The Silence of Lies (The Black Market Omega #5)
What is Omegaverse?
Not familiar with omegaverse? Buckle-up. Shit’s about to get weird.
In short, omegaverse (or OV or A/B/O) is an alternate reality where humans are divided into three different dynamics: alphas, betas, and omegas. There are some built-in Dom/sub elements, as well as some interesting biological attributes, such as heats, ruts, mating bites, slick, knots, etc.
Sometimes OV stories will contain shifters (like werewolves or dragons), but many don’t.
The genre has a very long history that we won’t be getting into because no one has time for that. But we will cover the basic dynamics and terms.
DYNAMICS
Dynamics: The three main dynamics are alpha, beta, and omega.
This isn’t something a person chooses. You can’t just go to the gym and be an alpha-bro.
This is a born trait, more akin to a secondary gender.
A dynamic tends to “present” during puberty, but some have a delayed presentation and don’t fully form into alphas or omegas until later in life, living as betas in the meantime.
Alphas (AKA the big boys): The highest-ranking dynamic in OV.
They tend to be physically larger and muscular.
They’re natural-born leaders (usually in positions of power), fiercely protective, and can be aggressive and jealous.
Other physical characteristics include a knot at the base of their penis, exceptional hearing and sight, and they have stronger, muskier scents compared to other dynamics.
Alphas also experience ruts, growl, purr, and can control omegas through commands or an “alpha voice.”
Both men and women can be alphas. Some authors choose to have female alphas (or she-alphas) be a slightly rarer dynamic.
Betas (AKA normal people): This is the most abundant dynamic.
They’re normal people who tend to keep the world running.
They do not have heats or ruts, nor do they have knots.
Their scents tend to be muted compared to other dynamics.
While their ability to be mated by an alpha varies from author to author, they are still important members of a pack.
They form strong emotional bonds with their omegas and can be very stern when an alpha becomes too aggressive.
In Kitt’s books, betas can be mated by their alphas, but their mental bond with their alphas is faint and sometimes non-existent, depending on the beta.
Omegas (AKA little brats): The rarest and most fertile dynamic. Omegas tend to be smaller, slender, and submissive. However, they can be brats when unhappy. Omegas are very sensitive to their surroundings. They are repulsed by rough fabrics, and many don’t wear shoes.
Instead of menstruating, they experience heats. Their bodies produce slick when aroused. During a heat, the amount of slick produced increases greatly. Omegas also have a unique scent (or pheromones), similar to an alpha, but they tend to smell sweet.
TERMS
Let’s get into the rest of those devious terms.
We’re gonna list them alphabetically because I used to be a technical writer, and it tickles my fancy.
A/B/O: Shorthand for Alpha/Beta/Omega. It has the same meaning as omegaverse.
Alpha voice (or a command): Alphas can force their will on weaker alphas and unmated omegas.
Claiming: The standard definition of this term varies from author to author. It can mean mating, or it can mean that an alpha has expressed a formal interest in one day mating an omega. Similar to being betrothed.
Claiming Bite: See Marking.
Heats: A time period where an omega is most fertile and craves sexual contact.
Heats can be painful, cause elevated body temperatures, and can last anywhere from a few days to a week.
The only way to relieve the pain is through sex.
During a heat, a kind of delirium overtakes an omega, and they become frantic, horny, and can be manipulated into accepting an alpha they might not otherwise accept.
The frequency of a heat depends on the author. In Kitt’s books, they occur every two to three months, depending on the omega’s health.
Heat Suppressants: Medication that will suppress or reduce the intensity of a heat. They will not work once a heat has started, and must be taken in the days leading up to a heat.
Knot: A bundle of muscles at the base of a penis that expands when an alpha is close to climaxing.
It becomes lodged behind the omega’s pubic bone to increase the likelihood of pregnancy, as well as reinforce bonding.
Since it takes some time for a knot to go down (or deflate) the alpha and omega are required to snuggle during that post-sex bliss.
Some authors require an alpha to be mated to be able to knot their omega, while others can knot anyone at any time.
Marking (or mating bite): A bite from an alpha located at the juncture between the neck and shoulder.
Marking (or mating) is like marriage. The pair’s scents become more intertwined, and a mental bond is created where they can feel each other’s emotions.
Depending on the author, a mental bond can be instantaneous or may take several days to form.
Marking an omega often prevents other alphas from taking them. Only alphas can mark others.
Mates: Similar to a wife or husband. Once an alpha marks (or bites) another person, they become mates.
Mating Bite: See Marking.
Mental Bond: When an alpha bites an omega, a mental bond is formed.
The pair can feel each other’s emotions and, in some cases, can even track one another if lost. While alphas can bite other alphas, they do not create mental bonds, and only some betas can feel mental bonds with their mates, but they tend to be weak at best.
Mpreg (AKA male pregnancy): Male omegas essentially have two sets of reproductive organs.
They have a penis, which produces sperm, and they have a uterus, which is located in the anal cavity.
Males give birth either anally or via C-section.
However, the specifics surrounding pregnancy and birth varies depending on the author.
Nests: Omegas have nests. Building or fixing a nest is known as nesting.
Nests are made of blankets, pillows, and other soft and squishy things.
Nests are very personal to omegas, as this is where they frequently go during their heats.
It is common etiquette to ask permission to enter someone’s nest.
Pack: A group of alphas who live together. They are often lovers, but that’s not a requirement. A pack of alphas will share an omega as a mate. Betas can be members of packs as well, but it’s less likely.
Pheromones: Produced by the scent glands, this “perfume” is created by alphas and omegas (sometimes betas) to attract mates.
Just like anything else, what smells good to one person might repulse another.
In some cases, an alpha or omega will search for a mate through scent matches rather than dating.
Rut: An alpha’s version of a heat, where the need to breed is at its highest. Alphas become highly aggressive and dominant during this time.
An omega’s pheromones can trigger a rut.
Alphas crave unmarked (or unmated) omegas during this time, but will settle for pretty much anything in their delirious state.
Rut Suppressants: Medication that will suppress or reduce the intensity of a rut. They will not work once a rut has started, and must be taken in the days leading up to the rut.
Scent glands: Located in the wrists and the juncture of the neck and the shoulder.
The aroma produced by the glands (or pheromones) is different for each person.
Omegas tend to produce sweet scents, betas are subtle, and alphas have strong, masculine scents.
Emotions can be sensed through these aromas, including distress, anger, or arousal.
Scenting: Alphas and omegas frequently scent one another.
This can be as simple as smelling someone (even in a discreet way), or it can mean coating oneself in another person's scent by rubbing their face and hands all over their body. There’s lots of nuzzling and pressing against scent glands during more intimate scenting.
Slick: A sweet, semi-translucent lubricant produced by omegas when aroused. It helps ease any chafing from prolonged sex with alphas (who tend to be well-endowed). Male omegas also produce slick in their anus.
Slick Glands: Found inside the vaginal canal or anus. Produces slick. If pressed (by a penis or fingers), it will produce more slick.
Unclaimed: An omega who is not mated.