Mark could see the stiffness in Eric's body and mentally cursed himself. Sometimes he forgot the fact that it was natural for omegas to be afraid of alphas, especially dominant alphas. Sighing in shame, he said:
“I'm sorry. I said something reckless again, isn’t it? Seriously, I never mean things with bad intentions. I am so used to treating people without distinction that sometimes I forget that not all people treat others in the same way that I do. I forget that it is common for omegas to fear and not trust alphas, and above all I forget that despite trying not to be like other alphas, in the end I am still one of them and omegas and even betas will see me the same the way they see other alphas... Please don't be afraid of me.”
Mark sighed again. It frustrated him that interactions with omegas ended up like this, with them fearing or trying to seduce him because “having a dominant alpha guaranteed status and protection.” He couldn't judge and he couldn't complain. That was just years and years of a misguided culture and just as it took years to form, it will probably take more years to eradicate.
“My fear is not for you,” Eric clarified, shaking his head.
Eric's answer left Mark a little taken aback. He imagined all kinds of answers, but less that.
As if taking pity on Mark's confusion, Eric explained, “The truth is… no one at work knows I'm an omega.”
Eric's voice trembled at the confession. Mark looked at him in surprise. Thousands of reasons ran through his mind as to why Eric might have been hiding that, and most were clearly negative things.
Mark, with a theory in mind, dared to ask, “Are you… afraid of being discriminated against for being an omega? Is there discrimination towards omegas in Time? What a bullshit! No wonder there were no other omegas today.” Mark thought of Secretary Keaton, an alpha who despite being a common one, dared to look down even when he thought Eric was beta. “I can make some calls and end that if you want…”
“No! Is not that,” Eric interrupted, alarmed by Mark's idea and initiative, and again shook his head. “While Time is not necessarily a job haven for omegas, discrimination is not the problem. In fact, there are several omegas working for the magazine. It was just a coincidence that today I was the only omega.”
Eric hesitated to continue and Mark not wanting to pressure him said, “You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, I understand that there is not enough trust between us for that. Whatever it is, at least I'm glad it wasn't about discrimination.”
Mark gave him the best of his smiles to reassure him. Eric's face flushed. Now that he didn't have his glasses, he could see his pretty face flushed.
He wanted to take the issue for granted. His omega father had taken such care raising him with the best values, that he lost interest in gossiping. However, as if he had steeled himself after a sigh, Eric decided to share his secret with him.
“I have not always been omega. Actually... I'm a recessive omega, a mutant... I've been a beta all my life and suddenly my first heat came a year ago.”
That secret was unexpected for Mark. Not that it was that unusual, but he definitely hadn't met anyone who has been in the same situation as Eric. He was silent for a moment searching for the best words as it was something he was not an expert at, but Eric probably took Mark's silence negatively.
“It's horrible… Isn’t it? Being a mutant... We’re not even fertile... Our pheromones are not stable... they are barely perceptible…”
Mark couldn't hear him say those words that were only hurting him anymore, so he chimed in, “Why do you think it's horrible? I know it's not a common thing, but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing. It doesn't matter if you are a recessive omega or a beta or whatever… Only your value as a human being matters, and in that you are very valuable. Be proud of who you are, there is nothing shameful in expressing yourself as an omega until now.”
“But there are people who don't think like you…”
“I know, but if you know your own worth, even if they say the most horrible things to you, it won't affect you. Don't let people see you from above, you are just as valuable as a normal or dominant omega… Even as valuable as a beta or an alpha.”
Eric's lips trembled and his expression changed a little, as if he wanted to cry. As a journalist, Mark has dealt with many people who have suffered for who they are and has learned to be more and more empathetic over time, so he was ready to comfort him. But he didn't expect Eric to have a small burst of pride and ended up holding back the urge to cry.
“Thanks for listening. I had only told one person, but definitely the words of encouragement that you have said to me are more emotional,” Eric muttered, a little embarrassed for almost breaking down in front of Mark.
“And don't worry, your secret is safe with me. People will only know that you are omega when you feel ready.”
Eric nodded and then looked at the photos he just took of Mark on his laptop, stifling a little laugh.
“What?” Mark asked.
“For Time, you will be the Person of the Year. But I think that more than just being the person of the year, you are the person of the century.”
Mark laughed. He knew he wouldn’t be on the cover of a regular issue of the magazine, but in the special issue that comes out each year. But he was so embarrassed and overwhelmed by that fact that he always left that detail out, even with himself. It is for this reason that Mark's laugh turned a bit nervous. In addition to remembering that great detail, Eric's heartfelt praise caught him off guard. He has never attached importance to praise as most of it was superficial. However, compliments that are said without expecting anything in return were his weakness. He felt like when he was little and his omega father praised him for any good deed.
Eric also laughed at his reaction and joked, “An alpha who is embarrassed by a compliment… I never thought I would live to see that.”
“See? If you feel like someone who doesn't fit in, so do I. I can assure you that many alphas laugh behind my back at the way I think. I am even an object of hatred for some. But you know? I don't care. I hope the day will come when you also stop caring what people think of you.”
Eric's lively smile made Mark breathe a sigh of relief. The tense atmosphere soon returned to calm. Or at least it stayed that way until Secretary Keaton made an appearance just as Mark and Eric were saying goodbye.
Mark didn't care when he met him, but after seeing how he treated Eric, he had earned a concealed contempt from him. He didn't like him. And he didn’t have in mind to hide his displeasure.
“Mr. Kennedy! You’re already leaving? I'd like to talk to you about the details on the cover. Titles, a favorite photo... We want everything to be to your liking.”
“I've already discussed that with Eric,” Mark said, completely irritated by his disgustingly flattering tone. The fewer words he shares with that man, the better for him.
“So let's talk about the interview…”
“I will see the details of the interview with Eric that day.”
Secretary Keaton arched an eyebrow, suppressing a sneer as he looked at Eric.
“Eric will not be present that day.”
“He won’t?”
Mark looked coldly at the secretary. His countenance was so crushing that the alpha in front of him instinctively took a step back. Mark was humble and well-mannered most of the time, especially with vulnerable people. But when dealing with an alpha like Secretary Keaton, he had no regrets about behaving like the dominant alpha he was.
Eric chimed in, noticing that the atmosphere was getting tense again. “My work is only the cover of the magazine, so there is no reason for me to be there that day.”
Mark was not satisfied. And he knew if he let it slide, it would only cause Secretary Keaton to get away with it.
“Well, you will be.”
“But…”
“Eric will be there on the day of the interview.” Mark said, now looking at the secretary.
“Well… I guess he can help with the lighting, it's always nice to have an extra hand to help…”
Mark's satisfied smile was evident. He probably made an enemy of the secretary, but as always, he didn't care. Changing his expression to a more gentle and calm one, he looked at Eric.
“So, Eric, see you on the day of the interview. It was a great pleasure meeting you.” And then he winked at him in a way of telling him that everything will be fine.
“It was an honor to photograph you.”
Then he looked at the secretary. “Mr. Keaton.” He bowed his head slightly out of politeness.
“Will you go change, right? Let me accompany you.”
Even at the last minute, the secretary was still overly flattering. Mark thought that more than wanting to win his favor, he just wanted to annoy him.
“You won't think of helping me change my clothes, right?” The secretary, annoyed and embarrassed, couldn’t answer immediately. “Thanks, but I know the way.”
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