[Sam260]

Mayor Michael Nolan sighed as he signed the document; legally signing his son's life away when he turned eighteen.  His husband and Omega Axel stood by and watched, horror filled in his green eyes as he witnessed his mate signing their newborn son over to another man, so that one day their own two son's would be married.  It was still eighteen years away, but Axel was not at all pleased.

Once their guest left the mansion, Axel shook his head in disappointment "I cannot believe you just signed our son's future away like that!  You should be ashamed of yourself, Michael." Axel chided, glaring harshly at his husband while rocking their newborn son on his chest.

Michael stood up from his desk, hands planted firmly on the calendar blotter "Axel, this is the only way to save our kind -- We are a dying breed and one day will be overrun by the regular people of this world.  We are one of five communities that are strictly Alpha and Omega pairs.  We need more of us, Axel... you have to understand that what I am doing is to save the future of our lineage, our heritages!" Michael shouted back.

The newborn squalled in protest of his parent's raised voices, Axel frowned as he rubbed his son's back tenderly "I think you're making a mistake, Michael.  Carter should not have to suffer like this... I know that we too had an arranged marriage, but I was already in love with you when our parents decided that it was a set match!  Carter won't even KNOW this other boy until he's eighteen!" Axel exclaimed huffily, just before he left his husband's office, tears already running down his puffy red cheeks.

-------------------------------

That was twenty-three years ago... Michael was able to push the date of arrangement back, several times, with several different excuses and lies - but now he had no choice but to fulfill his end of the contract.  Michael dialed his son's cellphone number from his home office and frowned deeply "Carter, it's your father... I'm calling to inform you that we are having a special dinner tonight and your OM wants you to show up.  Dress your best boy, it is not a casual social gathering." Michael left the voicemail and then hung up; he knew his son was in class at the moment, and he was proud of his boy -- he was not so proud of himself, he should have listened to Axel all those years ago, but he could not change what he had fated for his son, and today was officially the day that the two men would meet.

Carter frowned as he listened to his father's voice message; he pushed his blonde hair back from his face and looked down at his attire -- Carter was skinny at an average of 135 pounds, he was short like his father Axel, at only 5'4", a lot of people made fun of him, if not for the clothes he wore - which commonly consisted of skinny jeans and shirts that clung to his body like a second glove; then they made fun of him for his more feminine features - he had soft, porcelain toned skin, his eyes were a bright shade of blue, and he had shoulder-length blonde hair.

Carter should have answered his father's phone call, having decided to skip his classes for the day - he was in a rare mood, not wanting to be bothered by anyone, but of course Michael would find a way to ruin his plans of just staying in bed.  Carter rumbled and grumbled as he got off of his very soft queen mattress and padded over to his closet.  Looking at the choice selections of his 'best dress' he pulled out a tailored button-up shirt, a pair of skin-tight black slacks and his favorite 'church shoes' - if he went to church, at least that would be what he'd wear.

Carter still had a few hours before the dreaded gathering, so he put his mind at ease by playing the electric keyboard he had in his dorm room -- It helped, but he wished he could play the baby grand that was at home; it was much more soothing and he could get lost in the music for hours though, so he did. And when it was time to get ready, he showered, changed and started the short journey to his parent's house.

Whatever was in store for Carter, he honestly hoped that he could weasel his way out of it - He hated being a part of his parent's elaborate dinner parties, and this time was no exception.  He wanted more than anything to not be here, walking into his parent's hillside mansion, preparing to meet whomever they have decided was prudent to pull him away from college... Especially this time of year, where he could just sit in his room, stare out the window and watch as the football team practiced for their games this year.

[bhdire8]

(just one thing... hmm, should we make Axel beocming infertile with the traumatic birth of Carter, or maybe a miscarriage of his younger sibling? or else the mayor should try to give Carter as many siblings as possible, right?)

Starting from a young age, Hector knew he had a betrothed - but he always dismissed it. He was a blessed one, he knew that from the moment he stepped into school. He was surrounded by friends, everybody loves playing with him - and he obviously used it to his advantage. As he graduated and entered the world of adults, he came to realise he had another great advantage to him: look and wealth. it was only in recent months that he started feeling a little tired of this lifestyle, and sometimes, when he looked at the random pretty face beside him when he woke up, he found himself wishing it was someone who he'd feel familiar with.

