The Two Alpha And Me

The bell above the shop door jingled loudly in the silent shop. Ammy winced and hunched her shoulders, self-conscious of the noise and even further the disturbance. She quickly looked around but saw no one save an elderly alpha who gave her a welcoming smile and gestured that she steps further than the doorway. Ammy hesitated and then gathered herself, pulling her shoulders back and giving the alpha a bright grin.

"Good day, young ma'am! May I assist you with your wardrobe? My, my but you seem to be in dire need of my services. Yes, the season has already begun, and these threadbare rags are not doing you any favors. Is that a hole in your coat? So beautifull! So unfashionable!"

Ammy stumbled as she neared the man, shocked at the bald face insults and backhanded compliments. She had been away from pack society too long and forgotten the honeyed barbs and hidden snakes that dwelt there. She swallowed but hid her unease behind her grinning mask. Her father had taught her well to hide her emotions from others. It had certainly only helped her against her father's manipulation and abuse.

Ammy fingered her shirt cuffs behind her back. Her clothes were certainly not threadbare, but the elder alpha was right, she would be scorned and gossiped about if she were dressed so at society's parties and dinners. Ammy opened her mouth to speak but the spry little man cut her off.

"Oh, my! An omega, of course. How lovely you are and those eyes, how unique! I can do wonders for you, my dear. The alphas won't be able to resist."

The tailor took the measuring tape from around her neck and reached out to Ammy with it, frowning slightly in concentration. Ammy reached into her jacket pocket, tracing the small piece of paper within gently.

"Actually, Alpha Enny, I was rather hoping that you required my services...as apprentice, you see."

Enny frowned down at her and stroked her chin.

"An omega apprentice? How odd! But, of course, an omega is as competent with their hands as an alpha or beta."

Ammy watched the man's expression carefully, easily seeing his lie. The tailor may say such things in polite company, but it was obvious by his mannerisms and hesitation that he saw omegas as less capable. It was a common view and it made Ammy burn with shame and anger. Her life would be infinitely better had she been born a beta. She would have been allowed to continue, undisturbed, her previous ambition to be a novelist and her father wouldn't have... Ammy shook off her spiraling thoughts.

"I assure you, sir, I am a hard worker, a fast learner and prior to my presentation, I was a shop assistant to Beta Warner two streets over. I'm sure you are acquainted, he's a very reputable-"

The man waved his hand dismissively.

"Yes, yes, of course I am well aware of Warner Candy Shoppe. And shop assistant, you say! That seems like it's perfect for you, I could use someone to greet the customers and handle deliveries."

"No, I mean, sir, I am more than capable to apprentice-"

The bell above the door made a loud noise again and a young feminine voice laughed too loudly. She was shushed quickly. Ammy refused to turn and acknowledge the interruption, pulling out the paper from her jacket and thrusting it at the tailor. The man sighed but took it, waving over Ammy's shoulder to the newcomers.

"One moment, my dears! I'll be right there."

He opened and carelessly read the little lines that contained Ammy's whole life. Her name, her designation, her work experience and one lonely reference from Beta Warner. Enny startled and folded up the paper quickly, handing it back in a rush.

"Jones, my dear, you are Alpha Jones's daughter. Oh, no I can't have you in my shop, what would society say? No, no, please leave unless you are here for my services."

The other customers behind her were deadly silent and Ammy felt her face flush with shame as the tailor dismissed her and moved around her. She turned, feeling ill, and forced herself to leave the shop at a respectable walk when she really wanted to just run. Run until she collapsed, run until no one knew her and didn't judge her for the sins of her father. She brushed past one woman's petticoat and apologized softly before throwing the door open. The bell sounded harshly, and Ammy took a childish pleasure from the disturbance before she took off at a fast clip down the street.

The tailor had been the third shop he had visited that day and no amount of confidence or groveling had made a difference. Not even to Beta Warner who had doted on her when she worked for him as a child. Her father had destroyed her life and Ammy wished fervently that he was drowning in his own sick at whatever tavern he had fled to.

Her father had been missing for three months, taking all the family money and valuables with him, leaving Ammy destitute and disgraced. It wasn't a surprise to Ammy. After Ammy's mother had left them, Jones had begun a spiral of booze and violence that reached out to consume his daughter. The bank had eventually come after the family estate and left Ammy on the street, completely unsympathetic to a young omega with nowhere and no one.

"Ammy! Ammy!"

