The Vampire's Last Omega

Playdate

Kieran snugged a mint green beanie hat over Teru's head. The puffball on top wiggled whenever he moved. It was difficult to bend his arms because of his black winter coat, which almost reached down to the floor. Next, Kieran wrapped a fuzzy scarf around his neck. He was hot and uncomfortable once the getup was finished after putting on mittens and boots.

"This feels weird," Teru complained. "I said I preferred the cold."

"And you," Kieran told him, "have never experienced New York winters. Today is the coldest day of the season and it snowed overnight. I'm hopeful the roads are cleared by now."

"And what about you? That's the same suit and coat you always wear."

Kieran connected his new watch's chain to his lower pocket. "Because I'm cold-blooded. We don't feel the below-freezing temperatures like humans do. Coats are just for aesthetic."

The vampire fastened Teru's collar and attached the leash. The urge to bite off the offending tether made his mouth itch.

They went down the elevator and through the building's lobby. Like last time, the nearby bloodsuckers paused to stare at the passing prince and his famous omega.

"Pride's showing his face so soon?"

"I wonder how long it'll be before the other sins challenge him for his rank. Perhaps for that cute human, too."

"My blood slave said she threw a good-sized stone at him."

Wow, they really had the guts to talk like that within earshot. Teru quickly glanced up at Kieran. He was expressionless, but surely he felt annoyed by these gossiping chickens?

When they were outside to go to the car with Viktor waiting for them, the bitter wind took Teru aback. His cheeks hurt. This was freaking cold, colder than the caves! Once situated in the sleek limousine's artificial warmth, Kieran asked, "Aren't you glad I made you bundle up?"

"I suppose." He was right. This was freezing, even for him.

The car drove away into the bustling traffic. Teru was finally going to see Lucas properly this time-no ruts, no random challenges, just two pack mates reuniting.

Kieran's face was serious. He had something to say. "Do you remember what I said about the Zhang's?"

From what Teru recalled, they were nasty, stereotypical bloodsuckers. "Yes, I do."

"Just...don't be surprised."

"Why would I be surprised? He's my best friend."

His red eyes narrowed at the words, 'my best friend.' Heavens, Kieran was easily jealous. "He's been with them for as long as you have been with me. I like to think I treat you better than most vampires do to their blood slaves. The Zhang's, as I mentioned, are ruthless toward their pets. What I'm getting at is, don't be surprised if that little alpha isn't the same person you knew."

Not the same person? Lucas? That was absurd.

While driving, Teru was more attentive to the city: the busy people, clean streets, and the working employees at the kiosks. They stopped at a red light. Teru watched with astonishment when a pair of laughing vampire children held hands with a smiling, yellow-collared human. That must be their blood slave. Were they like a nanny? The three were having a fun time drinking hot chocolate made by the coffee store behind them. If it wasn't for the small boy holding her leash, Teru would've thought they were a family.

Even so, they seemed happy, happier than many blood-related families in the caves and other packs nearby. It honestly sickened him when he almost understood why a miserable, dirty human would betray their pack for this life. Perhaps it wasn't all roses for everyone, but it was thought-provoking to see a real-life example of someone who had no regrets doing what they did to survive. There were so many things he didn't know and the dynamics behind these master-slave relationships.