The Engagement

"Are you planning to stay in there forever?"

"Come out of there before I count to ten!"

Vernon sat on the tiled floor and covered his ears to block his brother's voice and the shaking bathroom door.

"Come out or I will break it down"

Vernon bit his lips knowing his brother wasn't bluffing. He stood up and opened the door.

"What is it Kyle?" Vernon asked.

The other threw a suit at him. "Get dressed, little brother. Else, I will break your face."

Vernon caught it with an eye roll. "Get out of my room."

Kyle raised a brow at him. "Speaking to your older brother like that?"

"What has the world turned into?"

Vernon walked to the mirror and smiled at his reflection. "Should I tell Dad that you're bullying me?"

His brother comfortably sat on the bed. He placed his head on the headboard, a brow raised. "So... have you forgiven him?"

"I will never forgive him." Vernon said and closed his eyes.

The scent of wilted cherry blossoms filled the room. It was obvious the omega was distressed.

His brother clicked his tongue, disturbed by the smell. "Dad only wants the best for you. That is why he is doing this."

Vernon looked at him, utterly furious. "How does selling me to the Donovan family in the name of marriage mean wishing the best for me."

"That is absolutely ridiculous."

He pointed toward the door. "Get out."

Kyle looked at him before walking out without a word.

As the door closed, the omega fell on the floor with a cry. 

"I hate you... all."

                          *************

"Are you sure of this?"

Vincent looked up from the files he was reading, staring into his husband's worried eyes. "Xavier gave me his word. He'll protect our son when the time comes."

"You should stop worrying, Marcus."

Marcus looked out the window. "My son does not want to get married and we are forcing him."

He looked at Vincent eyes wet with tears. "I feel like I have failed him as a parent."

Vincent walked to him and hugged him. "We are protecting our son."

"Whether he knows it or not."

                          **************

Vernon walked into the large hall with his father right beside him.

The space was crowded with guests mingling with each other.

"Walk with your head up" Marcus said holding his arm. "They want to see your weakness. Don't give them that satisfaction."

Vernon obeyed him putting his sweaty hand in his pockets. "I'm nervous" he said almost whispering.

They walked to the table where his Dad stood conversing with a man

"Love?" his father called softly as they approached.

His dad turned with a grin. "Darling," he murmured pulling his husband for a kiss.

Vernon nearly cringed at their public display of affection.

Despite the years that went by Vernon still got embarrassed whenever his parents did this. But again they never cared what people thought about them.

Vernon's skin prickled with unease and he waited for the inevitable.

He turned and found himself staring into obsidian eyes.

Vernon's breath caught and his heart skipped a beat.

The internet pictures and magazines had done no justice to the man before him.

Obsidian eyes, perfectly arched brows, straight nose that most surgeons would love to replicate and thin, bloodless lips that made the beholder curious on how to kiss it.

Sharp features, jet black hair that was packed into a neat bun and muscular physique accentuated by the black suit he was wearing, the man was sex on legs.

His dad patted his back, snapping him out of his thoughts. "We were just talking about you, son."

Vernon swallowed, looking away. "Is that so?" he murmured, skin tingling.

"Your fiancee is an interesting man" his dad added with a smile. "His views on life are very... unique from most people I have met."

A lump formed in Vernon's throat.

Fiancee.

"It's very nice to meet you" the man said to him. "The pictures have understated you."

Vernon's heart skipped a beat at the unexpected compliment. "... Thank you," he whispered eyes falling to the table.

His father laughed heartily placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "He is so shy. Let's get the party started."

Xavier gave a nonchalant hum, setting his empty glass on the table. He extended a hand toward the omega.

Vernon stared at it for a moment before taking it. The large hand tightened around his.

It felt grounding and warm.

The engagement was over before he could comprehend it and Vernon couldn't resist shivering under the alpha's intense gaze as he slid the ring on his finger.

The guests celebrated and Vernon left early and locked himself in his room.

The golden band seemed to be heavy on his finger, the ring glinting under the light.

The omega couldn't believe it. He had a fiancee now.

Xavier Donovan.

There was something about the alpha's eyes that had him shaking and his chest fluttering with an unfamiliar emotion.

He did not know what he was feeling.

It felt... dangerous and nearly a taboo to think about it. But no feeling in the world was going to change how he felt about this marriage.

                            ************

Vernon held his bag pack tightly as he sneaked out of the mansion. He held his breath and walked to the fence.

The moon was shinning and he had no problem getting over the fence and landing on the other side.

All those fitness classes had paid off.

He adjusted his face cap as he crossed the street, flagging down a taxi.

"Airport," Vernon said, getting in.

The vehicle moved away and the omega stared at the window as the familiar streets grew far away.

He looked at the ring on his finger "I don't need this anymore" he murmured taking it off.

Vernon wanted to throw it away. But at the end he put it in his pocket and closed his eyes the piano music from the speakers giving him peace.

It was the right thing to do.