Ammy halted abruptly and turned to the voice, feeling her sour mood lift and hope bloomed in her heart. Allen Will ran to her, her skirts in her hands and a bright smile on her face. When she was close enough, she launched herself at her and she laughed, catching her in her arms easily. Ammy was considered tall for an omega, who were ideally small, delicate and soft in their loveliness. Ammy was beautiful at turns and pretty at others, mostly surly and much too muscular for society to label her a great beauty, her scent of black pepper and cardamom too abrasive. She couldn't help but compare herself to the lovely Allen, she would be greatly sought after when she was introduced to society. For now, she was simply Allen, caught between adulthood and childhood but ultimately free. Ammy would never feel free again.

"Oh, Ammy! I've missed you. When did you get back to the city? People are saying so many horrible things-"

"Allen, enough."

Allen rolled her eyes and huffed, and Ammy looked up to meet the eyes of Jia Will. Ammy felt anxious as she met her gaze. This was the first-time meeting any of the Will's since she had been called away by her father. The four years she had spent as a ward to the Will family had been the most blissful, she had ever known. John Will and Jones had run in the same social well before Ammy was born and had been close companions since childhood. A fortuitous visit by John to the Jones estate had revealed the abuse Ammy was being subjected to at her father's hands. John had been horrified and convinced Jones that Ammy was too much responsibility for her father and John would be happy to take Ammy in until Jones was back on his feet. Ammy suspected money had been involved. Her father had delighted in the ill treatment of his daughter, and he had let Ammy go much too easily.

Jia reached out and took Ammy's hands in hers, smiling softly.

"Ammy, it's good to see you. I'm sorry for what you've had to endure, my girl."

The smile on Ammy's face hurt it was so wide. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt this happy, this relieved. A kind touch and warm words had her ready to fall at Jia's feet and beg for more. She trembled. A large shadow fell over her and Ammy twisted to see who had approached them. Her breath caught in her throat as she craned her head to meet Sebestian's Will expressive brown eyes.

Of all the Will's, Sebestian had been the dearest to Ammy. They were constant companions as children, often sneaking away from their lessons to run to the stables, sneak scones from the kitchen and hide away under blanket forts and make up fantastic stories. It was Sebestian's staid encouragement that had Ammy dreaming of travelling the world and writing of her adventures. They would go together, Sebestian had said, they would never be apart. The cold indifference on Sebestian's face was a splash of cold water. His eyes were hard and flinty, and his face was blank as he looked down at Ammy.

Ammy took a fortifying breath and opened her mouth to greet Sebestian but was stopped by a most intoxicating scent, ginger and parchment. It wrapped around Ammy's senses and made her weak, dizzy. The smell had Ammy wanting nothing more than to lean close and bury her head in Sebestian's chest. Ammy had been called away before they had presented, and Ammy had never smelled an alpha scent that was so intoxicating. Why was Sebestian acting so distant? Did Sebestian not recognize her? Was Ammy the only one clinging to the time they had spent together? Sebestian raised an eyebrow at Ammy's awkward gawking.

"Jones daughter."

His voice was cold, and Ammy reeled back as if she had been slapped. Yes, of course. Sebestian was an alpha of high society now. He had no need, no want, of a destitute, landless omega. Even one who had been a childhood friend. Society would mock Sebestian for any association with Ammy, let alone...Ammy shook those thoughts away. She was too old to cling to daydreams and promises made to her in the past. Things were different now.

"Hello, Alpha Will."

The words were like ashes in Sebestian mouth. Ammy had dreamed for years of this reunion and the reality was devastating in its disappointment. Even when her letters to Sebestian had gone unanswered, Ammy had hoped there had been a good excuse. Maybe they had been lost in the post, maybe some family tragedy prevented Sebestian from rushing to her side, whisking her away from her dark torment.

Surely, if Ammy explained her dire situation with her father, Sebestian would make good on his promise to never abandon her. Surely, surely Ammy's love for Sebestian was more important than the pressures put on Sebestian by his family and society. What a damned fool Ammy had been. She had poured her heart out to Sebestian in her letters, things she couldn't say before she left to return home. Had Sebestian even read them or had they had gone straight into the fire?

Sebestian looked away, dismissive and cold and Ammy wished she could sink into the ground beneath her feet. How humiliating to be treated so but Ammy understood. She was beneath the Will's, had always been a charity case for them. Looked at with pity and treated kindly but she had never been good enough to marry Ammy even before her father's last explosive scheme.

