Jack sat beneath a large oak tree on the outskirts of his farm. He'd been up all night protecting his young herd of brown cows. He owned the smallest farm in the 'Dairy' colony and couldn't afford to lose a single one to wild animals. Especially after spending so much money on the young bull that he had shipped in from another colony. As the young bull excitedly mounted his third cow of the night, Jack exhaled heavily. He envied the cows of his herd. They still had a chance to survive. While the species of the Shifters was teetering on the brink of extinction. Tilting his head back against the tree, he grimly let himself wallow in the depressing thought once again. It had happened when he was young. A mysterious virus appeared out of nowhere. The virus struck fast and went unnoticed... but within days, Alphas and Betas were showing signs. Then thirteen days after that... All the alphas and Betas were dead. Leaving only the terrified Omegas unharmed and forced to fend for themselves.

No one could explain it. It had been impossible to determine the cause. All they could do was carry on. Forming colonies that for the first time in decades allied themselves in trade. Each colony governed by the strongest and smartest Omegas that became known as the Utopia Organization. For they had rebuilt society and without Alphas and Betas... It was a literal Utopian society. Except for one critical detail flaw. Omegas can't breed on their own. Watching the young bull thrust and grunt over the young cow, Jack gulped down his pain. They were a species that was slowly dying. Closing his eyes to listen to the early morning birds tweeting away. He tried to ignore the ache in his chest. The animal in him always got restless listening to the cows mate. It just wasn't fair. As the static crackled over his walkie-talkie, Jack jumped as his best friend stated over the line. "Jack? Are you up?" Turning the dial on his walkie, he spoke into the headphone mic around his neck. "Ha. Ha. Very funny, Nathan. I'll be bringing them in shortly. I'm... waiting for the bull to finish."

Nathan chuckled as he asked teasingly. "Is he adjusting well?" Rolling his eyes, Jack muttered aloud. "You could say that. He should have the whole herd knocked up before the end of the week at the rate he's going." He could hear Nathan's amusement in his voice when he asked him sinfully. "You sound jealous. Should I be worried about you out there with him?" Shaking his head, Jack retorted dryly. "I'm not that desperate.... Yet." Nathan chuckled and Jack let himself smirk a little. When the bull moved off the cow, Jack finally got to his feet and began buzzing the cattle prod to coax them back to the barn. The bull learned the signal quickly and led his ladies back without issue. Once the bull was locked up in his metal stall and the cows were in their own simpler stalls, he finally walked into the little wooden cottage. Inside smelled amazing. Nathan was just finishing up breakfast and it made his stomach growl to smell the maple syrup and crispy bacon.

Walking up behind his best friend, he kissed his bare shoulder and hummed to him sleepily. Nathan had showered. He could smell the rich scent on him. Nathan was a Delta. One of the stronger sub ranks among standard Omegas. As such, his smell was often richer than the lighter scents of standard Omegas. He couldn't recall the scents of Alphas and Betas... but he liked to believe they were like Nathan's. Nathan leaned back against him, mumbling out quietly. "You need a bath. You smell like sweaty cow." Jack growled, lightly nipping his shoulder and causing Nathan to flinch with a chuckle. Taking a seat at the table, Jack yawned out to him. "I want to shower and sleep... Can you join me?" Setting the plate of eggs and bacon in front of him, Nathan coolly informed him. "Can't. Tonight is the organization's spring festival. Sigma Lauraine has something big to reveal to us. Attendance is mandatory." Jack growled over his plate, whining out. "I don't want to go... I'm not in the mood."

Huffing, Nathan giggled out. "You're only saying that because the satisfied cows have got you feeling down. Tell you what... I'll join you in shower and help work out your issues. But then we've got to go." Slumping in his seat, Jack grumbled out curiously. "Do you remember Alphas and Betas? Not the stories about them... but really remember them?" Nathan sipped his orange juice thoughtfully, before answering honestly. "No. I only remember being taken away to quarantine after my parents got sick. You?" Jack shrugged, answering grimly. "I don't remember my parents. I just remember meeting you in quarantine." Sensing his change in mood, Nathan mood closer to kiss his temple and coaxed him sweetly. "Eat something. I'll draw you a warm bath." Jack nodded, turning to watch him go. It wasn't uncommon for Omegas in the colony to form relationships with other Omegas. By nature, Omegas needed companionship. He had chosen Nathan to pair himself with. He was like a big brother, his best friend, and his loving partner all rolled into one.

Growing up, a lot of female Omegas tried to snag male Omegas. Desiring the sensation of sex with any man they could get. Nathan was desired by them for being both male and a Delta. Yet, Nathan had turned them all down when he'd seen that his best friend wasn't so lucky. The colony didn't treat him badly, but they were weary of him. Even if they didn't know the reason why, their wolf could sense it in him. He was... different. The only one who knew that he was an Enigma was Nathan. He had told no one and as a result they grew very close. Unlike other Omegas, they had decided to start their own farm and live away from the center of town. Tearing his eyes away from Nathan's black faded and ripped up knee jeans, he smiled and began to eat. It was fun pretending that they had a normal life... but there was one thing he really wanted that Nathan would never be able to give him. He wanted more than anything to have a baby.

