Dating
POV: Castiel
September 22, 2012
My normal wake-up time is 5 am, but, given that it is Saturday, I don't feel bad that it is after nine by the time I roll over. I lie here another ten minutes before my bladder forces me to move.
After washing my hands and face, I go to the kitchen to fix coffee. My place is small, but it is better than the state-run facilities for unmated adult omegas. I'm glad that my parents had me move here before they passed. Otherwise, I'd probably be stuck in the state-run places. This place has a decently sized bedroom and bath. I even have a quaint little living room. The kitchen is tiny.
This place is all I need.
The coffee taste exquisite, and it's helping me wake up. As I stand here waiting for the caffeine to kick in, I assess what I have in the kitchen. I need to stock up on water and protein bars for my upcoming heat, so I'll be going to the store anyway. I make a list, but leave it lying on the counter for now, in case I think of something else.
I know Ishim will call soon. He and I are going out tonight to celebrate my birthday. It was technically four days ago, but going out during the week is too hard because of the hours we both work.
Ishim and I have been dating for two months, but I'm not entirely sure he is the right alpha for me. Physically, he checks many of my boxes: he's tall, with dark hair that he keeps longer on the top, with the sides cut much shorter. His hazel eyes are warm and friendly.
He does, however, have a beard that I'm not fond of. His scent isn't unpleasant, but it doesn't seem to have much of an effect on me. He smells like freshly-minted paper money; a soapy, clean scent with hints of linen.
He seems different than the alphas I've dated before. He come from a traditional family, and his speech and mannerisms are often very formal. He's mentioned that his family doesn't believe that omegas should have the same rights as other sub-genders. I haven't agreed to meet any of his family yet, and I'm not sure I ever want to. I've met a few friends, but prefer not to be around them.
Another difference between Ishim and my previous alpha boyfriends is that he hasn't attempted to get in my pants, despite the few times where I am sure he had smelled aroused omega on me. Previous alphas had jumped at the smell, wanting to pressure me into having sex with them. Ishim had acknowledged it but back away, he hasn't pressured me into doing anything. Perhaps it was because he was older and more mature.
I'm considering asking him to share my upcoming heat, just to test the waters, but I'm uncertain. It's something I've never done before. My mother was the only person who had seen me during my heats. She was only there to bring me food, more water, and fresh cloths. She never stayed, and would always knock before entering.
I fix a light breakfast. When I'm finished eating, I start cleaning up.I'm not quite done with the dishes when Ishim calls, my phone screen says it's just after ten.
"Hello, Alpha."
Ishim prefers to be called "Alpha" instead of his name, especially by me. I've dated one or two alphas like that, but most don't care. They just want to be addressed respectfully.
"Hello, Omega. How is your morning going so far?"
"It's going well. I've had breakfast and got a list together. I'm cleaning up the kitchen now."
"Productive morning. What about those lesson plans you've been working on?" Ishim asks.
I can hear rustling in the background, and wonder what papers he's shuffling around.
"I'll be doing those when we get done."
"What about the rest of the day?"
I put the last plate in the drainer. "I've got to finish the math lesson plan and go to the store for a few things, and then get ready for tonight."
He is quiet for a few moments. "You could spend the heat here. I could take care of you. If that's what you wanted."
"I am aware, Alpha. I'll let you know tonight, but I need to stock up either way."
"That's fine." I can hear the tension in his voice. He'd said it was fine, but he didn't mean it. "We're going to a nice place, so please wear blockers. I don't want to have to fight people off," he chuckles.
I'm sure he wouldn't mind fighting people off, but that isn't what I want at all. I already have the blockers on the counter, with a reminder to put them on.
"I'm planning to," I assure him.
"Good. I'm headed back to work so I can get out early. I will see you at 6:30 tonight."
"I'll be ready. Goodbye, Alpha."
"Goodbye, Omega."
I wait until his end has clicked off before lying the phone down. I finish wiping off the counters and then assess my list one more time. My heats have gotten worse over the last two years. Other omegas had said, "Get an alpha, they'll help!" but I don't want to share heats with just anyone. I'd heard horror stories about Alphas just wanting to knot the omega and nothing else. As a result, though, I needed more water and other supplies. I do consider his offer as I review the list, but once I am confident the list is complete I move to my little desk.
