21. Only One Shot
Only One Shot
~NATHANIEL JR~
“ W hy is he showing up now?”
I’m pacing the miniature bathroom as if it’s big enough to give me the comforting ease I need by repetitively walking from one end to another.
I’m waiting for the powder to settle into my system. Those tiny white particles ease into my limbs and steal the anxiety that’s fighting to drown me effortlessly.
Nothing is going in my favor right now, and this is a big problem because I’m so fucking close to my tour debut.
Why is everything fighting to come crashing down?
I’m hiding out in the washroom because if I walk into that space with that Omega in the mix, I don’t know what will happen.
I’ll lose my shit.
Her arrival seemed to trigger this madness.
All these events, one after another.
She’s in my tour bus, and suddenly, there’s this whole fucking movement trying to put us Alphas under the bus. Hell, I bet she’s the mastermind behind it all. I wouldn’t put it past her.
Cunning bitch.
Omegas.
They’re all the same. Doing everything to up us Alphas. All because we’re forced to love them. Biological slaves to their devious games. All for what?
Some pussy fuckery and I have to be the breadwinner for all her luxurious desires just to work in the career I bust my ass to maintain?
“Foolish,” I whisper in haste as I keep walking. I’m trying to ignore how clammy my hands feel and how sweat continues to roll down the sides of my face.
I’m glad the dizziness has passed because I can’t collapse here.
Everything is on the line. I can’t show weakness now.
Easier said than done.
I could barely sleep last night, knowing this Omega is either fucking all my mates in my pack or is scheming to fuck things up for me than she’s already prospered in achieving.
Without her, the tour was going to be canceled. A blessing, yet her arrival seems to be most convenient for the packless Omega, who has my best friends fawning over her like she’s worth millions.
Fucking laughable.
Women are weak. They’re good for the fucking and moaning luxury that ignites when we’re horny and need a bit of relief, but what else can they bring to the table?
Make me a fucking sandwich, Astraea.
Listening to the thought makes me grin with pride.
Throw that the way and see if she can give me a power trip.
She took me off guard on the tour bus, but I have the intention of not backing down the next time she tries. You have to put a woman in their place, or else they think they can wreak havoc in your life.
“Ugh. I won’t let her take control. This is my pack. My friends. My career. Fuck the government. They’re just exploiting this situation to see how we react. Watch the Alphas who crumble and those who rise. I’m going to be the risen Alphas that survive this challenge. That’s what this all is. A test of wit.”
Talking to myself helps to further ease the madness.
I should have sniffed that shit this morning, but no. I had this brief epiphany that maybe getting sober and stopping these drugs would make me worthy of this Omega’s attention.
I’m fucking stupid even thinking about quitting my pleasures for her.
No wonder why my buddies at the bar were laughing at my ass.
They give the best advice. A shame they’re dealing with financial issues and shit due to this stupid Knot Their Omega movement. Blasphemy to insinuate this shit as if it’s the law.
Since when did these Omegas need a voice? The good ones are always stolen from this world before they can blossom and show their beauty to the world. I’ve seen it firsthand, experiencing the heartache that follows when they leave you behind in this cruel world.
That’s exactly why I won’t deny myself the opportunities I worked endlessly to maintain.
“Put her in place. Remind the pack who the true leader is, and get along with the night,” I vow. “Then I can go visit my friends. They were asking for some funds. I could give them a bit, and they can pay me back later.”
Trying to help my pack friends financially is the least I can do, seeing as they now have to find an Omega urgently, like a good chunk of packs.
Those who can’t are going bankrupt because they can’t do anything employment-wise unless proving they have an Omega. No living sex doll, no privilege to work and make a living for yourself and pack.
It’s counterproductive, if you ask me, but I’m not foolish. I’ve witnessed how merciless the government will be if you don’t obey their command, they now deem as a law.
A ruthless one that’s not being considerate in the slightest.
I may be out of the woodwork right now, but having to prove that Astraea woman is our Omega is going to be a pain in my ass.