He just couldn't help it. As an Enigma he was a mix of an Omega wolf and a Sigma cat. He was a rare genetic mutation. The combination of a very submissive Omega and the most dominate Omega. Resulting in an almost heartbreaking need for him to find a mate and make little ones of his own. To nurture a family and love unconditionally. It was torture to feel the imbalance of needing a family and needing only his independence. For Sigma Omegas RARELY ever desired mates or mating. Sigmas were known to be as aggressive as Alphas and often used to challenge them to fights... despite always losing that fight. While he felt that drive within his cat half... his wolf half was the polar opposite. Picking up his glass of fresh milk, Jack chugged it down and felt his inner animal relax a little. Milk always soothed him. Along with hearty portions of meat. It was hard to keep his dual nature under control, but he did his best. Finishing up his meal, he dashed off to find Nathan.

After a bath and dressing, they finally headed into town to the community center. All the Omegas chatted with gleaming smiles and excited tones. Only Nathan and himself hung around the back of the room. Practically isolated from the others and snatch up the food and drinks from the buffet table. While sipping his fourth cup of coffee with heavy cream, Sigma Louraine stepped out with another Omega following her onto the stage and sudden gasps of shock filled the room. Jack's heart slammed against his chest at the sight of a young Omega female. She was pregnant and holding onto the tiny hands of two little female Omega children. Chatter erupted from the hall. While Nathan uttered out in shock. "That's not possible... The breeders are dead." Jack gulped as Lauriane quieted everyone down. Then flicking her long blonde hair off her shoulder, she announced excitedly. "I know you are all eager to know how this happened. Let me explain. It's why you are gathered here."

Gesturing to the children, Lauraine continued. "I didn't want to bring this up until I was sure that it works. Our friends in the colony to the west have discovered a sperm bank. A place Alphas and Betas used before the virus struck them down. They supplied our colony with a limited batch of the stuff. We tested three vials on three different Omegas from the Organization. They were a success with breeding healthy Omegas... However, the virus is still active and killed the little Alpha that was born." Jack saw Nathan frown, before Lauraine cheerfully went on. "Don't fret! Our top scientists are on the case. We have a fair solution. We need a strong healthy Omega to bring a strong Alpha or Beta into the world. So here is our plan. We host a lottery with all those willing to go into our breeding program. Our doctors will check your health and if you are strong and healthy... we wish you luck with saving our kind." Beside him, Nathan bitterly uttered to him discreetly. "That's not a solution. That's wasting prime grade seed in the hopes an Alpha or Beta will survive. We're still on a sinking ship... it's just sinking slower now."

Taking a deep breath, Jack told him firmly. "I'm gonna do it." Nathan blinked, jerking his head to look at him as he blurted out. "Why? Jack... Look at them. Lauraine is NEVER going to pick anyone other than her friends to do this program. I guarantee it. She's a territorial Sigma bitch. She said it herself. She wasted three vials on organization Omegas. AKA... her friends." Setting down his coffee, Jack shrugged out meekly. "I have to try... Nathan, I... I really want this. Please say you will help me...?" Rolling his eyes, Nathan seriously told him. "Of course I will. But Jack, if they don't pick you..." Jack didn't wait for him to finish. He simply moved in to write his name down on a clipboard and then on a ball to put in the roller. Heading back, he told Nathan innocently. "Maybe I will be the one... I'm strong." Nathan hugged him, trying to stay positive for him in his own way. Once everyone who wanted to had entered, Lauriane gleefully stated aloud. "Let's begin the first lottery and kick off our new spring festival tradition!"

Lauraine waited as the balls rolled in the little hand cranked roller, suddenly informing them all. "Due to limited supply mind you... Only six will be chosen a year." The room started to protest but hushed seconds later as the first ball rolled out. Name after name was called. Each one was crushing Jack down. While beside him, Nathan growled out. "I told you. Look at those chosen. All of them have friends in the Organization... This is rigged. We should leave." Jack nodded but pulled Nathan to a stop as the last ball rolled out. He just wanted to hear the last name. To know that it wasn't him. Until he heard his name being called. Spinning around, Nathan gawked out in complete shock. "What the fuck... I was wrong." Exhaling excitedly, Jack rushed up to the front and a doctor handed him a folder, telling him coolly. "Fill this out and go to the clinic at the time inside tomorrow. Good luck." Jack hugged the folder to his chest, feeling like he could cry. Until a vicious snarl came from the crowd.

Everyone turned in time to see a female Omega dash through the crowd with teeth bared. Tackling one of the other chosen Omega women to the ground, she tore at her like an animal. Her words of frustration that that bitch was chosen over her rang throughout the hall. Until a group of Delta men rushed in to fire tranquilizer darts into her. Immediately the aggressive Omega passed out and was carried away. Carefully walking back over to Nathan, he let Nathan quickly rush him out. He could imagine this was only the beginning of the discourse. Despite Omegas being renowned as docile and non-combative... without Alphas and Betas around, Nathan was right. Their utopian society was a sinking ship, and everyone was looking to survive it.  To Be Continued...