Archive of Our Own

— Ouch! You idiot, you're hurting me, shit, I think he broke my nose -.

In a small room illuminated by a dim light, Lo'ak was sitting in a chair, his head bowed down. His face showed the ravages of a recent fight: cuts and bruises decorated his skin, while his split lip and black eye were clear evidence of the brutality of the encounter.

Neteyam rolled his eyes, exasperated, but did not let go of the cloth he was using to clean the wound. — Stop complaining, it wouldn't hurt if you stopped being so reckless -. Neteyam murmured as he worked in silence. — I already told you that you can't keep getting into street fights. They're just unnecessary trouble -.

— Yeah, yeah, I get it, you don't have to lecture me as if you were my mother -.

Kiri let out a sarcastic laugh from the other side of the room, where she was sitting with her arms crossed. — Rather, he should. Because if Mom saw you now, she’d kill you -.

Lo'ak snorted and looked at his brother with a touch of resentment, though deep down he knew Neteyam was right. To one side, two friends observed the scene with a mix of amusement and weariness. One of them, named Haaneym, let out a harsh and poorly disguised laugh that earned him a glinting glare from Lo'ak. The other, Uewän, toyed with a piece of wood he had found on the floor, his eyes narrowed and his body relaxed as if nothing happening around him had the slightest importance, at least for him it didn't. Kiri just watched the scene. Kiri, with an ironic smile on her lips, watched how her little brother suffered under Neteyam's strict attention.

— And you said you were good at fighting -. Kiri mocked, crossing her arms.

— Very funny, Kiri -. Lo'ak replied with bitterness. His face showed more exhaustion than indignation. — Don't you have anything better to do than enjoy my misfortune? -.

— Truth is I don't, but I'm already tired of just hearing you whimper and complain all the time -. She said as she walked towards the exit of the place. — If you don't want me to tell Mom, you already know how much my silence is worth -. She said with a smile before crossing the threshold of the door.

— Witch ... -. Lo'ak murmured with a furrowed brow, he hated how much of a blackmailer his sister was.

— I'm serious, Lo'ak. Enough with getting into messes over nonsense -.

Neteyam pulled away the bloody cloth and rubbed his eyes, tired. He took a soda can from the nearby table, opened it, and took a long drink. The sound of the gas escaping the can broke the uncomfortable silence that had settled between them. When he spoke again, his tone was more serious.

— I'm sorry. I couldn't help it this time. They provoked me and I had to defend myself -. His voice came out with more weariness than regret. — I was just trying to talk to a girl, and a guy with a mask... Well, he started hitting us -.

Neteyam frowned, trying to process the situation. — You just talked to a girl and a guy attacked you? -. There was a mix of incredulity and exasperation in his voice.

— Yes! -. Lo'ak retorted, anger tinting his words.

— How pathetic, if it was two against one, you shouldn't have ended up this way -. Neteyam replied with a sarcastic tone while taking a sip of his drink. Although his voice was loaded with mockery, there was a trace of real concern in his eyes. The muscles in his jaw tensed when he observed the deplorable state of his brother and his friend.

Vounglim, who was leaning against the wall with an ice pack over his swollen cheek, frowned. — But he was holding a damn iron pipe -. He excused himself, his high-pitched tone denoting the pain he still felt. — It wasn't a fair fight from the start -.

Haaneym let out another laugh that was not at all discreet. — Sure, and you're always the first to give excuses when things get tough -.

Before Vounglim could answer him, Neteyam raised a hand, asking for silence. With his expression hardened, he was starting to get tired of listening to them at that moment; usually he was a very patient person with these types of things, but for some reason he felt more irritable than usual, and in that moment he didn't want to deal with them and their silly arguments. It was a task he took too seriously, and sometimes, it was overwhelming. He turned his attention to Lo'ak, his eyes revealing a mixture of anger and concern struggling to come to the surface.

— That guy left us no choice -. His voice was heavy with frustration, but also with a sort of bitterness that did not go unnoticed.

Haaneym cleared his throat before starting to speak. — I'm just asking because I'm curious, why did that guy get so upset? -.

Lo'ak breathed deeply before answering, trying to find the right words. — I don't know exactly. He just said that I "didn't belong there" and that I should stay away from that girl -.

— Stupid, most likely it was his girlfriend -. Haaneym replied, otherwise, he found no other explanation for that boy to react that way.

— I don't think so, she was way too cute, so pretty she looked like a cute Omega -. Vounglim said with a tone of voice that made everyone frown with disgust; maybe that bastard did deserve the beating they gave him.

