Chapter 13

Negotiating

The morning sun shines onto my face, the smell of dew complementing the slight breeze that blows through my fur. I feel so warm and comfy as I start to stretch my legs. My back presses against a solid object and I open my eyes. The white and red wolf next to me is still asleep, his body curling around mine as his chest slowly rises and falls.

I can't help but nuzzle into the alpha's neck, my omega purring lightly at the warmth and closeness we share. I really enjoy waking up like this, I wouldn't mind having someone next to me every morning. Why have I pushed him away so much? His companionship has been nice and comforting, even before everything that has happened.

Sho is very direct in how he goes about things, not being hesitant or one to beat around the bush. He may be very blunt with his words and actions towards his interest in me being his mate, but he has never been rude or inconsiderate of my feelings in that process.

He respects me even when I have been brash and rude in return. He has treated me as an equal though I am an omega, even when that was purposefully hidden his actions didn’t change. He doesn't treat me like any less because of my second gender, in fact it seems that he holds me just as high as himself.

Maybe it is because I am a Royal, but non the less, I'm still an omega. With how alphas have treated me in the past, that doesn't change how many of them have a superiority complex when it comes to me being a stronger wolf compared to them.

Even Kacchan had some issues when we were younger. Before I had my first heat at 18, my pack just thought I was a strong beta. The next Royal wasn't supposed to be born so close in age to Yagi, our Superior Omega. There were only 5 betas in my pack, and I was dismissed as being a Royal not only because of my age, but not being able to ignore alpha pheromones while a pup. I wasn't fully able to deny my submission to alphas, but that was only because I was an adolescent wolf. Even adolescent alphas submit to other alpha pheromones.

My first gender was also why my pack ruled me out. A female was meant to be the next Royal since that was how it was patterned for generations. There was a female beta that was presumed to be the next Royal. She was 10 when my omega presented, and it caused a disruption in our pack. My presentation was hard for many to accept, but it was my friend that I didn't expect to be among them.

So when I had my first heat, Kacchan hated that I was suddenly of a higher status than him, at least that is what I assumed. I'm sure it now that it was actually because he was the one with me when I fell into heat. We were out by our favorite tree, and I started seducing him as my omega took control. Looking back, I think I scared him. I was suddenly a different person as I ignored his protests to my actions.

He was distant for months, only giving harsh words and shoves in response to me. It got worse when I was able to handle the Royal quirk that Yagi passed down. The blonde alpha would seek me out to fight him, saying I was still as low as a beta or just as weak as an omega no matter my Royal status. That it would have been better for me to be an omega than what I am, cause then I could actually be useful.

I thought I had lost my childhood friend, that what we had shared was gone because of what I am. I hated my status for a long time, I wished for it to go away. I was desperate for Kacchan to accept me again, he was my best friend and it hurt for him to be so mean for something I couldn't control.

But things changed when Kacchan's alpha, Mitsuki, was attacked by a bear while patroling our territory line in the late afternoon. She was injured badly trying to keep her omegan mate safe, he had gone into an early heat unexpectedly, his cries of pain had attracted the large bear.

Yagi was out with some young wolves, teaching them how to hunt. I was left in charge for the day.

When Mitsuki had called for help through the pack link, I was the first one to get to the two wolves. Because of my quirk, I was able to respond quickly. I protected the two and killed the bear.

By the time the other members of my pack arrived, Kacchan included. I had already dragged the male omega to his injured mate. Despite the alpha's threatening pheromones, I had been able to compress her bad wounds and calm her down.

This awful accident had shocked Kacchan. When his alpha had told the pack what I had done, that seemed to bring my friend that I once had lost back. She insisted that both of them would have died within seconds if I hadn't come when I did. She praised me and committed herself to me.

I think that woke Kacchan up. That his stubborn alpha had put down her pride to show her dedication to me. My friend a few days after had apologized for his actions and how he had abandoned me, his future Superior. Ever since then Kacchan had been by my side.

I feel the wolf next to me move. I look at Shoto as he begins to wake, his eyes meeting mine as he yawns and stretches his front legs. He lifts his head and bonks it against mine softly, making me roll my eyes in the process. This wolf is full of surprises and seems to be showing more of his softer side to me.

I sit up and shift, stretching again as my body fully wakes up. Shoto follows my lead and shifts next to me before resting his forehead on my shoulder. One of his hands is on the small of my back, his fingers gently scratching my skin. I hum in satisfaction as I enjoy the action.

"How did you sleep?" The alpha asks softly. He raises his head to rest his chin on my shoulder this time. I lean my forehead against the side of his head.

"The best I have had in weeks." I answer with a smile. And it's true, I slept so sound that I actually feel rested.

"Good."

"You?"

"Yes, I slept very well." I smile at him. I know it's because of our wolves were finally able to be close to one another, and it brings warmth to my chest. It makes sense, the closer we become as friends, the stronger our bond becomes between our wolves.

"We should start walking if we want to be home for lunch." Shoto says, lifting his head off me and standing. I nod and allow him to help me up, our hands staying together longer than what a normal interaction would contain.

