathing heavy for a moment, probably looking everywhere in the hall, before grunting.
“How long have I been telling you idiots to get these sensors fixed?” Your Alpha asked, a breath of masked laughter from the stranger.
“Seven months, sir.” One of the Betas answered, earning a muffled sigh from the other.
“What do I pay any of you for?” Your Alpha bit out, and you heard more footsteps. They were leaving, thank god.
You waited a moment before standing from your hiding space, listening for the scrape of a chair to make sure it was safe, then sliding out from your hiding space.
You stretched your shoulder, your arm having bent in a beyond awkward position to be flush to the wall, and are about to be confident in your escape before you hear your Alpha’s voice again.
“Are you coming, captain?”
No.
You turn slowly, probably a hilarious sight, and are met with the strange Alpha.
He’s huge, built like a brick shit house. That turtleneck he’s wearing is loose but still taught across his shoulders, the hem tucked into his black trousers. You can see this because he’s facing you. Staring you in the face.
You’re silent, because what else can you be? You’ve been caught, and panic is coursing through your system. This Alpha was bigger than any other you’d ever seen, his facial hair framing to make his face even more square than it probably already was, his hands in his pockets making him the perfect visual of confidence.
Oh, you were screwed.
You could tell he was studying you, going from the bottom up. Your ratty white tennis shoes, uniform sleepwear, hesitating over your lanyard. Fuck he was reading your name, memorizing your number, he was so gonna report you.
His gaze stops over your face, darting between your eyes and mouth, probably still hung open in a silent plea for mercy, before he clears his throat.
“Sorry,” The Alpha calls, not taking his eyes off you. “Got distracted, I’ll be right there.”
What?
His eyes raked over you one last time, something pitiful in his scent for half a second, before bringing a finger in front of his mouth, and walking away. Turning his back to you.
What?
You ran before your chance could be taken away, your hands steadying you along the wall the whole way until you reached the dorm, sliding through the door as thin as you could and shutting it behind you.
What was that?
—
You looked down your helicopter window, taking in the concrete fortress. It was flanked by trees and only accessible by dirt roads and aircraft; a vision of solitude. You held your luggage tight in your hands, tensing with every bump and too-strong stream of air.
It had been roughly a year since that night in the compound, when you had first met the man named John Price. You didn’t know he was there to rent out your contract, nor did you know why it took so long, but you did know one thing already.
You couldn’t wait for all of this to be over.
“ We’ll be landing soon”. Kate’s voice came over your headset. You leaned to the left, seeing her craning around from the co-pilot seat to flash you a thumbs-up. “ You doin’ okay, kid? ”
You returned her thumbs-up with a grin, which she was contended with. The Beta woman was tall and stern, cropped hair tied up and out of the way. She didn’t scent of much, but when she had landed at the complex you could smell amber and calm on her, which was an appreciated change from the anxious Omega that had been surrounding you for the past week. She turned around to talk to the pilot, switching into a different channel to talk to him and you’re left alone with your window again.
You pulled at your sleeve and tugged it between your fingers. Price seemed merciful before, but you’re nervous now that it might have just been a farce. He could have reported you anyways and gotten your rate lower, that would’ve explained your treatment. Your Alpha had been particularly harsh with your group after the captain left, and after six months you were put in isolated training to prepare to deal with other Alphas.
You tugged your sleeve a little harder. You hoped Danae was alright.
You leaned your head on the glass, remembering her green eyes and olive skin. No one else would braid her hair now that you were gone. She bumped her knees almost every morning getting out of her bed, who would kiss them better?
You closed your eyes, remembering nights in your bunk, holding her hand until she fell asleep.
–
The helicopter touched down with a bump, jolting you awake. You quickly undid your harness and set the headphones on the metal bar above you, gathering your duffle bag as Kate made her way to the door. The blades were still slowing as you stepped out, the long grass coming up to your knees, parting as you landed. You took a moment to look around, watching as the trees swayed in the wind. The air was warm, sweet on your skin as the sun beamed down, and you closed your eyes to bask in it.
Kate’s hand was on your back, guiding you forward and out of your trance. She offered you an encouraging smile, and you watched as John Price was coming forward. He was followed by three other men, all dressed in military gear, boots crunching on the gravel path.
You walked out of the grass to meet them, missing the feeling of the swaying blades on your shins.
The captain extended his hand to you, his palm large and warm in yours. He greeted you with an equally warm smile, helping to rid some of the unease in your stomach.
“How was the flight?” The brit asked, and you waited for Kate to respond.