Neteyam turned towards him, looking at him with disapproval. — That's gross, don't talk that way or I'll be the one to hit you and make you swallow your teeth -. Neteyam's gaze was definitely scary; Vounglim just clicked his tongue and opted not to say anything else, he was too tired to fight with someone again, much less if that someone was Neteyam.

Lo'ak clenched his teeth, trying to ignore the discomfort Vounglim's words caused him. He knew his friend was a braggart—well, to be honest, he never considered him a friend—but at that moment he wasn't in the mood to put up with his comments. He ran a hand through his hair, tangling his fingers among the sweat-soaked strands.

— In any case, I don't plan to leave it like this -.

Neteyam set the soda can on the table with a thud. — Don't even think about it. You're not going to go looking for trouble -.

The younger Sully looked up, his gaze burning. — I'm not looking for trouble, Neteyam. I'm just going to finish what he started -.

At that moment, Haaneym decided to intervene. — If you insist so much, Lo'ak, at least let's plan things properly. We can't go in blind against a group that has weapons. If that guy was wearing a mask, surely there's something else behind it. Maybe this isn't just a common street fight -.

— I don't think so, if they say it was just one person, it might be Ao'nung Tohiariki from Awa'atlu High, I've seen him around a few times -. There was a long silence, until Uewän, who had been playing with a piece of wood, dropped the piece on the floor and made a small noise with his throat as if he were humming.

A prolonged silence invaded the room. Everyone's eyes were fixed on Uewän. — Ao'nung? -. He asked, incredulity raising an eyebrow.

— Yeah, he's a gang member, though he always acts alone most of the time. Every now and then he's seen with another boy -. Uewän explained while taking out his phone; now he was looking for a number. — He's always seen with an iron pipe and his gaze always seems dangerous, like a mad dog's, although not the type that goes to other territories to cause a fight -.

— If it's about sharks or crocodiles, our school is full of them, I just don't understand how it occurred to him to mess with you -. Neteyam said as he took the can from the table again and drank from it.

— Maybe the girl was just an excuse to fight, it's rumored in the streets that Tohiariki hates Alphas, most likely he's a Beta or an Omega -. Haaneym intervened, his serene tone contrasting with the tempest everyone felt in the air.

— No way -. Vounglim exclaimed, disappointed, perhaps annoyed by that assumption. — Maybe he's a disgustingly problematic Beta, but not an Omega, he was able to beat two Alphas -. He exclaimed, annoyed by that fact; it was more than humiliating that a Beta like him could have beaten him. — Omegas are only good for reproduction and that's it -. He commented with a furrowed brow, though eventually it became a twisted smile. — But he had a pretty face, honestly I wouldn't mind, you know ... -. He said while letting out a small laugh.

— For Eywa's sake, just shut up -. Neteyam turned toward him, his dark eyes burning in anger. — Watch your words. I won't warn you again -.

— Oh, please, Sully. You know as well as I do that Betas and Omegas are inferior in strength -. Vounglim's tone was biting, his words deliberately chosen to irritate. — Or am I wrong? -. A crooked smile danced on his lips.

Neteyam clenched his jaw, his expression hardening immediately at Vounglim's comment. The eldest Sully observed Vounglim's face with barely disguised contempt. He still felt the cold metal of the can between his fingers, now crushed in his hand, as blood pooled in his temples. There was something in Vounglim's condescending tone that made his blood boil. To him, Omegas, Betas, were something more than simple "categories." They were people, like anyone else, and they didn't deserve to be degraded to mere "instruments." He wouldn't allow Vounglim to keep despising them that way, especially in front of him.

— You damn bastard, stop talking about Omegas like an object, unless you want me to send you to the hospital again -. Neteyam growled, crushing the empty can so hard the crunch of the yielding metal was heard. — I won't be benevolent with you again, so if we're going to fight, gender doesn't matter -. It was then that Neteyam exploded. He could tolerate many things, but not those types of comments, and even less at that moment. His expression hardened, and a spark of fury lit his eyes.

A heavy silence fell over the group. Vounglim stepped back, his eyes showing a mix of hatred and defiance. But he didn't retort. He knew Neteyam wasn't joking anymore if he was using "that" voice. The tension in the environment was almost palpable, and no one dared to break it.

— Fine ... Golden Boy -. Was the last thing he said, although it was clearly with the intent to mock Neteyam.

