Does a Disabled Omega Have to Be Forcibly Loved Too? (NPH) - Chapter 3: Prey
Chapter 3: Prey
Objectively speaking, Dinah was pretty.
The empire’s population was like a mix of all the ethnic groups from Dinah’s pre-transmigration world—Black, White, Asian—but long-term cohabitation blurred the distinctions between them.
However, the empire’s upper class still carried distinct White features. For example, royal family members all had the iconic blonde hair and blue eyes.
But Dinah had the standard Asian appearance. Her features were soft and gentle, her figure petite, and her skin was pearl-white.
Even when she was lost in thought, her lips seemed to carry a hint of a smile. Her eyes were moist, and the wrist peeking out from her sleeve was so thin it looked like it could snap with a bend.
Even among female Omegas, she appeared quite delicate and cute.
If it weren’t for her congenitally defective glands, she would have been very popular with alphas. Even knowing she was defective, some alphas were still willing to date her.
“Thank you,” Dinah said politely.
Oliver wasn’t an alpha skilled with words. After saying that, he couldn’t find another topic until the waiter led them to their reserved seats.
The restaurant had no menu. The chef decided the daily dishes, so they didn’t even have the chance to talk about ordering.
After an awkward silence, Oliver spoke first. “I-I like you. I know it’s a bit forward, but I want to ask what you think of me.”
Dinah’s opinion of Oliver was still at the level of a not-too-familiar online acquaintance.
She smiled politely. “I think you’re very impressive.”
Oliver had no experience dating Omegas and couldn’t catch the deeper meaning of her words.
He said nervously, “Thank you… Actually, I’m applying to join Lieutenant General August’s fleet. If I succeed, my pay will double.”
Dinah paid little attention to military news. She only thought the name August sounded familiar.
“I wish you success,” Dinah said, giving him full emotional support.
Oliver’s neck started turning red.
“Thank you… Lieutenant General August is my idol. He’s the youngest lieutenant general in imperial history. The insectoids he’s killed could pile up and bury the Imperial Military Academy. Joining his fleet would be the honor of my life.”
Dinah couldn’t relate to Oliver’s excitement, but she remembered why the name felt familiar.
Arnold August had been thirty-five last year when the king awarded him the rank of lieutenant general.
The ceremony was broadcast live across the network, but since August didn’t like excessive attention, the camera stayed fixed on his back.
Even just his back was enough to drive all the unmarried Omegas in the empire wild.
Because this legendary lieutenant general from a prominent family was still unmarried. His reason was that he hadn’t found an Omega with a compatibility rate above 60%.
Every Omega who turned sixteen and recorded their pheromones for the first time probably secretly hoped to be August’s fated mate.
The compatibility rate between Omegas and alphas generally needed to be above 60% to be considered suitable.
Especially for powerful alphas, bonding with an Omega of too low compatibility could even kill the Omega.
Low compatibility not only failed to create that fated attraction between an Omega and an alpha, but it also caused pheromone rejection. In severe cases, it could be life-threatening.
But for someone like Dinah, who had almost no pheromones, such concerns didn’t exist.
Oliver started talking endlessly about his idol. Dinah politely played the listener.
After dinner, Oliver walked Dinah back to the Omega Association staff dormitory entrance.
“Can we meet again next time?” Oliver asked, looking at Dinah expectantly.
Dinah nodded with a smile. “Of course. Thank you for inviting me today. I had a nice time.”
Oliver turned and left, satisfied. Dinah walked alone through the gate.
She didn’t feel anything special about the date. She neither liked nor disliked it. If Oliver didn’t meet a compatible Omega before deciding to marry her…
Dinah thought she would probably marry Oliver.
But every time she thought this, it always fell through.
Dinah sighed as she opened her door. She tiredly went to shower, then flopped onto her bed.
She fell asleep quickly.
But when she opened her eyes again, she saw the familiar tea and snacks in front of her.
She was somehow dreaming of waiting for Oliver in the hotel lobby.
And this dream was so vivid it felt like reliving her memory in a holographic scene.
It was Dinah’s first time having such a dream. She wasn’t used to it yet when the familiar sound of footsteps rang out again.
She looked up. A group of people in military uniforms walked through the hotel entrance.
But unlike her memory, this time the alpha leading the group had his gaze fixed on her from the start.
What stayed the same was his cold, stern gaze, carrying an undeniable authority.
Dinah froze for a moment. She felt like prey locked onto by a predator, trembling and unable to move.
She watched helplessly as the alpha abandoned the people behind him, veered off from the path in her memory, and walked straight toward her.