Our walk was quiet. Both of us lost in our own thoughts as we progressed closer to the village.

By the time it was mid day our stomachs were rumbling with hunger and I was craving the comfort of clothes and a hot bath. I think I will use the Todoroki packs bath house for once. Kami has been begging me to use it, saying it is even better than the one we had back home. Though the Omega spring is smaller here, there are hot towels and even different scents of soap and oils.

I have avoided using any of the hosting pack's offered accommodations. I don't want to intrude or have to interact with a pack I won't have any association with in a few months. There is no reason to form friendships that will only be broken. Yet here I am excited, my omega craving the spring despite my resolve. Even if others will be there, it seems worth it right now. Though I hope that I won't be accompanied by another wolf. I would rather have peace and quiet.

I can see campfire smoke in the distance and it only urges me to get back faster. My omega is desperate to return to civilization and our pack.

"Wanna race to the territory line?" I ask Shoto. I can't help the small skip I do as I look at him.

He looks at me with a hint of a smile.

"What do I get if I win?" I furrow my eyebrows in thought. What would be a good reward for him playing my childish game? It can't be too good, but it has to be worth it to him. Maybe I can play into his attraction for me.

"Then I will give you a kiss." I say, my cheeks turning pink at my words. This should be enough for him to agree, and enough for me to push myself to win.

"On the lips?" The alpha asks. I roll my eyes but nod. He smiled at my answer, his eyes narrowing in determination as he gazed down at me.

"And if you win?"

Hmmm, what do I want? I know! "Then you have to warm the pond for me tonight." I say with another little skip. This will be the best of both worlds for me. I wouldn't have to give up my resolve for the simple desire of hot water.

"Will I get to join?" I can see the small hint of a smile on the bicolored alpha's face. I raise a brow at him as I shake my head. This alpha has so much audacity. He knows how to negotiate... he hasn't even agreed yet and here I am sweetening the deal for him all for my childishness.

Ugg, but how can I deny him when he has been so kind and loving to me with little in return. I don't believe I owe him anything, but for some reason I just want to give at least a small amount of affection back. Though I can't give much, I want to try to at least show him how much I appreciate his actions.

"Hmm... We will have to see if I'm in the mood." I answer bluntly. I'm not going to make promises I can't keep, but I will try to at least show him I am willing.

"Alright, that works for me. " He hums out. He stretches his arms and pops his fingers before turning to me. "On the count of three." He says as we prepare ourselves. We stand next to each other, lean forward; our stances matching.

"1..."

"2..."

As Shoto says three I felt a hard push on my shoulder causing me to fall to the ground. Ice forms around my foot, securing me to the ground. I look up and see Shoto shifting to his wolf, running ahead.

I shake my head as a growl leaving me. He didn't even look back at me apologetically or anything. There is too much on the table for me to lose, he is willing to win at whatever cost.

But two can play at that game. I have never lost a race!

I smash the ice using my quirk and quickly get to my feet. Leaping into my wolf form, I sprint after the cheating alpha. I'm not going to lose to him, I will show him who he is messing with. I allow my quirk to help me, following Shoto's scent. The lightning flashing in my peripherals as I navigate through the trees.

It's only a minute before I catch up with him. I slow my pace and run alongside him, teasing him with a nudge to his back leg before running in sync with him. His eyes meet mine as I nudge into him again, a soft growl leaving me as my small form has to do double the work than his larger wolf. He nudges back while shaking his head, the nudge causes me to stumble slightly, but I am quick to gain my balance.

We scare a small herd of deer as we jump over logs and boulders. I can smell the pack's scent line coming close as we make our way through bushes and trees. It is time to finish this with my own cheating. I make sure to wait until Shoto looks at me again before shoving into his front legs, causing him to trip and fall to the ground.

I sprint as fast as my quirk will let me and cross the territory line seconds later, with Shoto about 10 seconds behind me. I come to a stop and shift quickly back to my human form. A huge smile on my face as I dance in a circle and sing a celebration song. My pheromones releasing as my happiness shows.

"I can't wait for a warm bath in the quiet pond tonight." I say loudly as the alpha shifts next to me. He nudges my shoulder and shakes his head, but there is a large smile on his face.

"Hey, you're the one that cheated first. I couldn't let you win after that." I tease him, pushing him pack. I am met with a fake gasp of offense.

"And who's to say I didn't let you win." He retorts while crossing his arms.

"Don't lie, I think you were struggling to keep up with me." I tip toe up to him, grabbing his cheeks between my hands and squeeze them to make him look chubby. "Admit it, I'm faster than you."

He rolls his eyes, letting me squish his face. "Only because you used your quirk. If we were racing fairly I would win."

I laugh at him, nodding in agreement because it is true. There is no way I could keep up with him without my quirk. I let go of his face, but before moving away I pull him closer to me. I kiss his cheek before twirling around and skipping toward the village. My celebration song resuming as I walk through the trees, leaving the shocked alpha behind.