— You know Neteyam gets upset when you talk like that, I don't know why you insist on provoking him -. Haaneym commented while just giving a few pats on the back to Vounglim, who only lunged at him because of the pain of his wounds.

Neteyam sighed while rubbing the bridge of his nose; he was fed up with all of this and it would be better if they resolved it once and for all. — Fine, lately I've been very free ... And if we know who it's about and the story is simple. Let's go meet him -. He said, throwing the can into a trash container.

— I'll handle it -. Uewän said, raising his phone; it seems he had already found the contact he needed at that moment.

In this world, men and women are divided into three hierarchies: "Alphas, Betas, and Omegas."

Alphas usually occupy the highest position in the social and biological hierarchy. They have stronger and more dominant physical characteristics, both in their appearance and their behavior, and are perceived as natural leaders, although their nature can vary from one individual to another. They usually possess an intense pheromone, which serves to attract Omegas and, occasionally, intimidate other Alphas or Betas. Betas are considered the most "neutral" caste in the hierarchy; the majority of the population belongs to this group, and although they can perceive the pheromones of the other castes, they don't usually experience the intense biological impulses of Alphas or Omegas, and finally the Omegas.

Omegas possess a great reproductive capacity; both men and women can give birth, which makes them the most sought after by Alphas. They tend to be perceived as more fragile or vulnerable due to their biology, especially during heat.

Heat is a time where Alphas and Omegas (almost always the majority) experience a strong hormonal drive and a biological need to mate. This phase occurs at regular intervals, often every month or in specific cycles, and can vary in duration and intensity depending on each person.

During heat, Omegas become more sensitive, both physically and emotionally, and can become dependent on an Alpha to receive "attention." Alphas are especially attracted to Omegas in heat, and in this phase they can become more aggressive, their desire to "claim" an Omega partner can increase, and their need to reproduce intensifies, which has always been a problem, as Alphas usually lose their sanity and tend to attack them; fortunately, there are medications or pheromone inhibitors that help Omegas control or decrease the effects of their heat, allowing them to have more autonomy and control over their lives.

But even so, for some reason people still exist who look at Omegas as inferior.

How unpleasant.

°.╰─────.••✿••.─────╯.°

The bell for the change of hour resonated throughout the school, marking the end of another class. The usual bustle flooded the hallways, a sea of students talking, pushing, and laughing as they moved from one place to another. Among them, two figures stood out for the way they walked calmly, as if they had all the time in the world. One of them stopped in front of a vending machine. The other leaned against the wall, checking his phone with an expression of boredom.

— Are you still going to eat, Ao'nung? It seems you have no end -. Rotxo asked while looking at the screen of his device, scrolling through messages.

Ao'nung took out a pack of cookies and opened it with indifference. — And what's wrong with it? I'm hungry. Not everyone can subsist only on messages and gossip, let me eat, friend -.

Rotxo let out a low laugh, but his attention was quickly absorbed by a message that appeared on his phone. He frowned while reading it, and then reread it a second time, just to make sure he wasn't mistaken.

[ Do you know Ao'nung? ]

The message seemed harmless at first, but something in the simplicity of the words and the speed with which a second response arrived after answering gave him a bad feeling.

[ Yes, I know him ] He responded with an intentional simplicity, wishing to avoid a conversation more extensive than necessary. The response arrived almost immediately.

[ Tell him we'll meet behind the warehouse at 3:00, at this address (xxxx) ]

— How problematic... -.

Rotxo murmured, running a hand through his hair while looking at the time. It was barely 12:45. He looked back at Ao'nung, who was still enjoying his cookies with apparent tranquility. The peace on his face contrasted with the knot starting to form in his friend's stomach.

— Hey, 'Nung -. He finally said, breaking the short pause. — Someone says they want to see you at this address -. He added, showing his phone screen. — It seems they are from Oakridge Institute. What did you do? -.

— What did I do? -. Ao'nung repeated with a sarcastic smile, but without any trace of real amusement in his tone. — Maybe nothing. Who cares? Anyway, here -. He approached with a pack of gummies and handed it to Rotxo, who just said a small "Thanks."

Rotxo couldn't help but roll his eyes. With Ao'nung, everything could be a game, but he had the bad feeling that this time it wasn't like that. He put a gummy in his mouth and, with a gesture of his head, invited his friend to walk toward the next class. However, curiosity and discomfort still throbbed in his mind.

— It wouldn't be the first time someone wants to give you a beating. What if they're more than one? -. He finally pressed, keeping his voice low as they crossed the crowded hallway.

