Ayako wasn't happy. Takigawa knew it the moment he stepped into her bedroom. He was feeling good. And looking good, if I do say so myself. He tried not to preen too much as he caught sight of himself in Ayako's full-length mirror. He was wearing a suit and tie, ready to go to Ayako's yearly summer banquet. It was being held at an expensive hotel in the middle of Tokyo, where they would be treated to a fancy dinner and a formal party afterwards. Ayako huffed as she tugged her blazer collar. She despised these things.

"You look gorgeous." He knew that wasn't what was bothering her. Ayako was hardly modest. She knew she was hot. She was wearing a tight black dress that hugged every curve and stopped high on her pale thighs. The blazer was just for the evening chill outside. Beneath it, her shoulders were hugged by thin straps. Her red hair was freshly blow-dried and brushed out. She didn't need any spray to hold it in place. Her makeup was simple, dark colours. A deep red on her lips and deep brown around her eyes.

"Thanks...So do you," she replied with a little warmth as she looked at him in the mirror, tugging her hanging diamond earrings as she did so. Takigawa grinned almost smugly as he slipped his hands in his pockets. He didn't wear a suit that often. In fact, he mostly only had one so that he could accompany Ayako to these sorts of things. It was part of their agreement. If either of them needed a date for events, then they were covered. Takigawa's hair was in a windswept style, the top half tied while the lower half was free but remained neatly in place about his shoulders. His tie was neat, top button fastened, collar neatly turned down, and his jacket neatly buttoned. The only thing that gave away his more casual nature was the single earring, a silver dragon, dangling from one ear. He was trying so hard that Ayako didn't bother asking him to remove it. "There will be a lot of alphas," she warned with a sigh.

"I took an extra suppressant." It wasn't entirely necessary. He wasn't that close to his heat anyway. He was trying not to be too nervous himself. This was a big event for Ayako. Her parents, the owners of the hospital, would be there as well as staff from other branches. Most doctors, for some reason or other, seemed to be alphas. Like the legal profession, medicine was crawling with them. It could have been something to do with their natural confidence, but some jobs just drew alphas to them. Coincidentally, a lot of kindergarten teachers and nursery staff were omegas. "We should get going. The taxi will be waiting," he added softly as he watched Ayako fuss with the glittering diamonds at her throat.

"I really-" Ayako began with a sigh.

"Hate these things, I know." Takigawa couldn't help being amused as he stepped closer and rested his hands on her strong but delicate shoulders. "But it's the perfect place for you to show me off, right?" He kept his teasing grin as Ayako huffed her own quiet amusement. He wasn't entirely wrong. She did like it, that she could throw in her co-workers' faces that she had someone. They often talked about her, saying that she was too uptight, cranky and cold to have a partner. Though technically they're not wrong. This is just a simple agreement we have between us...Ayako grabbed her purse before allowing Takigawa to lead her downstairs. Unlike Takigawa, she lived in a proper house. It had been a gift from her grandparents. It was the perfect size for a large family and even had a garden.

They were quiet during the taxi ride, and Takigawa could see Ayako's leg twitching faster and faster the closer they got to the venue. Once the taxi stopped, the door was opened by a valet. Takigawa stepped out first and waited for Ayako, who had paid the taxi and been helped out on the other side by another valet. Takigawa held his arm out, feeling somewhat smug as Ayako's hand gripped the crook of his elbow lightly. She was his height now, with her tall heels on. He didn't know how she could walk in them. He often called them ankle breakers, but he'd never seen her stumble, not even once.

"I'll get us some drinks," Ayako murmured, taking on her usual role as alpha. Takigawa tried not to blush at the treatment. He nodded and watched her lithe body disappear into the crowd. There were waiters walking around in white suits, offering canapes and drinks. All around him were unfamiliar people, most of them alphas who strutted around with smug confidence. His sharp ears picked up flurries of conversation, surprised that a lot of them were talking about him.

Perhaps he shouldn't have been so surprised. After all, he was an unusual omega. He was larger than most, his build coming closer to that of an alpha. His cheeks heated as he heard one female wonder what he was like in bed, more specifically during his heat. He felt a little demeaned somehow. Not a single person wondered what he was like as a person. They all focused on three things. His lack of a bonding mark, his sexual prowess, and his unusual build. He almost flinched as he sensed a large figure approaching behind.