Jia's smile was slightly strained, and she took Sebestian's elbow, squeezing harshly if his wince was to be believed. Ammy stood across from them, smiling awkwardly as Allen clung to her, her eyes wide from the tense atmosphere. Jia cleared her throat.

"Ammy, please, join us at the manor for lunch! We were just about to head back, join us in our carriage."

Ammy started to shake her head, but she made the mistake of glancing to Allen. She wasn't so heartless to deny her when she made that pathetic face at her. She grimaced and agreed. Jia made to turn and walk to the carriage, but Sebestian stopped, pulling away.

"Mother, I have a previous engagement, remember?"

Jia made a soft sound of understanding.

"Oh, yes, Alpha Jason! You are such a good friend, son."

Jia turned to Ammy and smiled brightly.

"I'm so proud of my son for making such good social connections! Alpha Jason is so generous and so charming!"

Sebestian ducked his head and Ammy could see the lightest blush of red on his cheeks.

"Please, mother, I will be late if I don't go now."

Jia waved her hand and dismissed him. Sebestian kissed both his mother and sister on the cheek and gave Ammy a barely perceptible, stiff nod and he was off. Ammy watched Sebestian's tall frame disappear down the street over her shoulder as she was dragged by an enthusiastic Allen to the Will's carriage. As Ammy settled into the plush seat, she saw Sebestian pause outside of a florist's shop and enter. Was Sebestian courting someone? The idea sat like a stone in Ammy's stomach, and she watched the buildings pass as they pulled away.

***

The Will's manor had not changed since Ammy had last seen it. As the carriage clattered up the drive, Ammy allowed herself to indulge in the fantasy that no time had passed at all. That she would alight from the carriage and run off hand in hand with Sebestian and Allen to the gardens and mock fight with sticks as their mighty swords until they collapsed in contented exhaustion. Those days were lost to her but perhaps this unexpected invitation would help cultivate a relationship between Ammy and the Will's.

The nostalgia was overwhelming when lunch was served on the veranda. The trees around the secluded table offered enough shade that the ladies were able to shed their hats and the glare of the sun wasn't in anyone's eyes. The flowers were in bloom, verdant colors and sweet scents surrounded Ammy and she allowed herself to lean back in her chair and take in deep, relaxing breaths. She hadn't felt this safe in years and she let the soothing voices of Allen and Jia wash over her, smiling softly, pretending that she belonged here, that she was a Will. Right here, right now, her father's taint couldn't reach her and she felt light and happy.

A tea tray was brought for them and the young beta woman that served it chattered openly about the menu, how nice the day was, how lovely they all looked and how was your trip to town, Omega Will? Jia indulged her questions, and the women shared a laugh about something or other. Ammy wasn't following the words, just letting the atmosphere and the chatter wash over her.

The beta servant turned to include her in the conversation and Ammy smiled charmingly at her, answering her quietly. She felt a thrill when she blushed and stammered a bit, eventually excusing herself to check on lunch. Oh, how she wished to have presented alpha. She would never treat an omega the way Damon had treated her. Ammy was thankful when her darkening thoughts were interrupted by Jia.

"Oh, Ammy dear, I hope you don't mind I sent for Sam to join us in our repast. He will be so excited to see you!"

Ammy grinned and leaned forward, clenching her hands together.

"Of course I don't mind! Does he even remember me? He was so young when I was called away."

Sam had latched onto Ammy quickly after his arrival to the Will manor. The other Will's siblings had been indulgent and doting, but they rarely made time for their younger brother. Ammy would sneak into Sam's room at night and read to him for hours, soaking in Sam's hero-like worship and almost possessive demand for his attention. Being an only child, Ammy had never been around pups before and her instincts had led her to spoil Sam. Ammy wished desperately to have pups of her own one day, she just wished she didn't need a mate for that. Allen gasped loudly at her question, bringing Ammy's mind back to the present.

"Of course he remembers you. I don't think a day has gone by that your name isn't on his lips! I don't recall you spending so much time with him before, but he is constantly regaling anyone who will sit and listen about you."

Ammy flushed in embarrassment and pleasure. She shook her head and leaned back, grinning slightly, sipping her tea. Jia cleared her throat.

"Now before young Sam joins us, there is something I'd like to talk to you about. Nothing bad, I assure you."

