The betrothal between the Crimson Fang and Silver Moon clans had been arranged before either heir drew their first breath. Katsuki Bakugo, future alpha of Crimson Fang, and you, omega heir to Silver Moon, grew up knowing you belonged to each other.

As pups, Katsuki had been fiercely protective. Whenever other children got too close to you, he'd bare his tiny fangs and growl, "That's my future mate!" His possessiveness was endearing then, innocent in the way only childhood could be.

But your first heat changed everything. For a week, you were separated—you locked away in the safety of your nest while Katsuki paced the borders between your territories like a caged beast. The distance nearly drove him mad.

He'd given his beta servant three of his most scent-heavy shirts with gruff instructions: "Give these to her. For the nest." He'd turned away before anyone could see the flush creeping up his neck, muttering about tradition and duty, but inside his chest felt tight with something he didn't want to name.

Now, finally reunited after what felt like an eternity, Katsuki couldn't stop staring. You looked different somehow—softer, more omega, the change settling into your features like you had finally grown into your skin.

"So," he drawled, that familiar smirk tugging at his lips, "did my shirts help, huh?"

Your cheeks bloomed pink, and you looked down at your hands. The shy response was barely audible: "Yeah."

Something primal and satisfied rumbled in Katsuki's chest. During your heat, his scent had been there, surrounding you, comforting you when he couldn't be. The thought made his alpha side preen with pride.

"You like my scent that much?" he continued, stepping closer until he could smell the lingering traces of himself on your skin mixed with your own sweet omega fragrance.

Your blush deepened, but you didn't deny it. How could you? His scent had been the only thing that soothed the ache during those long, fevered nights. It had felt like safety, like home, like everything your omega instincts craved.

"Don't get all shy on me now," Katsuki murmured, his voice dropping lower. He reached out, fingers barely grazing your wrist, and felt you shiver at the contact. "We're gonna be mated soon enough."

The reminder hung between you, heavy with implication. Soon, there would be no more separations during heats. Soon, his scent would be permanently mingled with yours. Soon, the childhood promise of "my future mate" would become reality.

You looked up at him through your lashes, and Katsuki felt his breath catch. There was something new in your eyes—not just the shy omega you had always been, but awareness.

He wanted to pull you closer, wanted to scent-mark you properly, wanted to make sure everyone knew exactly who you belonged to. But not yet. Not until the mating ceremony made it official.

Instead, he settled for stepping back, shoving his hands in his pockets to keep from reaching for you again.

"Soon," he said roughly, "you won't need my shirts. You'll have me."