The Raven’s Alpha (Nature’s Embrace #1)

Chapter Twelve

Eddy Elwood

Darcy inserts his fingers into his mouth, eyes never leaving mine, and I'm caught in the intensity of the moment. His tongue curls around his fingers, and he lets out a low, husky groan as he savours my taste. The sound sends a thrill through me, and I feel my desire spike in response. Typically, I'd be mortified by such an intimate act, but his unbridled pleasure only adds to my arousal.

My arousal is absolute and unwavering. The truth is, I'm utterly shameless when it comes to Darcy. The mere thought of him, the sight of him, the sounds of his pleasure... everything about him sets me aflame. He writhes and moans, his fingers deep inside his mouth. My cock throbs with an insatiable hunger, leaking precum in eager anticipation. The more he squirms, the more I'm tormented by the need to claim him.

Darcy's fingers slide out, his gaze locked on mine, his eyes burning with desire. His sultry voice sends shivers down my spine as he whispers, "Are you going to fuck me now?”

I'm frozen in place, my tongue caught in my throat as his provocative words threaten to strangle me. My face ignites with a fiery blush, and my pulse pounds in my ears like a drumbeat as I feel my blood surge through my veins, simultaneously fuelling my cock and my embarrassment. I manage to stammer out a hesitant "Ah... yes, please."

‘Good job Eddy. Why are you being so polite about it? He wants you to claim him!’ My grizzly scolds.

His laughter is gentle, a golden warmth that seeps into my bones. His full lips curve upwards, revealing a flash of straight white teeth, as he chuckles. The sound is like a sunrise on a summer morning – bright, cheerful, and utterly disarming.

“Oh Eddy, you’re a real sweetheart, you know that?” I shrug my shoulders and run my fingers along Darcy’s ribcage, I'm struck by the subtle contours of his slender frame. His chest rises and falls with each breath, a slow, steady drumbeat that seems to synchronise with my own heart. I feel a pang of affection for this quiet, gentle soul, and I find myself wanting to nurture him, to feed him and care for him in ways that go beyond mere sustenance.

Not to say I want to change him, he’s perfect just the way he is, I just image he doesn’t eat well enough when he’s all alone in that big mansion in the hills.

I feel my breath catch in my throat as he reaches out with those long, lean fingers. His fingertips graze against my skin, sending shivers down my spine as he asks in a whispered voice, “Fuck me?” He then wraps his hand around me, his palm warm and firm as he begins to stroke me with a slow, deliberate rhythm. I feel myself melting into his touch, my body responding to the subtle pressure.

I trail my fingertips down his stomach, tracing the contours of his abdomen before reaching his hips. My fingers brush against his tight ring of muscle, sending a shiver down my spine as I begin to push inside, but before I can go further, Darcy's hand wraps around mine, holding me back as he gazes up at me with an intense hunger in his eyes. “I want you to fill me up,” he whispers, his voice husky. “I want to feel your cock inside me, feel the burning stretch as you push past my resistance.” His words send a thrill through me as I pause, my fingers poised at the entrance to his body.

His eyes are clouded with pent-up arousal. His skin is smooth and warm beneath my fingertips, and I can feel the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathes. “Darcy,” I whisper, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart. “Are you sure? Are you ready for this?” His gaze flickers up to mine, his pupils constricting as he searches for something in my expression.

With a sudden surge of strength, Darcy wraps his legs around my back, his fingers digging gently into my skin as he guides my cock towards his tender opening. As I push past the velvety softness of his entrance, I'm met with a subtle resistance that sends shivers down my spine. His eyes lock onto mine, filled with a mixture of trust and anticipation, I pause for a moment, savouring the intimacy of the moment. With a gentle thrust, I ease deeper into him, feeling the wet warmth envelop my cock like a soft caress.

I push deeper into Darcy's warmth, his hand is tight against the swollen base of my cock, his fingers gentle but firm as he guides me deeper into his body. The sound of his ragged breathing fills my ears, and I'm acutely aware of the scent of his skin, sweet and musky. Staring into his eyes, I feel my heart racing like a drumbeat in my chest, and for the first time in my life, I feel like I'm exactly where I'm meant to be. I can see the same deep emotions in his gaze, a sense of recognition and belonging that goes beyond words.

