WHISPERS OF FATE

In Valoria, people were born with one of three secondary genders: Alpha, Beta, or Omega. Alphas were known for their dominant pheromones, Betas generally lived without the intense biological cycles associated with the other two, while Omegas possessed unique pheromones that could attract Alphas. Among them, male Omegas were exceptionally rare, making them the subject of both fascination and prejudice. Although society had developed medicines and scent blockers to help people manage their secondary genders, discrimination remained deeply rooted in certain families and social circles. In a world where a person's secondary gender could influence how others treated them, not everyone had the freedom to choose their own fate. And Noah Bennett was one of those unfortunate people. "Welcome home, Father." Noah lowered his head respectfully as his father entered the house. His father glanced at him with undisguised disgust before walking past without responding. Noah remained silent. He had learned long ago that speaking up only made things worse. One wrong word could earn him another beating, and after what his father had done to him the previous night, he wasn't sure his body could withstand another. "You shameless child! Don't tell me there's no food in this house!" his father barked from the living room. Noah hurried towards the kitchen, his heart pounding. "I got you something to eat," he said when he returned, carrying a plate of waffles. His father stared at the plate before turning his attention to Noah. "Come here." Noah instinctively stepped back. He knew that tone, and every instinct in his body screamed at him to keep his distance. "Did you not hear me?" His father's expression darkened. "Come here!" Noah hesitated, his fingers tightening around the edge of the plate. "If I have to come and get you myself, you won't like what happens next." Fear flashed through Noah's eyes. With trembling steps, he approached. SMACK! The sharp sound of the slap echoed through the room as his father's palm struck his face. The plate slipped from Noah's hands, and the waffles scattered across the floor. "Is this what you call food?" his father roared. "Waffles? Is this what you expect me to eat?" Noah pressed a trembling hand against his cheek. The side of his face burned, and tears gathered in his eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't have the strength to cook, so I bought these for you. I thought—" "You thought?" His father let out a bitter laugh. "You useless child! You have no energy to cook, yet you have enough energy to waste my money on rubbish? You're just like your mother. Useless, right until the day she died, leaving me with a worthless burden like you!" Noah's lips parted, but no words came out. His father could insult him as much as he wanted. Noah had grown accustomed to the cruel names and the occasional blows. But whenever his mother was mentioned, something inside him broke all over again. He missed her terribly. She had been the only person who made him feel loved, the only person who made him believe that his existence wasn't a mistake. "Clean this mess up!" his father ordered. Noah bent down immediately, gathering the scattered waffles with shaking hands. "I'm going out," his father announced, adjusting his clothes. "By the time I return, I expect a proper meal waiting for me. If you disappoint me again, I'll send you straight to that b***h you call your mother!" He shoved Noah aside as he walked past. Noah stumbled backwards, striking his head against the wall. Pain exploded through his skull, and for a moment, the room spun around him. His father didn't even look back. The front door slammed shut. Noah remained on the floor, one hand pressed against his head as tears streamed down his cheeks. He tried to stand, but his legs felt too weak to support him. After several attempts, he gave up and curled against the wall. "Is it my fault that I'm an Omega?" he whispered brokenly. "Did I ask to be born this way?" His voice cracked. "I want to be loved, too. I want someone to care about me without making me feel like I'm a burden. I want someone to hold me when I'm hurting instead of giving me more reasons to cry." He covered his face with both hands. "Mother, why did you leave me alone? Why couldn't you take me with you? I don't know how much longer I can keep living like this." His sobs filled the empty house, but there was nobody to hear them. Nobody to comfort him. Nobody to tell him that one day, his life might become something more than pain. ............................................................................ KINGSLEY LTD. "Boss, you have a visitor." Gabriel's voice interrupted the silence in Blake Kingsley's office. He stood beside a woman whose appearance could easily command attention. She wore a fitted black dress that hugged her figure, a cream-coloured designer coat draped over her shoulders, and pointed heels that clicked against the polished floor. Her carefully styled hair framed her face, while the expensive jewellery around her neck and wrists completed her elegant appearance. Blake barely glanced up from his computer. "You can leave us," he instructed Gabriel. "I'll call you when I need you." "Yes, Boss." Gabriel stepped out and closed the door behind him. "Mrs Damian," Blake said coolly, his eyes returning to the screen. "I hope you have a good reason for coming here." The woman, Mrs Damian, smiled as though his indifference amused her. "Blake, why are you always so cold towards me?" she asked, moving closer to his desk. "Surely, you don't intend to keep ignoring someone like me." Blake continued typing. "What do you want?" "Must there always be a reason for me to visit you?" she purred. Before he could respond, she walked around his desk and leaned towards him. Her fingers brushed his shoulders before curling around his neck. Then she deliberately released her pheromones. The sweet, intoxicating scent spread through the office, filling the air as she attempted to provoke a reaction from him. Blake's fingers stopped moving. His expression changed instantly. Slowly, he lifted his head and stared at her with cold, murderous eyes. "Remove your hands." Mrs Damian smiled, mistaking his warning for an invitation to play along. "Come on, Blake. You don't have to pretend with me. I know what you need." In one swift movement, Blake reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a gun. BANG! The gunshot shattered the silence. Mrs Damian screamed as the bullet struck her leg. She