I’d rather just fuck a bunch of strangers and take a believable picture to conclude we got our fuck toy.
Maybe I can convenience the others to stop being so kind to this fake bitch and participate in reminding her who’s in power in this contractional dynamic between Omega and Alpha.
That’s all this will ever be.
A contract to give me everything I want and deserve while the Omega behaves like she should. It’s all amusing to me—the happiness of what’s to come beginning to settle into my bones.
I feel proud now. Excited even to get things rolling and moving.
Patting my chest, I suddenly feel this burst of energy. I feel alive. Strong. Excited for the rest of the day ahead of us. Looking into the mirror, I’m proud to see the elation of excitement in the lines of my face. That sense of being alive.
“Let’s do this.” I’m more determined than ever, leaving the washroom with far more confidence than when I arrived.
It’s not hard to know which room they’re in. That intoxicating sweet smell is getting stronger with every step I take. It’s hard to pick up the others because her scent washes it all away.
No. She consumes them all, letting out her perfume as if to lead me astray.
I bet this is all a trap, but I won’t be a fool.
The moment I reach the door, I don’t hesitate to open it.
Now or never.
“UNO, MOTHER FUCKER!”
The slam of the table ignites groans and laughter as I see my copy slamming a set of cards that triggers madness.
“YOU CHEATING FUCKER!” Icarus shouts in dismay.
“How the fuck did you do that?!” It’s the loudest I’ve ever heard Kai speak. Or shout. I don’t even know. “Who gave you their cards?!”
“Fuck off and admit defeat!” There’s my brother, standing there with a gleaming grin. I’ve never seen him smile that big, his eyes twinkling with so much joy and that boyish excitement I haven’t experienced since I was a kid.
The wild giggle is joined by a manic one, and my eyes dart to see the Omega and Kenji sitting on big beanie bags while it’s very clear Kenji is painting this woman’s nails.
Her nails!
“I watched the whole thing! Nathaníel won fair and square!”
“That was so good, I almost messed up Sweet Hummingbird’s nails. Good one!”
“Hurry the fuck up so you can come defeat this douche!” Icarus complains in dismay.
“No one can defeat me!” Nathaníel states in triumph.
“Oh, that’s where you fucked up,” Kai declares. “No one beats Kenji in anything.”
“How about Twister?” the Omega offers.
The way they all stare at her has Kenji laughing hysterically.
“Trust me, Astraea. If we play Twister, we’re going to be doing more than twisting limbs,” Kenji declares before lifting her finger so he can blow on it. “It’ll get sweaty, and I’m sure you know what I mean by that.”
“So…” she begins and thinks about it. “Sex Twister for later!”
The way the guys splutter and choke on their own saliva has Kenji losing his fucking mind.
“I’m sold! Astraea’s never leaving us, ever,” he declares. “I’ll fight everyone who doesn’t like it!”
“Seems like we’re all in agreement, anyway,” Icarus casually notes. “We should order more food. I’m fucking starving.”
“Losing worked up an appetite, huh?” Nathaníel declares.
“Fuck you! Wait ‘til we’re in working hours. Then we’ll see if you’re going to be talking shit!”
“Yeah, yeah,” Nathaníel dismisses him. “When are we getting a new song, anyway?”
“What, you want one?” Icarus inquires.
“I thought we’d debut with a new one no one has heard. Like a ballad that transitions into rock madness,” Nathaníel suggests. “I don’t know. Obviously, you’re in charge of all that. I’m not really good with the lyrical part. I got a cool melody, though.”
“Do you?” Kenji seems intrigued. “Do I get to do a drumming solo madness part in there?”
“Could make it happen,” Nathaníel smiles at the idea. “Why not? I can see it being inputted.”
“With strikes of an electric guitar,” Kai suggests. “Your guitar guy can do that.”
“You’re not in the band?” Nathaníel sounds confused.
