Page 10 of Nanny Omega

“Do you think he has something to do with my sensitivity?”

“I’m not sure. Your scent feels heavier today—more oppressive than usual. That typically happens when an alpha wants to assert dominance, especially with aggressive alphas like yourself. But you’ve never been this way with me before. The only recent change in your life is the arrival of the nanny. Tell me about him.”

“There isn’t much to tell,” Xander replied, rubbing his hands over his thighs, a restless feeling creeping into his chest. He frowned, unsure of its source. Shiva’s eyes flicked to his hands, following their movement. Self-conscious, Xander let them drop to his sides.

“Tell me anything,” Shiva urged. “How did you react to the omega’s scent? Let’s start there.”

Xander cast his mind back to the moment he’d caught a whiff of the omega’s scent when they met that morning. Xander had been surprised that the omega’s scent didn’t bother him and that he couldn’t stop staring at him.

“Did something happen?”

“No, the omega’s scent didn’t bother me,” Xander said finally, his tone sharp. “It was bland, nothing noteworthy.”

“That’s good. I’m glad you found someone who doesn’t trigger you after your long search,” Shiva said, his tone carrying a note of approval. “Even if he triggered you, you choose how you react. Being an aggressive alpha doesn’t mean you’re incapable of change or lack control over your aggression. You are more than your animal side. The triggers that set you off today may lose their hold over you tomorrow. But to reach that point, we have to challenge those limits and steadily push the boundaries.”

“I’ll do anything for Benjn. Even if I don’t like it.”

“I know. You’re a good dad,” Shiva said, nodding as his fingers moved swiftly across the e-reader. The soft tapping filled the silence, drawing Xander’s gaze. Curiosity stirred, but he held back from asking what Shiva was writing.

“Let’s move on,” Shiva continued. “Have you thought about what we discussed?”

“Yes, and the answer is still no. I don’t want another omega. My bond mate—”

“Left you, Master Quin.” Shiva’s tone was gentle but firm. “I know you’re holding out hope because of Benjn, but it’s been two months. Nath isn’t coming back.”

“He might.”

“He broke your bond.”

“Yes, but—”

Shiva sighed. “Even if he does, you need to take care of yourself. You have needs too.”

The sympathy in Shiva’s eyes made Xander’s stomach twist. He wasn’t a pity case.

“No. I’m not doing this again. Nath was the last omega. If he doesn’t come back, I’ll…” Xander’s voice faltered. Pain flickered across his face as he stood. “We’re done here. I’ll see you next week.”

“Master Quin, you can’t keep putting this off,” Shiva pressed.

Xander turned sharply, anger bubbling to the surface. “Do you know how many families my parents approached to find me a bond mate? Thirty. They all refused when they heard I was an aggressive alpha. Nath was the only one who agreed. I just need to control myself, manage the beast inside me, and he’ll come back. That’s what you’re supposed to help me with—not push me toward another omega.”

“A companion omega,” Shiva corrected gently. “There’s a difference.”

Xander scoffed. “Fine. A companion omega. How exactly is he going to help me control my urges?”

“I know this is not what you want to hear,” Shiva said, rising to meet Xander’s fiery gaze. “I wouldn’t suggest this if I didn’t believe it was necessary. Your animal side is too strong, Master Quin. It dictates every part of your life. While other aggressive alphas ventured out, testing their strength, socializing and finding their rhythm, you remained withdrawn, shy, reserved, and consumed by your bots. You’ve never been in a long-term relationship with an omega. Before Nath, you only had contact with service omegas during your heat. That didn’t leave room to experience what a relationship with an omega would be like. A companion omega can help ease you into a relationship.” Shiva placed the e-reader down on the side table and stepped forward, his voice softening. “This isn’t about replacing Nath. It’s about giving you an opportunity to learn. Call it a practice run, if you will. A companion omega will be there twenty-four seven, to guide you, to give you an experience similar to the one you crave with Nath.”

Xander shook his head, a shiver running down his spine at the mere thought of being rejected again. “You make it sound so simple, and it’s not.”

“Of course it’s not simple, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try. If you want Nath back, you have to put yourself out there. I know it’s hard for you because you’re withdrawn by nature, but…”

“I can’t,” Xander snapped, heading for the door.

“Master Quin… Master Quin… please listen.”

Xander stalled, his footsteps coming to a steady stop just outside the room Shiva used as an office. The ache deep in his chest throbbed, robbing him of air.

“You deserve to have someone who cherishes you, someone to love you,” he said gently. “I know it feels impossible right now, especially after everything you’ve been through with omegas, but that doesn’t mean you should stop trying. Deep down, you crave love, even if you’re afraid to admit it.”

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