Despite Jia's reassurance Ammy felt a creeping dread and sat down her tea slowly, careful not to slosh the liquid as her hands began to shake. She cursed her father for making her so sensitive, her anxiety had never been so overwhelming, and she felt like a foal stumbling alone in the woods. She hated herself for being so timid. Allen reached out and took her hand in hers, smiling and Ammy straightened her spine, meeting Jia's concerned gaze.

"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with Alpha En, the tailor."

Ammy groaned and covered her face with her hands, not worried about propriety with the other omegas. They wouldn't mind her lapse in manners, having known her for so long. She peeked through her fingers to see Allen looking amused and Jia, well, there was the pity she knew the Will's for poor, lost Ammy. Jia reached out to refill their tea and Allen sat two more biscuits on her plate, nudging it closer.

"I only mention it because I believe there is a better, simpler solution to your, ahem, situation."

"Oh, no please don't tell me you mean..."

Jia pursed her lips and folded her hands in her lap, pinning Ammy with a fierce gaze.

"You are having trouble securing yourself independently, Ammy. That is not your fault, my girl, it's your father's fault. He's ruined the Jones name with his gambling and drinking and swindling unsuspecting, naive people out of their money. And now he's fled to parts unknown, leaving no trace save for a kind, nurturing, beautiful daughter. Your father is not here to persecute, and his victims are taking their ire out on you, not realizing that you are more of a victim of him than they ever were."

Ammy ducked her head in shame, unable to process such kind words. She had only been spat on and yelled at since her father's disappearance. Jia continued.

"You need allies and the Will's name can only get you so much. Your greatest support would be an alpha husband and- don't make that sound, it's true!"

Ammy clenched her hands into tight fists, frustration seeping into his tone.

"No alpha of any kind of influence will agree to marry me, Jia. Haven't you heard the gossip about me?"

Jia sniffed and Allen/ was silent, watching their conversation and moving her head as if she were watching an intense tennis match.

"Yes, and I know they are not true. I'm glad your engagement to Damon was broken and anyone with half a mind won't believe those awful rumors. Alpha Damon is a liar and a rogue, much like your father."

Ammy winced. If only society knew just how much her father and Damon were alike, Ammy has permanent marks from the both of them to prove it. Damon would certainly be less sought after, the damn snake.

Jia took a deep breath and continue.

"Ammy, I won't ask you to tell me what happened between you and your father or Damon. I will always be here if you wish to unburden yourself a little by speaking of it with me."

"Or me!"

Ammy smiled at Allen's bright offer. Jia reached out and laid her hand near Ammy's, not touching but close if needed.

"Forgive me for saying so but Ammy, you will not find work in town and a lone omega outside of town is much more vulnerable. The laws for omegas there are much more restrictive. Your father's reputation has become yours and you need to associate yourself with more respectable families. I know a few omega mothers who will jump at the chance to introduce you to their available alpha sons if I support you this season. The Will name can get you a few suitors and your charming, loving nature will secure you a husband."

Ammy felt numb and overwhelmed by Jia's words. She knew, intellectually, that Jia was right. She would never be able to find work to support herself as a lone omega with no family. And to leave town...it was unthinkable. Omegas were treated as slaves by the surrounding lands. This town still had many problems with omega rights, but it was certainly the better of two evils for Ammy. Allen huffed loudly and crossed her arms.

"I don't know why we can't just adopt her! Then she could live here forever and be happy doing whatever she wished."

Ammy cleared her throat, embarrassed.

"Please, Allen, I already owe your family so much. I don't wish to be a further burden."

The look of pity was back on Jia's face and Ammy wished she could excuse herself, leave and never return. Jia shook her head.

"You aren't a burden, Ammy. The time you spent here with our family are cherished memories. I've never seen the children so happy than when you lived here with us. I can't see you spending the rest of your days in isolation, you have so much to give. Don't you want a family of your own, pups?"

Ammy met Jia's eyes in surprise. How had she seen her secret heart so easily?

"Yes, I want that more than anything. A loving family."

Jia nodded briskly.

"Step one for that is an alpha husband. Certainly, that would suit you better than a beta, you are so fierce when the mood strikes and an alpha would do better to dote on you, you deserve the extra attention. Oh, don't blush so, you know it's true! It just so happens that the biggest party of the season is this week and Alpha Jason is hosting it at his lovely estate. You remember Sebestian mentioned him in town?"