Fuck, was he asking you?
“The ride was good, John Price. Thank you.” You chirped, nodding your head in a show of respect.
His hand stiffened in your hold for a brief moment, and then it was dropped. Kate snickered behind you, and you turned your head to question before the captain was clearing his throat again.
“Well, I’m glad you two are already acquainted,” Price began, hands on his hips before nodding at Kate. “Thanks for gettin’ ‘em, Laswel.”
“A pleasure,” Kate returned with a strange undertone. “I’m sure you boys can handle the tour on your own? I have a mountain of paperwork ahead of me.”
“Of course, ma’am.” The man to Price’s right said. He was wearing a baseball cap with sunglasses at the top, his dark eyes shining in the setting sun. He looked friendly, smaller than the captain but still rather big. You smelled the air briefly. Sweetened coffee, another Alpha– Christ, was every man an Alpha these days? “We’re quite familiar with the joint.”
Kate gave him a long look before relenting, her hand at your back patting once before sliding down to hold your elbow. “If there’s any problem, come by my office. Kate smiled, but her eyes were stern. “Anything.”
You nodded, taking her meaning to heart. Another soldier followed her as she walked to a building separated from the base, loud mechanical whirring filling the air as the helicopter resurfaced.
Your bag was lifted from your hands, caught off-guard as the Alpha with the short mohawk slung it over his shoulder.
“Nice to have you here, laddie.” The man smiled, more teeth than the others. His accent was thicker, smelling like leather and excitement. You felt yourself relax a little in his presence, he was closest to your height and he didn’t look at you like a bomb waiting to go off.
Price gripped the neck of his vest, jerking his head back.
“We’ll give you the walk-through,” the captain began, walking down the path. “And then we’ll talk about your place here, alright?”
You stilled for a moment before, a hand on your sore scent gland.
“Wait- intros!” The baseball cap Alpha perked up, a hand on the captain’s shoulder. “I’m Kyle Garrick, this is–”
“Dinnae tell ‘em my full name, I won’t handle the posh.” The Scotsman holding your bag laughed, looking at you with wrinkled eyes. You must’ve paused for too long, because Price was speaking again.
“Yeah, don’t worry about all the professionalism, alright?” He held out a hand to gesture between the five of you, smile tense. “We barely even use our first names. I know you were taught it’s proper, but it gets… foreign after a while.”
Your skin itched with a flush. Ah.
“You can just call me Captain,” He continued, sensing your hesitance. “If it makes you feel better.”
It did make you feel better, a sudden wave of relief running through you. “Thank you, Captain.”
The Scotsman walking beside you beamed. “See? Feels better, don’ it? Here, I’m Soap, and that big lug over there is Si–”
“Ghost.” The Alpha in the mask spoke up, gunpowder rolling off of him like some kind of threat. “Nothin’ else.”
You don’t get the chance to be nervous before Soap lets out a low whistle, leaning down to speak quietly. “Someone’s cranky. He didn't get this treatment fifty years ago.”
You bite back a smile at Soap’s comment. Ghost, assumably, did not smile, rather rearing his attention back on you.
“Tell me, captain,” Ghost began, still not breaking eye contact. “Why can’t I smell the Omega?”
Your brows furrowed. Did they not know?
Soap made a noise at your side. “Can’t lie laddie, I was wondering that too. ‘M not a meathead, though, I would’ve asked nicer.”
Kyle and the captain remained quiet. You cleared your throat.
“In the BROOD s programme, they train us in nullification.” You explained simply, like it was common knowledge. It was to you, anyways, but they all looked at you to continue.
Price sighed, heavy and tired.
“They shut off their pheromones when not on the job,” He explained, and you grimaced. It sounded a lot worse that way. “ BROOD s is the Behavioral Reset Of Omega Defiance. A breeding centre in America founded it.”
Kyle whipped his head around. “Breeding centre?”
“Not the time.” Price cut the man off, opening the wide door into the base. “Tour first, Q&A later.”
They all seemed to look at you a little differently. You pushed the nerves down, stepping inside.
–
The base was fucking huge.
Every room they showed you seemed bigger than the last. The dining hall– canteen fit over a thousand men, the kitchens had ovens you could sleep in, the rec room had window seats and more books than your library.
And then you got to your room.
You took off your shoes at the door and set your duffle bag at the foot of your bed (not a bunk!), sitting down on the springy mattress. Price was leaning on the doorframe and watching you, the other three in their own conversation down the hall.
“It’ll be weird without anyone else in here,” You allowed yourself to comment, smiling shyly. “I don’t think I’ll get used to sleeping alone.”