That said, he still slept around and flirted with every cutie he met. Playboy Hector's not done yet.

Hector had started working in the family business for a few years now, and he wasn't too fond of the job. But on this rare day of him appearing in office, he was confronted by his father. Strangely, his alpha father actually looked "loving" to him, even fixing his tie when he came close - and he saw the silver strands on top of his head.

"Son. There's obligations for you, i do not want you to forget that even though you've been enjoying life so much." he said in his eerily gentle voice. "Tonight, you are going to meet someone very important. Make me proud, boy. You are going to meet your fiance." he said, patting Hector on his chest, then disappeared before he could protest.

Hector was rather stunned. He had subconsciously forgotten about this "deal". But seeing the slight limp his father exhibited from an injury sustained long ago - during the car accident that took his mother's life away - he found himself unable to say no. Defeatedly, he crashed into the sofa in his office. Fine. it's just meeting with his betrothed, there was nothing scary about it. He could handle it.

Hector found himself in his limo, his father by his side, cruising towards the hillside mansion. it was grand, but not really the style that Hector would choose for himself. He looked noncommitally around, just humming brief notes to whatever his father was saying, until they had arrived and he was standing at the front door.

Hector had dressed up. he made his hair, he wore a decent suit - but he would never admit to it. he was nervous. this would be his mate, no matter what he told himself. A complete stranger. he chewed on his lip and found himself getting annoyed with the notion.

Entering the grand hall, he was not impressed by the grandeur. He had seen better. He casually strided after the butler, ready to be introduced into the dining room. 

[Sam260]

(We'll possibly cover the reason why Carter is a single child in future writings... gotta build up to those things :P)

Carter sat in the dining room already, fiddling with a strand of blonde hair, trying his hardest to act like his parents - mainly Michael - expected him to act... but, he was nervous and wary of the real reasons why he was brought here. Axel, his 'OM' or Omega Mother, as Michael so frequently called him, had fussed over him like never before - Making sure his hair was straight, his clothes were buttoned properly... Truthfully, it was annoying and he had to escape his overbearing OM and his stern-glared father.

So now he sat waiting in the dining room for the 'festivities' to begin. He heard the doorbell ring and straightened up, chewing nervously on his bottom lip as he waited for whomever it was to show up -- Two well-dressed men came into the dining room, and immediately Carter's eyes were drawn to the younger of the two.

Carter's parents had talked about marriage, a lot lately, but he often brushed them off -- he had no interest in getting married, not yet anyway, because not only was he not seeing someone... It was just very hard for him to consciously date someone. He was shy, and often times nervous, which led to bad stuttering... He knew those issues would pass, had any guy he did ever date stick around long enough, but none of them seemed inclined to do so; which, Carter thought, was perfectly okay with him -- Until now.

This gorgeous man stood before him and Carter could already feel the heat rising, his skin turning a pale shade of pink as he stood up politely and held out his hand to shake. "I...I'm Carter... No-Nolan... My father and OM w-...will be-be-be with us-s-s short-shortly..." Carter stumbled through his own greeting, his cheeks flushing darker red - Already stammering like a fool and he did not even know the man's name.

[bhdire8]

(LOL oooops yep. Missed out important details ....)

Hector looked around with mild interest, he was taller than his own father, who was a tall alpha himself. He towreed over everyone at 6'3", his dark hair looking unruly but not messy, and his green eyes made his otherwise sharp features softened. He was muscular and it showed from the suit that was wrapped right around his arms. The dark suit fitted him nice. His life experience gave him enough insight into life that made him.look wise beyond his age, but he was young enough to retain his boyish charms.

Stepping into the dining room, he was attracted by the blond little one. Framed with his blond hair, he was drawn by those blue eyes right from the moment he saw them. He took a step forward but quickly stepped back. No, he wasnt going to appear like he was too drawn to the boy. No, who would be drawn to a boy at first sight? It wasnt possible at all. He held his stance and wrapped his large hand around the outstretched hand of Carter.

"Hello." He nodded stiffly. Up close, he could see the long lashes of Carter's fluttering, the blush building on his cheeks were so flattering on him. Even his stutter was cute and he chuckled - but it sounded mor3 likr a teasing laugh. "I am Hector." He added wh3n his old man poked him from.behind for not introducing himself. When his father again poked him on his ribs, he sighed and rolled his eyes.

