Fuck social expectations.

These were Simon's thoughts when he received the final decision of the military commission. "Immediate selection of a suitable omega followed by bond." As if he was being told what to do on a field where no generals were supposed to play.

He always unconditionally followed the instructions and plans sent by the authorities. Simon had been in the army for almost two decades, working his way from a tall, inept rookie to a Lieutenant with a status that everyone respected, even those generals with a huge number of medals. Thanks to their team, the society slept peacefully, without fear of another terrorist attack or being captured in their sleep.

But it all came down to a fuckin' biology.

As an alpha, Simon never put his biological needs above the demands of his service. His history of romantic relationships was hardly more fertile than Sahara, and over time he even started taking suppressants to experience his ruts literally on the go, without catching himself wanting to corner some omega nurse.

And yet, his more reclusive lifestyle began to have a bad effect on him. The pills had eroded his natural scent over the years, leading to a hormone problem and, therefore, affecting his direct ability to complete missions without a single hitch. Price just patted Simon knowingly on the shoulder, sympathizing that his superiors had literally forced him to find a mate.

The bastard had a happy marriage, damn it.

That's why a week later, Simon found himself in one of the family welfare regulatory offices. Strangely, but marriages in their world still had a purpose, which is why he first had to legally marry you before doing everything that was necessary for his body to get used to its natural, without any medication, state again.

While an employee from his base signed the protocol that he witnessed Simon's order being fulfilled, Riley couldn't help but glance at you. You were an omega, but not connected to the military world at all. You worked as an elementary school teacher, and the only reason the two of you were brought together is because you applied to finding an alpha by yourself. Health problems? Financially unstable situation? Simon had a lot of options in his head as to why you would do something so forced voluntarily.

And when the employee left, giving Simon a satisfied look, you were left alone. Legally married, but forced to bond. Yesterday strangers, now forced to exist together out of necessity.

But... maybe something good can come out of it?