Price nodded. “We’re all across the way, if anything. And Kate is past the courtyard.” He pointed down the hall, where there was another set of double doors leading outside. “Five minute walk east, and you’re at her stoop.”
You sprung off your new mattress, slipping your shoes back on.
Soap waved at you as you emerged from your room, and they all stepped into a separate doorway.
Price sighed. “They’re gonna have a lot of questions for you.” He began, careful and hesitant.
You felt for the paper in your pocket.
“Makes sense,” You commented, rocking back on your heels. “Strange Omega showing up. I’ll answer whatever they wanna ask me.”
Price huffed out a breath, and opened the door for you into his office. “Good kid.”
You sat next to the captain, your ankles crossed over each other and your paper in hand. Price sat at his desk and lit a cigar, you fighting not to flare your nose. Soap and Ghost sat close to each other, the Scotsman’s hand on the other’s arm rest. You found yourself smiling, and Kyle returned it with a knowing grin.
“So,” Soap began, slow and careful, before the equivalent of ramming a barrier with an armored truck. “The fuck’s a breeding centre, anyways?”
Price slid his head into his hands. You took over.
“Ever since the Omega rate started to decline, there’s been efforts around the world to remedy the imbalance and bring the percentages back to what they were,” You recited your words, perfectly practiced. “We’re raised there, and if we present as Omega, we’re put into specialized training.”
“The… BROODs thing,” Soap continued, and you nodded.
“Sounds like hell,” Kyle commented quietly, and you shook your head.
“We function like a pack, split into thirty with an Alpha to watch over us.” You pulled your ID out of your back pocket and slid it across Price’s desk to the three men. “We’re matched based on blood type, time of presentation, and age.”
Kyle took the ID and stiffened. “ Thirty?”
You hesitated, confused. Kyle readjusted himself in his seat, handing your ID to Ghost and waving his hands to continue. “How many are there in the building?”
You thought for a moment. “Sometime’s it’s less than that. There’s two hundred or so of us–” You cut yourself off, throat tight, “--Or, them now, I guess.”
“Why so many of you to one Alpha?” Soap asks, his lip quirking as he spoke. “No offence, laddie, but you look young. I can’t imagine herding thirty Omegas all the time.”
You let out an amused smile. “We have Betas, too. Alpha only comes in for our training. There’s one Beta for every five Omegas, they run us through our schoolwork and every day tasks.”
Soap opens his mouth like he wants to prattle on, but Ghost leans forward. He’s still looking at your ID as he speaks, then up at you as he waits for an answer.
“What’s nullification? ”
You stopped yourself, looking to Price. “I thought you–”
“Not him,” Ghost ground out, gunsmoke drowning out the tobacco in the air. “Answer for yourself. You’re not a pup.”
Soap jabbed him in the arm, but his gaze never broke.
You sighed, and looked down at your paper as you thought it over. Everything in that sheet was the more scientific, chemical explanation of your training. It’d be easy to hand it over to the Alpha and let him do all the reading, but you got the feeling that’d only set him off more.
So, you set the paper down on the desk, and reached out your hand to Kyle.
The Alpha stood after a split second’s hesitation, taking your hand and kneeling as you guided him before you, and jolting when your hand came to the back of his neck, pushing him gently into your scent gland.
“Wait–” Kyle began, panic floundering through him. “Isn’t it a little soon to–”
You concentrated on calm and sleep, and lavender pheromones began to pour out of you.
Thicker than you’d ever let it be before, swirling with honeysuckle and something tender, you closed your eyes and allowed your heart to slow down, focusing on pushing the Alpha in your arms to settle.
Kyle went limp in your hands, and Soap shoots up to catch him.
Your eyes flutter open to watch Soap help Kyle into his chair, tapping the side of his face to get the Alpha to focus. Kyle looked dazed, his eyes glossed over and a dopey expression on his face, the utter picture of relaxation.
You pressed your fingers into your scent gland, massaging out the tension.
“Scent nullification allows me to turn off my pheromones, keeping them stored in my body,” You breathed, already getting a headache. “It’s like turning on a tap, flooding the individual with soothing pheromones to help them relax, or even break out of a rut.”
You looked at Ghost again, who was staring you down like you had just revealed you’d been holding a gun this entire time.
“I’m a Handler.”
“ Fuck,” Soap coughed, his pupils a little wide. “I wasn’t even near you an’ I got some of that, god damn.”
Ghost never stopped staring at you, not until he was standing and storming out the door.