Chapter Text
My future seemed promising.
I was scouted to play in Dortmund at a very young age, despite my condition. Because yes, I made them believe I was a beta. But in reality, I am a pure omega.
There's no need to explain why. For an omega of my kind, any dream beyond having a traditional family is utterly impossible. Everyone I knew kept repeating it to me constantly. But I never asked to be born in this body, and one day I simply decided that my secondary gender wasn't going to define my life.
I was always a big kid, taller than other omegas, which worked to my advantage. I was raised in a loving family that supported me in everything. My parents supported my dream of becoming a footballer, even though they also knew it was impossible. But I was always resistant to pheromones; I never surrendered to any alpha, and even though it was hard to master that skill, I pulled it off.
That doesn't mean I don't like alphas. I've been with a few mostly mediocre, recessive ones who didn't even leave a mark on me. Pathetic. Though there was one dominant alpha who left me trembling just by looking at him, but he already had his omega. I kissed him once, giving him a taste of purity he would never get from his pathetic recessive omega. I loved that feeling of submission his pheromones triggered in me; it made me completely soaked.
But my nature demanded devotion, and since he couldn't give me that, I never looked at him again after that day. He tried to come looking for me, but I didn't yield. Thanks to that, I learned to tolerate alphas. With the help of suppressants, I was certain I could achieve anything I set my mind to.
And so I did. Joining Dortmund, I was lucky enough to share space only with recessive alphas and the occasional beta. Except for him.
Erling Haaland. A dominant alpha so imposing that his sheer presence alone was overwhelming to everyone else. Tall, strong, and so commanding that no other alpha could stand up to him, regardless of rank. His arrogance was obvious, or at least that's what I told myself so I wouldn't go near him.
My teammates welcomed me warmly. I learned to tolerate their pheromones, which weren't very strong, though they overwhelmed me from time to time. Over time I got used to them, the suppressants I used were actually working. I only had to focus on improving my skills on the pitch.
Except for him, he stole my attention without even trying. I realized what he was like as time went on. For some strange reason, we hardly ever interacted, but I used to observe him from afar. He was undeniably tall, nearly two meters, handsome, strong, and bold. So masculine. Every time he took off his shirt, everyone turned to look at him, whether out of admiration or desire. Me out of admiration, of course.
But that's not the point, is it? He was quite serious, kind, and at the same time, possessed that distinct hardness of a dominant alpha that became evident with every step he took. He wasn't arrogant; he got along with everyone, but that bothered me. Deep down, he surely felt superior to everyone and just wouldn't admit it. Yeah, I disliked him for that.
I am a pure omega, highly sensitive and observant. So I could tell if someone did something as simple as glancing my way. And this imposing alpha was very easy to spot. He would watch me, simply and intently, with those eyes that were so hard to read. It gave me goosebumps. Every time he scanned me from head to toe, I shuddered, but I feared even more that my secret would be exposed.
From that day on, I started subtly avoiding him more and more. But you can't avoid someone on your own team forever. One day, we were all shaking hands across the squad after a training match. As luck would have it, I had to shake hands with that idiot.
I hesitated, but I extended my hand. From that moment on, I could feel his eyes locked onto me. His thick pheromones alone gave me chills and an unavoidable wave of dizziness. The idiot didn't make the slightest attempt to mask them; he was so arrogant it made my blood boil. I tried to pull my hand back, but his grip remained firm. When I finally chose to look at him, I met his eyes-sharp, in a shade of arctic blue that gave him an even more sinister aura.
His pupils were slightly dilated, and he stared at me as if he wanted to eat me right then and there. It sent me into an even bigger panic. To him, I was prey. He offered me a faint, almost imperceptible smirk, and walked away.
I came so, so close. I knew something like that could happen. No matter how many suppressants I took, a sufficiently dominant alpha could recognize an omega if he really wanted to. I was terrified that, knowing the nature of alphas, he would force me into something I didn't want. Because, of course, I didn't want it. Not that massive, muscular alpha who could easily lift me in his arms, whispering in my ear that he was going to make me his... No, no, no, and no.
The turning point was that time we ran into each other in the middle of the pitch. Everyone was heading off to rest after a training match, but he lingered in front of me for a moment. He stepped close, and all I could think was that my career was over. But right then, I realized something that haunts me to this day. Our pheromones fit together perfectly.
When he approached me, my instinct was to run. But his pheromones and mine, which I thought only I could detect, blended together sweetly, mixing a woody aroma with hints of honey and cinnamon. The combination left me spellbound, and it seemed to do the same to him. He stood right before me, his sharp, icy gaze practically piercing my skin, now carrying a trace of longing and curiosity. His pupils dilated again, but instead of doing anything hasty, he let out a soft chuckle just like last time and walked away.
I was stunned by his reaction. An alpha who knows how to control himself? There was definitely something wrong with this guy.
But it didn't end there. The first time we were left alone in the locker rooms, he was already over me before I could even process it. That time, I thought he wouldn't let me go so easily; he might have held back in public, but not here. Before I could stop him, he was already behind me, his shadow completely covering my body. All that was left was to accept my fate. He gently took me by the chin and buried his head in my neck. After inhaling and panting for a few seconds, he let me go and left.
The worst part of it all was that this kept happening over and over again. In the showers, in the locker rooms, even on the pitch, though more discreetly there. He would do it, let out a laugh, and walk away without another word. He literally just came to sniff me like a stray dog and left!!!
Was it a hint? Did he think I wasn't pretty enough for him to be with? Did he hate me too? Ahhh!!!!
I hate him, now more than ever. I hope we end up on different teams. I'm sure he just wants to provoke me until I fall surrendered at his feet. I'm not that kind of omega. No matter how hot he is, I would never bend the knee to any alpha.