There are very few things that Omegas can do work-wise. My mother was a teacher. It is something I greatly admire in her, so I'd followed in her footsteps. I teach third grade, and loved it, but with a heat coming up, I know I'll need to make plans for the substitute. Thankfully, we are still in the stage of refreshing the students' knowledge they'd lost over the summer break, so it isn't a ton that is needed. I'd done everything but math.
I make plans for the substitute for the several days I know I'll be out, and then review the plans for each subject to make sure the class will be on track when I get back.
I change from pajamas into something more appropriate, and head to the small omega grocery store near my apartment. I like the bigger stores as well, but since I know my scent will be sweeter and more enticing for alphas, I choose to go where they aren't allowed. It is also within walking distance, so it will save gas and miles on my car. The store provides shopping carts that can be taken to my apartment building. I will need one today because of the water.
As I made the short walk, I consider what Ishim has offered. Having never really shared a heat with an Alpha, I'm not sure about it. The omegas I've talked to over the last few years have various tales about how alphas are, from helpful, caring, and attentive to their omegas needs, to only wanting to get their knots wet. Ishim doesn't seem bad, but I have no real way of knowing which of those he would be.
I enter the store, and my favorite cashier, Anna, welcomes me by name. She's been an employee for as long as I've been coming here. The store only employees omegas and betas, and most of the omegas live in the same building I am in. I start with what I know I'll need: bottled water, protein bars, and anything I can rip open and inhale quickly. I get a few things I want, but I don't go overboard.
I go to Anna's checkout lane. I like her; she is a sweet beta.
"Hi, Castiel."
"Anna, how are things?"
"They're going. We're going to a celebration for the anniversary of the banning of omega hunts tonight. Are you doing anything?"
For a moment I stare at her blankly. "I didn't even realize the anniversary was coming up."
"Yep. September 23, 1980 is when they abolished the hunts. It's sad they waited so long and only banned them because omegas had died."
"Yes, I recall my mother telling me that she wished there were other reasons why they ended it beyond that. At least we are getting more rights. We have more now than we did even ten years ago."
"Agreed."
I load things onto the conveyor belt, and she scans for several moments before observing: "Must be heat time."
I sigh. "Unfortunately."
"You'll be fine," she says with a reassuring smile.
I've seen Anna in this store multiple times a month over the last four or five years. I know she is mated to another beta and they had a son, as we had talked a little about home life. I trust her and consider her a friend, even if we never really talk outside of this store. "Ishim wants me to share this heat with him, but I'm not so sure."
She looks at me, sincerity in her eyes. "It's your choice, Cas. But heats are the best times for bites, so make sure you trust him not to bite you when you're helpless. Unless you want it."
I smile. "I know, and thanks for the reminder."
She gives me my total, and I use my card to pay.
"Do you need someone to accompany you back home?"
I shake my head. "No. I'll be fine. I've never run into trouble before, even this close to a heat."
This particular area of town is mostly families or mated couples. The few alphas I pass on my way home barely even acknowledge me. Since I have cases of water, I take the cart to my building and unload my purchases before returning it to the cart corral at the building.
I put the water and protein bars in my bedroom, setting them in their usual spot so I can find them easily, even when I'm too tired to think. I also do my laundry, so I won't have to worry about it later on. As I do this, I run the positives and negatives of sharing my heat through my head.
The most obvious positive is that the heats will be fully satisfied. There will be someone there to do the work to reach the climax and my body would get the real knot it wanted. While the artificial knot I have, along with my own hands can do that, it will wear me out. If Ishim is also one of the alphas that is caring between rounds, he will ensure I am cuddled well, have food and water, and showered, or at least washed off some.
The most obvious negatives are pregnancy and mating bites. I can request he uses a condom. It will require that I trust him enough to do this each and every time, without me reminding him, because during the middle of my heats my brain is foggy with wants and needs, so I know I won't be coherent enough to remind him each time. Mating bites are a large concern, because, once bitten, I will be tied to Ishim until death. Even if I don't consent to the bite, the law will recognize him as my alpha, and he will have control over my life.
As I settle on an outfit, the major question that come to mind is; do I trust him? I lay the outfit out and headed to the shower.
As I wash off my apple scent, I consider the question. Do I truly trust Ishim? Can I honestly say he will use protection, and not bite me? By the time I am getting dressed, I'm confident that sharing a heat with him right now is not a good idea. I felt confident he would use condoms, I can't honestly say he won't bite me.
