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ACT II - Part II

TW: brief mentions of rape

"Okay, you were right... This book was actually really helpful," I say as I push it across the table to Hito. It's been almost three weeks since we all met for lunch, the day after Leo and I actually had sex together for the first time.

And since then? We have been seeing a lot of each other. Most days, Leo has taken to picking me up from work and going to dinner, the park, or the movies - we even went to an aquarium yesterday. Honestly, it was like a switch flipped and we began to do even mundane tasks together. More than once, I've helped him with dishes or folding up laundry just to be around him more. And the sex? We have definitely slept together at any available time, at least a few times a week.

Things have been really good, especially since Leo has grown more confident and skilled in bed. It's taken the burden of teaching and leading off my shoulders, and given us an even greater sense of intimacy. The books he was given must be helping - like how mine unexpectedly helped me.

In all honesty, I expected to hate the book. Yet, the title, 'How to Submit to Your Alpha', was actually purposefully provocative, as it was explained on the first page. The book was written by an Omega who is also an expert in alpha/omega relationships. They went on to talk about some things they did in their relationships that would end up staining things. Trust, Acceptance, and Compromise ended up being the three main sections and they were good. Maybe it's because I am used to being alone, but I have picked up a lot of bad habits.

"Do you finally see what I mean about trusting Leo as your alpha?" I tried not to cringe at the question, but Hito saw it. "Ah, you still hate that phrase."

"It just makes me feel like I'm owned..."

"But, in a way, it is kind of that way, right? You belong to him as much as he belongs to you. It's mutual ownership."

"Yeah, I guess so. It just still sounds weird to say..."

"Maybe that will change with your heat cycle coming up?" Hito looks at my charts. "It should be any day now, based on what your pheromones are looking like." I swallow nervously.

"I am looking forward to it," I admit. "But I'm also a little scared to show Leo that side of me."

"Considering he's your mate, it's something that will become normal eventually, but I understand what you mean. This is a big step for you both. I will say I'm glad it is not coinciding with Leo's rut." Ah that's right, I'm not the only one on a cycle. "He is not due for several more months. When it does arise, we will need to have a few safety measures in place for your protection."

"Of course, that makes sense," I say, glancing at my watch. "Ah, I have to go. Leo and I are going to meet my parents tonight."

"Oh? Tell your mom I say hi! She's the one who connected us in the first place, so I will always have a soft spot for that woman."

"God, Hito, if I didn't know you were asexual, I would think you were into my mom." He laughs and winks at me as if he's hiding a secret.

We finish up and I head out front to wait for Leo to pick me up, something he always insists on. It's not long before I see his familiar car pull up to the curb. I quickly hop in.

"Hey babe," Leo leans in and kisses me quickly before pulling the car back into the street.

"Hi," I blush and look away. My face always gets hot whenever he uses pet names on me. Even though I have not returned the favor - mostly out of sheer embarrassment - he persists with the habit. Not that I'm complaining...

We exchange small talk about traffic, movies, and other mundane topics during the 45 minute drive to my parent's house. It's only when we pull into the driveway that I start to get really anxious. Not only will my mom and dad be here, but also my over protective sisters and brother. If my mom answers the door, she will know right away who Leo is - an omega never forgets a dominant alpha's pheromones.