Chapter 80 - 3.20 How Dare You
Oliver stepped through the hallway to his classroom, feeling too self-conscious of his smell even though nobody really cared about him. Well, it wasn’t exactly accurate. After his identity as a prince was exposed, people had started to approach him, get close to him and try to strike one or two conversations with this royalty who came out of nowhere. Of course, Oliver had never paid them any heed. He had lived through years of school just fine without a single friend and he wouldn’t need one right now either.
The point was, everyone was so busy greeting him that they took no notice of his scent. Oliver certainly didn’t wish that anyone would notice—he didn’t want to make trouble for Altair—but there was a part of him who wanted everyone to know that such an amazing Alpha had scented him. He wanted the omegas who had swooned over Altair a few days ago to look at him with envy, longing and jealousy.
Oh, how nice would that be. The fur on Oliver’s tail stood up on its end just by imagining it.
But nothing happened until the end of the class, to his relief and disappointment. Well, the purpose of scenting was to warn Alphas to begin with and surrounded by Omegas all day long, Oliver was under no threat enough to spread his pheromones. He glanced down at his communicator and smiled at Altair’s message. The Alpha had been held back by the Principal and he apologized for having to make Oliver wait for him a bit longer. The concise and formal way of his message never failed to amuse Oliver to no end. Not that he minded. All these times, Altair had been the one waiting for him outside the building. Oliver had never known that such a tedious thing could be so... nerve-wracking and comforting when it came to the person he loved.
Oliver ignored the eyes and hushed whispers around him. He knew perfectly what kind of gossip had been surrounding the royal family especially after the accident that befell him. Rosemane was still grounded and Emperor Father was furious—and for the first time the anger was directed at her. Oliver dared to admit that it pleased him over to the moon to turn the tide on Rosemane. He had Altair in his life, everything was peaceful and he was happy... What more could he ask for?
The Omega’s daydreaming was interrupted abruptly by another’s presence and voice. "Um...you are—"
He turned to find a tall man in a basketball jersey. Toned arms marked with black spots. Bright and enchanting eyes. Wild glossy dark hair. Masculine features. A leopard Alpha, Oliver noted. He would be considered handsome if Oliver hadn’t been subjected to the sight of a shirtless Altair cooking in the kitchen with only a black sweatpants this morning, showcasing the sharp blades of his shoulders and the beautiful flex of his biceps. A sheen of sweat covered his bronze skin, making him look like a yummy chocolate bar ready to be devoured.
Nope, simply couldn’t be compared. Oliver showed a bored expression. "Are you talking to me?"
"Yes, Your Highness." Ryan smiled sheepishly. He only realized lately that the omega in heat he chanced upon was none other than Prince Oliver! If he had known sooner, he would have strived to be the one who rescued Oliver that day. Alas, there’s no remedy for regret. Fortunately, he could meet the omega today. He rolled up his sleeves and deliberately showed more of the black spot along his arm—the beastly sign which many omegas had drooled upon. Ryan knew perfectly well that skin was the rarest beast sign and he exploited it fully to his advantage. He had expected this omega to be enchanted but...he didn’t even spare Ryan a glance? Ryan’s smile faltered for a split second but he recovered soon after. Plastering a more genuine smile, he stepped closer. "Your Highness, do you remember me? Last time—"