I also decide to wait until after dinner to tell him this, because I feel he won't be happy with my decision. Hopefully he will respect it, at least.
Maybe I will feel differently the next time.
I settle on black slacks and a light blue button up -- something cooler. I had scrubbed scent glands to clear any pre-heat scent while in the shower. I spray myself and each layer of my clothes with blockers to hopefully prevent anyone picking up my scent. Ishim will know if they were working, because he knows my normal scent.
I'm nervous, because he hasn't told me where we are going. I'm hoping for someplace small and quiet. He sends me a text when he is close, and I get my wallet and head downstairs. Ishim, as a traditionalist, likes to greet me at my door, but my apartment building doesn't allow alphas to enter.
Alphas have to meet their omega or beta outside the main entrance. An alpha guard is always at the front door to ensure this policy is followed. He or she is stationed in a room that is closed off to the lobby. I personally feel it is too small, but they seemed comfortable. The alphas employed here were always mated, because the scents of omegas in heat or close to heat wouldn't affect them. Those responses are reserved for their mates.
The on-duty guard looks up briefly as I walk through the lobby. Once I am in his space, he tilts his head once but says nothing.
Ishim has parked his car parallel to the sidewalk, and is waiting by the door.
"Good afternoon, Omega."
"Hello, Alpha. You look very nice." He really does. He is wearing a charcoal suit with a light-gray button-up shirt that fits him very well.
I can smell his scent at the moment, which is a heavy soapy smell with a hint of linen buried within it. Right now, it isn't that strong, but sometimes it makes me sneeze.
"Thank you. You chose your blockers very well. Thus far, I cannot smell anything."
I nod. "I applied the blockers very thoroughly."
"Do you have everything you'll need?"
"Yes, Alpha."
"Let's go then."
He holds the door open for me. I slide into the seat and sneezed; his car is very strong with his scent. He gets in, and after seat belts are on, we head out. I'm expecting a restaurant, but, when he parks, the only thing around is a nightclub.
"Alpha?" I ask. I am unsure about this. Nightclubs are open to everyone, and a lot of things can happen. If the blockers I wear aren't strong enough, it can cause a lot of problems.
"Don't worry. They have a very nice dinner menu, and it's why I requested heavy on the blockers."
That isn't the only worry. Nightclubs aren't my thing. With me so close to my heat, it doesn't sit well. I feel his hand take mine, and he squeezes it reassuringly.
"Omega. I promise nothing will happen to you. Come on; let's enjoy dinner and some entertainment."
I trust him enough, so when he opens the door I get out as well. He surprises me with a pretty private area on the balcony. The room is small but has a little table in the middle of a circular seat that is super soft, and feels like velvet. An opening leads to another velvet-covered sofa that overlooks down at the floor below.
"This is really nice. I didn't know that nightclubs offered these."
He smiles. "Some do. I know you aren't overly fond of nightclubs, so I chose one where we would have some privacy. I do hope you like the music."
"Thank you."
His phone makes a noise. While he answers the text message I take in the scene. I've never been inside this particular nightclub, and hadn't been sure what to expect. Our balcony is overlooking the lower floor, where tables are set up around a dance floor. There are people talking, dancing, and mingling. There is also a stage set up.
When the waiter arrive Ishim only gives her his last name, and she vanishes. That was odd.
"Is that normal, Alpha?"
"I want to watch the show so I pre-ordered our dinner. I do hope you like it."
A spectacular vintage wine is delivered, and Ishim pours us both glasses of the dark-red liquid. I swirl the wine around in my glass and even smell it before taking a sip. Not ten minutes pass before the waiter is back with plates.
The last time Ishim had ordered for me, it was a seafood dish, so when the steak, mashed potatoes, and salad were set down in front of me, I am stunned. I wonder if there has been a mistake.
"Alpha?"
"I know you are close to your heat, and I am hoping this will help you a bit with the extra calories and protein. It's a plus about male omegas; I know they can appreciate a good steak."
I feel myself blush. "I do. Thank you very much."
He eats with gusto, but I take my time and enjoy the flavor of the food and wine. It is not often I got this cut of steak, and it's delicious. Once the plates are cleared they bring out dessert, which is a very sweet chocolate cake. Even Ishim seems a little put off by the sweetness, and he normally likes very sweet foods.
I am completely stuffed, and really want to just go home and go to bed, but Ishim directs me to the love seat. Here, we have a nice view of the stage, and most of the floor. I assume that we will be seeing a show or two tonight.