“Didn’t feel the need to join. Besides, I figured staying low profile in this country is the objective,” Kai notes.
“You don’t give two shits about that,” Nathaníel dismisses. “I see you once in a new moon and know that’s a weak excuse.”
Kai just smirks.
I’ve never seen him smile so much. He’s always so stoic and hates expressing anything. Or so I thought. Seeing him even relaxed like this makes me upset in an odd way.
“Wait. You play guitar?”
All eyes are on the Omega as she looks at her nails, realizing Kenji is done.
“Ah! These turned out so cute! Kenji! You’re good at this!”
“You like it?”
“LOVE IT!” she cheers and gets up to quickly hug him. “Thank you, Kenji.”
“You’re welcome, Sweet Hummingbird.” He rubs her back as he hugs her tightly. It’s just a sweet interaction that makes me want to vomit at the sight.
She’s looking back at Kai when she slips out of Kenji’s arms.
“So, guitar?”
“Yes,” Kai answers and leans back in his chair. “Always played but stopped.”
“Why did you stop?” She looks confused.
Kai shrugs. “I guess I lost the passion for it. I don’t know.”
“Would you ever go back to it?” she wonders almost innocently.
Kai stares at her for a few seconds.
“Once in a while,” he finally answers. “Curious?”
“Just a little,” she says and shows a space between her thumb and index finger to emphasize the amount of curiosity. “But only if I’m there!”
He smirks. “We’ll see.”
This fucker!
He wouldn’t even play guitar for the band when our guy was sick. Yet, here he is, trying to please this Omega bitch?
Kenji whistles before he hugs the Omega from behind.
“Look at the effect you have on us, Sweet Hummingbird. I haven’t seen Kai agree to do anything near an instrument in a few years! You’ve got the magic touch.” He hums and leans in close to whisper in her ear, “So, when’s our first date, hmm?”
“Where do you want to go?” She seems excited by the idea.
“I didn’t think that far,” he admits and actually blushes a little. “I haven’t really done much outside. I have the tendency of being a hermit when I get into my drumming sets.”
“I don’t mind that,” she admits. “I’m like that when I have to work.”
“What do you do, Rebel?” my brother asks.
“I… well, it’s a bit confidential,” she looks hesitant to continue, but with a slight look Icarus’ way, she seems to get a bit more confidence. “I help work with clients in demand of music. You know, connect them with songwriters and creators. That whole part of show biz. It’s why I’m pretty knowledgeable about the entertainment industry right now, seeing as I have to know the trends and such,” she reveals.
“So, you’re basically like Icarus in a sense?” Nathaníel offers the idea. “Not necessarily a talent manager, but more so, the person in the middle who helps connect artists with those who can write them the songs they need to do well?”
“Pretty much.” She beams at the idea. “I know there’s not really a name for my position, so a song or lyrical agent can work.”
“Honestly, that’s really cool,” my brother praises. I see he means it with how his eyes sparkle with pride. “It’s a unique career. Specific enough that there’s actually a hidden demand for your work. I’m sure we could use those services along the path.” He further smiles with confidence. “Paid, of course.”
“Y-You wouldn’t have to do that,” she stutters. “Aren’t you guys gonna make me pause work, anyway?”
“Why would we do that, Hummingbird?” Kenji sounds confused.
“Um… most Omegas who find their pack are forced to stop working,” she confesses. “Even if this is temporary, I assumed…”
“You don’t need to stop working.” Icarus shakes his head to emphasize his words. “Not necessary. You’ve built a very strong foundation and demand. Why would we force you to pause? Makes no sense.”
“Are you sure?” She seems surprised as she looks around them. “You guys don’t mind.”
“Don’t mind,” Kai concludes.
“Nah. You should keep busy,” my brother encourages. “We’ll be busy with this tour stuff, but at least if you also have something to do, it won’t be so bad or boring, especially when we’re on the bus.”
“Besides, what if the opportunity comes and you get to work with someone big? Like Blair Vesper or something?” Kenji offers.
