Michael was in the kitchen. Alex could hear him moving about. She reluctantly pulled herself to her feet, wiping her nose with the back of her hand. She took one final shaky breath and stepped into the hallway.

She almost walked right into Adam. He growled down at her, roughly shoving her out of the way. Alex didn't bother to put up a fight. Her shoulder hit the wall with a dull thud, but she didn't care. She shuffled towards the kitchen, stopping in the doorway to watch Michael.

The alpha was sitting at the table, his back to her. Alex lifted her head hopefully, and the warm scents of food filled her nose. Her stomach growled, and with a glance at the clock she realized it was almost five.

Michael turned to look at her. "You're up."

Alex mumbled out an answer, lowering her gaze. When Michael didn't say anything, she added, "I'm hungry."

She heard the chair legs scrape against the tile floor as the alpha stood. Footsteps approached, and she flinched away, keeping her gaze on her shoes. A large hand cupped her chin, and her head was lifted up. The action was calm but reeked of dominance. Alex shivered.

Michael clicked his tongue. "Now now. I know you know this, Alex. What are you suppose to call your alpha?"

Alex let out a weak growl at those words. Michael tightened his grip on her chin, and she gritted her teeth. "I'm not calling you Alpha."

Her head was forced up even higher, and Michael leaned down, ice-cold fire dancing in his eyes. "I am your alpha, and you will address me as such."

"You're not my alpha." Alex tried to sound threatening, but if anything, she sounded pleading. She held hit gaze for only a few seconds before she looked away.

Michael's voice grew quiet. "I could make myself your alpha," he murmured. "Would you prefer that?"

Alex tried to shake her head, but Michael's grip was like iron.

The alpha nodded, searching her face. "Then I suggest we go with the first option." He dropped her, and Alex backed away.

Michael turned back to his meal. "I suppose you are hungry." He sat back down, reaching for his fork.

Alex nodded and, after a moment's hesitation, made her way over to him. "Yes," she mumbled. "I've only eaten breakfast."

Michael grunted. "Down." He pointed to the ground.

Alex tipped her head in confusion. "What?"

"Kneel down."

The omega hesitated, then reluctantly did as he said.

Michael reached out, scratching her head appreciatively. "Good girl." He stood up, motioning for her to stay. Then he returned with a plate of food. He knelt down to place it on the floor.

Alex paused, looking up at Michael. He had returned to his meal. "I had a meeting in Nor Valen," he said casually. "At Crossroads & Co."

Alex looked up, eyes sparkling with interest. "Was Lucifer there?" A glare from Michael had her lowering her head. "Sorry, sir."

Michael growled in displeasure, but didn't comment. It was better than nothing. "Lucifer wasn't there." He continued with his story. "He's been sick the past few days. The breaking your bond has struck him hard."

Alex involuntarily let out a small whimper. "Why? Is he okay?"

"He'll be fine in a couple more days. The more emotionally attached an alpha is to his omega, the harder it is for him to let go of the bond. Some alphas never get over it." Michael shrugged. "He'll probably feel like hell for a week or two. He deserves it. Now eat."

Alex turned back to her meal, heart aching at the thought of Lucifer being ill because of her. She wished she had just stayed home. A tear formed in her eye, and she brushed it away. It was too late now.

...

After she had finished eating, Alex returned to her room, closing the door behind her. She was not bothered.

Boredom drove her out a few hours later. She stepped quietly out into the hallway, searching for any sign of the alpha. There was nothing. With a quick sniff of the air, she headed down the hall. Michael was sitting in the family room. The large tv was on, images dancing across the screen. As Alex approached, she saw that Adam was laying next to him, head in his alpha's lap. He looked content. Alex felt her heart twist in loneliness at the sight.

Michael glanced back at her. "Ah. I was wondering when you were coming out." He beckoned her forward, and the omega reluctantly obeyed. She circled around to stand in front of him, and he pointed towards the ground. He noticed how her eyes flickered over to Adam, and he shook his head. "Once I can trust you, you can be on the couch. For now, on the ground."

Alex let out a small huff, but did as he asked. She knelt down beside the couch.

...

She remained there for half an hour. At some point, Michael's hand had found its way to her head, gently stroking her hair. Eventually Alex shifted her weight, and Adam noticed, letting out a low growl.

"Quiet down." Michael lightly smacked Adam on the top of the head. The omega huffed.

Alex started to stand. Michael applied steady pressure to her head. The omega felt her legs buckle, and she fell back down. "I'm thirsty," the omega whispered. She added a hasty, "sir," at the end.

Michael frowned. "Alpha. You will refer to me as alpha." His hand slipped down her head and his fingers wrapped around her small throat. Then he stood up, pulling her up with him. Adam growled as he was dislodged, but was ignored.

Alex shivered. "I won't," she whispered weakly.

"You will." Michael studied her closely. "You are my omega. Of course, if you prefer, I can strengthen our bond and make it physical." He watched how she flinched away desperately, and he tightened his grip. "I will break you."

Alex wanted to struggle, wanted to fight, but couldn't. She couldn't do this anymore. She was tired of fighting back, tired of the pain. It was just too much. "No. Please don't, a-" she hesitated, then let her muscles go lax. She finally gave in to everything she had promised herself she wouldn't. "Please don't, Alpha."

Michael smirked. He dropped the omega, and she fell into a submissive pose. His victorious grin widened, and he sat back down. "Go get a drink."

Alex did as she was told.