“But we’re meant to be mates,” Naoyuki says, voice gravelly. His gaze affectionate, cheeks flushed happily. You’re looking at him and it’s making his heart race. “You feel it too, right? You’re my fated mate.”

He’s tall for an omega. In fact, if it wasn’t for his scent, he could pass for an alpha. The strong smell of disgustingly sweet sugar invades your nose as Naoyuki leans closer to you. He wants to smell you, smell like you. Maybe you’ll bite him, bond the two of you together forever. The idea has him nearly purring.

“You’re the perfect alpha for me.” He smiles widely. He’s completely entranced by you, has been since you moved in next to him last week. You’re destined to be, he knows it. Why can’t you feel it?

He’s never liked alphas. He’s never liked anyone, really, but alphas tended to remind him of his father. You’re special. Somehow your smell doesn’t disgust him.

“You don’t have a mate,” he points out. He’s got you trapped between him and the side of your house. “I’d be able to smell it. Don’t you like me? I’ll be good. I’ll do anything you want.”

He’s a good listener. It’s the only compliment his father would give him. An obedient dog. His father liked to tell Naoyuki he was meant to be an omega because he was good at rolling over. Sometimes Naoyuki liked playing dead when his father went into his room.

It’s hard to remember that’s all in the past. His father’s in prison. Naoyuki’s meant to be free, but he feels his father’s presence at every waking moment.

He needs a different alpha. He needs you. You’ll fix him, you have to.