stumbled backwards and collapsed onto the floor, clutching the wound as blood spread across the fabric of her dress. "YOU SHOT ME!" she shrieked, staring at him in disbelief. "How dare you shoot me?" Blake rose from his chair, his face twisted with disgust. "Disgusting Omega." He looked down at her without a trace of sympathy. "Does your husband know you've been sneaking around other men's offices, throwing yourself at them?" Mrs Damian's face reddened with humiliation and rage. "You arrogant bastard! Do you think you can treat me like this and get away with it?" Blake picked up his phone and pressed the intercom. "Gabriel. Come here." The door opened seconds later. Gabriel stepped inside and immediately stopped when he saw Mrs Damian on the floor, screaming and clutching her bleeding leg. He looked at Blake. Then at the gun in his employer's hand. He didn't need an explanation to understand that something had gone terribly wrong. "Take her out," Blake ordered. Gabriel approached the woman. "Don't you dare touch me!" she screamed, attempting to push herself away from him. "Blake, you'll regret this! I'll make sure you pay for what you've done!" Blake returned to his desk as though her threats meant nothing. "Cancel every project we're handling with the Damian family," he instructed. "Effective immediately." Gabriel paused briefly. "All of them, Boss?" Blake raised his eyes. "Did I stutter?" "No, Boss." "Then do as I said." Gabriel grabbed Mrs Damian and helped her towards the door despite her continued screaming and curses. "You'll regret this, Blake Kingsley! Do you hear me? You'll regret humiliating me!" The door slammed shut behind them. Silence returned to the office. Blake placed the gun inside his drawer and sat down, his expression hardening as he stared at the computer screen. He despised Omegas who used their pheromones to manipulate others. And anyone who attempted to play that game with him would learn the consequences. ............................................................................ BENNETT STORES "I want the goods delivered before tomorrow morning. Check everything twice, and make sure there are no mistakes." Noah's father ended the call and tossed his phone onto the desk, irritation written across his face. A knock sounded at the door. "Come in!" The door opened, revealing an older man dressed in an expensive suit. Michael, his assistant, followed closely behind him. The moment Noah's father recognised the visitor, his expression changed. Mr Kingsley. The father of Blake Kingsley and one of the most powerful businessmen in Valoria. His heart skipped a beat. "Mr Kingsley!" He hurried around his desk, forcing a welcoming smile onto his face. "What a pleasant surprise! You should have informed me you were coming. I would have arranged everything properly." "There is no need for that," Mr Kingsley replied calmly. Michael closed the door behind them. Mr Kingsley glanced around the office before taking a seat. "I came here to discuss something important with you." Noah's father's smile faltered. Was this about the money? He swallowed nervously. "If this concerns the outstanding debt, I assure you that I'm working on it. The business is improving, and I'll repay you as soon as everything is settled." Mr Kingsley regarded him for a moment. "Part of my visit concerns that debt. But what I have to discuss with you goes beyond money." Noah's father blinked. "What do you mean?" "It's about your son." His expression changed immediately. "My son?" Mr Kingsley noticed the man's sudden frown. "Don't misunderstand me. Nothing bad has happened to him." But he had no idea that Noah's father wasn't worried about his son's well-being. The mere mention of Noah had irritated him. "What do you want with him?" Noah's father asked cautiously. Mr Kingsley folded his hands. "I understand that your son has presented as an Omega." "Yes," he answered reluctantly. "And I want him to marry my son." For several seconds, Noah's father stared at him as though he hadn't understood the words. "Your son?" he repeated. "You want my son to marry your son?" "That's correct." Mr Kingsley remained composed. "I understand that this arrangement may come as a surprise, but I believe it would benefit both families." Noah's father stared at him, his mind racing. The Kingsleys were the wealthiest family in Valoria. Their influence extended across multiple industries, and their name alone commanded respect. If Noah married into that family, he would become the father-in-law of Blake Kingsley. The thought made his heart pound with excitement. "But what about my debt?" he asked, struggling to hide his eagerness. Mr Kingsley gave him a knowing look. "If you agree to the marriage, the outstanding debt will be settled. You will no longer have to worry about repayment." Noah's father's mouth fell open slightly. His entire debt would disappear? Just like that? "And you are certain about this arrangement?" he asked, unable to conceal his growing smile. "Quite certain. However, I expect you to discuss the proposal with your son and give me your answer." Mr Kingsley stood, straightening his jacket. "I don't intend to force a decision out of you today. Think about it carefully, and let me know what you decide." Noah's father immediately rose to his feet. "Of course, sir. I will discuss everything with him." Mr Kingsley nodded. "I'll be waiting for your response." With that, he turned and walked towards the door. Michael followed him out, leaving Noah's father alone in his office. For a moment, the man stood motionless. Then a slow smile spread across his face. "Why wouldn't I agree?" he muttered, letting out a delighted laugh. "My debt will disappear, and I'll become the father-in-law of the most powerful family in Valoria!" He imagined the luxurious life that awaited him, the expensive gifts he could receive, and the doors that would open simply because of his connection to the Kingsleys. "And if I play my cards right, I can get even more money out of them." He laughed again, completely unconcerned about what the arrangement would mean for his son. Noah's feelings were the last thing on his mind. "Michael!" he called, reaching for his phone before remembering that his assistant had left with Mr Kingsley. He clicked his tongue impatiently, grabbed his jacket, and headed for the door. It was time to go home. After all, he had a very important decision to make on his son's behalf. And Noah Bennett had no idea that his future had just been decided without his knowledge.