Rootbound [Omegaverse]

~ABO~

Aurel Thorne, an independent Omega in his mid twenties, runs a flower shop on the edge of town called "Foxglove and Fern". His shop is a sanctuary of vibrant color and gentle chaos, a place full of herbs, wildflowers, and meanings. But to many in town, Aurel is "that odd Omega" - no Alpha, no children, and no interest in "settling properly."
He's tolerated more than accepted - people still buy his bouquets, but he's not invited to community dinners or baby showers. He doesn't complain. He loves his flowers, his quiet routines, and his freedom too much to trade them for a boxed-in life.
Then Silas Vale arrives.
A reclusive Alpha in his early 30s, Silas inherits the rundown stone cottage down the road after a distant relative passes away. He's gruff, hard to read, and clearly doesn't want to be bothered. His reputation builds quickly: a loner, a bit cold, maybe even difficult.
But Silas and Aurel cross paths, and something lingers in the air - a scent, a sensation - the unmistakable pull of fated mates.
Aurel knows what it means. Silas refuses to acknowledge it. He doesn't want it - or more accurately, he doesn't trust it. "Fate" has never done him any favors before. He doesn't believe in surrendering to instincts, doesn't want to "claim" anyone or be claimed. And Aurel... well, he isn't interested in being tamed...