When I push as deep as I can go with Darcy's hand still wrapped around my rigid shaft, I feel his channel clamp down on me like a vice. His fingers release their grip, and I'm swallowed whole by his warmth. His moan rumbles in my ear, sending shivers down my spine, I feel his body tremble beneath mine. The scent of his sweat and the sound of his ragged breathing fills my senses, making me feel alive and connected to him in a way I've never experienced before.

The gentle pressure of his fingers on my skin, the soft whisper of his breath, and the warmth of his body against mine all conspire to create an experience that's both exhilarating and overwhelming. The fantasy I'd built up over the years couldn't have prepared me for the raw emotion that surges through me as our bodies move together in perfect sync. It's as if my entire being is awakening to a new reality, one that's both familiar and foreign

Darcy tightens his legs around my waist, his heels digging gently into the tender curve of my ass, I'm struck by the sheer intimacy of the moment. I pull out slowly, savouring the velvety softness of his inner walls as they caress my cock, before he drives me back into him with a forceful push. The sound of his ragged breathing and the scent of his sweat fill my senses as I impale him on my length with a primal urgency. The sensation is almost overwhelming, yet I crave more - more pressure, more friction, more connection.

He forces my thrusts to grow more insistent, my movements become a primal dance, my body taking over as I drive myself harder into him. The pleasure builds inside me like a storm, threatening to consume me whole. I'm desperate not to lose this feeling, this sense of abandon and release. I'm so caught up in the sensations that I can barely keep my eyes open, yet I don't dare let them slip closed - not for an instant. The sound of his hitched breathing is music to my ears, the scent of his skin intoxicating me as I bury my face in its warmth.

I pound into him, Darcy's husky moans vibrate through me, sending shivers down my spine. His breathy sighs mix with the sound of the bed creaking beneath us as he throws his hips up and clutches at me with a desperate intensity. I hold my weight up on one arm, wrapping the other around his hip as I lift his body off the bed. The feel of his skin against mine is electric, our bodies moving in tandem like a perfectly choreographed dance. I drive myself deeper into him, feeling him clench around me tighter.

Suddenly, he commands me to sit up. I lift the upper half of my body off the bed, and he snakes his fingers around my throat, his touch sending shivers down my spine. Wordlessly, Darcy moves us, guiding me into position as we shift together. I find myself sitting with my ass perched on the sheets, Darcy straddling my waist as he humps against me. His cock leaks against my soft stomach as his ass squelches around my length, our bodies moving in tandem like a well-oiled machine. I can feel every inch of him pressed against me, his warmth seeping into my skin as he gasps for breath.

Darcy's face presses into the curve of my neck, his hot, damp breaths tickling my skin as he moans softly against me. I wrap my arms around his waist, squeezing him tightly against me as I lift my hips to meet his slow, rocking thrusts. His panting mouth moulds to mine, our lips sealed together as our bodies sway in rhythm. The scent of his cologne and sweat mingles with mine, a heady aroma that intoxicates me further as I pull him deeper into the kiss.

The intoxicating scent of ripe berries wafts through the air, drawing me in like a magnet. I breathe in deeply, inhaling the sweet fragrance with abandon, my senses reeling from the heady scent. As we kiss, I drink in the scent, my lungs filling with the fragrance that is Darcy. The world around us dissolves, leaving only the two of us lost in our own little bubble of desire. My vision blurs at the edges as I lose myself in his lips, my heart pounding in time with his.

After a couple of minutes, his kisses grow softer, his breathing heavier as he slows down. His arms loosen around me, his grip weakening as he withdraws his lips from mine, leaving a trail of saliva between our mouths. He looks up at me, his eyes burning with intensity as he whispers “Your turn, big guy. Do whatever you want with me.” His voice is low and dirty, sending shivers down my spine as I drink in the sound of it. I feel his gaze like a physical touch, warming my skin and melting my restraint.

I press my lips to his, our mouths merging in a sensual fusion. My tongue glides into his mouth, our lips tangled together in a passionate dance as I lap at his lips, our tongues tangling in a sensual rhythm. When I pull away, I slide my hand around to the small of his back, my fingers splaying across his skin as I fold one leg beneath me, my knee dipping into the soft mattress. “Keep your arms around my neck, omega,” I whisper against his ear. Darcy's grip tightens, his arms holding me closer as he nuzzles into the crook of my neck.

I lean back slightly and use my leg as leverage to push him up and down as I rock him against me. His eyes are screwed shut, his face contorted in a mask of pleasure as he throws his head back and lets out a low, sultry moan. The sound sends shivers down my spine as I feel him tremble on my lap, his body convulsing in a wave of pleasure. He erupts in a burst of pleasure, his body shuddering in ecstasy as I hold him close.

