A singled-out Omega (MuttxBlueAmbient)

[Mutt]

North never thought he was anything special, he was rather bland when it comes to the looks department. He took on the moniker of "North" from his days at the orphanage, mainly due to his silver hair and powder white tail and ears. His skin was tanned with freckles about his face, arms, and legs. More dotted his chest and back. He had a decent muscle mass but nothing to write home about. He preferred to wear camo shorts and a tank in the summer. No one was quite sure if he was of wolf decent or was an arctic fox, but it didn't bother North at all. He lived mostly off the streets now, blending in the paleness of the city. He was hoping his blending skills would work still now that he found himself in the middle of what looked to be a harem of sorts, receiving some type of "orientation".

The room where he was thrown in was elaborate, with large circular couches in the middle a coffee table in the middle with a few magazines piled haphazardly on the surface. The walls were painted a vibrant blue that gave the room a welcoming glow. The windows were large with have drapes pulled and tied to the side to let in the mid-day sun. There were cushions placed about the floor with no rime or reason and North couldn't guess as to why. Along one wall was a massive bookcase filled with books and along another wall a t.v. hung just above an entertainment stand that held the remote and a stack of DVDs. All-in-all it looked like the main room of a co-living apartment except the residents currently gathered looked terrified. He gleaned that they were here against their will as he was so they shared some sort of unspoken comradery. They were unsure what they were waiting for, murmurs broke out among the group as they were afraid to speak loudly. It had turned out that some were here of their own free will, promised lodging and food for work, others were here by being forcibly taken or bought. An omega without an alpha was considered an unspoken law, the omegas not being allowed to do much without the approval of their alpha.

The government turned its nose to stray omegas being snatched off the street, whether they were content to live a life of solitude or if they were happily awaiting the fated alpha. It wasn't uncommon for omegas to go missing from their homes or streets and those who complained or brought attention to these matters found themselves also disappearing. It also wasn't uncommon for harems to sprout up. It was a harsh and unforgiving world for omegas, and often time betas, and those who didn't accept their fate often found themselves 5 feet under.

North did his best to ignore the others as rumors of harems and brothels circulate. There was only one alpha who ran both. All North had to do was blend in, be unseen, and plan an escape.

 

[BlueAmbient]

Ashe Wilde

Name: Ashe Wilde
Age: 27
Species: Snow leopard/domestic cat hybrid
Occupation: Brothel owner
History: Ashe was born to a domestic black cat mother and snow leopard father. His beta father had been drunk and his mother, an omega, was supposed to be infertile. But it happened anyway, and his mother died in childbirth. Raised in cruelty beneath his father's thumb, Ashe had no hesitation in killing his father when he turned sixteen and realized he was an alpha. Ashe claimed self defense and got off free. He quickly realized that while many want to use omegas, relatively few want to care for them. So, Ashe started gathering stray omegas and started opening brothels, quickly gaining a fortune. Now he runs Rosebud Nights, a chain of omega staffed nightclubs that double as brothels.

Ashe pulls his black jeep — an unusual choice of vehicle for the fortune he holds — up to the curb in front of the apartment building he renovated to house his omegas. A three floor building, the ground floor is set up to have a large common room, in addition to four apartments. The second and third floors each have eight apartments. Each apartment can house four omegas. This isn't the only such building he owns, but it's currently the only empty one.

Ashe adjusts his grey and gold vest as he gets out of the jeep, heading up the three steps to the front door and tapping his phone against the key card pad. Whereas omegas would get a key card, the pads on each building are set to recognize Ashe's phone, so that he has access to each one. Once inside, he rolls up the sleeves of his black dress shirt, walking up to and opening the doors of the common room. Closing them behind him, he takes a moment to count the number of heads in the room. Sixteen. The largest haul his 'collectors' had gathered at once. Ashe puts on a charming smile and spreads out his arms.

"Welcome. Some of you have come seeking shelter, protection, and the promise of full bellies. Others were strays on the street. As we all know, an omega without an alpha is an omega uncontrolled." Ashe lowers his arms, folding them behind his back. His voice is smooth, soothing, like a parent calming a frightened child. "Here, with me, you will have all that you desire, for a price. The type of establishments I run are no secret, and the government turns a blind eyes, because I reduce the number of strays. Under my care, you will work for me in the various Rosebud Nights clubs." Ashe's eyes having been roaming the omegas, and they pause and linger on the single silver-haired boy in the room. He continues speaking, but his eyes remain on the boy.