"So, what part of heaven did you fall from?" the alpha asked casually as he looked him up and down over his glass of champagne. Takigawa wasn't sure whether to laugh or blush at the remark. Really? There are actually people who use those lines? He grinned widely as he turned to the attractive alpha who'd somehow managed to break the ice. If he were in heat, and didn't consider himself unavailable, he probably would have bedded the man in an instant. He was just a little taller than him, broad, muscular, and clean cut. He wore his suit perfectly, hair cropped and neat. His scent was strong too, and a little smoky, like paprika.

"The part that cringes at lines like that." The alpha seemed to have a sense of humour too as he laughed and sipped his drink, dark eyes glittering in mirth as he continued to examine his body hungrily. It was a look that sent shivers down Takigawa's spine, though whether they were from desire or anxiety, he wasn't sure.

"I've not seen you around the hospital before..."

"Oh, no. I'm here with someone." Takigawa's gentle eyes scanned the crowd hopefully for Ayako. He couldn't see her anywhere. The room was large and crowded, and he knew Ayako would likely be stopped by all sorts of people. She was the daughter of the owners, after all, and would one day be running things herself. He felt unusually on edge. He hadn't expected the number of alphas to affect him so much.

"Someone who would leave their omega vulnerable in the middle of a pack of hungry alphas." Takigawa's cheeks flushed as he met the deep hazel eyes staring down at him. The brunette almost sighed as he took his upper arm and tugged him along, weaving through the crowd at a surprisingly fast pace. He paused once they reached the outer edge of the room, where the large French doors had been thrown wide to the hotel gardens. "You should feel better soon."

"Uh-thanks?" Despite his confusion, the alpha was right. As soon as the fresh air swept around him, he started feeling much calmer.

"I work part time as a heat partner. I know how to read omegas quite well." The news surprised Takigawa. Now that he thought about it, he did seem the type physically. He'd be most omegas' wet dream. His mouth stopped working as a business card was slipped into his breast pocket.

"I-uh-I did mention that I'm here with someone," Takigawa stammered as he reached for the card, only to find the alpha's hand on his, a confident smirk on his lips.

"An alpha who left you alone and unattended in a room filled with other alphas. Your relationship clearly isn't too serious, and besides...things change." His words made Takigawa falter somewhat. Technically, he was right. He and Ayako were unbound and didn't even consider themselves to be dating. If we were dating, would she have left me alone? But it's not like I can't take care of myself. I'm strong enough to fend off most alphas outside my heat. Though even now, the pheromones some alphas were sending his way to show their interest were overwhelming. At the end of the day, Ayako and I are simply honouring an arrangement that could end at any time if one of us meets someone else. Takigawa wasn't looking at anyone else, but what about Ayako?

"Thanks then," Takigawa replied awkwardly as he lowered his hand, leaving the card tucked away. They parted ways, and Takigawa soon found himself being approached again. The encounters gradually started to put him at ease, and he mingled, doing what he did best. His pockets were almost bursting with business cards by the time he was reunited with Ayako. She pushed a glass into his hand with an apologetic sigh before linking their arms.

"Sorry, my parents want to meet you." He was strangely happy to hear that. Even happier that Ayako had mentioned him to them. She looked a little embarrassed as she approached her parents and presented him as a co-worker and friend from her other job. They didn't elaborate any further. Takigawa got the impression they disapproved of it somewhat, but his status as a monk at least earned him a little respect.

"You don't look like a monk..." her father said curiously, standing almost at Takigawa's height, and clearly a powerful alpha himself. He had the same sharp eyes as Ayako, and even now, he was handsome and barely wrinkled. Takigawa grinned, reminded of when he'd met Ayako and she'd said something similar.

"The temple is really my parents' vocation, but I do what I can." He was surprised to find approval in the older man's expression. Ayako's mother was a beta. A very attractive beta with long, flowing locks that reached her waist. Her hair was still red, though she didn't bother to hide the streaks of grey that were forming. Aging with grace, that's the spirit. He smiled as he took her hand to kiss her knuckles. Her skin was soft and delicate.

"I almost didn't recognise you as an omega." Ayako sighed, almost cringing in embarrassment.