Not only does she smirk, but it’s the way she grins that has all four of them looking at her like she’s lost her mind.
“Don’t say it,” Kenji gasps in horror.
“I can’t,” she says and shrugs. “Legally.”
“But,” Kai prompts.
“But,” she repeats and shrugs.
“Oh, you’re a sneaky Rebel,” Nathaníel doesn’t just speak those words; he’s laughing with excitement. “Our Omega has connections, huh?”
“I never said I didn’t,” she admits and looks to Icarus, who is genuinely smiling.
As though this whole interaction makes him happy.
“ Anyway, even if I have connections, you would need to make a baseline for the song. You know, some lyrics. A theme. Some sound recordings. Just to give a general direction of where the piece is going to go. Then I help connect you to the right sources to make it happen,” she summarizes it as if the process is so easy.
I don’t know who she works with, but it’s a lot harder than she’s trying to portray to my pack.
She needs to stop bullshitting them and realize this is all too much for her to chew.
“Why don’t we stop the shenanigans here,” I announce and boldly walk into the room, grabbing their attention as all eyes land on me.
Compared to before, when I was practically having a meltdown, I’m in my zone, feeling the drugs work their fucking magic.
Project confidence and remind this bitch who the leader is.
I try to ignore how defensive my pack suddenly is. Not a single word is spoken, yet the shift in tension in the room is so great, I almost stop walking to the target in my line of vision.
Almost.
Their rigid body language and how they seem to crowd around this woman, who already poisoned their minds effortlessly. It’s ironic when you think about it. They’re the ones always telling me how bad the drugs are for me, yet this Omega isn’t considered a disease prying its way into my once perfect system, desperate to taint and ruin each of the men I dare carry trust in.
It’s okay. They’re not doomed yet. They just need saving.
I’m the savior.
When I take that final step forward, it’s my reflection that decides to face me right on. It’s a mind fuck for a moment because I’m so focused on this bitch that having anything in the way feels like a threat of nature, but I hold the growl that threatens to escape my lips.
“We’re not doing this here,” Nathaníel declares by getting to the point. It’s laughable.
“Not doing what?” I ask low and arch an eyebrow his way. “YOU. Aren’t. Supposed. To. Be. Here.” I emphasize every word. “You promised me. Vowed to be invisible because THAT’S your punishment! That’s the LEAST you can do for our Suzy.”
He’s the problem.
The reason our Suzy decided to leave with that shitty pack of fuckers.
Deflowered. Tortured. Ruined beyond perfection.
Until she was gone.
No more.
A wilted flower with not a petal left to remember her by.
I see how stoic he gets at the mention of our baby sister. How similar we look when layers of anger rise to the surface. It’s shitty to admit the joy that fills my heart to see his reaction.
To get under his skin like he always does to me.
“I can still see you,” I point out the obvious. “Why don’t you run back to your hidden oasis, trying to redeem yourself with stupid drawings that will never erase what you did?”
“What YOU did,” he quietly whispers. “What I was strong enough to take the burden off your weak shoulders.”
I chuckle at his foolishness.
Fucking lies.
“Funny how you guys act like I’m the crazy one, yet you sputter lies left and right. Having hallucinations all the time, but I’m the one not seeing shit for what it is.”
I poke my finger into his chest, hard enough to know it probably hurts, but he stands his ground.
“Get out of my fucking house.”
“It’s our house,” he reminds me. “Last time I checked, I deposited both our sides for the payment since you were a struggling artist trying to make ends meet.”
“And now I’m a prospering sensation who’s going to become a global icon!” How dare he try to belittle me? “Maybe remember that instead of acting as if you’re above me.”
“You want to pick a fight? Do it outside,” he offers and gestures behind me. “Not here.”
“Why?” I question as I tilt my head to one side, noticing how that tiny little pest of an Omega is slowly leaning over to try to see what’s happening. She’s a fucking ant in comparison to my fellow friends, who are so much taller than her. “Scared your little mouse is going to run away?”