— I'm not going to run like a scared dog, if that's what you mean -. Ao'nung answered, finally turning his gaze toward him. His eyes shone, but not with excitement. — If they want something, let them come. I'm ready -.

— I'm not talking about running, damn it. I'm talking about thinking a bit, for once. You can't fight the whole damn world -.

— Nah, If someone wants to see me, let them come. I don't run from anyone -.

"That's not Ao'nung's problem" -. Rotxo thought as he bit into one of his gummies. — It's that he never knows when to let it go. What if, for once, we let someone else have the drama of the week? -. He tried to joke. — We could go to the movies or something after class. You decide.

— Maybe -. Ao'nung replied, although his tone made it clear his thoughts were elsewhere.

The directions led him to a somewhat secluded area behind an old warehouse. The place was deserted, with some graffiti decorating the walls and an air of abandonment that gave the scene an even more disturbing touch.

— What a terrifying place, it seems like you really wanted to kill him -. Haaneym commented while scanning the place with his gaze, the echo of his voice bouncing off the graffiti-covered walls. The deserted alley, with scraps of trash, put his nerves on edge.

— I plan to break at least one bone. — Vounglim replied, lighting a cigarette although before he could take a puff, Haaneym snatched it away, throwing it to the ground.

— Not here, I already told you to quit that -. Haaneym said while putting it out with the sole of his shoe.

Neteyam, sitting in a crouch and without paying too much attention, observed his phone screen with a neutral expression. — I wonder how many more he's going to bring here -. He said, without taking his eyes off the device.

— I told you he always goes alone -. Uewän, always nibbling on some treat, shrugged, as if he didn't care. He took another bite of his lollipop before answering with a lazy voice.

— Well, it doesn't matter, if he brings more people I don't care, but will he come? -. Neteyam sighed, noticing it was 3:15 pm.

— Yeah, a kid from Awa'atlu told me -. Uewän said as he showed him his phone with the message [ Ao'nung says he'll go ] . — We'll have to wait, I guess -.

— In that case, Lo'ak and Vounglim should leave. They aren't in condition for this -. Neteyam suggested.

— No way -. Lo'ak kicked a can, which went bouncing against a wall with a metallic noise. — It would be pathetic not to get revenge on that bastard -.

The tension built up like a storm about to break. Suddenly, a figure appeared in the distance. He was tall and muscular, with messy hair and blue eyes that shone with a dangerous touch; Neteyam had to admit that despite his expression, Vounglim unfortunately was right, that boy did have a pretty face. He walked with a steady step, holding an iron pipe in one hand. When he arrived, the sound of the metal hitting the ground resonated, breaking the silence.

— So you're Ao'nung? -. Neteyam asked, standing up. — I can't believe you actually came alone -.

Ao'nung raised the pipe with indifference. — I don't know what you want with me, but if we're going to do this, let's do it at once -.

The boy's defiant tone irritated Neteyam. — You don't know why we called you here? -. He observed him closely. Well, the rumors didn't lie, he was problematic and very reckless. "It's strange," he thought. A faint sweet scent was beginning to fill the air, but he refused to pay too much attention to it.

Ao'nung frowned, with a grimace that revealed contempt. — No, I don't know, but it's okay if I kill you, right? -. And he raised the iron pipe with the clear intention of attacking.

— You sure are arrogant -. Neteyam said with a furrowed brow while taking a few steps. "¿Is it my imagination?" he thought upon smelling the air a bit more; that scent was still persisting. — Well, I'll get straight to the point, you hit our friends and ... -. He didn't finish speaking as he received a punch to the face from that criminal; he had a lot of strength for a "Beta."

— You talk too much. That bothers me -. Ao'nung said, raising the pipe again.

Neteyam brought a hand to his cheek, feeling the heat of the blow. He forced himself to breathe deeply, to stay serene. The blow resonated among the others, who immediately tensed their bodies. But then, everyone stopped. The scent became denser, overwhelming. Neteyam felt how every fiber of his being reacted. It wasn't just a smell. They were pheromones. And a lot of them.

— It smells like pheromones -. Uewän commented, bringing a hand to his nose. Bewilderment took hold of the group. It wasn't normal for someone to release such an amount.

— Is there an Omega hidden around here? -. Haaneym asked, looking in all directions. But the scent made him dizzy. Not just him; everyone present looked affected, sweating and with short breath.

— The one in heat is me -. Ao'nung stated, pointing at himself with the iron pipe while looking at them with defiant eyes. Silence fell like a blow. None of them could process it immediately.

