Rowen's Heat- An OmegaVerse Tale. Book 1. - Chapter 1: Chapter 1

××Rowen××
My heat is coming.
I sigh, picking the basket from the ground to balance the weight on my hip. It's a warm day in spring and the lands, including my own little gardens, are flush with new life and nature. I have finished gathering herbs for the night's meal. Included are some extra tidbits to assist when my Heat makes itself known, mercilessly overtaking me with the force of its demands on my body.
My eyes throb just thinking about it. Although I'm no longer a young woman in her youth, my Heats still come with a vengeance. The tonics I create go a long way to ease the symptoms, but nature can not be denied or completely muted. As the mother dictates, women must bear the price to give life.
Sometimes the mother is a cruel old wench, i snicker to myself.
After a few more passes through the garden, a stop by the coop, and various other small rounds, I make my way inside. The little cottage welcomes me with the strong smells of home and herbs. Although the space is small, there is plenty of room to move around, including two rooms toward the back, a gracious kitchen area, and a warm living space.
My home is built strong and of the best materials. The hands of myself and my father tore raw to bring our home together and it was our pride and joy. Well, it still Is my pride, but my father is no longer here to enjoy the fruits of his struggles. Having passed the last three winters, I ache deeply, still, for his presence. He is with the Mother now and at rest. No greater a man deserved his peace than my father.
Shaking such melancholy thoughts away, I note the sun is now setting, a thin veil of light cutting across the sky. Perfect! With a smile, I shuffle to the back kitchen door and through the small herb garden to the little green house thats tucked away.
I enter, as there is space enough for no more than two, and raise my small lit lantern to see better. Meticulously arranged, four various small flowers sit in individual beds of soil. Each one serves a very particular purpose, and all four must be grown near each other to be of maximum potency.
They are all bedded atop on a single long, wooden table with shelving behind two opening doors underneath for storage. Various mixes, tonics, and ointments derived from the flowers sit labeled in that space for future use. These had strong uses, both dangerous and miraculous. Caution was had with any use of the flowers.
This time, however, I was here for myself. I felt a tingle of awareness dance over me as I set my items out in prep. For my Heat I had created many tonics over the years. Suppressing it all together had been a terrible idea, one that cost me in the form of a horrible fever and a near poisoning. Luckily, father had been a very powerful Mage. I walked away with my life and a lesson.
Magic Always requires sacrifice. Always.
Bigger the Magic, bigger the sacrifice.
Instead, I focus on my symptoms. On my body's pleasure and demands. I open the slit to the roof and watch the sunset rays beam through and drench the flowers in its light. I take the knife from my items and slash the blade through a closed palm.
" Dammit" I snarl. Hissing at the pain.
Taking a few minutes I wait as the sun finishes its descent. Right as the orb blinks from the sky, I serve my blood to the flowers. It's absorbed slowly, but nothing more happens for several minutes. Then, right as the moon takes its place, the flowers rise. The closed buds blossom, growing in size almost triple. Once the blossoms open, I get to work fast. One, I strip of petals, then gather to replant. I wait calmly for the other as it releases its polin for me to bottle and do the same as with the other flower.
I fist the items, reorganize, and head back inside. I secure the back locks and head to my pantry. Here, I'm stocked for the winter and make a mental note to do the final inventory this week. Squatting down, I pull the rope that lifts the hatch door. A descending staircase is revealed and I make my way down, closing the hatch behind me.
My Nest is fully prepared for my upcoming Heat. Over the years I have accumulated an array of items to bring me comfort during my stay here. The center circle space is slightly instepped, creating a concave dip in the ground. A richly woven roundmattress fills the space along with dozens of pillows and throws. I keep food stocked and bring water down when the first signs of Heat begin to appear. Candles, lotions, salves, wraps, candies, and even toys are all here for my use.
The tonics I have created are another story. On top of diluting the pain, some parts are used to induce sleep or enhance euphoria. I have oils that stimulate and soothe. These goodies are some of my best sellers with the local women. Spinster I may be, prude I most definitely am not.
I reckon I have a day, two at the most. Already the symptoms have begun. Even now my temperature is stifling and I feel the start of cramps. As I'm prone to, I take a moment to wonder at being serviced by an Alpha. I'm not innocent, but never have I had the company of an Alpha. In or out of a Nest or heat. I concluded long ago I could never tolerate the attentions and possessiveness of one but, as my dynamic demands, I crave the touch of one. To be mounted and knotted, submitting to the dominance and demand of an Alpha. And to receive the attention and care of a good, honorable man as well.
I let out a long, loud audible sigh. These thoughts do me no good. There were no Alphas of honorable standing within miles and even if so, they were more interested in a young, pretty Omega to breed and spoil. My life was one of solitude and healing.
Backing out of the space and sealing the entrance, I head to my room and go down for the night. Idaily, I dream of pleasures only found in my fantasies.
It's the wee hours of the morning and I sit at widow Ramsey's breakfast table, gingerly rubbing ointment into the skin of a squealing baby girl. Widow Ramsey is my nearest neighbor as well as one and only true friend. Her husband died a summer past and left behind her and their small child. We don't often visit as we'd like but we make time at least once every hands span of days to keep company.
