CHAPTER 54: NATHAN CALDWELL!

The sterile hallway of the matching centre buzzed with quiet efficiency as Dr Patel made his way back to his office.

The fluorescent lights cast a clinical glow over the polished floors, and the faint hum of medical equipment filled the air. His mind was still on Elias, the young dominant omega whose Siren’s Voice ability had just been confirmed. The boy’s situation was delicate, and Dr Patel knew the implications of his status reached far beyond the walls of the centre. He adjusted his white coat, his fingers brushing against the tablet tucked under his arm, which held Elias’s files that could change the course of the young man’s life.

As he reached his office, a small, neatly organised space with a desk, a computer, and shelves lined with medical journals, a nurse knocked lightly on the open door. She was young, with a clipboard in hand and a nervous expression.

"Dr Patel, Elias Kane has left the centre with Jace Voss. They signed out about ten minutes ago."

Dr Patel nodded, his expression calm but focused. "Thank you, Nurse Carter. Can you pull his file and have it sent to me in five minutes? I need all his information... test results, medical history, everything."

The nurse nodded quickly, her ponytail bouncing. "Yes, sir. I’ll have it ready."

As she hurried off, Dr Patel sank into his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"A new dominant omega," he muttered to himself, his voice low. "And Siren’s Voice, no less. This changes everything." He leaned back, his mind racing.

Elias’s ability was rare, powerful, and potentially dangerous if it fell into the wrong hands. The government had strict protocols for dominant omegas, and Dr Patel knew he couldn’t delay reporting this to the president of the matching centre. He stood, grabbed the tablet and a folder with preliminary notes, and headed toward the executive wing.

The matching centre’s upper floors were a stark contrast to the clinical lower levels. Polished wood panelling lined the walls, and soft carpet muffled his footsteps. The president’s office was at the end of a long corridor, its double doors imposing yet elegant, with the government’s seal etched into the wood. Dr Patel knocked firmly, his heart rate picking up slightly. A deep voice called from within,

"Enter."

Dr Patel pushed the door open and stepped inside. The office was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a view of the city skyline. The president, Mr Raymond Caldwell, sat behind a sleek mahogany desk, his salt-and-pepper hair neatly combed, his sharp grey eyes fixed on a laptop screen. He was a tall, handsome man in his late fifties, his tailored suit emphasising his commanding presence.

As one of the top figures in the country’s omega regulation system, Caldwell carried an air of authority that filled the room. He didn’t look up as Dr Patel approached, his fingers still tapping on the keyboard.

"Good afternoon, Mr Caldwell," Dr Patel said, his tone respectful but direct. "I have urgent news."

Caldwell’s eyes flicked up, his expression impatient. "Patel, I’m in the middle of a report. Make it quick."

Dr Patel didn’t flinch. He’d dealt with Caldwell’s brusque manner before.

"We’ve identified a new dominant omega, sir. The tenth in the country. His name is Elias Kane, and his ability is Siren’s Voice."

Caldwell’s fingers paused, his interest piqued. He leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Siren’s Voice? That’s... rare." He gestured to the chair across from his desk. "Sit. Tell me everything."

Dr Patel took a seat, placing the tablet and folder on the desk.

"Elias is twenty, a student. He was brought in today after an incident at his school where his pheromones leaked, exposing his omega status. We stabilised him with a suppressant injection and confirmed his dominant omega classification. His ability, Siren’s Voice, allows him to influence others when he speaks, especially when his pheromones are active. It can calm aggression, stir emotions, or even compel obedience to a degree."

Caldwell’s lips curved into a small, intrigued smile. "Compel obedience? That’s powerful. Dangerous, too." He reached for the folder, flipping it open to scan Elias’s information... his photo, medical history, and test results. "Elias Kane," he murmured, his eyes lingering on the photo. "Young. Unassuming. Perfect."

Dr Patel nodded, his voice cautious.

"He’s unaware of the full extent of his ability, but he’s understandably shaken. The matching test with his friend, Jace Voss, came back at 45.5%—below the threshold for a viable bond."

Caldwell raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. "No partner yet, then?"

"No, sir," Dr Patel said. "Elias was clear he’s not ready for a relationship. He’s focused on his sister’s medical care and his own survival."