Hector knew what his father wanted him to do. Taking a step back, he bowed forward still holding Carter's hand. "I am your betrothed." He lifted Carter's hand and pressed a kiss on to it, completing the old ritual of an alpha greeting his mate for the first time.

[Sam260]

Carter's eyes widened as he stared at the man who was bowed before him "You... You're my... my what?!" he stammered out, pulling his hand away from Hector's strong grasp and wrapping his arms around his chest.

Yes, he could admit that he was instantly attracted to the tall, muscular Alpha, but betrothed?! -- When the hell did THAT happen and why hadn't he known about it until now?! Carter was internally panicking, wanting to run from the room screaming like the little girl that he was on the inside, but he was otherwise frozen, rooted to the spot as he stared at Hector and his father.

Michael and Axel entered the room at that point, arm-in-arm and looking for all the world to see like a happily married couple - which, at times they were, but it had been a rough past few months and now Carter seemed to understand the reason why. Michael stepped forward and shook hands with Hector and his father "I am so glad the both of you could join us - Please, let's take a seat. Dinner shall be served within the next few moments." Michael said with a charming smile, escorting their guests to the dining room table.

Carter had to force himself to move, his hands clasped tightly in his lap as he sat down beside Hector - it was apparently the only seat available and everyone pretty much stared at the seat until Carter sat in it.

[bhdire8]

The immediate "rejection" and clear surprise was hurting Hector's ego. Big times. He coudlnt believe he had been rejected by his omega. The one that had caused all the butterflies in his stomach... no, scratch that. He didnt feel that way. He had seen people prettier than Carter. It wouldnt matter if his future husband didnt like him he could head out to mess with some other people anyway.

Steeling his face, he hid the hurt he was feeling and he was again composed. He greeted the mayor and his mate witb grace, shaking their hands and nodding. He took his seat before Carter and frowned seeing how stiff - and apparently unwilling - the omega was sitting beside him. He took the napkin and folded it to put on his lap, showing perfect etiquette as the first dish was served.

He didnt bother to look at Carter. He didnt like it that the timid omega looked like it was killing him to be sitting next to him. He maintained polite conversations, answering whatever questions Michael and Axel initiated. Though when they attempted to involve Carter into the conversation, he sort of focused on his food instead, not really answerign aside from polite smiles.

He sipped from the wine glass, demonstrting the side of him that was charming but not overly friendly. Axel obviosuly was getting nervous, even his own father, Pierre, was a little uneasy seeing the young couple wasnt interacting at all. Hector stubbornly ignored the many kicks his father did under the table. If Carter didnt like him, he wouldnt either. There was way too many methods for a married couple to live independent lives in private.

[Sam260]

Carter hardly ate the food in front of him, his stomach was so twisted into knots that he was sure that none of the food would last long in his system. His main focus was 'Arranged Marriage' and 'Betrothed' -- What did they live in, the 19th century or something?! Christ... His father had literally given him up, forced his hand and now he was expected to marry a man he didn't even know?

Carter wanted to cry, wanted to scream and shout about it - but what good would it do? He wouldn't be able to change his life any more than Hector could - They were stuck in this arrangement because of a twenty-three year old contract, that was now finally coming to fruition. He ignored the conversations taking place around him - but he couldn't ignore the presence of the man seated beside him.

Hector was ruggedly handsome, muscular and just oh so perfect - He was literally Carter's type in every way possible, except for the fact that they had no clue who the other man was. Carter relished the thought of getting to know him better, but his anxiousness was getting the better of him and he just kept his mouth shut.

As the night wore on, Carter started relaxing a bit, but it was still plainly obvious that he was uncomfortable - He would be having words with his father about this later, even it if meant getting slapped around by the older man. As the caterers cleared the last dish of the evening, Carter stood up and looked directly at Hector - They needed to talk, figure out what the hell this all meant "Could we speak... Privately?" he questioned, casting a glance in their parental units directions.

It was an olive branch, of sorts - Carter maintained a good composure through those words at least, but he knew it likely wouldn't last long... Especially not alone with Hector.