Why was he admitting it so blatantly? And much more importantly, why the hell did he come in such a dangerous state?!

Wait a moment...

— You're an Omega?! -. Neteyam shouted, his incredulity reflected in every feature of his face. His heart throbbed in his chest, not just because of the revelation, but because Ao'nung, an Omega in heat, had chosen to fight against a group of Alphas, without suppressants.

Ao'nung nodded, without the slightest trace of shame. — Yep. -. His indifference only served to feed Neteyam's anger.

The unimportant response hit Neteyam like a bucket of cold water. In any other moment, he could have taken it as a joke, but now, in the middle of a conflict that seemed to escalate every second, the reality was too dangerous. The thick pheromones Ao'nung emitted filled the air, making all the Alphas present tense up. The environment became almost unbearable, a mixture of aggression and a kind of unwanted attraction that poisoned every breath.

— You're an Omega in heat and you still came to fight us? You're an idiot! Are you even aware that everyone here is an Alpha? -. Neteyam's tone rose, his voice loaded with a mixture of fury, incredulity, and something else he couldn't quite identify.

— Are you all useless Alphas? It makes me want to tear you to shreds even more -. Ao'nung replied, with a dangerous smile on his lips. He raised the iron pipe again, and the mere movement triggered a shiver in each of those present.

Neteyam took a step back, aware of the danger. "¿How can he come in heat to fight a bunch of Alphas? This amount of pheromones isn't normal. I'm supposed to have a high level of resistance to them, but I feel dizzy." He rubbed his forehead, trying to clear his mind.

— Do something about these pheromones and use a damn suppressant -. Neteyam snapped, his tone a mix of anger and plea.

Ao'nung laughed, a bitter and defiant laugh. — I've never used a suppressant. I've always overcome heat with my willpower -.

Neteyam felt a pang of rage. — Willpower?! You're an idiot. You can't calm heat that way -.

— You're very loud. Shut up already -. Ao'nung took a step forward, pipe raised. His gaze slid toward Lo'ak and Vounglim, who remained in the back, expectant.

With a decided movement, Ao'nung raised the metal pipe and pointed it at Lo'ak and Vounglim, who watched the scene with a mix of nervousness and tension. Noticing Ao'nung's expression, Lo'ak took a step back, while Vounglim clenched his fists.

— Who are those ones in the back? -. Ao'nung asked, fixing his sight on them —. Ah... they're those bastards who were harassing an Omega girl this morning. I should have killed them -.

— What?! -. Lo'ak shouted with a mix of incredulity and fury that echoed in the warehouse. — I would never do that -. Lo'ak defended himself; well, perhaps now he understood the attitude he had with them, but he would never do something as disgusting as harassing a girl. But Ao'nung was no longer listening. He pointed at Vounglim, whose eyes narrowed with a mix of fury and fear.

— That damn degenerate cornered her at a secluded crossroads. Until I arrived, it was clear what he was trying to do, then the other one arrived. They're in league. So they're the same trash -.

Everyone's eyes turned toward Vounglim. Neteyam, unable to contain his anger, lunged toward him, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and bringing his face close with an expression that left no room for doubt.

— What did you say? -. Neteyam growled. The vein on his forehead throbbed, and his gaze was a mix of disgust and anger. — You really deserved to get hit -. Vounglim tried to back away, stammering some excuse.

— It was the fault of her pheromones... it was something that couldn't be helped -.

Before he could say more, Neteyam punched him, sending him staggering back. Vounglim brought his hand to his lip, feeling the blood starting to run from the blow.

— You behaved like a monkey -. Neteyam snapped, walking away with disgust. Despite the pain, Vounglim looked at him with a twisted smile and then, with a brazenness bordering on folly, pointed at Ao'nung.

— Even if you say that, Neteyam, you're also reacting to his pheromones.

He pointed blatantly at Ao'nung, who remained at a prudent distance, observing with an expression of implacable coldness. Neteyam felt a wave of shame mixed with rage. Vounglim's declaration made him feel exposed, as if all his darkest and most repressed instincts were out in the open.

— But I don't allow my judgment to be clouded like yours, you damn moron -. Neteyam answered with gritted teeth, his body rigid with contained fury —. I swear I'm going to kill you.

— I have a better idea — Vounglim insisted, with a crooked smile that sparked general repugnance. The contempt in his voice was palpable —. Instead of fighting, we could use that Omega, although he's not my type.

