Chapter 3

For the next five days it was the same routine. Waking up to a plain breakfast, sitting in his room, looking out the window, fiddling with the fire place; and by that time it was lunch. Another form of mystery protein and vegetables. Then nothing but loneliness until dinner. It was enough to drive anyone mad.

The only time Aaron was able to breathe were the few times Anne was able to sneak him into the gardens. Even that was not enough.

It wasn't that simple to leave his residence. His door was guarded by two men: who at first glance looked like butlers. Aaron thought of them as bodyguards. The muscle so to speak.

His maid Anna was outside as well to cater to whatever needs she was ALLOWED to give.

Not to mention that though the window to the room opened, Aaron found himself three stories and a slick brick siding all the way down to the ground. It was almost certain he would break his legs or worse if he tried to jump.

It was a prison.

Aaron sat in the silent room. The wind was wicked on the other side of the window. Carrying the snow through the air as the wooden frame rattled. There would be no going outside today.

He traced the frame with his index finger while looking out towards the dead forest ahead. He often wondered what it looked like in the spring. How luscious it would have been in the summer. Possibly the variety of colors it would provide in the autumn.

Where he was now was a world different than the one he had been born into.

He pictured the tiny hovel where he grew up. His older brother and sister playing with broken toys by a small fireplace. His mother: Sitting in her favorite wooden chair humming a familiar tune. The four walls in which they lived were small. Drafts between the stone walls made for freezing Winters but cool in the summers.

Being the only Omega child: he remembered constantly being held by his mother. Her smell, her red dress that she always wore: all burned into his memory. Including her blue eyes. Almost like frost. The one thing she passed down to him. Though poor, she always had a soft smile on her face.

A knock came from the door startling Aaron back to his reality.

"Yes?" He called out.

Anna stepped into the room with one other maid.

Aaron looked between the two.

"Sir Winter, I am here to prepare you for this evening." She lifted a fresh set of clothing in her arms. They were different from what he had been wearing since staying in the manor.

The material was made of silk. The threading was fine with gold and white stitching around the sleeves. The shoulders had been cut away to reveal his skin. The pants were made of the same material.

Along with almost luxurious clothing came simple jewels: which the other maid was carrying. They were faux gold that glistened. A necklace and a sash for around the waist.

Almost feminine.

"I am going to wear this?" Aaron held it up with a grimaced look on his face.

"This is what Lord Fletch has prepared for you" Anna placed the remaining accessories onto the bed.

"Lord Fletch?" Aaron set the shirt down.

"He wishes for you to be presentable", Anna carefully spoke, trying to find the right words.

"What is the date today?" Aaron's eyes slightly widened.

Anna conversed with the other maid for a moment.

"The 7th day of the the month I presume".

Aaron slightly flinched. He remembered Lord Fletch's words.

"If you would please come with me Sir Winter, we have drawn a bath for you" Anna motioned to the door. The guards giving him a side eye.

Aaron had been primped and polished head to toe. His skin was smooth from the oils used in the bath. He smelled strange. He couldn't place it. Anna had told him the oils replicated the scent of blooming flowers.

He wore the outfit that had been picked for him. The material felt strange against his skin. It felt as if they would slip right off. Not to mention the not so subtle clanking of the faux jewels he wore.

Being escorted down a long hallway he leaned towards Anna.

"Is all of this that necessary?" He whispered.

She leaned back over to him as they walked. "I have been told that Alpha Zane has particular tastes and that everything should be prepared the way he asks.

Aaron looked down at what he was wearing.

"Does he want me to be a girl?" He questioned himself.

Before he knew it they stood outside of the double doors to Zane's chambers.

"Please wait here, I must be sure Alpha Zane is ready." Anna motioned for Aaron to wait.

Aaron stood in silence waiting. He had grown a bit anxious as the minutes passed. It wasn't a feeling of fear but more of agitation.

He bit his thumb nail as his eyes stayed glued to the doors. His restless foot: toes tapping against the floor.

"Well that's a new look for you".

Aaron's heart leapt slightly. He hadn't payed attention to his surroundings. He looked to his right.

Placing a hand on his shoulder was Zeke. He stood facing the door.

"Must be hard to wait like this. My brother isn't the most hospitable type when it comes to his guests."

He looked to Aaron.

"And a shame too since you got all dolled up for him."

Aaron was already feeling self concious about the choice in clothing: a sweeping sensation of embarassment clung to his cheeks.

"Just stop". Aaron mumbled.

Zeke broke out into a sort of laughter.

"Don't be so stiff I'm only teasing." He grinned.

Taking his finger he traced Aaron's exposed nape.

Aaron smacked his hand away out of instinct.

"I will say that if Zane doesn't want you then you are always welcome to comfort me".

Zeke teased some more.

In that moment the door creaked open.

"You may enter Sir Winter." Anna stepped to the side.

Zeke grasped Aaron's shoulders from behind. He leaned into his ear and softly spoke.

"I should warn you. He can be very violent during these ceremonies".

Aaron's stomach dropped.

With a light shove Aaron walked into the room, looking back at Zeke who waved a short farewell to him.

The doors shut with a thud behind Aaron. He turned to the dim room.

It was the same as the first time he had been there. All the way down to the color of the carpet.

A figure stood on the far side of the room. Standing by a large window. The storm seemed to have settled as the sun was beginning to set. The yellow and orange rays danced off of the white wonderland.

The figure turned. Zane.

He stood in a long white robe that had been carefully draped over his shoulders. He was bare chested with white pants. Possibly made of silk as well.

It was his eyes. The emerald eyes that somewhat snared Aaron.

Averting his eyes he looked around the room. There were a couple glasses and a bottle of wine sitting on a far table.

"Okay. What if I can get him drunk enough to pass out then we...wait that probably won't work." Aaron thought to himself.

Zane stepped towards him slowly.

Aaron looked at the bed.

He dabbled with the possibility of smothering the man with a pillow.

That idea was ten times worse. He forgot how strong Alphas could be.

The distance between them began to close.

Aaron had run out of options and out of time.

Standing in front of him was the alpha himself.

A mere foot between the two zane's eyes glistened just as brightly as Aaron's ue ones.

Zane began to lean forward. His eyes never left the Omega's.

Aaron's heart rate picked up speed. As Zane leaned closer.

He clenched his fist at the ready. Ready to throw a punch. His survival instincts starting to kick in.

All he could do was wait until the Alpha put a singular finger on him. That was when he would strike.

Zane had leaned all the way to Aaron's left ear. He could feel the man's hot breath tickling his neck. He opened his mouth.

"Put your fist down, I don't have a thing for Omegas".

He pulled back and looked down at Aaron with a vacant expression.

The two stood there staring at one another.