"What will we be watching tonight?"
"There are two burlesque shows tonight. They should start soon. How are you feeling?"
"I feel okay right now."
He answers another text message as I wait for the show. He does put the phone away when the lights dim. The first part of the show is very nice. The dancing is well choreographed and timed, and the scenes weren't overtly sexually. While I try to follow along with the actual story, I can't. The longer I sit here, the warmer I feel. The heat is coming.
I feel Ishim's hand on my shoulder, making small circles. "Are you alright dear?"
"Yes, I'm just warm."
He leans over far too close, and I can tell he is sniffing me. "I smell... apples, but it is faint."
What I smell is a much more potent sweet, soapy scent, nearly erasing the linen smell. I've smelled it before when he was aroused, and a brief glance to his lap reveals the outline of his cock, hard against his leg.
"I'm sorry. I should have applied more."
I know my own scent won't help his condition at all. If anything it will make it worse.
He shakes his head. "No, it's fine. We're alone up here. This is just a break, and then they'll play the second part."
"Are you enjoying it?"
"It's the second time I have seen this particular story, but I am. There are some new dancers, and the music has changed some. I particularly like the lead. How about you?"
"I'm trying to follow the story, but this warm feeling is not helping. I think the lead is very handsome."
"I'm sorry, perhaps we can come back after the heat, and you can really enjoy it."
"Perhaps." Although, my heart isn't in it. It is unlikely that I'll agree to another date after the heat.
The curtains open for the second part, and we settle back in. The first part had focused on the story, but this one is much more sexual, and not to my taste. The lead is handsome, but by 9:00 I am really feeling my heat. I am too warm. I want out of these clothes, because they feel tight and itchy. Also, his scent is becoming very strong to me, making my eyes water and my nose itch. I like the linen scent he has, but the soapy smell is too strong.
"Alpha, would you mind if we headed out?"
His head barely turns. "Is everything alright?"
"No. I'm feeling extremely warm, and I've noticed at least three other alphas raise their noses this way. Either the blockers aren't working as well as earlier, or someone else near us smells nice."
"I've noticed a few myself. That's fine, we can head out. Did you want to stay with me?"
Shit. I had been hoping to address this question when I am back in front of my apartment, and the security guard is present. In order to spend a heat with him, I will have to stay with him. Alphas aren't allowed inside the building for any reason.
"Omega?"
I smile faintly. "I think for this one, it's best if I spend it alone. Perhaps by the next one we'll be more familiar with one another."
"I understand."
As much as I want to believe him I can see the slight red in his eyes. It is faint and barely visible, but it is there. He was angry.
"Come on. I brought a few shirts of mine just in case," he says.
"Thank you."
His smile is forced, but he gets up and we head out. He keeps his hand on my lower back, and I can see other alphas turn and stare as we leave. That means the blockers are failing me right now, probably from sweating them off. The valet brings Ishim's car, and he holds the door for me.
"Would you like some water? Perhaps the wine is not helping."
I turn. "I didn't think you kept water in your car."
His eyes are still tinged red, but he smiles. "I worry about you. I put a few bottles in the back before I left just in case you needed them."
Well, that is very sweet.
He reaches behind me to get it, presenting me with a bottle of water that I accept. I had not thought I was that thirsty, but I nearly drank the entire bottle at once.
He pats my thigh. "Alright, let's get you home."
I set the empty bottle between my upper thighs. I can barely feel the slick. I had hoped I would be able to go to work on Monday, but it doesn't look like I will be making it. So, I make a mental note to send the substitute teacher my plans. As he drives I begin to feel very sleepy.
"Ishim...?"
A sudden wave of dizziness sweeps over me, and I sway a bit in the seat. I am feeling very warm, and when I look toward him, he looks far away.
"Ishim...?"
"Sleep Omega, it'll be good for you."
He smiles at me, but something tells me this is very wrong. He is sending a text on his phone again, I can see the light. I try to stay awake. I can see it when we pass the road to my apartment.
I try telling him he misses the turn, but everything sounds muffled. I feel weak and sleepy, and the dizziness isn't helping anything.
"Relax, Omega."
I feel his hand on my neck, the grip tight, and my inner wolf growls, not liking the feeling at all. It feels wrong. As we get on the expressway, I just can't fight it anymore. My eyes slide closed as he merges onto the expressway.