"I hear that often," Takigawa replied brightly, continuing to talk to the older couple as Ayako was called away by some of her co-workers. The party seemed to be a great success so far, and it had only just started. They were soon called through to be seated, and Takigawa found himself sandwiched between Ayako and one of her male co-workers. He felt Ayako stiffen in discomfort as the blonde alpha leered at him.

"I can hardly believe it! Dr Matsuzaki found herself quite a catch," he said with a grin, clearly quite amused with himself. He was self-confident, brash and somewhat rude. Takigawa could see why Ayako didn't like him. He was cocky enough to drape his arm over the back of Takigawa's chair and lean in closer, the scent of wine reaching his nose. That's quite a scent..."It can't be much fun with someone so...well..." He trailed off with a condescending smirk that made Takigawa's brow twitch.

"Perhaps you should worry about your own date...Oh wait..." Takigawa trailed off with a wolfish grin, trying not to sag under the strain of the scent that was released in response. The deep red wine scent closed in, blocking his throat like a vice until it was knocked away by a wall of cinnamon. The man clicked his tongue as he withdrew, a few other people chuckling and smirking at the exchange. It seemed this alpha wasn't often put in his place. Especially not by omegas.

After dinner, they returned to the large ballroom, where music was playing. Takigawa lost count of the amount of people he danced with, not all of them women. He was having a surprisingly good time, the alcohol in his system making him more open to flirting. His omega was in its element, preening under the attention. He lost track of Ayako at some point. She said she had to mingle some more.

"You seem a little drunk," a familiar voice murmured in amusement as a firm hand rested low on his hip, stroking around to grip his ass. Takigawa was a little taken aback by the man's forwardness, the heavy red wine scent invading his senses and making his head spin. He almost glared as he tried to step away. He's...dominating me..."Clearly the good doctor doesn't see your worth...You don't seem to be marked, and you've been alone for some time now...That makes you fair game in my eyes." Takigawa felt his heart rate spike as he realised his position. In this room full of alphas, he was already overwhelmed, despite the extra suppressor, and with this alpha deliberately drowning him in pheromones, it was almost impossible to resist. If I don't do something, I'm really going to be...Takigawa shuddered as the alpha's fingers traced his ass and pressed against his clothed entrance.

"Hey, wait..." he hissed quietly as the blonde alpha started leading him through the crowd. "Where do you think...you're..." His head felt light as the red wine permeated his senses. It caressed him, soothing him into willingness. This was an alpha. The alpha clearly desired him. He was a good strong alpha, perfect for mating. Stop...I'm not...

"Taking you somewhere private...A private party, you might say..." The alpha didn't hide the grin as he leaned in and licked the shell of his ear. Takigawa was mortified that his body responded with a small moan. Snap out of it! Fight him off! His omega was too content as it basked in the heady scent and purred. He could finally breathe as a second scent wove through his senses. It was the sharp scent of paprika.

"That's enough! You're going too far." The large alpha's voice was loud enough that a few others turned their heads. The blonde clicked his tongue and held Takigawa's hip a little tighter, though he was quickly regaining his senses enough to squirm.

"We were just heading off to have a little consensual fun. What's the problem?" the blonde retorted, brow ticking as Takigawa started to pull away.

"Consent gained through domination isn't consent in the eyes of the law." The second alpha finally reached out and pulled Takigawa free. Takigawa didn't quite catch his balance, but the brunette had already prepared. He held him against his chest protectively, firmly staring down the blonde alpha before him. In a battle of pheromones, the red wine was no competition. It was swiftly drowned out by paprika. "Sorry, Dr Araki doesn't handle alcohol well," the brunette apologised as the blonde retreated.

"Thanks. I'm sorry for the trouble, Dr..." Takigawa trailed off questioningly as he regained his footing. The alpha kept two hands on his shoulders, partly to help him stand and partly because he was content with their closeness. His smile softened somewhat.

"Dr Iwakawa, Shinta Iwakawa." Iwakawa snagged a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and handed it to him. "You look like you need it," he excused as Takigawa raised an eyebrow. He sipped the bubbly liquid and found that it did ease some of the tension in his joints. Iwakawa was strangely attentive to his needs as he guided him across to the far wall and found a chair.