Ammy's smile dimmed a bit at the mention of Sebestian. Speaking of alpha husbands and Sebestian in the same conversation was making her maudlin. Would she ever find an alpha that loved her for just being Ammy? Or would her future husband only see her as an omega and more importantly, want her for her connection to the influential Will's. Ammy nodded as Jia continued.

"Well, Alpha Jason is such a nice young man, generous, kind and charming. Society practically adores him! If they see him welcoming you with open arms, they will surely follow. I will write him directly after lunch. And don't worry about having something appropriate to wear, your room is exactly how you left it, wardrobe and all."

Ammy raised her eyebrows, moved by the thought of her room being untouched, waiting as if for her return.

She was distracted by the arrival of a grinning and running Sam. Despite his mother's admonitions to settle down, Sam clung to her and insisted on sitting in Ammy's lap as they ate lunch. Even with an uncertain future hanging before her, Ammy was determined to enjoy her reunion with the Will's, the soft, warm atmosphere and the excellent menu.

***

The Wills were reluctant to let Ammy leave after lunch, quite insistent that she stay with them for the season, sleep in her old bed. Ammy wanted nothing more than to accept, to make a nest for herself and feel safe and protected for even just a moment. Then Sebestian's cold face floated into her mind and Ammy couldn't endure the torture of being so close yet so far from the one alpha she wished would court her. To be politely ignored by her oldest friend and listen to him wax poetic about the omega that received those flowers. Jia had mentioned an Omega that was interested in Sebestian. Were they courting?

The Will's carriage stopped, and Ammy exited, giving the driver a nod in thanks and standing on the derelict street that hosted his current lodgings. The neighborhood was firmly in the less reputable part of Idris, home to the poorest and most pitiable. The affronted look on the driver's face as he pulled away assured Ammy that Jia would hear of the sad little omega boarding house that Ammy called home.

Ammy considered herself lucky to have stumbled across the kind elderly beta woman who ran the boarding house being accosted by ruffians. The horrible men had underestimated Ammy, as alphas were known to do of omegas, and Ammy had thoroughly trounced them, sending them scurrying like rats into the alley. She offered to walk the beta, Lillian Patel, to her destination and she had eagerly accepted. She had pried quite skillfully into Ammy's depressing personal history and adamantly offered Ammy a room when she reluctantly admitted she had nowhere to go.

Ammy had been instantly charmed by both Lillian and the little attic room she showed her once they reached their destination. The room was dusty and smelled a bit stale but there was a large window that offered a perfect view of the street and in the mornings, the sun shone brightly onto the small table and two chairs. It was a perfect place to enjoy tea and toast or scones with strawberry jam that Lillian insisted on bringing her three times a day. She had tried to deny her coddling at first, but she had insisted so fiercely that Ammy was afraid of upsetting her too much and she secretly enjoyed the attention. There was a plush chair near the small fireplace where Ammy spent most of her evenings reading and wishing for a nice glass of wine. It was an indulgence that few could afford here.

The bed was small but it fit Ammy well enough, much better than the park benches she had been chased off of before. The quilt was thin, and Lillian had apologized at length for not having appropriate nesting materials. Most of the omegas she took in were unable to pay her and Lillian couldn't afford extra blankets or pillows. The thin quilt didn't keep her scent very well and her one pillow wasn't much comfort on lonely nights. It left her feeling vulnerable and anxious to not have a proper nest to unwind in every night. She often woke up crying and wishing for any comfort, wishing that her life had been different. She had not had to endure a heat here yet and she found herself hoping she never would, that she could charm her way to an alpha husband and spend her heat in comfort and affection.

Lillian's soft voice called out to her as she ascended the noisy stairs to the attic. She paused and turned to her, coming back down and pressing a kiss to her soft, wrinkled cheek.

"Oh, my dear girl! You were gone so long today; I was growing worried. Any luck at the shops?"

"I'm afraid not, Lilly. But I did run into a few old friends and joined them for lunch. The Will's."

Lillian gasped and pressed her hand over her mouth, eyes wide.

"Oh, my! The Wiil's, how lovely to be acquainted with such a family. Now, shoo! Go up to your room and I'll bring a tea tray with extra scones, and you can tell me all about it. This is so exciting!"

Ammy chuckled and made to follow her to the small kitchen.

"Let me carry that for you."

Lillian pursed her lips at her and opened her mouth as if to argue but Ammy breezed past her, not stopping to hear.