[bhdire8]

Hector dibbed his mouth and put down the napkin. "i don't see a reason why we need to talk, Carter. Nothing will be changed, whether or not we are having this little private talk." he said , not even looking up at Carter's eyes yet, but when he did, those green eyes of him wasn't warm at all. He then felt a strong kick on his sheens and his face twisted a little in his attempt to hide the pained whine.

He glanced at his father who looked at him with a glare. He even went as far as sliding his finger across his neck telling his son he would be facing horrible consequences if he didn't agree to it, so in the end Hector gave in. He stood up, towering over Carter, he sighed. The omega had lowered his head so he couldn't see his face from his angle. "Alright, please excuse us, Axel, Michael." he nodded at the hosts.

He looked at Carter and gestured for him to lead the way. "i do not believe i know the way around, Mr Nolan." this was his retaliation to the blatant refusal of the omega. but there was no denying, seeing the tiny omega in front of him, looking out of place and not able to formulate a proper sentence, in fact stirred him deep down more than he would admit.

[Sam260]

Carter nodded his head meekly and led Hector out of the dining room and into the study his father often used for business and other mayor-type things. He flipped on the light and exposed the hardwood floors, walls, and pretty much every surface -- It was tacky as hell but he couldn't complain.

Carter rubbed the back of his neck and took slow and deep breaths to try and calm his frayed nerves "I-... I want... want to apologize..." Shitttt. There goes his good speech pattern again he thought as he tried formulating the words in his head so they would come out properly. Another deep breath and Carter pushed forward, ignoring the overwhelming presence of Hector's body near his own.

"I was never informed about us having these arrangements. Not even as a child growing up. Yeah, it would have been nice to know so I wasn't so blind-sided tonight... This has no reflection on you, personally. I'm more angry with my father for not informing me than anything. I find you attractive, you are my type of guy - but I just don't know you!" Carter knew he was close to tears, could feel the heat building up behind his eyes.

He turned so his back was to Hector, not wanting to show the weaknesses that were so obvious in his small frame. He was weak, he knew that - he always had been - but Christ, showing them off to this alpha - his alpha - he didn't know what to truly expect. He sniffled and tried to stop the tears from riding down his face, but it was inevitable.

[bhdire8]

At least this time he didnt stutter. So Carter in fact COULD speak fluently. He watched on with amusement, waiting for the omega to formulate whatever he was attempting to say.

He raised his eyebrow hearing Carter's confession. "Oh..." he hadnt expected Carter wasnt kept in the loop, he had just assumed he knew since he himself knew. He couldnt help with the smirk when he heard Carter blurting out that he was his type. He leaned back against the hardwood table and ran his finger along the smooth service. "That's good to hear... then I guess i should apologize for breaking the news so suddenly to you." He started, watching at the furnished piece of wood and hummed.

"Well..." he was gonna say something more, to perhaps strike an agreement with this little guy, when he saw the tiny shaking of Carter's shoulders, he realised he had made a mistake. Oops, looks like he went a little too far.... god he was hopeless when he saw tears.

"W-wait... Carter?" He attempted, hoping he was wrong thinking the omega was crying. The tiny sobs that followed proved that his fear was real. "Come on Carter. I am sorry for scaring you. I'm unthoughtful." He sighed and reached into offer a handkerchief to him, patting on his shoulder. God knew this omega would have hit all his soft spots..

"Ok. Let's introduce again: i am Hector Lexington. We have been betrothed since you were a baby. I am 30 years old and currently work as a manager in my father's company. How about you, Carter?"

[Sam260]

Carter laughed brokenly as he took the handkerchief from Hector, wiping his eyes lightly before turning to hand it back.

Carter rocked on his heels lightly, a bit unsure of how to explain to this man, his man apparently, who he was exactly. Carter shrugged his lean shoulders lightly "I'm... Carter Nolan. I never knew we were meant to be married. I am twenty-three years old and I'm currently studying to become a... Well, i don't know what I want to become, exactly -- i just know that I'm studying music."

Carter blushed lightly and chewed on his bottom lip, looking up into Hector's green eyes - his blue ones still shining with unshed tears.

[bhdire8]

"oh, music... tha'ts interesting. what instruments do you play?" with the initial tension resolved, Hector attempte dto act a little bit more friendly so as to not scare the omega any more. He had never really dated an omega before, they were raree and he was finding himself acitng a little awkward in thi fragile looking little thing. "And you will be graduating this year?" he even managed a gentle smile, reaching out to take over his handkerchief.

