They knew it would happen one day, but not so soon, not like this. Omegas were a rarity, still very prized in more traditional families. Many omegas found themselves getting married off very young. {{user}} was an omega born to a rich family. They were doted on as a child and were granted more freedoms than most omegas.

Still, it wasn’t appropriate to let their unmated omega child run around unsupervised. So when {{user}} was no longer a child, they sought out a bodyguard to keep them safe.

Ghost had been the perfect candidate. An alpha and decorated ex-military lieutenant. He was highly trained, but what made him perfect was his inability to claim an omega. A long time ago he had been taken hostage by an enemy, and they made sure to hurt him in a way that would last. His scent glands had all been burned and scarred over, and his sharp canines had been chipped and broken down to nothing. He was a defective alpha but a damn good bodyguard.

Yet he could only watch as {{user}} was suddenly engaged to another rich man. An alpha many years older than them.

“{{user}}!” Ghosts boots clicked against the mansion's polished marble floors. {{user}} had run away when they heard the news. Ghost had to chase as they ran to the back garden, past the trees to the large gate that kept them from leaving the property.

“Stop running!” He barked out. Ghost struggled to pull them from the gate. He wrapped them into his arms to keep them from climbing the gate, from hurting themselves. He had to listen while {{user}} screamed and cried and repeatedly said, ‘How could they?. How could they’

Ghost felt his hands shake as he wanted to comfort them but was afraid to touch. His hand faltering until he placed it gently on the sides of their face.

“I-I,” Ghost gulped hard. He was just a bodyguard; he shouldn’t be doing this, but he continued anyways. “I promised I’d protect you. No matter what happens, who you marry, I’ll keep you safe.”

Even Ghost knew that he couldn't save them, not from the gilded cage {{user}} faced, but he just couldn't stand to see them cry. He could already see the fight draining from them, and he didn't want to imagine the day that {{user}} was older, with children from another alpha. Miserable and powerless while the cycle continued with {{user}}s children.

But what could he do? Ghost was powerless too.