“Nate.” Icarus’ firm voice comes from my right. “Don’t start shit.”
“Don’t start what?” I bark back. “Last time I checked, you invited this copycat of a douche into my home and are watching him protect this little bitch of a fraud!”
“Watch your mouth,” Kai warns, and I find it even funnier that he’s even speaking.
“Aren’t you a fucking mute?” I snap at him and flick my hand in his direction. “Fuck off and stay silent like a good little boy.”
“C’mon, Nate. This isn’t like you.” Kenji steps in and somehow manages to slide between me and my brother. It’s because he has a slimmer build than all of us, but his interference just pisses me off.
“Not like me? How the fuck would you know what I’m like? You’re either cooped in your poster cover room, dreaming about foolishness while ignoring the reality around you or being a depressed mother fucker,” I snap and dare laugh. Everything sounds fucking ironic right now. “Weren’t you supposed to jump off a cliff or something? Go do that, will you?”
“That’s enough!” The stern feminine voice comes from that little mouse who is suddenly in front of me like a protective mother ready to fight for her kids.
Only she’s being a protective bitch trying to stand up for these weak set of men who just want to fuck her.
“Apologize!”
I look down at her, seeing the genuine fury in her eyes.
“What?” I don’t know if I should laugh or punch her fucking little face.
“I said APOLOGIZE!” She yells the single word so loudly, it echoes across the hollow walls. Even her voice is on a key I can’t properly register. Musically toned enough to make me wonder if she can sing if she puts in the effort.
“And why would I fucking do that, little mouse? Last time I checked, the problem in this room is standing right in front of me.”
I don’t hesitate to poke her in the chest, the mere action sending her back into Kenji, who catches her. I can see how they all try to say something, yet a single hand goes up in warning.
This little bitch is signaling them not to move? Is she stupid?
“First of all, don’t touch me,” she grumbles and brushes away the spot I poked as if I left a stain she’s desperate to remove. “Second of all, you don’t tell ANYONE to fucking jump off a cliff. Are you fucking stupid?!”
She has the audacity to try to insult me?
“I’m the smartest one in the room. I have to be ‘cause I’m the only one not influenced by their cock to fall for your manipulative tactics.”
“Manipulative tactics?” She gets redder by the second while she takes a step forward so she’s facing me front and center. “I’m doing YOU a favor. This tour would not have happened without ME. I was packless before I met you and your pack, and truthfully, I was fine and dandy.”
She puts her hands on the sides of her waist as if to make her seem more in control of the situation as she fumes away.
“Icarus painted you as some passionate lead singer who was finally getting his big break, yet the man standing here is a rude ass of an addict who’s more focused on fucking random bitches and being a dick to your fellow pack mates than an inspiring artist whose even close to reaching global recognition!”
“You don’t know shit, Omega,” I growl in warning, getting into her face before I poke her in the shoulder. It’s a lot harder than the first, making her flinch, but she stands her ground, thanks to her widened gait.
No problem. One more poke and she’ll stop being a thorn in my side.
“I warned you not to touch me,” her voice dips almost dangerously, making my stomach flip with an odd sense of need. It has to be the closeness, matched with the friction of this interaction, that has me turned on by this madness, but I’d never give this Omega what her body wants.
I rather fuck a statue than fill her with my cock.
“And what will you do, little mouse?” I threaten and lower my voice further so I can say what needs to be said. To finally put her in her place.
“Well, I can knock your lights out in three hits, but my dad and his pack told me I shouldn’t invoke violence on the weak, unfortunately,” she dares comment and even shrugs. “Something about it brings bad karma. Doesn’t work if it’s warranted, though. That’s when all bets are off.”
This cocky bitch…
“ It’s amazing how you stand here as if you’re a ‘somebody.’ As if you have some importance in this fucking society.” When I laugh again, it’s pure mockery because all of this is prosperous. Her entering our lives when she literally is a nobody. “What do you bring to the table, Astraea? You were living where? Some homeless place for Omegas who can’t score a pack to save their lives?”
