A day or two passed. Apart from being fed, she was left completely alone. She quickly learned other omegas were in other stalls. She often heard them screaming. Day and night. She didn't know why, but it frightened her. She constantly longed for khul'Shalkrum, but it never came.

Voice roused her out of her half-asleep state. "-are many here," Crowley was saying. "I'm sure we can find one to your liking."

"Good." A deep, smooth voice answered him. The accent was strange, but not unpleasant.

"Have you ever owned an omega before?"

"Once. There was a . . . situation. I'm determined not to let that happen again."

"Ah." The two men walked right past Alex's stall, and she craned her neck to see. She barely caught a glimpse of the stranger. Blonde hair, a faded green army jacket. "This is Adrian. He is young, yes, but bred from two strong omegas." A door slid open.

"How well can he siphon?"

Alex felt the Source being drawn from somewhere in the room, and she desperately stretched for it. She felt a tendril stretch for her, and she closed her eyes, feeling the tiniest bit of comfort spread into her. She heard Crowley say something, but didn't care.

The door opened. "What have I told you?!" Crowley snapped. "No channeling unless I specifically say so. How did you even reach it?"

His voice jolted the young omega, and the connection was lost. She glared up at the alpha, snarling. "I'll do what I want," she hissed. She saw Crowley reach for the silver leash, and then she was on the ground, back arched, holding back a scream as currents of electricity rushed through her limbs. She let only the softest noise escape her lips, eyes closed in agony.

"I don't think he is what I'm looking for." Along with that voice came the halt of the pain, and Alex opened her eyes. The alpha was standing in the doorway, talking with Crowley. His eyes travelled over Alex. "What about this one?"

Alex sat up, breathing hard. "Name's Alex," she panted out. She threw her head back as Crowley zapped her again.

"Don't talk," Crowley growled.

The other alpha looked interested. "How well can she siphon?"

Crowley shook his head. "You don't want her," he said firmly. "She hadn't been disciplined at all. She's only been here for a few days, and she's going to need extensive training before she's ready."

The alpha didn't seem intimidated. "A challenge would be nice. How well can she siphon?" Something about his voice's cadence told Alex that, like Crowley, this alpha wasn't from around here. However, his accent was different, and it made Alex shiver.

Crowley huffed. "Fine. Show him."

Alex grabbed at the Source, relishing in it. A sharp word from Crowley had her drawing out three balls of energy. She began to juggle them, her world narrowing down to just her and khul'Shalkrum. It brought comfort, and the balls flew faster and faster, and soon they were spinning around the room, twisting and dipping in elaborate patterns. Alex smiled. She could feel everything in the room, but she blocked it out, drawing in more and more Source until -

Crowley cut her off. "That's enough."

Alex frowned, looking up at him.

The alpha was staring at her, mouth open. "That . . . I've never seen an omega as young as her do anything that complex. Who trained her?"

Alex smiled, and Crowley blinked. "She claims she trained herself."

Alex decided to speak. "I've been living on my own for almost a decade since my dad died. He was the only alpha keeping me from being sold. He died, and I ran into the woods. I've been on my own since."

The alpha shook his head, and Alex took time to study him. Dirty blonde hair, blue eyes. His face looked soft yet commanding at the same time. "Alex, right?" When she nodded, he smiled, turning to Crowley. "How much for that one?"

"Luce, I assure you, not only is she not for sale, but you don't want her. She has absolutely no discipline. I can't let her touch khul'Shalkrum if I'm not present. She's killed with it-"

"I was being hunted," Alex snapped. "And it was a dog. I've never killed a man in my-" She shrieked, arching her back in pain. It was quickly gone, and she fell back against the wall.

"Crowley. I asked how much she was. You know money is not problem." Luce's eyes flashed. "I have chosen my omega."

Crowley rolled his eyes. "What about this one is appealing, Lucifer? Is it because she can channel so well? It won't be a good thing when she's trying to escape."

Lucifer laughed. "I can take care of her. I'll break her, and then she'll be no problem at all."

Crowley huffed. "If you weren't Michael's brother . . ." he grunted. "Fine. But if she gets out of hand, you will call me immediately."

Lucifer nodded. "Of course." He took the silver leash from Crowley, and Alex felt the change. She felt Lucifer; it was like ice ran through her veins. Alex shivered.

Lucifer hung her leash back on the peg, and the two alphas stepped outside, closing the stall behind them. "I'll get the paperwork," Crowley muttered.

"I'll stay right here." Lucifer stepped back inside.

Alex pressed herself against the wall warily.

"Show me that trick again," Lucifer told her. He took the leash, opening a channel.

khul'Shalkrum flooded through her, and Alex closed her eyes. Energy sparked through the room, twisting around her. It was the best feeling in the world, and she let out a soft breath. She felt Lucifer growing impatient, and she formed a small ball in each hand. She opened her eyes, flicking the balls around the room. They flew like comets, blue tails stretching out behind them. Then they came to rest above each palm, and Alex let them go as she felt her own energy disappear. She leaned back against the wall, tired.

Lucifer looked down at her. "You don't have a lot of stamina," he commented dryly.

Alex huffed. "I've never needed it for more than a few minutes," she responded. "And it takes a lot of energy to channel -" Her words trailed off into a scream as Lucifer violently shocked her.

"Don't talk back unless I ask you," he growled.

Alex writhed on the floor as wave after wave of pain washed over her. Then Lucifer let go, and Alex fell back panting.

Crowley returned. "The hell are you doing?" he hissed.

"Teaching her." Lucifer motioned her to her feet and Alex stood on shaky legs.

"Paperworks up in my office." Crowley stepped out of the stall. "Leave her here."

Lucifer hung the leash back on the hook, then followed Crowley out. The heavy door slid shut, leaving Alex alone. She slumped back to her knees, leaning her head against the cold metal wall.