The Princess and the Pack (Rebellious Royals Omegaverse #1)
Series Specific Omegaverse Terms & Mechanics
SERIES SPECIFIC OMEGAVERSE TERMS & MECHANICS
Omegaverse is an alternate version of reality where everyone has a specific biological designation of either alpha, beta, or omega. This is also sometimes referred to as a secondary gender. While everyone is born with a pre-determined designation, it may not present itself until a certain age/stage of someone’s life.
In my books, alphas and omegas “fully designate” at twenty-one. This means they develop their unique senses/biological markers at this time. For omegas, this means after turning twenty-one they will have their first heat. At this age, both alphas and omegas develop the ability to perceive the scents others.
In this series, only scent-matched mates (or pack mates who share a scent-matched mate) can perceive each other’s true scents vividly. Everyone else can perceive the scents of others, but not in a profound way.
Also, in this series, societal hierarchy dictates that nobility and royalty do not live in packs like the common people do. This is an archaic, outdated way of thinking rooted in wanting to ensure the continuity of certain bloodlines and consolidation of power.
While in some books, Omegaverse = shapeshifters, that is not the case in this series. This is a non-shifter Omegaverse.
Please see below for some of the specifics of my particular Omegaverse, along with a few important terms.
What is the importance of scent?
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Scent is a cornerstone of the Omegaverse. Every person, alpha, beta, or omega, has their own unique scent. A person’s scent can reveal a lot about them, particularly their emotional state, whether or not they are in heat, etc. Most importantly, a scent is how one can attract or recognize one’s potential mates. If a scent is offensive to someone, they will likely not be a good match. Conversely, if a scent is attractive to someone, there is a higher potential for sex and even bonding/mating.
What is an alpha?
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Seen as protectors in society, an alpha is typically a male—though there are female alphas on rare occasions. They are physically more imposing than betas or omegas and are typically more aggressive/territorial than the other designations. Societally, alphas are usually in positions of power. Alphas usually form pack bonds with other alphas and pursue a common partner, typically an omega, with which to mate. They also have “special” anatomy (see knotting.)
What is a prime alpha?
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In my books, a prime alpha is usually the “head” alpha in a pack. They are the leader of the group that the other alphas defer to in difficult situations.
What is a beta?
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A beta is most like a “normal person” in that they are not ruled by pheromones or biological urges. Sometimes they are viewed as the “calming presence” when in a pack and can act as a sort of buffer between the two extreme designations of alpha and omega. They do not have as strong of senses as alphas and omegas, so they aren’t always as affected by scents. Speaking of scents, beta scents are usually more subdued than those of an alpha or an omega. However, it is still possible for them to have scent matches or be attracted to someone’s scent/attract someone by their scent.
What is an omega?
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An omega is typically a female, though there are male omegas on rare occasions. They are the least physically imposing of all the designations and are known to be very beautiful. Female omegas are usually shorter, curvier women. Omegas are comfort creatures and are known to be nurturing. They usually make the “center” of a pack. As they are the rarest designation, they are usually prized in society and doted on/spoiled by their mates. However, they are also the most likely to be taken advantage of/demeaned in society as well. omegas also have special anatomy and biological cycles (see heats.)
What is heat?
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Heat is a cyclical biological occurrence for omegas. In my books, heats usually occur twice a year. During a heat, an omega typically needs near-constant sexual stimulation, praise, comfort, and encouragement. They also have a need to be knotted by their heat partners and have little awareness of their surroundings beyond these needs. Omegas also produce an abundance of slick (see slick) during their heat to aid in the near-constant sex. Unsatisfied heats can be medically dangerous, not to mention extremely physically painful. Heats can last anywhere from a few days to a week. During this time, omegas rely on their heat partners (typically more than one alpha) to satisfy them sexually, as well as to take care of them in terms of eating, staying hydrated, staying clean, etc. Truly, an omega in heat is the most “out of control” and primal state they can be in. One symptom of an upcoming heat is an omega’s need to nest.
What is slick?
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Slick is an omega’s natural lubrication produced to help facilitate sex with alphas, knotting, and preventing chafing during their heat. Omegas, both male and female, produce this in large amounts during their heat.
What is nesting?