Young still at twenty five years, Macelyn Ramsey is pretty yet. Long, thick curling chestnut hair falls hip length. Her skin is touched by the sun and she's shapely yet lilith in build. Macelyn has time yet with her pick in suiters. Luckily, her late husband left her a modest wealth behind so she was in no need of a man's coin or name. And given her abusive pairing, Macelyn is in no rush to welcome another man in her life.
Ever the host, Macie lays out tea and tidbits of snacks as she fills me in on the town gossip.
"I suppose you haven't heard the news, then?" Macie inquires. My brow lifts at her as I finish up the rashing treatment for baby Laylah.
"No. But I bet you'll tell me, now won't you, you terrible damn gossip?" I grumble out good naturally with snarky sarcasm. Macie barks out a laugh and continues.
"Why, i surely am you mouthy old spinster" she snickers evilly. My eyes widen in disbelief and, affronted, place my hand against my chest.
"Why, you heartless bitch! I never!" I sputter.
"Oh I know you never, but you really should." Is her retort. "Sooner the better, I say, my dear. Your disposition is becoming rather wearing." She gives me a pointed look.
Carrying on "And there is only so much I as a woman can.... Assist you with. I'm afraid I simply do not possess the right.... Tools for the job." Her lips curve mischievously behind her mug.
Baby Laylah is now fully clothed so I hand her over to be fed. "Trust me, of that we can both agree!" I say with a look of mock contempt. We both have a hearty chuckle and take to our snacks and tea for a moment.
"Our great Lord and Master has been judged and executed for crimes against the crown. They have sent his replacement. He arrived some hours ago" she finally relays.
Hmm. This should be interesting, I think. Lord Hammel had been a thief and a slumlord. The people had been waiting on toes for the hammer to fall, and now were surely in celebration of the events. Good ridence, I say. Lord Hammel had made his interest in me known this past summer and id wanted nothing more than to vomit. The smell of his scent reeked of over ripe pumpkin, yeast, and stale mead. That is one Alpha I'm not sorry to see gone.
"Im sorry you missed him" Macies voice breaks in my thoughts. Huh? What? Missed who? Damn. I was spacing out again.
" I'm sorry, what was that?" I say, chargained to be caught being rude.
" Old age getting up wit ya?" She leers.
" Get knotted, you horny goat" I sneered in reply. Then I choke on my tea as Macie's come spewing from her nose in astonished laughter.
" You nasty hussy. I didn't know you had such filth in your head" Macie tsk. Laylah is fast asleep so she's put down and we retire to the porch with our tea.
"But seriously, the men who rode into town" Macie shivers. "Absolutely barbaric!" She exclaims. Interest blooms and I give her my full attention.
"Oh how so? Were they that handsome then?" I grin. I know her too well to believe for a moment she was scandalized. My presumption plays true when she replies.
"Absolutely wicked sinful, Roe! Why one even helped me while trying to balance the baby with the mornings pick ups. He was... eh hm.. Very charming." A blush ripens her face and i'm wondering if there is more to that story than she's letting on.
Hmmm. Hussy indeed.
The morning grows late and we said our goodbyes. I went along with my day as usual, trading my goods and stopping in with neighbours to drop off wares and haggle with orders. By the late afternoon I was wearing down but had a last stop in town to make.
Missy Holdens boutique is a frilly ladies shop set up in the heart of town. I rope my saddle and enter to immediately spot Miss Holden at the register. Her dazzling smile greets me like warm apple pie
"WENIE GIRL!" Is her practical scream of welcome. The wandering pa trons pay no mind, used to her flamboyant ways. I love her ways even if only for the reactions of others.
"Missy" Is my sober greeting. I walk to the counter and wait. Opening the counter door, Missy lets me past and guides me to the back rooms. "I have your order here, my dear" Missy says in a more subdued tone.
Her eyes sparkle as i enter her 'Red Room' located in the back of the establishment. Its a popular room especially for those who like to dabble im the more erotic parts of their sexual sports. I have a number of phalluses, toys, and things acquired over the years from the Red Room.
By far, my favorite is the Omega nestings. These are any kind of bedding that you could want made with a material softer than a goose feather. The big seller is that these fabrics can absorb and hold any scent they come in contact with or is applied to it.
Somehow these fabrics redistribute the fragrance in a concentrated form, giving you an intense recreation of your favorite Nesting partner or spouse. Or maybe just to keep you warm with memories on lonely nights. Either way, win win.
I wanted desperately to shop around, it's been a long while. But at that moment my body decided its time to act up. I trembled as a large spasmic cramp twist my gut and my abdominal muscles clench painfully. I kneel over in distress, gripping my stomach.
"Oh dear" Missy Exclaims softly. Her small nose twitching "It seems you couldn't have come at a better time. What is it, hours now?" She inquires, referring to the onset of my Heat.
Suddenly she's before me, a tonic of mild Heat suppression pressed into my hands. At this stage, it will do little for me, but it's just enough to get me back home unscathed.