I gaze at my mate, his long hair clinging to his forehead like a dark waterfall, his skin glistening with a fine sheen of sweat that smells sweetly of exertion. The pink flush on his cheeks is like a soft blush on a rose petal, and his eyes are shut tightly in bliss. I feel my heart skip a beat as I take in the sight of him, my breath catching in my throat as I reach out to touch the warm skin of his chest.

“Knot me, alpha” he cries out, his breath hot against my ear as he pulls me close. His voice low and croaky, sending shivers down my spine as I wrap my arms around him, feeling his softening cock press against me. His fingers dig into my skin as he holds me tight.

I collapse onto the bed, careful not to crush my mate. My chest heaving with ragged gasps as I struggle to catch my breath. As I move inside Darcy, his body jerks with each thrust, his high-pitched moans breaking free from his lips like a symphony of his pleasure. His hole tightens around me like a hot glove, sending sparks of delight shooting through my veins. I feel his eyes on me, his gaze burning with intensity as he rocks against me, our bodies moving in perfect harmony.

I can feel my body tightening like a spring ready to snap. “I’m going to come,” I warn Darcy, my voice cracking with anticipation. “Going to fill you with my hot seed.”

His eyes lock onto mine, burning with desire as he whispers, “Yes,” against my ear. The sensation builds and builds until I'm about to burst, and then I let go, releasing a flood of ecstasy that threatens to consume me.

As I crest the peak of pleasure, I throw my head back in abandon, the cords in my neck tightening in release. Jets of hot semen erupt from my cock, shooting straight into Darcy's waiting hole. The sensation is almost overwhelming - like a gallon of liquid heat pouring out of me and into my mate. My knot tugs against his rim as I continue to pump my hips in shallow thrusts, our bodies moving in perfect harmony. His moans fill my ears, a sweet music that drives me higher and higher until I'm left spent and panting.

Darcy's body relaxes, his muscles melting like warm wax as he surrenders to exhaustion. His limbs go limp, his body relaxing under mine as he succumbs to the aftermath. I breathe in the scent of his skin, rich and sweet, like the forest floor after a spring rain. I feel the softness of his hair against my fingertips as I glide them across his neck. Our heartbeats slow to a gentle thud, synchronising in rhythm with each breath. In this moment, I feel a deep sense of connection to this man, like our bodies are intertwined not just physically but also spiritually.

My knot slowly subsides, my legs feel like lead weights, heavy and unresponsive. My body is drenched in a sticky mixture of sweat, slick and come. The air is thick with our scents, heavy with the musk of sex. I'm too tired to breathe deeply, my chest heaving with ragged gasps. I can’t muster the energy to move, the thought of getting up and cleaning feels like too much effort, like climbing a mountain. I'm content to simply lie here, surrounded by the evidence of our passion, and let my body slowly recover from its exertions.

I jolt awake, my heart slowly thudding in my chest. Darcy's body is glued to mine, his face pressed against my chest like a warm brand. His breaths in sync with mine, our bodies humming with a gentle rhythm. I adore this closeness, but my bladder is screaming at me in protest. The warmth of his skin on mine is tantalising, and I can feel the softness of his hair against my chin. But nature is calling, and I'm forced to acknowledge that our snuggle party has gone on long enough.

I curl my arms around Darcy's torso, trying to lift him gently onto the bed. But he startles, his eyes flying open like a trap snapping shut. His gaze meets mine, bleary and confused, and I freeze, holding my breath as he takes in our surroundings. His body feels heavy against mine, his weight a gentle pressure that I can't help but feel grateful for. “Sorry Darling, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Darcy rubs his eyes, creases of sleep etching his face like a natural map. His yawn is a slow, rumbling thing that vibrates through his chest, making me smile. As he opens his eyes, dark circles and puffy skin betray the exhaustion that clings to him like a shroud. “Ah,” he says, his voice husky from sleep, “it's fine.”

“Shall we go and clean up, and then I’ll make us something to eat?” I ask, hoping he'll be up for it after his long sleep. My mate nods in agreement, his eyes still bleary from slumber. I climb off the bed, feeling a sense of relief wash over me as I stand upright again. As I move towards the bathroom, Darcy extends his arms, his fingers stretching out like tentative vines. He wraps them around my waist, pulling me close as he rises from the bed. His body feels warm and solid against mine, and I breathe in deeply, savouring the scent of sleep and Darcy that clings to him like a whispered secret.

