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I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “The kind that can mask…everything, and, um, heat suppressants too.”
Her expression turns serious, and she studies me for a moment. “You do realize those are illegal, right?” the shopkeeper asks, her voice low. “Ever since the Omega Protection Act passed, the government’s been cracking down hard on these. They claim it’s for our safety, but we both know it’s about control. Alphas in power don’t like the idea of omegas being able to hide. Get caught with these, and you’re looking at more than just a fine. We’re talking potential imprisonment, maybe even forced bonding as ‘rehabilitation.’”
I nod, my throat suddenly dry. “Yeah, I know, but I desperately need them.”
She tilts her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Why? What are you hiding from?”
I blink, taken aback by the directness of her question. “That’s…none of your business.”
She crosses her arms, her gaze unwavering. “Actually, it is, because what you’re asking for isn’t just a simple trade. It comes with risks.”
“Risks?” I repeat, my heart sinking. “What kind of risks?”
“The kind that could change you permanently,” she says, her voice low and serious. “Long-term use of scent blockers and heat suppressants can do strange things to an omega.”
I swallow hard, the weight of her words sinking in. “I don’t have a choice,” I say, my voice cracking. “You don’t get it,” I snap, my voice shaking. “Every day’s a tightrope walk. One wrong move and it’s game over—everything I am, gone. I’ve seen what happens to omegas who are discovered. I’ve lived it, and I can’t—I won’t go through that again. Even if these blockers change me, at least it’ll be on my terms.”
“There’s always a choice,” she replies softly, “but it’s rarely an easy one.”
I release a frustrated sigh, running a hand through my hair. “Look, I don’t have time for this. I need those blockers and suppressants. What’s it going to cost me?”
She studies me for a moment longer before finally nodding. “All right, but this isn’t something I can just sell you over the counter. It requires a bit more…effort.”
“Effort?” I raise an eyebrow. “What kind of effort?”
She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “You’ll see. Follow me.”
I hesitate for a moment before following her into the back of the store. The room is dimly lit and filled with shelves of strange, glowing bottles and jars. She stops in front of a large wooden cabinet and opens it, revealing a collection of small vials.
“These,” she whispers, pulling out a small, inconspicuous vial from a hidden compartment, “are the scent blockers. And these,” she adds, retrieving another vial with trembling hands, “are the heat suppressants. Getting these nearly cost me everything. Use them wisely.” She reaches back and grabs two small booklets. “Directions.”
I take the vials, feeling a strange sense of relief wash over me. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” she says, her tone serious. “There’s still the matter of payment.”
I frown, pulling out my wallet. “How much?” I am a broke ass bitch.
She shakes her head. “It’s not about money. These items require something else.”
“What else?” I ask warily.
She steps closer, her eyes locking onto mine. “A favor, a binding one. Someday, I’ll need something from you, and you’ll have to deliver. No questions asked.”
I blink, taken aback by the demand. “A favor? That’s…vague.”
“It’s the price,” she states. “Take it or leave it.”
I bite my lip, weighing my options. The idea of owing a favor to someone I barely know is unsettling, but I don’t have much of a choice. “Fine,” I agree. “I’ll do it.”
She nods, satisfied. “Good. Just remember, this isn’t something to take lightly. The suppressants will change you over time. You need to be sure this is what you want.”
“I’m sure,” I say firmly. “I need this.”
She hands me the vials, her expression softening slightly. “Be careful, Aria. These things have a way of coming back to haunt you.”
I nod, clutching the vials tightly to my chest, feeling more relief than I have in a year. “I will. Thank you.”
As I turn to leave, she calls out, “And, Aria? Remember, when the time comes, you owe me. Don’t forget that.”
