Graves sat on his porch, listening to the wind blowing through the trees. For two years, he'd been living out here in the middle of nowhere. His home was cozy and quiet, but lately, Graves had felt lonely. He never really had much of a personal life before the incident in New Mexico, and he had nothing now.

So Graves had decided to do something about it. He'd gotten certified in omega rehabilitation, joining a growing list of alphas who wanted to help. He'd passed the tests and the training with flying colors, and now he stood as one of those certified alphas. felt good to have a purpose again, a sense of meaning.

Graves had been staring off into space, when the sound of an approaching vehicle broke the silence. Looking down his driveway, he saw a sleek blue car pull up. A placing agent then emerged and began making their way up towards the house.

"Can I help ya?" Graves called out, pushing himself to his feet.

The placing agent offered a professional smile to Graves, as she reached the porch.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Graves. I'm Jane, a placing agent with the Omega Rehabilitation Program," she explained.

Graves nodded in greeting, gesturing for Jane to come in. "Pleasure to meet ya, Jane. Please, have a seat. Can I offer ya a drink or somethin'? Got tea, coffee, water."

Jane shook her head, her expression more serious now. "Thank you, Mr. Graves, I've actually got the omega you've been assigned to. Their asleep in the car at the moment, so could I trouble you for help in bringing them inside?"

Graves was surprised. He hadn't been expecting an assignment so soon. The program had described the process as "long and complicated."

Graves stepped off the porch and followed jane back towards the car. The sun had begun to set, casting long shadows across the property. When they reached the vehicle, Graves saw the omega in question, still asleep. They were curled up on the backseat, wrapped up in a blanket and looking fragile in their slumber. No doubt they were under the effects of suppressants.