I lean down and scoop him up in my arms, his legs wrapping tightly around my waist as I carry him to the bathroom. I lean down further, my chest pressed against Darcy's as I turn the taps on, filling the tub with a rich, lavender-scented bath. The water rises slowly, its gentle lapping at the edge of the tub releasing a soothing hiss that harmonises with Darcy's contented sighs. I sway my mate in my arms, his body fits snugly against mine, his heart beating in time with mine .

I turn off the taps, and step into the tub with Darcy still cradled in my arms, the warm air enveloping us, filled with the sweet scent of lavender and a hint of steam. I lean back against the tub's edge, closing my eyes and letting the water's gentle warmth seep into our bones. The silence is almost palpable, punctuated only by the soft lapping of the water against the tub and Darcy's gentle snores. I feel his body further relax against mine, his breathing slowing as he drifts off to sleep. His snores grow heavier and deeper, I reach for the washcloth and begin to soap up my mate's skin, my fingers gliding over his muscles as I work out the tension from his body. The suds tickle his skin, causing him to stir slightly before settling back into a peaceful sleep.

I continue to wash Darcy's skin, my mind begins to quiet, and the doubts that have plagued me start to dissipate like mist in the morning sun. The gentle lapping of the water against the tub, combined with the softness of his skin beneath my fingers, is a sensory experience that slowly erases the lingering doubts from my mind. I recall the moment I met him, and how I felt an unshakeable connection with him, like a spark had been lit within me. As I rinse off the soap, I realise that sense of certainty has only grown stronger with each passing day. The voice in my head that once whispered ‘you're not good enough’ has fallen silent, replaced by a growing conviction that I am exactly what Darcy needs.

I wash Darcy's hair, his raven-black locks cascading down his back like a waterfall, and I'm transfixed by their darkness and depth. My fingers weave through the tangled strands, feeling the softness of each individual strand as they slide through my touch. The water temperature is just right, warm but not hot, and I breathe in deeply as I work out the knots and snags. The scent of shampoo and soap mingles with the sweet scent of our bodies, filling my lungs with a heady aroma that makes me feel drunk with desire. As I rinse his hair, I'm struck by the way it clings to my skin like a second skin, sending shivers down my spine and awakening a deep longing within me.

“Alpha that feels amazing,” his words are slurred, his sleepiness evident in the way he draws out each syllable, but I can sense the appreciation in his tone, a warmth that spreads through my chest like a gentle flame. When I finish rinsing his hair, he stretches against me, his body relaxed and content, and I feel my own tension melt away, replaced by a deep sense of connection and belonging.

When we emerge from the tub, our skin is rosy and tender, softly wrinkled from the warm water. I help Darcy up, wrapping a fluffy towel around his body like a warm hug. The terrycloth is gentle against his skin, and I can't help but notice how his eyes flutter closed as he leans into my touch. I lead him to the living room, and get the fire burning before explaining to Darcy that I’ll be back in a moment.

Walking to the kitchen, I push open the fridge door, and a chill hits me as I reach for the frozen pizzas. The cold air wafts out, carrying with it the scent of last night's leftovers and this morning's coffee. I grab two pizzas and shut the door with a soft thud, feeling a pang of guilt for not cooking something more impressive. But tonight, I'm not worried about impressing anyone except Darcy. As I preheat the oven, my mind wanders back to him on the couch, his eyes still closed in sleep. I hurry through the cooking process, anxious to get back to him as soon as possible. Normally, I take pride in crafting each dish from scratch, but tonight I settle for convenience. It's not ideal, but it's a small sacrifice for the sake of getting back to my mate sooner rather than later.

I rush to the bedroom to grab something and then walk back into the living room and find Darcy wrapped in a soft blanket, his head resting against the cushions as he relaxes. His eyelids are closed, his breathing slow and steady, and his chest rises and falls in a gentle rhythm. The blanket is worn and faded in spots, but it's still my favourite, and I can't help but smile as I gaze at him. The air is thick with the scent of baking pizza and the warmth of the fire crackling. As I approach him, I can hear the soft hum of the oven and the distant sound of crickets outside, adding to the cosy atmosphere.

