CHAPTER 49: THE TEST! 1

The matching centre loomed ahead, a massive glass-and-steel structure. Its towering facade, marked with the government’s insignia, was a stark reminder of its importance. Of course, it’s a place where identities were classified, bonds were tested, and lives were changed. Maybe.

Jace pulled into the parking lot, his hands still tight on the steering wheel, the lingering scent of Elias’s pheromones making it hard to focus. He glanced at the back seat, where Elias lay unconscious, his face flushed and his breathing shallow.

’Hang in there, Elias,’ Jace thought, his chest tight with worry.

Thanks to his mother’s connections, getting into the centre was easier than it would have been for most. Jace stepped out of the car and approached the entrance, where a group of doctors in crisp white coats and masks stood waiting. He recognised one of them, Dr Patel, a beta with a calm demeanour who had worked with his family before.

"I’m Jace Voss," he said, his voice steady despite the anxiety gnawing at him. "You’re expecting us?"

Dr Patel nodded, his eyes kind but professional. "Yes, Mrs Voss called ahead. Where’s the patient?"

"In the car," Jace said, leading them to the SUV. "He’s... he’s in bad shape."

As Jace opened the back door, the sweet, overwhelming scent of Elias’s pheromones flooded the parking lot. The doctors instinctively stepped back, their eyes widening behind their masks. Dr Patel slammed the door shut, his voice sharp.

"My God, how did you drive here with that?"

Jace shrugged, his face heating. "I’m fine. I went through my rut last month, so it’s... manageable."

Dr Patel exchanged a glance with the other doctors, then nodded.

"Impressive self-control. Alright, we need to get him inside. He’s likely a dominant omega, but we’ll need to test him first before we proceed with the matching."

Jace’s stomach twisted. "Is something wrong with him?"

Dr Patel raised a hand, his tone reassuring.

"He’ll be fine, Jace. We just need to stabilise him and confirm his status. Stay calm." He turned to his team, his voice firm. "Masks on, everyone. Let’s move him to a sealed room."

The doctors donned specialised masks designed to filter pheromones, then carefully opened the door again. Elias was still unconscious, his body limp as they lifted him onto a stretcher. The sweet scent was overpowering, even through the masks, and Jace noticed one of the younger doctors falter for a moment before steadying himself. They wheeled Elias inside, disappearing through a set of double doors labelled "Omega Ward."

Jace stood alone in the parking lot for a moment, his heart racing. The weight of what had happened in the classroom hit him again. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to focus.

’As long as he’s safe. They’ll take care of him,’ He grabbed their bags from the car and headed inside, finding the waiting room. It was a sterile space with white walls, cushioned chairs, and a faint smell of antiseptic.

He sank into a chair, his leg bouncing nervously. The room was quiet, save for the soft hum of the air conditioning and the occasional murmur of staff passing by. He never thought Elias’s Pheromones would be that strong. He knew he was an omega but... This?

He was sure it was something different as he thought of his mother’s urgency.

The sound of footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. Mrs Voss entered, flanked by two of her personal guards, their faces stoic. She was dressed in her usual sharp blazer and skirt, her expression calm but her eyes sharp with concern. Jace stood, relief washing over him. "Mom, you’re here."

She pulled him into a quick hug, her voice warm but firm.

"Of course I’m here. How’s Elias?"

Jace shook his head, his voice low.

"They took him to a sealed room to test him. He’s still out. Mom, the whole school knows he’s an omega now. It’s a mess. I’m sure Drago has spies there,’

Mrs Voss’s lips pressed into a thin line, but she placed a hand on his shoulder.

"It’s alright, Jace. Don’t worry about the school. Once the matching test is done and you two are confirmed compatible, no one will be able to separate you. Not even Viktor Drago."

Jace nodded, but his stomach churned.

"It’s not just Viktor. Everyone’s talking about him. Rowan was already giving me crap about it, and the alphas in class... they were looking at him like..." He trailed off, his jaw tightening.

Mrs Voss’s expression softened, but her voice was firm.

"Elias is strong, and you’re stronger. You’ll protect him. And we’ll make sure he’s safe. Just focus on the test for now."

Jace nodded again, sinking back into the chair. "I hope nothing goes wrong."

"Nothing will," she said, sitting beside him. "The doctors here are the best. They’ll take care of him."

