Chapter 1: Permission
She stood near the table in the hall. Hands rubbing against each other… slow… then faster. Preparing… Practicing… Rehearsing…
Permissions were something that she wasn't often given. Not when she was the only person that mattered to him.
Being an alpha's omega did pose restrictions on her. Restrictions that were authoritative, or rather possessive.
Restrictions that costed expensive. That made her suppress her freedom. Feelings.
Being an alpha's omega again is difficult… Especially with him…
"Can I stay for study hours?" No this doesn't feel right.
Something brief , short but expressive.
"I have study hours tomorrow…" No, this feels worse. It tells too much.
She loosened her hands then prepared again, tired of the imaginary rehearsals she's been going through …
"I want to stay…"
Suddenly the door opened. A man walked in. Black suit white shirt, crisp and controlled.
She gasped. Not out of fear. She was just, not prepared.
His eyes landed on her immediately, and stayed, studying her. Eyes locked on her.
"You've been standing here for a while." He said, his voice low but sure.
She straightened her hands slightly. "Yeah, I was just…" she stopped, unsure and hesitant.
He looked at her briefly. "Something wrong?" He tried again, gentler this time.
"No, nothing!" She shook her head quickly. Too quickly.
Another brief scan. "Nothing?" He repeated, almost pressing on her… in a little suffocating way.
"Yes…"
He turned slightly, about to leave.
"Actually…" She began, not sure if to say it. Not sure if her preparation was enough. Not sure how he might react. "Can I stay for study hours tomorrow?"
This wasn't exactly what she finalized to say. But in front of his presence it accidentally came out.
He fully turned towards her.
"There are extra study hours tomorrow…" she began slowly, explaining. Or rather herself.
"Till when?" He cut in.
"Eight."
"No." The reply was instant. It didn't feel like he even thought about it. Or heard it properly.
For a moment she went quite. She didn't rehearse this part, though she expected him to say no. This was common when she wanted something. That single word would mute her so bad that the flame of desire would be extinguished.
"Can I please stay…?" She pressed, head still low.
"No." He repeated. The reply was not harsh, but it wasn't soft either. It held authority and left no space for argument.
She quickly bent her head further, as if not looking at him would equal his absence. She would've given up as always… But she wanted him to agree. Wanted his permission. At least for once…
She tried again, in a soft and lowest voice possible, "Can't I, have my own choice… Just this once?"
That made him pause, just for a while. His gaze fully lifted to her again. Her eyes were desperate and he felt it. She'd often give up at his first no, but her desperation caught his attention.
"Fine."
She lifted her head. "Really?"
This was something that happens once in a blue moon. Did he just say fine? Did he really agree?
"Yes. Tomorrow you're coming at 8. But if you take even a minute longer, I'll blow up your entire school. Remember that."
A flicker of joy filled her expression. "I won't be late... Thank you…!"
She walked past him, her shoulders finally loosened. She pretended to ignore the threat because a yes from him was heavier than that.
He stood watching her for a second longer than required, rethinking if he had made the right decision. He then shook his head and left.
She headed straight to her room, without glancing back. She knew he was watching her, one wrong move could cost her the stay. She slowly closed the door and finally relaxed. For a moment she stared at the phone, thinking whether to call or not… Her face reflected on the black screen.
Shaking her head, she finally dialed. Her face lit up with her screen light and the name 'Kira' on it.
"Hello Elena. What's up?"
"He agreed…" That's all she said. No greetings, no asking how she was, just what she actually wanted to say…
"Wow…did he actually say yes?"
"Yes he did…"
"Don't get too excited…! Your brother might notice his prisoner is missing…!" She laughed, a low mocking one.
She lowered her gaze, her grip tightening around the phone. She didn't reply.
"Be ready for tomorrow… I'll inform Dasha… Goodnight. I know you won't sleep due to the excitement that he allowed you, but sleep well…!"
The call ended but she didn't move. The phone stayed in her hand longer than necessary. A small breath slipped she didn't realise she was holding.
Elena had hung the phone. But she still felt her words replaying. Kira was her best friend. And what she said and the way it sounded did feel true…
The lights went off. The room fell quiet. Too quiet.
She turned to her side, pulling the blanket closer. Closed her eyes.
Eight.
Her eyes opened again. She shifted, staring at the ceiling now. The number stayed. Clear. Unmoving.
He said yes.
She pressed her lips together. Turned to the other side. It still didn't feel real. Like he might change it in the morning. Like he might forget he agreed. Her fingers tightened slightly over the edge of the blanket.
"There are extra study hours…" The words replayed. Softer this time.
But they didn't sound the same anymore. She exhaled slowly.
Still, she heard it replay in her mind, for a second longer.
She then Then turned back. Pulled the blanket up to her chin.
Sleep didn't come immediately. It lingered somewhere just out of reach— like the permission she had finally gotten.