I sink onto the sofa beside him, Darcy's eyes flicker open, and our gazes lock. My heart lurches in my chest as I'm struck by the golden light in his eyes, the gentle curve of his cheekbones, and the softness of his hair as it falls across his forehead. My breath catches in my throat as I drink in the sight of him, and my mind goes blank except for the primal urge to reach for him. My fingers twitch with the desire to touch him, to feel the warmth of his skin against mine. As I sit there, frozen in awe, Darcy's eyes never leave mine, and I can sense the spark of attraction between us growing stronger with each passing moment.

His voice is soft as he says, "There you are," his lips curling upwards in a slow, sly smile. The words are spoken in a tone that's both gentle and playful, and I feel a flutter in my chest as I take in the sight of him. The soft glow of the lamp on the coffee table casts a warm light on his features, illuminating the angles of his cheekbones and the curve of his jaw.

I lean in, my lips meeting his in a soft, gentle press. The taste of him is familiar and comforting, like coming home after a long journey. As we part, I ask, my voice barely above a whisper, "Am I ok to brush your hair for you?" My fingers twitch with anticipation as I gaze up at him, my heart racing with excitement. His eyes lock onto mine, filled with a warmth and affection that makes my skin tingle. I can feel the tension between us building, like a live wire humming with electricity.

I hold out the brush, Darcy's eyes flicker upwards from my hand to my face, his gaze lingering on me with a mixture of curiosity and vulnerability. His brows arch in a gentle, incredulous shape, as if he can't quite believe what I'm offering. He nods slowly, his head creaking in a subtle movement, and his lips part in a soft, gentle smile.

Just as I rise to stand, Darcy tilts his head to the side, a gentle negation. He reaches out and plucks a pillow from behind him, letting it drop with a soft thud onto the floor. The sound echoes through the quiet room, punctuating the moment. He unwraps the blanket from his body, revealing smooth, golden skin beneath. The fabric rustles softly as he drapes it over the back of the sofa cushion, before sitting down with a gentle whoosh of air escaping from his lips. I follow suit, settling onto the sofa behind him, my thighs brushing against his shoulders as I sit.

I begin to comb through Darcy's long hair, my fingers gliding through the tangled strands. The comb's gentle touch sends a shiver down his neck, and he relaxes into my ministrations. The soft hiss of my breath is the only sound as I work out the knots, my fingertips lingering on each tangle as I coax it free. His hair falls in loose waves down his back, and I can't help but run my fingers through it once more, feeling the soft silkiness of each strand. I regret not having a hairdryer in the cabin; his hair will likely take hours to dry. I mentally add it to my shopping list, already planning my next trip into town.

As I continue to brush his hair, I find myself lost in the soft, dark strands. The way the light catches the blue undertone is mesmerising, and I can't help but run my fingers through it again and again. The gentle tug of the bristles against his scalp is soothing, and I feel my tension melt away. After a few minutes, the timer's soft chime breaks the spell, and I lean down to press a kiss against the top of his head. "That'll be our food," I say, my voice low and soft.

Five minutes later, I walk into the living room, the savoury aroma of freshly baked pizza wafts up, making my stomach growl with anticipation. The TV screen flickers to life, casting a warm glow over the room, and Darcy's eyes light up with a smile as he spots me approaching. I carry a tray loaded with our dinner - steaming hot pizza slices and a pitcher of icy-cold water - plus a few snacks for dessert.

While the film’s opening rolls, we settle in for a cosy night on the couch, our bodies entwined. I hesitate for a moment before bringing up the conversation that's been weighing on my mind. "Hey, can I ask you something?" I say, my voice low and contemplative. "I had a phone call with my parents earlier, I told them about you and they mentioned taking a trip, and I was wondering... what do you think about us taking a trip together?”

Darcy's eyes sparkle with excitement, as he asks, "Really?" His voice is infused with a palpable enthusiasm, and I can practically see the wheels turning in his mind as he begins to envision the trip. "I'd love to go with you," he continues, his words filled with sincerity. "I can’t wait to meet the people who raised such an amazing man. I'm sure they're incredible." My chest feels a flutter of delight at his words. Nobody's ever called me amazing before, the sentiment all the more surprising because it’s come from someone I’ve only just met and hearing it now feels like a gentle kiss on my skin.

"How about we make the drive up there next weekend, and we can stay for the week? That would give me plenty of time to wrap up any loose ends at the bakery, and I can make sure everything is in order before I take a break,” I suggest.

"That sounds perfect," his grin widening, and I can't help but return it. "Tell me everything," he urges, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What's it like where you're from?”