On one of those occasions, he was about to step close to me, but before he could get any nearer, I shoved him away. He looked surprised, and I was even more shocked that I had found the courage to do it. But as usual, he just laughed. I was so sick of him.
—What the fuck are you laughing at?
He was about to walk off, but turned back toward me upon hearing my sharp tone. This time, that longing look from before was gone. He grabbed me by the neck, not choking me, but with a firmness I still can't forget. He studied my face carefully, his pheromones turning somewhat bitter.
—Haha, so aggressive for such a sweet omega...
He drove those words into my skin with his alpha voice. That raspy tone paired with a warm sigh, right against my ear. He used those few seconds to nuzzle near my jaw and neck, all the way to the scruff where he pressed lightly with his fingers, as if marking the exact spot where he would leave his bite.
His pheromones showed no mercy this time, and combined with his voice, I felt my underwear grow wet with slick. My instincts were sharp, but my weakness for decisive, dominant alphas was my complete undoing. I was ready to give myself to him.
But he, as always, was just playing games.
—We'll see each other again, Jude...
He said, releasing me gently before walking away. At that point, there was no one else in the world I wanted dead more. Only a guy like him would think of stimulating an omega and then leaving him to his own devices. Could he be one of those guys who prefer alphas? Ew.
I tried not to dwell on it, tried to forget him, but it felt like I didn't even need to try. He signed with Manchester City and left within a week. A week in which he didn't even spare me a single glance. It seemed like my nightmare was finally over, or so I wanted to believe.
I have to admit I touched myself a couple of times thinking about him... more times than I'd like to admit. You don't see an alpha like him just anywhere. And while his built frame was completely attractive, the way he spoke into my ear with that deep, dominant voice drove me utterly insane.
I imagined how he would grab me by the waist and fuck me with his thick, veiny length without mercy, in every position, how he would come inside me and knot me, the way my legs would shake as I screamed with pleasure, begging for more. The way he would whisper in my ear while his length struck my prostate. I imagined him asking me for pups...
This repressed desire went beyond my control. My instincts had been smothered countless times, which only triggered a frustrating heat throughout my body, screaming out to be marked.
I always knew I was devoted simply because I was pure, but I never thought I'd lose my mind over a one-sided relationship. I couldn't keep going like this. Weeks passed, grueling weeks in which I masturbated to exhaustion, thinking about how that two-meter Norwegian made me his. I didn't even consider going to other alphas; even dominant pheromones didn't satisfy me anymore. Until finally, I refocused on my career and wiped every trace of him from my head.
.
.
.
The World Cup final is just around the corner. England just won against Mexico, and now we were facing Norway. Yes, against the team of the guy who marked me without ever sinking his teeth in. I was playing against the team of the guy who took me years to forget.
I thought nothing about him could affect me anymore. Over the years, I had interacted with all kinds of alphas without showing the slightest interest or reaction toward them.
Both teams arrived at the hotel in Miami a few days early, but as fate would have it, we had to switch hotels due to privacy issues. Who would have thought we'd end up staying in the exact same hotel as the opposing team?
There was friction at first, but we didn't have time to look for a third hotel in the area, so both sets of staff reached an agreement. They simply told us not to even think about causing any conflict, or we'd face sanctions. On top of that, they forced us to greet them at the entrance with a handshake.
The opposing team arrived, and we all went down to receive them. They were polite and calm too, so the chances of a clash were practically zero. Or so I thought, right before seeing him face to face after so many years.
If he was imposing before, now this touch of maturity gave him an irritating appeal. I hate him.
I hate him so much I couldn't even look at his frustrating face. He acted indifferent, as usual. He was left with his hand extended while I ignored him, and the manager noticed immediately, stepping in.
—What's going on here? Jude, why aren't you shaking Mr. Haaland's hand?
He just chuckled, his useless hand still held out. I shot him a look of pure hatred right then, which he ignored, looking at the official for an answer.
—There's no problem, sir.
—He hates me, manager.
—THAT IS... debatable...
The manager's face shifted from curiosity to total frustration, especially seeing other players wondering why the line wasn't moving.
—You two, come with me.
They took us to an inner lobby where we were supposed to resolve our issues.
—Stay here and work it out. I don't care how. The board is giving a short speech. Nothing you haven't heard before.
He said before rushing off; he had to make an appearance as well. But the tension between us was so thick you could cut it with a knife.
—I told you we'd see each other again, Jude.
—I wish you had been wrong.
—Haha... still as aggressive, and sweet as ever. You haven't changed a bit.
—You'd know more about me if you actually finished what you started, you coward.
—Oh, I'm sorry for not meeting your expectations. I don't like forcing anyone to yield to their instincts.
—That's what a coward would say.
Those last words came from the very depths of my soul. Even though they sounded harsh, I just wanted to vent my rage. I think I forgot the overwhelming effect a dominant alpha has on an omega like me.
He was visibly irritated and didn't hesitate to pin me against the wall beside us. He grabbed my face and studied it closely. He wedged his knee between my legs, and when I tried to look down, he forced my head back up. And before I could even voice a complaint, he kissed me.
I had an involuntary spasm as the sudden attack hit me. I didn't expect it. His pheromones, which had been bitter a moment ago, blended with mine, creating an intoxicating, overwhelming scent. Exactly like the first time. My legs trembled and pressed tight against his knee. My lips gave in, and soon he shoved his warm, wet tongue into my mouth. Causing the deep warmth in my lower belly to intensify.
His presence alone was suffocating, and having him over me, kissing me with such hunger and desire, was only going to leave me desperately soaked.
I couldn't hold back anymore.