Alpha Longing

Chapter 1.2

Aki's POV



Anxiety washed over me as I boarded the plane and settled into my seat. I couldn’t call Susan to tell her I wouldn’t be in the office for the next few days. She would immediately tell my parents, and I was sure my dad would send someone to bring me back to the pack. Regardless, I was long overdue for some time off and decided to take a forced vacation.

Upon landing, I went to the bathroom to freshen up. I looked at the mirror, my piercing icy-blue eyes were dull because of the bloodshot red around them, and my cotton pink-colored hair was matted. The thirteen-hour overnight flight and all the crying it hasn’t been kind to me. Then, I opened my bag, took out my phone, and called my brother, but he didn’t answer — again.

Ever since Akatsuki moved to Japan, our communication had dwindled to nothing. Before leaving, he had told me he would be staying in Tokyo and doing some intel for the Paranormal Council in our mother’s old pack. I didn’t know the details of his mission, but he had been avoiding my calls for the past six months.

As I exited the bathroom, a woman with a baby glanced at me curiously, trying to determine my gender. Humans and their labels. Standing at 5’10” with an androgynous slender yet toned build, American Japanese mixed— it didn’t surprise me anymore. As a male omega, I didn’t fit into either category. That’s why I always end up using family bathrooms in public places.

Walking towards the exit to find a taxi, I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was following me. Before I could use my senses, a voice spoke up behind me. “What do we have here? Mm, a little omega werewolf, so delicate,” the man said in a heavy European accent as he sniffed my neck. My heart stopped. Instinctively, I placed a protective hand on my nape and turned to face him. A tall, pale man with a mischievous smile stood before me, displaying his fangs to reveal he was a vampire.

“In need of a ride? Because judging by the pheromone fest you’re leaving behind, I assume you’re not the werewolf enforcer I’m supposed to pick up,” he said.

My face paled. In my haste, I had forgotten my scent blocker. How could I make such a mistake? “And you should hurry, kitty. It’s not wise for a solitary omega to linger around the airport when the local pack is riled up.”

“The Towada Pack? Do you work for the Council? And don’t call me ‘kitty,’” I retorted. Maybe he could tell me where to find Akatsuki.

He chuckled. “Yes, and yes.”

I hesitated before asking my next question. “So, um, have you worked with Akatsuki? I’ve been trying to contact him for months, but—” Before I could finish, he silenced me. The vampire placed a hand over my mouth and dragged me into a corner. I struggled to break free, and my claws sunk into his wrist.

“Quiet!” he hissed, scanning the area to ensure no one had noticed us. “You shouldn’t mention names like that out in the open. You never know who might be listening.”

Blood started to stain his clothes. I stopped struggling and nodded, indicating that I understood his warning. He released me but continued to stare intently at me. “You must be Aki. Akatsuki mentioned he had a sibling but never said you were an omega.”

My surprise was evident, but I quickly composed myself. “Yes, can you help me find him? I need to speak to him urgently.”

He studied me for a moment. “I can’t take you to him directly, and you need a scent blocker. You’re attracting too much attention.”

“Look, I’ve been going through a really shitty time since yesterday. I’m exhausted, and I need to ask him about this,” I said, pulling out the house documents and the picture from my bag. I held out the papers, and the vampire snatched them from my hand. His jaw tightened as he examined them. He then walked a few feet away from me and made a phone call. His phone must have had some blocking spell on it because I couldn’t hear anything, even when trying to heighten my senses.

In the blink of an eye, he was back. “As I said, I can’t take you to Akatsuki right now, but I will send you to this house. He’ll meet you there as soon as he can,” he said, handing back the documents and the picture. Feeling defeated but not entirely hopeless, I took the papers and the picture from him. “Fine, and where can I find a scent blocker?” I asked.

The vampire glanced to his side and nodded at someone nearby. Another vampire approached and whispered something inaudible to the pale vampire. He then handed me a scent blocker in the form of an earring. I carefully threaded the earring through the small hole in my ear. I felt the familiar mild sting, but it quickly subsided.

Once I was done, the pale vampire took a deep breath. “It’s time to go, kitty, and stay out of trouble.” He nodded at me and started to walk away.

“Wait, what’s your name?” I asked before he got too far.

“My name is Lucian.”

With that, I waved him goodbye. The other vampire and I entered a sleek black car in the airport parking lot, and he began driving toward the house.

As we drove, memories of James and Millie tried to creep into my mind during the uneasy silence of the ride. I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of emotions—heartbroken and betrayed, yet curious about the mysterious photo and the house I was going to. The high-rises of Tokyo gradually gave way to a countryside aglow with the rich, warm hues of fall under the setting sun.

After what seemed like an eternity on the road, we arrived at the traditional house in a small town a few hours away from Tokyo. It was already evening. The house we pulled up to was slightly separated from the rest of the town, nestled atop a small hill. I got out of the car and felt a pang in my chest. This is definitely the one in the picture. The vampire drove away. I took a deep breath, steadying myself before climbing the stairs. Stone stairs, carpeted with fallen leaves, ascended to the front entrance. Each step crunched under my feet, the sound echoing in the quiet evening.

When I reached the door, I grabbed the key from my bag that was attached to the documents. The door opened smoothly, and an inexplicable sense of familiarity washed over me. As I stood at the entrance, I turned on the lights. At least the power is still working. I noticed the house had a barrier spell, was well-maintained, and still had the previous owners’ belongings.

I took off my scent blocker and shoes and dropped my bag. Then, feeling drawn to a particular room, I walked towards the sliding door on the right side of the main room. A lingering scent enveloped me like a blanket when I slid the door open. Desperate, I ran towards the wooden wardrobe in the corner of the room.

I pulled open the wardrobe doors, and my heart skipped a beat as I saw a school uniform jacket hanging inside. I pulled it out, inhaling deeply, and felt a wave of relief wash over me as I sensed the familiar scent—my mate. My mind started to reel with questions. My bonded mate is the kid in the picture? Mom always knew and never told me or even lied about my heat? That’s why Akatsuki was here in Japan and the secrecy of his mission?

Then, still clutching the jacket, I stepped back and saw a note stuck to the back of the wardrobe.

“Takeshi, I’m sorry I couldn’t be at your graduation. I hope today is a special day that marks the end of one chapter of your life and the beginning of another. Love, Oyaji.”

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. It was impossible. I could hear my heart pounding in my chest. Sweat permeated my body. My hands were trembling. I didn’t know if it was James’s betrayal, the flight’s fatigue, or Mom hiding my bonded mate’s existence. I feel like dying.

I heard my phone ring. I left it inside my bag, and I didn’t have the strength to move to look for it. So instead, I lay down on the floor, gripping the jacket to my chest. I thought I had no more tears left, but they started pouring down without stopping. Finally, I closed my eyes and began to hum until I fell asleep.