"Each of you will receive a key card for this building. It is intended for the front door only, there are no locks on the individual apartments. This building will be your home, your community. I expect you to all get along, and help each other when needed. Your independence is contained within these walls." Ashe pauses, taking a breath. His eyes finally pull away from the silver-haired boy to scan the room again. "You will also be receiving a collar to signify you belong to me. These collars have coded locks, which open only to a signal sent from my phone. Attempting to cut off the collars will result in the locks exploding. While not fatal, this explosion will result in a trip to the nearest hospital. Any questions?"

 

[Mutt]

North's ears twitched moments before the room went silent as the others picked up the sound of footsteps towards the room. His hazel eyes couldn't help but roam up and down the man before his eyes widened slightly as he recognized who was standing before them. He heard whispers around the streets both from omegas who have been claimed and those who were hoping to keep off the radar of the government or any alpha who saw fit to take what didn't belong to him. He couldn't quite recall the man's name, at the time he assumed the rumors were just muttered tales despite the looming presence of the infamous nightclubs. North was extremely certain he didn't want any kind of employment in those clubs. He certainly wasn't a prude by any means but had zero interest in being put on display.

The man's comments grated his nerves and going under his skin. North looked up just in time to catch eyes staring at him. It caused goosebumps to break out on his arms and a shiver to go down his spine. The longer he was stared at the longer he was unsure if he could manage to slip away without notice. He only felt like he could breathe once the stare was broken. He couldn't pay much attention to the speech, the load of it was all rubbish. Any thoughts of escape fled his mind at the mention of a collar. He reached up to rub at his neck absentmindedly, not sure he was could stomach wearing one for the rest of his life nor did he feel like risking an explosion, even if it was promised to not be fatal. His only bet now was to slip out before they could snap their contraption around his neck. He took a quick look at the nearest omegas trying to gauge their reactions. Some looked how he felt, some had looks of relief on their faces, and some still couldn't reach a conclusion.

"Any questions?"
North could think of a few, a dozen maybe, the biggest one was where the exit sign was. The second where was he got the nerve. He didn't think either would go over well.
"If we decline your...offer, can we go back to our lives?" He couldn't help but say from the back of the room.
And pretend this never happened?
So much for trying to be a ghost.

 

[BlueAmbient]

Ashe's bright green eyes snap back to the silver-haired fox boy when he speaks up. He's quiet for a handful of heartbeats, watching the boy's expression. He must have been a capture, rather than a volunteer. Ashe nods his head once, more of an acknowledgement of the question. His tail sways lightly behind him.

"Unfortunately, releasing unowned omegas to the streets is technically illegal if the alpha or beta is caught doing so. As such," Ashe pauses again, that charming smile making a return. "If you decline my offer, I will have you legally transported to an omega detainment facility, to wait for an alpha to select you."

An omega detainment facility is a concrete building, almost similar to a prison, designed to house unwanted or dangerous omegas. Concrete rooms with steel framed beds, no outside access, and the only company being other omegas. At least it had three square meals, but little else. There's only two ways out of the facility; being claimed by an alpha willing to try and tame the dangerous omegas, and death.

 

[Mutt]

North felt his eye twitch. He could tell he wasn't being taken seriously, he wondered how many people asked or even begged Ashe the same thing. North wasn't one for violence but he ached to wipe that smile off the big cat's face. He couldn't pause the twitching of his ears, a tell that he was clearly annoyed and had more to stay, but right now he didn't have a retort or a snarky remark.

Blowing out a breath, North ducked his head down, letting out a noise that could be considered an understanding response. He hard rumors about the detainment facility from those who had came out alive, albeit at the end of a leash of an Alpha. As far as rumors went, the Alphas that went in weren't always the savory type. He'd rather take his chances with the wolf and his brothels than winding up dead in the facility or an Alphas basement.

