Hearts at War (AlanxJeff) VI

13

Jeff

A week has passed, and each day the feeling of sharing a room with Alan grows more intense. "Just one more week," I repeat to myself, trying to find comfort in that thought. After the third day, his servants set up a drawer in the closet for him, and now, every time I enter the bathroom, I see his toothbrush and towel hanging there. It's as if his presence has infiltrated every corner of my life. It feels like... I shook my head, trying to push away those strange thoughts. "This is a farce, and there's only one week left, Jeff, just one." And little by little, the days will be fewer.

My stomach growls, reminding me that I haven't eaten well in days. The energy to fight is slowly slipping away. "Should I learn to cook?" I wonder, almost in a whisper. "What if I pretend I want to make something for Alan, like a loving husband would?" The idea makes me laugh bitterly. Ahh, I hate this.

I get ready and head to the dining room. The cold of the past few days has been an unexpected relief since Alan hasn't had to renew the mark. Every time I leave my room, I wear a scarf to protect myself from the cold and avoid showing my supposed mark. I know he will have to do it soon, but just thinking about it fills me with fear. "It's just a bite, Jeff," I repeat to myself, trying to calm down. "A simple bite."

Pean had gotten me several books about alphas and omegas, but my poor diet left me without energy to read them. However, I opened one of the books and searched for the part that interested me the most, hoping to calm my restless spirit.

The section on bonding caught my attention immediately. An alpha can bite an omega at the base of the neck. This bite, known as "marking," is a symbolic and biological act that indicates possession and protection. The bite releases pheromones that create a chemical bond between the alpha and the omega, but for the bond to be true and complete, both must desire it. This implies mutual consent and a desire to form a lasting bond. Once the marking is done, the bond is not only physical but also emotional. Bonded alphas and omegas can feel each other's emotions and have a deep connection that goes beyond the physical.

I read those words over and over, trying to find comfort in them. Alan was right, it's just one more bite. Although it's extremely uncomfortable, it's necessary.

I head to the dining room, lost in my thoughts. Since I arrived, I've eaten alone. Alan has his supposed irregular schedules, the queen is dealing with a respiratory infection and I haven't met her yet, and Babe is in the north. The loneliness feels heavier with each step I take.

I sit at the enormous table, and my daily torture begins. Everything smells really good, but... I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. "Everything is fine," I repeat. I close my eyes and focus on my breathing. "Everything... everything is fine," but maybe today I won't be able to eat anything either. "Fruit, fruit is healthy," I tell myself, trying to convince myself.

I'm about to grab an apple when I hear his voice, and my hand stops midway.

"Good morning, my dear Nu. How punctual," he says with a smile as he sits next to me.

"Good morning..." I manage to whisper, frowning. What is he doing here? If he eats with me, he'll notice. The table is so big, why sit next to me? Why does he always end up being such an intruder?

"Wow, everything looks delicious. Were you going to take something? Tell me, I'll help you serve," he says as he takes a plate and some cutlery, looking at the dishes.

"No... I'm not very hungry today, I want something light," I say in a whisper, before the sound of my stomach betrays me. I open my eyes wide and feel my cheeks flush. Always... I always get so embarrassed with him. Please, ground, swallow me up.

"Oh, there are many light things here. Everything is healthy and nutritious," he says, apparently ignoring the sound of my stomach. At least... at least he had the decency not to make fun of me. I look at him cautiously as he starts serving food on his plate, which I then realize is mine.