In this world, bonds weren't just spoken promises. They were carved into skin, etched in pheromones, and sealed with teeth. They called it marking—the act of an Alpha sinking their bite into the gland of an Omega.
There were two kinds.
The first was the temporary mark. A shallow bite, one that eased the fire of a heat for a little while. It soothed, it calmed, it gave the illusion of safety. But like a fleeting dream, it faded after days, maybe weeks, leaving nothing behind but the memory. Useful in desperate moments, but never enough to bring lasting balance.
The second was the permanent mark. Deeper. Final. A bond that stitched two lives together forever. Once claimed this way, an Omega's body would stabilize, their heat regulated, their pheromones anchored. But it also meant belonging to that Alpha—and only that Alpha—for the rest of their life. No escape, no undoing. For many Omegas, that choice was heavier than chains.
And now… it was the choice Rin had to face.
His hands curled into fists on his lap. His heart pounded against his ribs, a wild animal clawing to escape. The word permanent gnawed at his mind. Belonging to one Alpha, forever? Exposing himself as an Omega in such a way?
He swallowed hard and looked away, his eyes fixed on the faint reflection of himself in the window. "What about a temporary mark?" he asked, his voice quieter this time, almost hesitant. "Wouldn't that work for now? Even if it's just for a little while—"
Eric cut him off gently but firmly. "It would work, yes. For a few days. Maybe a week. But it won't cure the root problem. Think of it like pouring water on a fire without putting out the embers—it'll flare back up again, worse than before. Your heats will keep coming early, keep growing unstable, and your body will deteriorate. Rin, if this continues, you'll burn yourself out."
The words fell like stones in Rin's chest. He sat there, silent, his sharp features shadowed by doubt.
Eric sighed and moved from his seat, walking around the desk until he stood beside Rin. Then, without hesitation, he pulled up a chair and sat close. Close enough that Rin could feel the warmth of him, steady and grounding.
"I know you don't want this," Eric said softly. His tone was no longer clinical, but that of someone who had been at Rin's side through blood and fire. "You've always hated the idea of being bound. You've built yourself up as someone untouchable, someone free. But this isn't about pride or image anymore. This is about your life."
Rin's throat tightened. He stared down at his hands, the pale fingers scarred faintly from years of fights and survival. His chest felt heavy.
"I don't know what to do," he admitted, his voice breaking the silence like a confession. "It's not just a choice—it's giving myself to someone, permanently. It means telling them what I am, what I've kept hidden all this time."
Eric placed a hand on his shoulder, firm but comforting. "You won't have to force anyone. That's not who you are, and I know it. But you do need to choose someone. Someone you can trust. Someone strong enough to handle it."
Rin finally raised his eyes to Eric, suspicion flickering in the depths of his gaze. "And who, exactly, do you think that should be?"
"Don't get shocked, but I think this person is the best choice," Eric said, looking at Rin seriously.
" Who?"
Eric hesitated for only a moment before speaking. "Lucas."
Rin froze.
"…What?" His voice was sharp, disbelieving.
Eric leaned back slightly, his arms crossed again. "Lucas is the best option. He's been with you the longest, hasn't he? He's loyal, he's dependable, and—" Eric gave a small smirk, trying to lighten the weight in the room—"he's not bad to look at either. Handsome, strong, and above all, trustworthy. You know it as well as I do."
Rin's mouth parted slightly, but no words came. He simply stared at Eric, shock written across his pale face. Lucas?
Eric's smirk faded as his voice softened again. "I'm serious. He would never betray you, Rin. And he's an Alpha. One of the few who wouldn't use that power to control you."
Rin leaned back in his chair, exhaling shakily. His gaze fell to the floor, and he stayed quiet for a long moment. The truth was, Eric wasn't wrong. Lucas had always been by his side—quiet, loyal, his shadow in moments when trust was scarce. If anyone could be trusted with such a bond… perhaps it was him.
"…I could ask him," Rin said finally, his voice low, uncertain. "But I won't force him. If he refuses, then so be it."
"That's fair," Eric agreed with a nod. "It has to be his choice too."
Rin sighed heavily, running a hand through his dark hair. His fingers trembled faintly as he let them fall back into his lap. "To ask him, I'd have to tell him. Everything. My identity. What I've been hiding all this time."
Eric nodded again, unflinching. "And I think he deserves to know. He's earned that much. Besides, you trust him. I trust him. He won't reveal it to anyone."
Rin closed his eyes for a moment, his expression pained, as though he were carrying the weight of two worlds. "I'll tell him. But not now. Not yet. After the auction mess is settled. That's when I'll decide."
Eric studied him for a moment, then let out a long breath. "Alright. After the auction. But, Rin—" his voice dropped, sharper now—"you shouldn't be going to the auction at all. You're still in heat. You can't risk it."
"I'm going," Rin said immediately, his eyes snapping open with cold resolve. "It's important. I need to be there."
Eric's jaw tightened. "You're risking too much. One slip, and everyone in that room will know you're an Omega. Do you realize how dangerous that is?"
"I realize it better than anyone." Rin's voice was sharp, his gaze unyielding. "But this isn't something I can leave to others. I have to be there. I'll manage. Just give me more suppressants."
Eric looked at him, frustration flashing in his usually calm eyes. For a moment, he wanted to argue more, to force Rin to stay behind. But he knew it was useless. Rin's will was unbreakable once set.
"…Fine," Eric muttered at last, rubbing his temples. "But only until tomorrow. Then we'll see."
Rin gave a small nod, his expression unreadable, though the tension in his shoulders eased just slightly. He leaned back in his chair, exhaustion written in the lines of his body.
Eric watched him for a long moment, then sighed again, softer this time. No matter what, Rin always carried everything on his own shoulders. And Eric knew—sooner or later—something would break.
But for now, all he could do was stand by his side.