Episode 19

Ethan’s POV

The aroma of coffee offered me temporary refuge as my heart pounded, bracing myself to share my burden with Jacob. Sitting in a secluded corner, I was facing the idea of revealing to the person I trusted most what I was, hoping to lift a weight off my shoulders.

"What’s wrong, Ethan? You’re lost in your world," Jacob said, his voice filled with concern, which only reminded me that I couldn’t keep things to myself any longer.

I inhaled deeply, summoning the courage to open my heart, hoping Jacob wouldn’t be upset with me for keeping this from him for so long.

"There’s something I need to tell you. It hasn't been long since I found out, but still..."

"Ethan, you always keep everything to yourself, and you know you can tell me anything," Jacob looked at me seriously, ready to hear what I had to say.

With a lump in my throat, I nodded.

"I've been taking suppressants... Pills to suppress my omega nature, ever since that time you took me to the doctor," I said, noticing the surprise in his eyes. But before he could say anything, I continued with my confession. "And the worst part is, I like my boss." I whispered the last part, laden with emotions that had been weighing on me for quite some time.

Jacob remained silent for a few seconds, processing what I had just told him.

"I... I'm so sorry, Ethan. It must be incredibly difficult..."

I nodded, feeling slightly relieved to have confessed the "secret" I had been hiding from him.

"It's like... like fate is mocking me. He hates omegas, and it's because of him that I became one, but now that I am, I don't stand a chance... Well, I probably never did." I sighed despondently.

I began to recall the small moments where I could feel that slight closeness to the alpha, but now everything was turning and felt further and further away. I took another breath to continue.

"It really doesn’t help that Alexander seems to hate omegas. I've seen him reject their pheromones with my own eyes, distancing himself from any trace of them," I said, feeling bitterness in my mouth, reminding me of how thick the invisible barrier between Alexander and me was becoming because of my caste.

"I'm sorry, Ethan. I had no idea you were going through all this since that day..." said Jacob, making me feel a wave of empathy flowing toward me. He hugged me; it felt comforting and reminded me that despite everything, I was not alone.

"Thanks for listening, and for still being my friend. It means a lot to have you when I feel like life's going to kick me in the face at any moment," I said with a sad laugh, but happy deep down, despite the negative emotions.

With those words, a feeling of relief spread within me, reminding me that despite everything, Jacob would always be there, as he always had been, and that I had been a fool not to tell him this from the beginning. He was my brother.