The Year 2082 

Jax

My feet ache. I can tell that the sides of my shoes have given me blisters - the agonising burn stopped hours ago, which either meant I'd gotten used to the pain or my body was exhausted beyond repair. The metal fence rattles as I heave myself over. A tremor shoots up my legs as I land, causing dirt to cloud around me. Beneath me, my legs tremble, threatening to collapse, but I catch myself against the fence before I faceplant the earth. 

The sun shines brightly, the rays causing me to squint and cover my eyes to see into the distance. My skin is likely red, and from the dryness within my mouth, I know I'm dehydrated, but I have to keep moving - I have to make it into the centre of A District by tonight. 

I need to find somewhere to hide from him. 

The distance gives way to the large shapes of houses and vehicles, but thats about it. From what I have learnt about A-District, the places on the borders were gated estates for the wealthy. Only high-ranking people could buy a property this far out due to its peaceful surroundings. Of course, there were always slums and districts that housed those of the middle class; however, they were located in the middle section of the district, which left the centre for the urban, cyber City that had become highly popular and powerful over the last decade. 

A heavy pressure settles on my shoulder, it squeezes, and I know instantly that someone has caught me. My stomach tightens - how the hell was I going to get out of this situation? I was exhausted, barely able to walk and not in the best of moods. If this were an Alpha, they would overpower me within seconds. 

"I don't think I've seen you before."

Well shit. With a smile, I turn, taking a good look at the Alpha. He was soft in his features and tall; he didn't specifically look like anything special, but on furthur inspection - I could see the sparkle in his eyes and the dominating aura around him - he was an Alpha. 

"Ah, I've just arrived. I'm heading into the City."

I smile, laughing nervously at the end of my sentence. Why did my voice sound so - fake! Was I potentially going crazy from the heat? 

"Oh really, want a ride?" 

He points, and I follow, spotting the bike parked on the edge of the nearby road. I hesitate, flicking my tongue across my crusted lips. Why would he offer me a ride when he barely knew me?

"I don't think that's wise."

It would be crazy for me to get on a bike with an Alpha I didn't know - what if this happened to be some crazy plan? He could sell me or worse. Rumours spread like wildfire of the illegal omega trafficking that plagued A-District. Authorities had attempted to contain the situation; however, the underworld gangs were behind the trafficking, and they knew how to hide from the law. 

"If it makes you more comfortable - I am already bonded and have two beautiful daughters."

He smiles as he mentions them, which causes me to hesitate. Then, inhaling his pheromone, I cringe; He smells of disinfectant; it's intense - but curled around him is something warm, like Cinnamon. 

"I won't harm you. I'll get you to the City safely; you have my word!"

He smiles and hands over a helmet - Could he have made this up? No - the scent curling around him smells too warm, as if he had his Omega in his arms only moments ago. 

Without thinking too intensely, I take the helmet and pull it over my head. The Man chuckles as I follow him and get onto the bike behind him. He nods at me as I hesitate, my arms awkwardly stretched as I slide them around his waist. Would his Omega not object to this situation? The engine to the bike roars to life, and the Man kicks the support, shooting the bike up inches from the ground, its light hovering over the tarmac as it calibrates. The Man smiles and revs, sending the motorcycle hurtling forward. Back home, where I was from, motorcycles were a myth, especially ones that hovered. They didn't exist, which meant they weren't factual in our minds. 

Sound blurs past us, causing everything to become silent. Gathering my strength, I open my eyes and almost cry in delight at everything blurring past us. I hadn't expected to have travelled far, but the small slums and houses of the middle section were turning more modern and extravagant; it was as if we had entered a portal. The streets slowly became busier, the homes growing grander. What were once Houses were now towers, which within a blink of an eye turned into skyscrapers. The surroundings became tightly packed and wild - the colours more extravagant and bright. It was as if we had entered a new world, and I loved it. I could feel my heart thrumming with the rhythm of the City, the fluorescent lights of billboards causing me to stare in awe as they washed down into the City, creating colourful lights to illuminate the City's streets. 

I belong here; I can feel its call already settling inside me. This place, no matter what would be my home. The bike turns sharply around a bend, but I don't care that my knee grazes the tarmac; I was mesmerised by the beauty surrounding me. I would have probably sat forever, taking in the surroundings, if it wasn't for the sound of the engine cutting off. Turning around, I blink. Were we here already? 

"Were here!"

"Well, that was quicker than expected!"

"Well, it is quicker than walking; it would have likely taken you a day or two to reach this point!"

Handing him the helmet, I nod.

"Well, thank you for the ride, I guess."

He places the helmet onto a holder and straps it in before gazing at me. I fiddle anxiously with the handle of my bag; how could I repay this Man's kindness? But unfortunately, I had no money and would soon be living on the streets. Swallowing, I manage to smile at the Alpha. 

"I didn't ask your name."

"Ah - It's Aiden Harlin!"