I see the twitch in her eye, but she doesn’t say a word in return, giving me the chance to continue with no interruption.
“I guess these connections of yours give you enough employment to feed yourself, but that’s really it, huh? You couldn’t purchase your own home without a pack. Can’t purchase a car or bike without an Alpha. You’re lucky you’ve lived long enough without a set of Alphas to hold the reins of power in our society!” It’s the truth, really. What else are Omegas good for without an Alpha to lead the way?
“Maybe I should be the one to give you the wake-up call you need. The only good thing Omegas are useful for is fucking, and even that is questionable because most of you aren’t even good at that. Trust me, I’ve fucked enough to have a good track record.”
She bites her bottom lip, making it seem as if she’d cry any moment. That ignites a surge of elation through me. A sense of pride that I can destroy this pesky ant who thinks she can waltz into my life and run it by her rules.
I don’t think so.
“This Knot Their Omega Movement is but a phase. It’s not permanent. It’s certainly not going to last long when, in reality, you Omegas need us. Without Alphas, you’re completely useless. Your existence is just a flicker of a flame, waiting for the wax to run out. We know it. The government knows it. Everyone knows the true power between the Alpha and Omega dynamic,” I elaborate with pride.
“You can keep playing your delusional ‘I’m helping you’ nonsense all you want, but the truth lies in front of all of us. The sooner you see that, the easier it’ll be to submit and bow to the real leader of this shit show.” I lean in close then, smiling from ear to ear because I know I’ve triumphed in reminding her of her place.
“So let’s cut this bullshit?” I offer a suggestion she can’t refuse. “We’re going to pretend this never happened and start fresh. You’re going to back off from my pack members, and the only reason you should be around them is when they need you to perform your duty as our temporary Omega. They may be acting foolish right now, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to be sexually relieved here and there.”
I don’t bother looking at any of them.
My prime focus is still on this little mouse who’s gotten so damn quiet.
Music to my ears.
“Aside from the sexual endeavors required of you, I don’t want to see you. Don’t want to hear your pipsqueak voice. Don’t want to smell your obnoxious, sweet scent. I don’t want a fucking reminder of your existence after today. You want to be a good Omega? Do what you’re told until this tour is done, and we can go our separate ways permanently.”
When she has nothing to say, I grin at her obvious defeat.
Poking into the center of her chest, I watch the way her eyes descend to my index finger, then slowly rise to meet my taunting eyes that belittle her existence.
“Now. Why don’t we start by seeing if you follow orders from your Alpha?” I suggest leaning inward, so our faces are inches apart. It’s a shame that she’s an Omega and not a normal woman in our primitive world.
She’s got a pretty face, especially those lips.
They always got to make them pretty and cunning to fuck our lives up. A shame.
“Go into the kitchen and make me a fucking sandwich, Omega.”
The silence that follows has never been more bittersweet.
Until it isn’t.
Pain shoots through me from my finger, enough to make me flinch and hiss in agony before I’m forced to see the damage that has me fighting for breath.
“Fuck,” I curse, only to realize my index finger isn’t just bent.
It’s fucking broken.
“You fucking cunt ass bi—” I can’t finish because the pain between my legs is so severe, I can’t barely inhale a breath. My immediate reaction is to clutch my balls, even with my broken ass finger. My knees buckle, forcing me to the ground and leaving me growling in agony as I realize what just happened.
Did she just kick me in the balls?
“Someone needs a nappy nap.”
I lift my head at those words, staring at the riled-up Omega, who is in a fighting stance with her fist drawn back, ready to strike.
“I’ll get you your fucking sandwich,” she assures me and dares to smile like a cynical mastermind. “In your fucking dreams.”
Her fist glides forward, hitting my face right and center before I can even react.
And just like that, there’s nothing but darkness.