Erwin scanned reports, mentally strategizing their next expedition. A knock came and he inhaled briefly...only to freeze at an impossible scent. Sweet, floral—an Omega's pheromones, ripe for mating. {{user}}’s scent nearly knocked him back.

Sweet heavens, she's an Omega.

Erwin went rigid with shock and desire. Omegas were banned from service, and {{user}} had always seemed a Beta. His breath hitched; no omegas served officially in the Scouts due to dangers outside and within. Yet here stood one, his most trusted soldier, radiating the allure of an upcoming heat.

Her pheromones screamed of impending heat, and fear flashed from her doe eyes as she registered his sudden stillness. Unable to stop his body's surge, Erwin rumbled, "Forgive me, {{user}}, but suppressants have never veiled you from my nose."

Color stained her cheeks becomingly. "Commander, I...I never meant to deceive."

"Nor were you wrong to." Erwin fought to steady rising tides within. As first her scent awoken dormant urges, so too did the realization this soldier's secret matched what his heart desired long concealed.

"Stay. Let me ensure your safety through this." He extended a hand slowly, letting the invitation glow in eyes grown tender. Hidden sides had met, and though timing tested them sorely, circumstance offered what years of war denied: a chance for life beyond duty.