I explain a little bit more about my family and how life was like growing up in a pack. I also explain how we have to travel across the borders, I’m not trying to scare him, but I feel like he needs to understand how things work. "When we travel, we'll likely get stopped by border patrols. It's routine, but it can be... intense. They'll ask us questions, and we'll need to answer quickly and correctly. I've been doing this for years, so it's second nature to me, but I want you to know what to expect."

I take another breath before continuing. "As an omega, you might be treated differently than others. You're... protected by me, I suppose. But even though we haven't officially mated yet, you're still under my care. We'll need to present ourselves as a claimed couple.”

Darcy's expression turns thoughtful, his brow furrowing as he processes what I've told him. "Yeah, I get it," he says finally, his tone measured. "I know it's not ideal, but I appreciate that you're looking out for me. It's...different, I guess, to think about being in a situation like that."

My mind still struggles to accept the harsh realities of the world. "It's hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that there are places where people aren't treated equally," I admit, my voice tinged with frustration. "Growing up, my parents taught me and my siblings to treat others with kindness and respect, no matter what. They instilled in us the Golden Rule: do unto others as you'd have them do unto you."

I pause, reflecting on the lessons my parents drummed into me. "When I was getting ready to leave pack lands and venture into neutral territories, I knew I had to hold onto those values. It wasn't always easy, but I tried to be mindful of how my actions might affect others.”

In the neutral lands of Everlong, humans and shifters coexist in a delicate dance. It's a place where the two species walk a fine line, where the rule is to keep our true nature hidden from human eyes - unless, of course, they're our mate.

But it's not always smooth sailing. A few years ago, a rogue shifter sparked a major incident when he exposed himself to humans without discretion. The fallout was immense, and my parents told me that as a result, strict laws were implemented to safeguard both species. Thankfully, since then, relations have remained generally peaceful.

Darcy's words snap me back to reality as he asks, “What else do you know about the non-neutral lands?” His eyes spark with curiosity, and I sense a hint of unease beneath.

I struggle to find the words to describe the unspeakable atrocities that unfold in those forsaken places. “Imagine the most heinous, soul-crushing cruelty imaginable,” I choke out, my voice trembling with pain. “That's what alphas inflict on helpless omegas, leaving them shattered and broken.” His face contorts in horror, his eyes wide with a mix of disgust and despair.

"The non-neutral lands are steeped in ancient traditions, their rigid hierarchy a relic of a bygone era. In these places, shifters are bound to a single pack, with the alphas holding absolute power and reverence. Betas, relegated to the role of enforcers and punishers, are treated as mere tools, while omegas are reduced to nothing more than breeding stock and sex slaves. They’re beaten and abused without mercy,” I force out, my words trembling with rage and despair, my stomach twisting with the horror of it all.

Darcy's eyes flash with outrage as he demands, “How can this be allowed? Don't they have any laws to safeguard the omegas from this brutality?”

“The Alpha leader chooses a lawless territory to set up camp, exploiting the lack of protection for their own advantage. If you're born an Alpha, you're safe. But for Betas and Omegas... it's a different story. They prey on their vulnerability.” The words feel like acid in my mouth. “It's been that way for years, with only occasional victories from omega activist groups fighting for their rights. But wiping out the non-neutral lands will take time, maybe even generations," I explain.

As I speak, I ache with the weight of my words, my heart heavy with empathy. I want to understand, to truly grasp the depths of their pain, but as an Alpha, I know it's something I’ll never understand. My own experiences have given me a glimpse into the world of privilege and power, but it's a pale imitation of what omegas face. I can only imagine the weight of their struggles, the suffocating fear that grips them every day. My eyes sting with unshed tears as I think of all those who've suffered, all those who still suffer, and I'm left feeling helpless and small.

Darcy's gaze falls, he wipes away the tears that have fallen, his expression etched with concern. “I had no idea it was this bad,” he says, his voice low and sombre. “I knew omegas faced challenges, but I didn't realise the extent of the oppression. I'm so grateful to live in a place where I've been fortunate enough to experience a different reality.” His eyes search mine, filled with a deep sadness.

I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him close as I breathe in the scent of his skin, savouring the feeling of his warmth and safety. The silence is comfortable, and I let myself relax into the stillness. Eventually, I gently suggest we retire to bed, and Darcy agrees. A few minutes later, after I've extinguished the lights and secured the doors, I settle in beside him, his soft snores a soothing background hum. His body fits perfectly against mine, a comforting weight that makes me feel grounded and at peace.