Running a hand through his silver hair he let out a quiet annoyed breath. Escaping here wouldn't be easy but the chances were better here than there. At least his current accommodations were a lot nicer than his quiet hovel he made into a home. The other omega near him didn't seem too bad, though the ones cowering could cause him to eye roll. A few he considered worthy to try and recruit for an escape mission. Another young man with rabbit ears and a woman sporting feathered features.

North couldn't quite meet Ashe's eyes, worried his face might give away his ideas. "I understand. That won't be necessary," his tone was quiet.

 

[BlueAmbient]

Ashe watches the boy a moment longer, before turning to the door to the common room, behind him. His men will have arrived by now, bringing with them cases containing the specially crafted collars, and key cards to the building. Ashe pulls the door open, letting in four men. They move to one of the tables, setting down and opening the cases. Ashe turns back to the gathered omegas.

"Four of you to a group, come and get your collars and key cards. You will also give your names, to be recorded in the coding for each collar. This will take about five minutes for each of you, so please be patient." Ashe's green eyes once again turn to the silver-haired boy. That one could be trouble, but something about him makes Ashe want to keep an extra close eye on him. His coloring is rare, as well, so Ashe is debating putting him forward at a club, or keeping him from customers.

 

[Mutt]

North watched the guards stream in out of the corner of his eye, they seemed to be betas by their lack of interest in a room full of omegas, that or they were highly trained to not put their noses where they didn't belong. At least they wouldn't be getting to sample the goods. He was already uncomfortable enough with the added attention from Ashe, he couldn't quite tell what the man was thinking.

His group was made up rather quickly, the brown-haired rabbit joined him as well as the feathered woman. A shy housecat joined them after a few moments, the girl looked happy enough to be there, and the rest of them looked really unhappy and annoyed. The rabbit introduced himself as Saint. Whether that was his real name or a nickname North was unsure, he didn't bother to ask. The feathered woman introduced herself as Jaden and she looked more angered at their situation than he had felt. The housecat didn't introduce herself, preferring to sit outside their group while playing with her hands. It didn't take long for their group to be motioned over by a burly guard that was covered in tattoos.

North found himself at the head of the line.
"Name?" The man asked in a slow, bored tone.
North hesitated for a moment, his eyes flicked to Ashe before returning to the guard. "North. No last name."
The guard was quiet as he input the necessary information to an un-active collar and the key card. A minute later and the collar made a beeping noise, lit up before dimming again. The card was swiped across the machine. Before he had time to react, the collar was snapped shut around his neck and the key card shoved into his head. The guard dismissed him with a wave of his hand, calling out, "Next!"
North took another look at his little squad before returning back to the back of the room, plopping down on a ridiculously large cushion. He reached his hand up to fiddle with the collar, the contraption sitting snug around his neck and giving no room to budge. He couldn't help tugging on it a few times, only to sigh, running a hand through his hair.

 

[BlueAmbient]

Ashe watches the omegas move around, group up, and gather to receive their collars and key cards. His hearing easily catches the voice of the silver-haired boy; North. A fitting name. A smile pulls at the corners of his lips. That omega pulls at his attention, whether the boy wants it or not.

Once everyone had received their new belongings, Ashe steps forward again as his men leave. "Alright, everyone comfortable? Keep in mind all that I've told you. You have three days to settle in, before I return to hand out your working assignments. Some of you will learn to bartend, some will learn stage entertainment." By this, he means dancing and stripping. Ashe pauses, looking around. "Others will be servers, and most of you will be taking private services rotations. My most strict rule is that you alert my men, or myself, if your heat is approaching. I will not the mindlessness an omega brings to betas and alphas, nor pregnancies in the women. Any further questions?"

 

[Mutt]

North couldn't help but wince. His biggest hope would be placed behind the bar slinging drinks or being a server and enduring various catcalls and the occasional groping. Stage entertainment would be his worse nightmare, he had horrid stage freight, and he wouldn't last very long under the spotlight with hundreds of eyes staring at him. Plus he had two left feet, dancing wouldn't work. And stripping? He'd rather be sent to the facilities and take his chances there. He could only assume what he'd be ordered or request to do with clients in a private setting. He was no prude, nor a virgin, but the thought of being with multiple people daily was just not appealing. At all. He had a feeling he wouldn't be given any of the wallflower positions, his fur color, and fluff would be too popular. It wasn't the first time he considered shaving off all his fur. He silently cursed his luck.

