The pod slowed down and turned onto a residential airway. The airway was choke-full of hover pods dropping off the who’s who of the planet. He stared at the well-dressed omegas and their parents as they made their way into the massive house.
“Master Yom has outdone himself. It seems his party will be a success,” his father commented, staring at the twinkling lights and sparkling decorations.
A 'successful party' was the thing amongst the rich. They lowkey competed. It was all pretentious and tiring.
Already feeling worn out, Jamue stared at the crowd and wished he were elsewhere.
But he had to be there, his alpha was waiting for him.
Jamue swallowed.
They followed the line of pods until it was their turn.
They got out and joined another line to the door.
"Smile, Jamue," his father whispered.
"I am." His cheeks ached from the fake smiles he was putting on.
Master Yom’s maids greeted them with a glass of Red Amber spirit. "Something to warm yourselves," she smiled.
Jamue took one and drank it down. He reached for another, but his father stopped him.
“He’s fine,” he told the maid. Jamue sighed. “Don’t look so disappointed. You must be your best at all times. Now come.”
“Yes, father.”
Jamue followed him inside.
The party was definitely a success. The inside of the house was more impressive than the outside. Master Yom had turned his party hall into a fantasy world of twinkling lights, gorgeous flower arrangements and wispy smoke slithering on the floor. Music played sedately, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Laughter and chatter filled the space as everyone socialized. Jamue would have enjoyed it all if it wasn't for the reasons why he was there.
He looked around the room, from the youngest alphas to the oldest, wondering who it was. It could be anyone.
Jamue grimaced, hoping he was nice... and young. He'd heard heart-breaking stories of omegas forced into bonds with old or cruel alphas.
Jamue shuddered, hoping his fate was different. He took a deep breath and looked around for his friends, Amuel and Niid.
He was sure they were out there somewhere. They wouldn’t miss a party like this.
His father suddenly growled next to him. “What is he doing here?” he bit out. Jamue followed his gaze.
Holi?
Looking radiant as always, his cousin waved to them.
“You didn’t want him to come?” Jamue asked as he watched his cousin walk towards them. He looked stunning in his colourful long shirt and matching pants. The one person who rivalled him in looks was Holi.
And his father hated it.
He wanted Jamue to be the best in their family – look good all the time, hide his flaws, and bond with a wealthy alpha.
It was exhausting.
“This is a family matter. He shouldn’t be here.”
“But he’s family.”
His father snorted.