Being a Omega is precious. While it's not extremely rare to birth Omegas, we are still very sparse in birth. Omegas are highly sought and very much treasured, but not so little you won't see them in a lifetime. On the other hand, Breeder Omega are a whole other thing.
Only Breeder Omegas birth Alpha and Omega children, every time. Yes, you heard correctly. Every. Single. Time. While for the most part, Alpha and Omega birthings can only be had in pairing with either an Omega or an Alpha partner, these pairings don't guarantee those outcomes as the Breeder Omega pairings do.
At birth, it's required that any Breeder birth be recorded to the county registrar. It is recorded, then that family is taken to live in special Breeder accommodations of comfort and security until the child is of breeding age to be paired off with an Alpha of "worthy" standing. Sadly it is often a political nightmare and young Omegas are often emotionally neglected, fought after and themselves given little choice in the say of their futures.
My father was a powerful Mage and a strong willed Alpha who cared very little for the ways of the crown. He decreed his child would choose and have the life she designed. I was forged in independence and I made my way in life respectively. He made sure I had say in the course of my life and choices in its direction. I loved my father more than he knew for that sacrifice.
But it is law. One law that has a heavy sentence if defied and an even heavier reward if reported. Many couldn't tell the difference between the two types of Omega. You'd either have to have had experience around Breeders and they're scents or have the powerful instincts of a Prime Alpha.
Since both were in little to no supply here, those were worries I needn't concern myself with. Missy and Macelyn are the only two aware of my Breeder status and I trust them wholeheartedly. That doesnt mean it is safe or smart to go into heat far from home and safety. Alphas can go into rut from an Omega heat. Worse, a Breeder heat can cause an almost instant rut that is impossible for an Alpha to withstand. It was time to go.
Understanding the urgency, Missy hands me some tea to chase the tonic. "Oh lord, would you get a whiff of that!" Missy says in an astonished whisper. "That scent, my dear. Why, I've never experienced such a... intense reaction. Or Beheld such a captivating aroma." She then has the grace to blush.
"That brings back so many old... memories of my young Omega Heats." She has somehow acquired a fan and is feverishly cooling her heated skin.
"Haha. Oh we must get you going!" Missy is now flushed Crimson. I give a small chuckle. Why, if she could she herself, red as an apple and blushing like a schoolgirl.
"That should hold you until you get home, at the very least" She supplies. Grabbing my neatly wrapped package, she bundles it into a bag. Pulling down a cloak, Missy turns to me and drapes the piece over my shoulders.
"It's chilly enough that you shouldn't look too out of character with this on. The layers should add some protection and stifle whatever scent isn't suppressed by the Tonic." She adds.
"Thank you, Missy. I'll get going now. I don't want to bring trouble to your place because some Alpha caught my scent" I nod, unable to hug her at risk of scent marking her, and begin to walk.
"Go out the back, my dear" Missy throws out. "That way you can easily sneak into the woods and bypass the crowds. Wait a moment and I'll bring your mare out back"
With thanks,I head back without another word, now focused on the task of reaching home. I swing on my ride once Missy appears and take off down the road at a swift pace. The jarring gallop upsets my stomach, already in a fragile state, and my temperature is peaking.
I usually take the main road to and from town. Doing that at this moment, however, would be dangerous. With my Heat so strong and getting stronger, it would be best if I cut through the woods. Pulling my horse along, I do just that.
As I make my way, a small clearing comes to view and I recognize the lake as I near. I won't be able to do much once I get home, so I decide to take the opportunity to feed my horse and stop him for a drink. I'll make it quick, I decide. With my Heat coming to full force, the temptation to cool my skin with a few splashes of water is too strong to pass up.
I squat and scoop hand fulls of water, throwing it on my face and neck and allowing it to soak my tunic. Even with the pleasant spring breeze, I'm flushed and heated. There is a dull, throbbing ache starting between my legs, and my nipples have hardened to painful points. Already I feel the expansion of my pupils, the black bleeding out to fill in the white of my eyes. With shaking hands, I take a few drinks, my horse following suit.
Looking up, I notice how far the sun has begun to set. The burnt red and copper yellows of the sky streak across and I feel my heart beat pick up. The shifting wind brings scents to my nose and a striking cramp takes hold when I come across an aroma that suddenly tinges the air. Sweat beads my head and I grasp my stomach in pain.
Suddenly, I feel... uneasy. Awareness pickles at my nap and I shift restlessly as alarm starts to flash across me. All at once I'm aware I'm being watched. Stalked. A live energy is vibrating in the air and I feel a growl come to my lips. I jump up and turn, putting my back to the horse and face away to look around.
At first nothing happens. I'm losing the sun as time passes and the need to run begins to take hold. I can no longer stay exposed this way, I must get home. A fever has started to take hold and soon I'll be burning raw in hormones. I raise my nose and take in another sample. The smell of rain, earth, warm apples filters through my scenes.
Movement. A flash of color. A figure appears from the shadow of the woods just as it dawns on me what I'm smelling.
Alpha.
But I've never beheld a staggering an aroma as I am now. It's Alpha.... But something else. Something... more. Bigger. Imposing, looming, threatening, stalking.
"Hello, Omega"