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Nesting is an omega’s natural instinct to create a safe, comfortable environment for their heats. When an Omega is being courted by a pack, it can be customary for the pack to build their omega a nest or at least purchase/provide the materials for their omega to make the perfect nest. When an Omega has found their mates or is being courted, typically they prefer items that smell like their mates to be in their nest. For example, blankets or items of clothing worn by their mates. Nesting is wholly instinctual, and an omega will know when it is “right” or “not right” and will likely fuss over it until it is perfect. Typically nests are smaller, enclosed areas with dim lighting, lots of pillows, blankets, and any comfort items. omegas are known to be very territorial of their nest as it is a space for them and their mates. It is customary for anyone wanting to enter to ask permission first, as unwanted presences or scents can deeply upset an omega.
What is courting?
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Courting is when a pack intends to woo an omega and aims to mate and bond with them. During courting, omegas are usually bestowed gifts by their potential mates, taken on dates, scent marked, etc. It is essentially dating with the express intent of a life-long partnership. Omegas are usually presented with the idea of courting by a pack and can either accept or deny this.
What is rut?
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Much like omegas are overtaken by their hormones and go into heat, so can Alphas go into rut. This is usually triggered by an omega’s heat. Alphas become even more aggressive, territorial, etc., and can remain aroused for longer periods of time in order to satisfy an omega. Much like an omega’s heat, this is an alpha’s most primal, “out of control” state.
What is perfume?
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Perfume is the scent of an omega’s arousal. It usually happens in tandem with an omega producing slick. When an omega is aroused, they “ perfume,” which makes their scent permeate the space around them. When going into heat, an omega will likely perfume more and have less control over it.
What is signature?
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In my books, a signature refers to an alpha’s scent/scent of their arousal. It is comparable to an omega’s perfume.
What is a knot/knotting?
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In the context of my books, a knot refers to the expanding ring of muscles at the base of a male alpha’s penis. This expands during sex, especially near climax, and can be used to lock inside an omega partner. After a time, knots deflate and “release” the party that has been knotted. Omegas have pleasure centers where an alpha’s knot might lock. This is true for both female and male omegas. Both alphas and omegas feel the urge to knot/be knotted on a primal level, especially during a heat/rut. Also, it is unlikely that any other designation besides omegas could physically handle an alpha’s knot without damage or pain. An omega’s anatomy is specifically designed for an alpha’s knot.
What is a pack?
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A pack is a group of people, usually made up of multiple alphas and an omega, who are connected to one another for life. Betas can also be a part of a pack and sometimes even more than one omega, though the latter is very rare. A pack is a chosen family. Pack dynamics can vary depending on the pack. For example, one pack may all be sexually and romantically involved with each other, while another might just share a common partner (typically the omega.)
What is an Alpha bark?
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Alpha bark is a command laced within words spoken by an alpha. Usually, this is a deeper pitch to their voice, and when utilized, it can make omegas and sometimes betas or “less dominant” Alphas bend to their will. This can be used for good or for evil. It can especially be seen as a betrayal of someone’s bodily autonomy, especially an omega’s, as they are biologically programmed to obey an alpha bark.
What is purring?
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Purring is something alphas do to comfort/soothe their partners or show that they are deeply happy and feel safe. Purring for someone is usually a sign of a deep emotional connection or only reserved for one’s mates. Think of a cat purring, but deeper and emanating from someone’s chest. It can have immediate calming effects on the recipient.
What is scent marking?
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Scent marking is the act of transferring one’s scent to a potential mate. This is a territorial and/or act of extreme comfort and affection. It is to let others know that an alpha/beta/omega “belongs” to the person who is scent-marking them. This can happen in several ways but usually involves one party taking a heavily scented part of themselves and rubbing it against their partner. For example, one might bury their cheek against the other’s neck and nuzzle or against their hair, wrists, etc. In a more sexual context, one might scent mark their partner by “finishing” on them.
What is a scent match?
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A scent match is someone whose scent is a perfect match for you. Think, fated mates. No one else has ever nor will ever smell as perfect as your scent match. Finding a scent match often triggers a very primal, visceral physical response and a deep need to be near your mate, protect them, claim and bond them, etc. Once finding a scent match, it is unlikely that any other potential match would be of any interest. An omega usually has more than one scent match, but alphas and betas can, too, depending on the book.
What is bonding?
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Bonding is a soul connection made when an alpha sinks their teeth into their intended mate deep enough to break the skin. Usually, this happens at or near the neck but really can be anywhere on the body. This links an alpha and their omega together permanently and is usually accompanied by the ability to feel their bonded’s emotions no matter how far they might be in distance from one another. Alphas can also bond with betas and other alphas. In some books, omegas can also claim alphas/betas/omegas in return.