Caldwell leaned back, steepling his fingers.

"No one can resist the right match, Patel. And I know just the candidate." He tapped the desk, his expression calculating. "My son, Nathan. He’s been... difficult, but he’s the only one of my children fit to take over my position. If he matches with this Elias, it could secure his future... and mine."

Dr Patel’s brow furrowed slightly, but he kept his tone neutral.

"How soon can Nathan return for a matching test? Elias was hesitant about partnering with anyone, and I’m not sure how he’ll react to being matched with someone he doesn’t know."

Caldwell chuckled, a low, confident sound.

"No one says no to Nathan once they meet him. He’s got charm, looks, and a sharp mind. Elias won’t stand a chance." He leaned forward, his voice firm. "Don’t start looking for other matches yet. I want Nathan to have the first shot. He’ll be back in a few days. I’ll make sure of it,"

Dr Patel nodded, though a flicker of unease crossed his face.

"Understood, sir. I’ll hold off on any other matching attempts until Nathan arrives. But if the compatibility score is low..."

Caldwell waved a hand dismissively.

"We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. Just keep Elias’s file secure and his status confidential. No leaks, Patel. You know how valuable a dominant omega is."

"Of course," Dr Patel said, standing. "I’ll ensure everything is handled discreetly."

As he left the office, Dr Patel paused in the hallway, glancing at his phone. He muttered to himself,

"If Nathan’s score is low, I’ll have to find someone else. Elias deserves a choice." His fingers tightened around the phone, a mix of duty and concern weighing on him. He knew Caldwell’s reputation... when the president wanted something, he got it. But Elias wasn’t just a pawn in a power game, and Dr Patel wasn’t sure how far he could push back without risking his position.

.

.

Meanwhile, across the country in a sun-drenched coastal villa, Nathan Caldwell lounged by a sparkling pool, his tanned abs glistening under the midday sun. He wore bright blue swim trunks, his dark hair tousled from a recent swim.

A group of friends laughed nearby, splashing in the water, but Nathan’s attention was on his phone, scrolling through messages. The screen lit up with a video call from his father, and he smirked, accepting it.

"Hey, Dad," Nathan said, tilting the phone to show his face. "What’s up? You never call unless it’s serious."

Caldwell’s voice was gruff, his face filling the screen.

"Show your face, Nathan, not your stomach. I’m not interested in your beach vacation."

Nathan laughed, unfazed, and adjusted the phone. "Jealous of the abs, old man? You should hit the gym sometime. Oh! You can’t, because you’re getting old,"

Caldwell groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This is why I don’t call you kids. You’re impossible." He paused, his tone shifting to a more serious note. "I need you to come back to the city. I’ve found a match for you."

Nathan’s smirk faded, replaced by a sceptical frown.

"A match? Dad, we’ve been over this. I’m not looking to get married. I’m twenty-two, I’ve got a lot of time."

Caldwell’s eyes narrowed, his voice firm.

"This isn’t just any match, Nathan. It’s a dominant omega. The tenth in the country. If you come back and test with him, I’ll hand over the company. Full control."

Nathan’s eyebrows shot up, his interest piqued. He leaned back in his lounge chair, the pool’s reflection glinting in his eyes.

"The company? You’re serious?"

"Dead serious," Caldwell said. "But it’s just a test. No marriage required... yet. You take the test, see if you’re compatible. If it works out, we’ll talk about the next steps."

Nathan was quiet for a moment, his fingers tapping the armrest.

"Just a test, huh? No strings attached?"

"Exactly," Caldwell said, his tone smooth. "You’re the only one of my kids with the brains and the charm to handle this. Come back in a few days, and we’ll set it up."

Nathan’s smirk returned, though his eyes were calculating.

"Alright, Dad. You’ve got a deal. I’ll be back in... let’s say three days. Gotta wrap up some things here first." He paused, his voice teasing. "This omega better be worth it."

Caldwell’s lips twitched into a smile. "Oh, he will be. I’m counting on you, Nathan."

The call ended, and Nathan tossed his phone onto the table, leaning back with a grin.

"A dominant omega," he muttered, his voice laced with curiosity. "This could be interesting." He stood, stretching, and rejoined his friends, but his mind was already on the city... and the mysterious Elias Kane.