Rian’s family was over joyed when he presented as an alpha. Another in a long line of proud Kennedys. But Rian knew something wasn’t right.

The alpha would listen to his brothers talk about their ruts, and it wasn’t the same. Whatever it was, it got worse as he got older. To the point where he couldn’t ignore it.

Rian sat mutely in the doctor’s office. Numbly listening to what he already knew, but had always denied: he was a submissive alpha. In the same way an omega needed an alpha, he needed someone to dominate him.

“It could be anyone,” the doctor explained. “Even a motivated omega could. This doesn’t mean you necessarily have to mate with an alpha.”

Rian spiraled as he left the doctor’s office. His feet carried him over to the greasy diner nearby. Somewhere where no one knew his name. Where he could figure out how to tell his family.

The bell above his head ringed as he stepped in. His breath hitched, an impossibly warm scent curled around him: his fated mate.