Neteyam took a step forward, ready to hit him again, but a metallic crack interrupted them. The sound of the iron pipe being dragged across the floor was like a deadly reminder of Ao'nung's presence. The Omega advanced, his gaze sharp as a blade and his presence more intimidating than any of them could have expected.

— Hey, idiots -. Ao'nung called out, stealthily approaching from behind Neteyam and raising the iron pipe. — You done blabbering yet? -.

The blow was aimed at Neteyam's head, but he reacted in time, dodging it with a jump and seeing how the pipe left a small crater in the ground. "Damn, he's stronger than he looks" -. He thought, without taking his eyes off him.

— H-hey, wait, wait! -. Lo'ak shouted, backing away in a state of alert.

However, Ao'nung didn't wait and attacked again. Neteyam barely had time to duck and dodge the second blow, but he took advantage of the movement to pounce on Ao'nung. He wrapped his arms around his waist, lifting him into the air and trying to immobilize him.

"I must get this dangerous Omega person away from this place" -. He thought with urgency, his jaw tense as his feet hit the ground at full speed. He could hear the distant shouts of his brother, Lo'ak, calling him with desperation, but Neteyam couldn't stop. He knew that keeping Ao'nung away was the only way to prevent the situation from getting even further out of control. Danger was in the air, literally; the Omega's pheromones created a rarefied atmosphere, soaked in a sweetness that tensed Neteyam's muscles and made his heart beat harder than he’d like to admit.

— I'm going to kill you, bastard! -. Ao'nung shouted, kicking and struggling in an attempt to free himself.

Neteyam clenched his jaw, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. — Shut up already, shut up already or I'm going to do something I'll regret! -.

He snapped, feeling how the heat of the effort and the whirlwind of emotions threatened to overflow him. He ran as fast as he could, until they finally reached a clearing far enough from civilization. Without stopping to think too much, he threw Ao'nung to the ground, breathing heavily. The Omega fell with a dry thud, and the fragrance of his pheromones filled the air like an insistent reminder of his condition.

Ao'nung sat up quickly, wiping dirt from his hands and throwing a murderous look at Neteyam. He brought his hand to his nose, as if that could block the scent that betrayed him.

— Why don't you use suppressants? It's not your first heat, is it? -. Neteyam asked, his voice heavy with irritation.

— Of course not, and I don't need them -. Ao'nung retorted. — I always do something about it.

— Even if you can "do something about it," you're causing problems for me, damn it! -. Neteyam looked at him with a mix of incredulity and frustration. He stepped away a couple of paces, looking for air that wasn't contaminated by the sweet scent. — These pheromones are dangerous! We Alphas also suppress our instincts with suppressants, but you... -. His voice trailed off, tired of facing someone so stubborn. — It could have been dangerous for you to come in these conditions -. Neteyam tried to maintain calm, although he felt his patience slipping dangerously overboard.

— I could have torn all of you to pieces, so let's finish this once and for all -. Ao'nung's eyes flashed with ferocity, and his fists clenched, as if he were ready for a fight at any moment.

Neteyam felt a spasm of fury mixed with weariness. — ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME, YOU IDIOT?! -. he roared, his voice cutting the air with an authority few dared to defy. — Don't act as if nothing is happening! -. He ran a hand over his face, trying to calm down, but every second in the Omega's presence made his blood boil.

— I can go on with my willpower -. Ao'nung raised his chin, defying Neteyam with his gaze.

Neteyam closed his eyes for a moment, trying to find patience in the middle of that chaos. Finally, he let out a long sigh. — You really are a threat -. He took a small cloth bag from his pants and threw it toward Ao'nung. The Omega caught it mid-air, looking at it with confusion. — Take this. It's an injection. It's for Alphas, but it should work as a suppressant alternative for you for now -. His tone was serious, almost tired. — Quick, go home and don't come out until your heat is over. And also go to the hospital -.

— Ah, and why do I have to go to the hospital?! -. Ao'nung exclaimed, the fury in his eyes reflecting that of someone who refused to yield.

Neteyam shook his head, exasperated. — Dummy, it's so they can give you a medical prescription and prescribe doses of suppressants. Save yourself the trouble -.

Ao'nung clenched his fists, still set on staying defiant. — You were the ones who called me to fight, right? Let's finish this -. He raised his fists, his eyes burning with determination.

Neteyam crossed his arms, exasperated but firm. — I refuse. Your pheromones have an uncontrollable scent. If we face off, I want it to be on equal terms, Ao'nung. -. His words were accompanied by a slight blush he couldn't help. The sweet scent persisting in the air made it difficult for him to concentrate.