The last statement caused his gut to twist. He had forgotten he was taking heat suppressants and he couldn't quite remember the last time he had taken the last pill. He kept his mouth shut but his anxiety was pouring off him in waves, heaven forbid he went into heat in a building full of alphas and betas. He couldn't tell anyone else, they'd probably think him a liar. What would he say, anyway? 'Hey yea, I was taking illegal heat suppressants that fucked up my cycle and I don't know when the next will be. Sorry!' North felt sick. Luckily no one raised their hands and spoke up with any further questions. The moment he could quietly escape to his room he'd probably spill his lunch. Then curl up and curse his fate.

 

[BlueAmbient]

Every emotion creates a scent, and Ashe's sharp nose picks up on anxiety. However, more than one omega is exuding it, spread throughout the room. So there's no way for him to pinpoint it.

"Very well, then. Your apartments are yours to choose, and you may shuffle apartments as much as you like. No infighting. Remember, this group is your community, your family, now." Ashe turns to leave, then pauses. "Oh yes, one more thing. My name is Ashe Wilde. But you will all address me as sir." With one last charming smile, Ashe exits the room, leaving the door open. Two of his men follow him out of the building. The other two head into the building's landlord office; they're to be the security of the building, policing fights, disagreements, and the coming and going of the omegas.

 

[Mutt]

Waiting a few moments when Ashe and his guards had left the room, North sprinted from the common room, darting to one of the nearest rooms adjacent to the common room, turning a knob and thanking the gods that it opened without an issue. He was an area of footsteps following him, but he paid them no heed, he assumed it was his two new silent companions choosing to room with him. He chose the bedroom on the left wall, slamming the door shut, locking it before running into the bathroom, dropping hard on his knees in front of the toilet moments before the contents of his stomach heaved into the bowl. He was unable to tell what made him ill and he feared he might be on the eve of his heat.

Once his stomach was emptied, he flushed the toilet and then curled up into a heap next to the tub, finally letting the stress of the day catch up to him as silent tears fell. He'd have to figure out the security around this place come midnight but for now he was content to just lay there on the floor.

 

[BlueAmbient]

Though the security of the building seemed minimal, it was designed to contain the omegas; weakest of the secondary genders, the code locks on the doors and shatterproof windows that don't open are enough to discourage attempts to break them. The only way in or out of the building is the front door, and the door through the kitchens. That door doesn't open to the omegas' key cards, though, so their only option is the front. And it's technically guarded by the two men in the admin office, the wall of which is glass to see the entire front hall. There's even a sign on the front door telling omegas they must sign out at the office.

The men guarding the building are omegas, Ashe refuses to hire Alphas for the job of guarding his omegas. If one goes into heat, a beta can more easily ignore the scent than an alpha. Currently, they're playing cards with each other, but frequently look out to the hall. Sneaking past them would be impossible.

 

[Mutt]

It took around an hour for his twisting stomach to settle and another few minutes for his anxiety to wane enough for him to lift himself off the bathroom floor. It was dark outside, the exact time unknown to him but the bedrooms of his roommates were closed, with soft snores coming from one. North quietly padded throughout the apartment, wincing every so often with a creak of a floorboard but there was no change sound from his sleeping companions. Opening the door, he peeked around, looking down the hallways on both sides. Seeing the hallways clear, he slipped out and quietly shut the door. His choices of getting to the first floor were an elevator and the stairs, it was an obvious choice to use the stairs.

North thanked whatever gods were watching him that the stairs were concrete and not metal, it made it a lot easier for him to quietly make his way to the first floor. Opening the door, he glanced down the hall towards the exit and his stomach plummeted. The office had the lights on with two shadows inside and the front down was manned by a few omegas by the smell. He assumed there was no backdoor with all the extra security at the front door and he already tried the windows with no luck. His only option was to sign out as casually as possible and hope his smell wouldn't give me away to any of the guards. With a deep breath he approached the office, raising a hand to knock on the door.