They sat in silence for a while, the weight of the situation settling over them. Jace’s mind kept drifting to Elias. He couldn’t get him out of his head. He slipped his fingers into his hair as he remembered his mother’s words. He’ll be together with Elias once the test is done.

’I can’t wait for that,’

.

.

After what felt like an eternity, Dr Patel emerged, peeling off his mask and coat, both faintly tinged with Elias’s scent. He looked tired but smiled as he approached.

"Mrs Voss, Jace, congratulations. Elias is stable, and we’ve confirmed he’s a dominant omega—the tenth in the country."

Mrs Voss’s eyes widened, her hand tightening on the armrest.

"A dominant omega? You’re certain?"

Dr Patel nodded, his expression serious. "Absolutely. His pheromone levels are off the charts, even with the suppressant injection we gave him. He’s resting now, but we need to proceed carefully."

Jace’s brows furrowed, confusion and curiosity mixing in his chest.

"What’s a dominant omega? How’s it different from a regular omega?"

Dr Patel glanced at Mrs Voss, as if seeking permission. She gave a small nod, her voice calm. "Go ahead, doctor. He needs to know, especially if he’s to be Elias’s partner."

Dr Patel sat across from them, his tone professional but clear.

"Dominant omegas are rare and there are only ten of them in the country, as I said. Their pheromones are far more potent than those of regular omegas, and each has a unique ability tied to their scent. I’ll explain the others first, so you understand the context."

Jace leaned forward, his eyes locked on the doctor. Mrs Voss remained silent, her expression unreadable but attentive.

Dr Patel began, his voice steady. "The first dominant omega has a Soothing Aura. Their pheromones can calm fights or ease emotional distress, like a natural peacemaker. It’s effective in tense situations but only works in a small range, maybe a few feet."

Jace nodded, trying to process the information. "Okay, that sounds... useful."

"The second has Heat Empathy," Dr Patel continued. "When they’re close to someone, they can sense emotions... fear, anger, desire... and sometimes reflect those feelings, softening hostility. It’s subtle but powerful in negotiations or calming crowds."

Jace’s mind raced, trying to imagine Elias with such abilities. "And the third?"

"Healing Scent," Dr Patel said. "Their pheromones can slightly boost natural healing—reducing headaches, stress, or minor fatigue. It works best on children or those with weaker constitutions, like the elderly."

Mrs Voss raised an eyebrow. "I remember that one. What about the others?"

Dr Patel went on, detailing each one.

"The fourth has Bond Amplification, strengthening existing bonds between people... alpha and omega, or even family members... making trust and loyalty form faster. The fifth has Emotional Influence, subtly nudging people’s emotions to be more open-minded or less resistant. It’s not mind control, just a gentle push."

Jace’s eyes widened. "That’s... kind of scary."

"It can be," Dr Patel admitted. "The sixth has Dream Link, a rare ability to influence or appear in the dreams of their bonded partner, especially when they’re close or touching. It’s not fully controllable, though, and can be disorienting."

Mrs Voss nodded, her expression thoughtful. "And the seventh?"

"Pain Absorption," Dr Patel said. "They can temporarily lessen someone else’s physical pain by taking a portion of it onto themselves. It’s draining for the omega, so it’s used sparingly."

Jace’s stomach twisted. "That sounds awful for them."

"It is," Dr Patel agreed. "The eighth has Protective Instinct. In moments of danger, their pheromones are released instinctively, creating a brief distraction or unsettling effect on aggressors. It’s not a physical shield, but it buys a few seconds."

"And the ninth?" Jace asked, his voice quieter now.

"Fertility Glow," Dr Patel said. "Their pheromones encourage plant growth, stabilise pregnancy symptoms, or calm infants. It’s seen as a domestic blessing, not useful in conflict but highly valued in communities."

Jace sat back, his mind reeling. "That’s... a lot. I had no idea omegas could do stuff like that."

Mrs Voss’s voice was firm. "It’s a national secret for a reason, Jace. Dominant omegas are rare and powerful. Their identities are protected to keep them safe. You can’t tell anyone what you’ve learned."

Jace nodded, his throat tight.

"I won’t. I promise." He turned to Dr Patel, his voice urgent. "What about Elias? What’s his ability?"