"and i have studied business back then. But i also play the piano when i was little - forced by my parent. I don't even recall how to play the simplest of tunes. Maybe you can teach me later." he suggested, giving a genuine smile to the boy that was really - a boy. He loooked inreidbly young wiht his eyes still wet and sadness still lingering.

"For the record... i am a little angry at first. I thought you didn't want ot be near me. But wel, since you already said it out loud i'm your type... i guess we could at least try to live well together. Nice to meet you, Carter." this time, without anyone prompting, he took over Carter's hand and pressed a genlte kiss on it - a repeat of the ritual but this itme much more genuine.

[Sam260]

"I play the piano..." Carter said with a shy smile on his face, his cheeks once again flushing a pinkish-red color "I can also play the clarinet, violin, and the cello, but I most prefer the piano." Carter swung on the balls of his feet lightly, nibbling on his lower lip and looking up at Hector, blinking a bit owlishly.

"I've played the piano since I was about five, my... OM wanted me to have well-rounded skills, but... Everything else we did... Well, I wasn't very good at, so we stuck with doing piano lessons, and eventually other instruments as I got older." Carter hummed quietly and nodded his head "I can definitely teach you how to play again, I heard it's just like riding a bike though, so... shouldn't take long."

Carter shook his head and frowned, lowering his chin to his chest "I never meant to upset you, it was just... I was very shocked to hear that we are apparently engaged. I will get over that eventually... Or, I'm already starting too... I dunno." he shrugged slightly and licked his lips. Carter watched as Hector bent and kissed his hand again -- this time he blushed dark red and giggled "You don't have to really be so gentlemanly... It is no longer the nineteenth century."

[bhdire8]

THe smile on Hector's face deepened .He was really surprised by how talented this little omega was. To have mastered so many instruments, Carter was really gifted in this. He nodded and hummed. "well thanks in advance, teacher." he smiled, looking at the innocnet look Carter was giving him. Well on a piano... there would be a lot of space for... he stopped his train of thoughts for it was highly inappropriate, and he despised himself for drifting off to such dirty thoughts.

"when you are this gifted in one field, why waste the effort trying to master other things? you should embrace your talent. and it's a good thing that you're studying what you like right now." Hector smiled, almost reaching out to ruffle the hair that was starting to not appear as striaght and proper.

"it's ok... i just assumed as well. so it's also my fualt to have shocked you as much." he looked up to meet Carter's eyes, this time his green eyes were warm with perhaps some affection in it. "i wnt to... i guess the rituals exist because of a reason, and afterall it might be just an extension of our instincts. I feel like it... so i did it." he said, straightening up again - and he didn't release Carter's hand right away.

"I guess we should join our group... or they would start to worry what's going on in here." Hector siad with a playful smirk, obviously hinting on something naughty. "it wouldn't help to see you are blushing so hard..." he whispered looking down at Carter, appreciating his lovely portriat from above.

[Sam260]

Carter, if he could, turned even redder -- He probably looked like a tomato already and he had to try really hard to bite back the moan that bubbled in his throat. As it was, he squeaked a little and nodded his head frantically, but he did not seem at all inclined to release Hector's hand either.

Lightly tugging on Hector's hand, Carter drew the muscular man back out of the study and back to the dining room - His father's were still there, but Hector's father seemed to be absent from the picture "Where did Mr. Lexington go?" Carter asked, frowning a bit as he sat down, hand still attached - now it just seemed like an unconscious thing - to Hector's hand.

Michael cleared his throat and looked away from Axel when his child and Hector came into the room "He had business to attend to, and said that Hector was more than welcomed to stay here... Or that you could give him a ride." Michael said pointedly, staring at both boys sitting at his dining room table.

Carter wanted to roll his eyes at his father's comment, but out of sheer will, he did not - They were treating the both of them as if they were children and this was just a play-date, it was damn annoying if you asked Carter himself.

[bhdire8]

Hector looked with amusement when the smaller boy dragged him back out with hands still connected. His father was no where to be seen and Hector groaned inwardly. Must be that the older generation was attempting to create "private times" for them. he couldnt help with the annoyance of being manipulated, and so his hand that was linked to Carter loosened a little. Carter still clutched him close, so the hand stayed.