"You're really good at reading the mood," Takigawa murmured as a large hand stroked the back of his neck, squeezing the muscles lightly. Hazel eyes closed in contentment, almost moaning at the attention. If he were single and not on a date, he'd let the good doctor do whatever he wanted with his body. He was so soothing and comforting. It also helped that he'd done the whole white knight thing, too.

"I study omegas a lot...in both jobs. As a trauma surgeon, I occasionally need to calm people down, and as a heat partner, it's my job to put my omegas at ease." They settled in their small corner of the room. Takigawa wasn't ready to be alone yet, and Iwakawa could sense it. He remained with him, lounging against the wall by his chair. They had a similar humour, and Takigawa's bad mood was soon forgotten.

"Ayako! Are you all done?" He'd spotted her as she came through the crowd, looking tired and worn. Her expression softened somewhat as she saw him, her eyes widening slightly as she took in the man beside him. He looked just as surprised as Ayako.

"Dr Matsuzaki! So, you were Takigawa's date this evening," Iwakawa greeted with a little formality. They were on a similar level as far as their careers went. Both of them were surgeons from the same department. Iwakawa was actually the more experienced of the two, being three years older. "Don't worry, I've kept him entertained." Takigawa chuckled softly as he got to his feet.

"Dr Iwakawa. I'm sorry. My parents wanted me to greet everyone tonight," Ayako sighed tiredly, shifting from foot to foot. Must be tough, being an heiress...Takigawa rested a sympathetic hand on the small of her back. She leaned back into the touch gratefully. Iwakawa looked between them, his expression softening somewhat. Ayako could hide it all she liked, but he was good at reading people.

"Ahh, I see my head nurse! Excuse me...Oh, and Takigawa, call me!" he called over his shoulder with a flirtatious wink, watching Takigawa's cheeks flush as Ayako looked between them. She seemed somewhat guarded as he gave her a sheepish grin. He managed to talk her into one more dance before they left, slipping away quietly. The taxi ride was quiet as they went to Ayako's house. She was still somewhat subdued as she slipped out of her shoes and headed upstairs, where Takigawa sighed loudly and threw off his jacket.

"I'm beat! I'm going to shower. Care to join me?" he added impishly, Ayako responding with a tired smile and shake of her head. He tilted his head at her mood. It wasn't exactly a bad mood, she just seemed unusually down. He pressed a reassuring kiss to her shoulder before stripping out of his shirt and trousers. "Back soon," he added, padding through to the ensuite.

Ayako set about cleaning up, grabbing Takigawa's jacket to stop it creasing. She was surprised to find it so heavy. Business cards? She removed them slowly. Stacks of them. From every pocket. It shouldn't have surprised her. Takigawa was handsome, charming, funny, and above all, he was an unusual omega. There was only one card in his shirt pocket. Iwakawa's. She could remember the look on Takigawa's face earlier. He was definitely attracted to him. Why wouldn't he be? Dr Iwakawa is extremely perceptive and attentive...She remembered his parting words as she slumped back on the bed, looking at the small card. Will he call him?

"What's gotten you so...down?" Ayako twitched in surprise. She hadn't even noticed the bathroom door open. She lowered the small card to the bed, pushing herself into a sitting position, dark eyes tracing the wet trails on Takigawa's exposed skin. A small white towel was wrapped around his waist, but aside from that he his skin was bare, water dripping down his torso from his damp locks.

"I'm just tired...Sorry about tonight. I didn't mean to get so caught up with everything," she apologised as she got to her feet. She made a rare show of affection as she leaned into his chest and placed a small kiss at the corner of his mouth. It was a gesture usually not seen outside his heats. Ayako was fiery and passionate, but gentle affection was quite rare. Takigawa bumped her forehead gently.

"It's alright, I knew you were busy...These parties are more like business meetings anyway." He'd seen more than one heir there that night. It wasn't just the hospital staff. There were also business partners from other hospitals and technology suppliers. A party was the perfect place to make deals and merge companies through marriage. I wonder if Ayako's parents have someone in mind already...His omega pined at the thought, arms slipping around her slim waist and pulling her closer in response.

"I'll shower now," Ayako murmured as she stepped back. Takigawa watched as she padded through to the bathroom, sighing as he flopped down on the bed where she'd been moments before. His fingers found the business card, brow creasing curiously. She was looking at this? He turned the card over and hummed lightly as he looked at the name, huffing as he remembered the doctor's parting words. He's a cocky one...Tossing the card aside, he closed his eyes with a sigh and waited for Ayako to return. "Do you think you'll call him?" Her voice surprised him. He must have dozed off.

