Chapter 1: Life at the vivarium

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The research building loomed before me, its white coloured walls glinting softly in the Evening sun. Along with several others, I stood in the backyard, awaiting the Head scientist who had a matter to address.

A cool wind blew and drifted through the trees encircling the building, its whistling cutting through the quiet, yet tense atmosphere.

Finally, the Head scientist, Arnold Palmer emerged from within the building, with a swarm of suited men surrounding him in a defensive formation.

The Beta elder mounted the podium up ahead, the heels of his shoes clicking as they hit the concrete surface. Each click was crisp and resonating, demanding authority, as though he had already begun his speech.

"Omegas....." He started, his baritone voice sharp with condescension. The breath of every specimen lined in the audience hitched at the word and the intensity of the contempt it carried.

"As you all know, the time for the fertility tests has arrived and I'm certain you are well aware of the conditions listed in the contracts you signed." The man paused, ensuring the weight of his words linger in the quiet tension-filled air and it did.

"Should you be tested negative for fertility, you will be enslaved and squeezed of every penny this institution has ever spent on your development," he threatened, with an edge of finality in his voice.

An uncomfortable silence reigned in the air as the man gazed at the assemblage of Omegas, his eyes tinged with an unrefined disdain.

"That's all! You may go in," Arnold broke the silence and walked off the podium, disappearing into the building along with the many suited men.

"Damn," Kyle sighed profoundly, as he gripped my shoulder. The 17-year-old panted slightly, visibly shaken with fear.

His reaction was predictable as the Head scientist was someone intimidating in nature. Save for my perfectionist demeanor, I would have been a quivering mess as well.

"No curse words, Kyle," I reminded and slid my arm around his waist, and we began our stroll to the sleeping quarter.

"Whatever! I'm here against my will. I might as well curse to relieve some stress," the boy countered.

I smiled helplessly. The Omega had not changed one bit since he arrived at the Vivarium. Infamous for his unrefinedness and violent behavior, Kyle was every scientist's nightmare.

The Omega would refuse treatment and throw meaningless tantrums that would often have him mercilessly beaten and sometimes, starved for days.

It took quite a while to tame him, but it was successful. Though his vulgar way of speaking remained unchanged, like an indispensable quality.

We strolled past the "Heat Chamber" which was a large room enclosed by glass-paned walls. Inside were Omegas who were in their heats, constantly undergoing experiments, with various machines connected to their persons.

The room hummed with activity as scientists moved about, while the incessant beeping of machines pierced the air, grating and relentless.

Only the recessive Omegas frequented the room during their heats as the purpose of the experiments performed on their bodies was to make them average, or rarely, dominant, like Kyle and I were.

We soon arrived at the sleeping quarter. The tall metal front doors to the bungalow swung open, revealing the large all-white interior. Several bunk beds lined the room, each bed with a number etched on its bedstead.

Every Omega had a number assigned to them and the scientists referred to them as their respective number. '01' was my tag, but I was christened Ariel Moore at birth by my mother who, like me, was also a specimen at the institution.

I dragged Kyle to his bed, while he whined about the cruel treatment he was receiving in the vivarium.

"I want to leave," he finally cried.

"If you are found to be fertile, you'll be able to leave. After birthing an Alpha's child of course." I laid him on his bed and covered him with a blanket.

"But, for now, stop causing trouble."

"How come you're so chill about conceiving and delivering some Alpha's baby?" Kyle asked, shooting upright.

"I'm not chill. I just know what my duty as an Omega is," I corrected, as I sat gently at the edge of his bed.

"And this duty is," the boy dragged his words, his light brown eyes fixated on my face, tinged with feigned curiosity.

"It is.......satisfying an Alpha and giving birth to his child." I shrugged my shoulders and smiled softly, unfazed by his frustrated reaction to my reply.

"Ugh, you're insufferable," he groaned, as he plopped on his bed.

I chuckled at his behaviour and teasingly poked his sides. The Omega giggled, squirming helplessly while I tickled him.

"Stop!" He managed to say amidst the uncontrollable laughter, with an adorable slur.

"Get some rest." I finally patted his hands and rose up to my feet, walking towards my bed.

As I settled into the furniture, Kyle's words rang through my head, and I let out a low mocking chuckle at the foolish answer I had given him.

"Satisfy an Alpha and birth his child," I mumbled, sliding the blanket over my body.

That was the last thing I wanted to do.

But, I knew better than anyone the consequences of seeking freedom and the futility of resistance. The world outside the walls of the institution was not ours to reside in, let alone dream to.

It was a rule etched in my being since childhood. We Omegas were brought to life for the sole purpose of satisfying the desires of Alphas and bearing their children.

We were objects of their gratification.

As cruel as that sounded, all I could wrap my mind around was that I had a purpose in life, regardless of its fairness.

So, rather than fighting foolishly for the freedom I so craved, I resigned to my fate, prioritizing survival.

The large digital wall-mounted clock soon hit 8PM and the loud sound of bells rang across the room signalling 'bedtime'.

Despite the number of thoughts racing in my head, my heavy eyelids closed and I drifted off to sleep, my tiredness a product of the countless examinations I had taken earlier that day.

...Thank you for reading! ...

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