Hector looked at Michael and hummed. "oh. So... no other chauffeur available?" He said, looking at Carter. "Or are you also heading back to the city now? I thought you'd be staying here for the night." he asked, wondering how was this family functioning.

Thier parents' blatant manipulation was really only worsening hte situation, and the more HEctor thought about it, the more annoyed he was. Afterall, he was a fully grown man and had his own ideas. He did not like this arranged marriage to start with, and to be played like puppets in an ugly attempt to force on a relationship was only making this entire business disgusting. "If we're leaving, we better get prepared. Thank you for the dinner, Mr Mayor." he said, again building up the invisible wall in front of his soon-to-be in laws.

[Sam260]

Carter was feeling very put-out by his father and Hector's father trying to push them to go too far too fast, he huffed in annoyance and finally did roll his eyes as he stood up, hand still mindlessly sitting in Hector's hand "Oh, we are definitely leaving. There is not a snowballs chance in hell that I'm going to stay under this roof, when they are so clearly trying to push us into things we're SO not ready for." Carter was being dramatic and he knew that, but ye'know, he was that much of a diva to pull it off in a cute fashion.

He didn't give either of his father's a chance to speak, although he did at least respect Axel enough to give him a hug and a kiss goodbye before stomping out of the mansion. He had finally released Hector's hand, though, and his own hand seemed to be missing the older guy's heat and strength already but he pushed the thoughts aside in favor of being pissed, and getting into his car - it was nothing fancy, just a Classic 1968 Classic Red Corvette, completely rebuilt from the engine up.

Carter sat in the passenger seat, however, with the engine running and his arms crossed over his small - well, compared to Hector's - chest and waited. Once Hector was in the driver's seat, he looked at the older man and offered him a sweet smile "I apologize for my own father's... attitude. He's clearly still very stuck in a century he wasn't even born in himself." Carter said with a shrug, licking his red lips with a small portion of his pointed pink tongue.

[bhdire8]

Hector noticed their still linked hands and smiled at the cute display of his fiance. He didnt expect this from the little guy who had been blushing so hard just moments ago. He guessed that even as sweet as Carter was, he did have his temper. What he could say was, with the annoyance demonstrated so clearly by Carter, he in fact felt a little better. At least the other one who had been suffering from this arrangement was also feeling annoyed.

To see Carter slipping into the passenger's seat was surprising. Hector thought he would want to drive seeing the vintage car. He settled in and had to adjust the seat backwards to allow room for his long legs. He glanced at Carter and smiled. "He's a traditional man, yea. With tastes that I dont agree with. From furniture choice to contract making decisions...." he shook his head and reached out to Carter, opening his palm like he was inviting him for a dance.

The gesture seemed to have confused Carter, who placed his hand on him.  (I hope you dont mind me completing the reaction from Carter.. LOL i just thought it'd be cute!) Hector could only laugh and squeeze his hand. "Ok, this is a great answer, but in fact i am asking for the car keys." He smiled at him and leaned forward to almost press a kiss on the omega's moist and soft lips... but held back at the very last minutw. "You are so cute..."

[Sam260]

Carter rolled his eyes dramatically and pointed at the keys already sitting in the ignition - with his other hand, because the one in Hector's, yet again seemed inclined to wrap around his -- Although, with their faces so close, Carter was starting to blush again, but he was feeling rather bold and invigorated after standing up to Michael, and pressed his lips against Hector's in a soft and chaste kiss "Engine is only two months old.. She's still very quiet." Carter whispered.

He reclined in his seat after that, slouching down and rubbing his thumb over Hector's knuckle "I don't care where you take me, as long as it's not dark and seedy... I'll find my way back to my college dorm room eventually."

[bhdire8]

"Oh!…" Hector quirked up his brow. He hadnt noticed it at all and the engine is REALLY quiet. He didnt have time to comment on it when he was crashed on by Carter's lips. He smiled when Carter retreated just as quickly as his "attack".

"Hmm, somewhere not dark and seedy...? You sure you are alright with that?" He smiled. "Dont you have class tomorrow? And arent you worried i might bring you some where dangerous... such as, my place?" He asker firing up the engine, whistling at how smooth it was. "Nice work... you put this together yourself didnt you?" This time he reached over to ruffle Carter's hair, messing it up before he sped away from the mansion.