"What?" he murmured drowsily as he opened his eyes, seeing Ayako standing at the end of the bed, wrapped in a small white towel that barely covered her rump.

"Dr Iwakawa...will you call him?" Her hazel eyes couldn't meet his gaze.

"Is there a reason I shouldn't?" Takigawa asked curiously, though secretly he had no intention of calling the good doctor. He didn't like to toy with people's feelings. Ayako didn't respond, and Takigawa swallowed his frustration. It was hard liking someone when they wouldn't give you any reassurance. He was pretty sure Ayako had feelings for him somewhere, but deep down, he wanted to hear her admit it. "No, I'm not going to call him." He said nothing as Ayako climbed onto the bed and straddled his hips, both of them wrapped only in their towels.

"I'm not in rut," Ayako murmured as she took one of Takigawa's hands and edged it beneath her towel. Takigawa almost flushed as his fingers slipped through her soft curls. Outside their ruts, a female alpha was outwardly the same as a female beta. Their shafts were only released from the internal pouch during an omega's heat. It was the same way a male omega only produced slick and had the chance of getting pregnant during their heat. He pressed his fingers a little more firmly, stroking between her warm folds.

"I'm not in heat." He gripped Ayako's hip with his free hand and rolled their bodies. Ayako was surprised, her cinnamon scent releasing almost defiantly. Takigawa breathed it in with a sigh, purring as he buried his face in her bare shoulder. He nudged his hips a little, stroking her core, but not slipping inside just yet. She hummed softly, breath catching as Takigawa licked and kissed her pale throat and shoulder. He tossed her towel aside impatiently, moving lower to nip and pull her hardened nipples.

"Shou!" Her spine arched as he finally slipped two fingers inside. It had been quite a while since the last time she'd let him do this. Usually, her alpha didn't like letting its omega be so dominant. He grunted as her legs wrapped tightly around his waist, pulling him against her. She could feel his hard cock pressing between them through his towel.

"Aya," he purred, letting her toss his towel aside and grip his cock. Her tugs were almost painful as she worked him, stroking and teasing until he was ready to plunge inside. He slid in with a single push, shuddering at the sensation. He was encased in a wet, warm cocoon of silk. It felt perfect. He sighed into her shoulder as he rocked, savouring the tight heat. Ayako moaned with each thrust, hips rising to meet him. Their lovemaking was slower with him in charge. He stroked and teased her to completion with gentle and calculating thrusts. He knew how to tease her just right. She was more patient than usual, content to let him take charge. She let him have his way more than once that night before they finally fell down, exhausted. "When are you going to admit that you're mine?"

Ayako was sleeping soundly beside him as he propped himself up to look down at her. He'd felt it the first time he laid eyes on her. He hadn't even needed to smell her scent. It was just the sparkle in her deep hazel eyes and the quirk of her red lips that let him know. She was the one. She was his alpha. It went beyond simple desire. It was a fact. He wasn't sure if it was something she felt too, but he liked to think so. This whole arrangement had originally been her suggestion. True, it started off as an accident...The first time she'd simply been the closest alpha around. His heat had set off her rut, and that had been that. They'd spent the week locked away in a small hotel room in Kyoto. And what a week...The sex had been intense, but it often was with Ayako. She knew what she wanted, and how to get it. Takigawa nuzzled her cheek, watching her lips quirk in her sleep as she shuffled closer to his warmth.

"You know, this is quite a house you have here...How about we fill it up with a few pups, hm?" He smiled as he imagined the look on her face if she heard him say that out loud. Her cheeks would turn as red as her hair. She'd definitely hit him. Things would likely be awkward between them for a while. The thought was quite depressing. Am I the only one who wants that life? I don't think so, but...He was almost apprehensive as he looked down at her. He wanted to say it, or something along those lines. He wasn't naïve. A lot of it came from his hormones. Both he and Ayako were at the perfect child-rearing age. Sexually, he was at his most fertile now. That meant his omega was prowling for a permanent mate. He settled down with a sigh. He'd tell her one day, of that, he was certain.