It was a slightly muggy morning for Zurich.Lately, it had been unseasonably hot—the climate had changed in recent years.
Lucas had worked in advertising for years, just like Valentina.But a year ago, he'd quit his agency to focus on his real dream: motorcycles.Ever since he was a child, he had fallen in love with the custom style.He'd watch his mothers ride through the Alps, taking him along so he could discover every town on the way.
After saving for nearly seven years, he finally became independent.His first clients were his mothers and a few close friends.Lucas's mom was a beta, while his mother was a recessive alpha woman.
It was nearly noon when he remembered Valentina's meeting was about to start.He was worried about her, but he knew there wasn't much he could do other than wait.Besides, he had things to do—pick up new tires and take photos to upload to his website.He thought that now that his best friend was unemployed, maybe she could help him with social media.
"Good afternoon, I'm here to pick up some tires I ordered.""Good afternoon. What brand?""Metzeler.""You ordered them about a month ago, right? Okay, I'll need the purchase code and your ID."
It was a calm day, and Lucas was happy.He'd finally managed to buy some of the most in-demand tires on the market.He'd waited a whole month—since they were so sought-after, the factory only produced limited units.
"Here you go.""Oh… are you a beta?""Excuse me?""Sorry, it's just—you didn't react to my pheromones. I'm just surprised a beta ordered six sets of tires. Look, maybe we should just refund you. I doubt you'll know how to use them properly."
The day was ruined.Well—not entirely. He was used to that kind of treatment.
Because of his looks, many people assumed he was an alpha—or at the very least, an omega.But once they realized he didn't react to subtle flirtatious pheromones, their expressions shifted—to discomfort, or even disgust.
Lucas ignored the receptionist's words, picked up the three boxes, and left.He didn't feel like arguing.Even if he usually brushed those insults off, he was still human.And every time he was judged without being known, a small sting of sadness hit him in the chest.
Valentina was only one street away from the agency.As she stepped off the train, she ran into two former coworkers from postproduction.They greeted her kindly and asked what had happened, but she, in a rush, simply said she'd explain later.
In truth, she didn't want to explain anything.She didn't even want to be there.She had hoped they'd just email her the details about her pay.But no. As usual, they liked to hold meetings for things that could have been an email.
She greeted security and walked in.She headed straight for the torture chamber; had it not been for what happened the previous Friday, she would've thought it was just a simple meeting room.
Inside, waiting for her, were Erick, Raffael, Miguel, the head of Human Resources, and, to her surprise—Lorenzo, the Head of Accounts.
"Perfect, now that we're all here, let's begin this meeting," said Erick."Valentina, we asked you to come in person not just to discuss your pay, but because your contract also states you must receive a recommendation letter to help with future job prospects."
"After working with us for nearly eight years, we should technically pay you for unused vacation days, overtime equivalent to three months, and one month for medical leave.But after calculating and subtracting the days the agency closes in December, you'll only receive payment for the sick leave," said the HR manager.
She felt disgust. Rage.She wanted to jump on the table and rip their heads off. Every single one of them.
What humiliation.To work so many years and be treated like a used rag.And seeing the look of satisfaction on Miguel's face made her boil inside.
She knew it wasn't fair.She was scared to speak up, but something inside her whispered that if she stayed silent now, they'd laugh at her anyway.She took a breath:
"I'm sorry, but vacation days have nothing to do with agency closure days. That's internal policy.Also, the overtime isn't equivalent to the remaining work. I left everything 50% done, so the payment should be complete."
The room fell silent.It wasn't common for anyone to argue back.Let alone a beta.Everyone knew she was at a disadvantage.
But then, something else disrupted the atmosphere:
"Well, as Head of Accounts, I have to admit Valentina has done an impeccable job.It's only been a few days, so I don't know how this will impact future budgets and coordination.But it's true—she always showed up early," said Lorenzo.
"That's her job, Lorenzo," Miguel replied coldly.
"No, that's YOUR job, Miguel—to ensure your team doesn't have to show up at dawn!"
Valentina was speechless.She never expected Lorenzo to defend her.Something was off. He wanted something from her.Why would he challenge Miguel in front of everyone?
"Valentina, how would you feel about coming back to the agency? We'll give you a raise.Miguel's under a lot of stress," said Erick, glancing at Miguel, who looked panicked.
"I'm sorry, but I can't go back to working with people who don't do their jobs properly.I appreciate the offer, but I'll have to decline.All I ask is for my full payment, so we can part on good terms."
"I'm sorry, Valentina, but we can't pay what you're requesting.If you want, we can involve the legal department," Erick replied.
She knew it.They weren't going to back down.They wouldn't be fair with her.
She was just a beta without legal contacts—and if she pushed too hard, maybe they wouldn't even give her the recommendation letter.Or her salary.
What now?Where could she go?What could she fight for?
It was all a slap in the face.A mockery of her hard work.
"Think it over," said Raffael with a sarcastic smile."We'll give you one more week to consider our offer. Besides, the raise would be one hundred francs. Everyone could use a little extra cash, don't you think?"
She felt sick.One hundred francs? That was nothing.What could it get her? A couple of lunches? Two movie tickets?
If the minimum salary was 3,000 francs per month, and she earned 3,500—as if she were a junior—she barely had 400 left after covering the essentials.And those 400 were her emergency fund… which she had just spent on the trip with Lucas.
(Phone call)
"So… are you going back?" Lucas asked later.
"I don't know, Lucas. It's not like I can take them to court.I've only saved 4,000 francs. I don't know any lawyers, and I doubt a public one would help.They'd probably assign me some beta lawyer with no connections."
"And what if you hire an alpha?"
"WHAT!? Where the hell am I supposed to find an alpha lawyer? Like one would want to represent me."
"Hahaha, Valentina. Do you really think there aren't alpha lawyers out there who'd love to sue Erick Hardmeier and squeeze him for every cent?"
Could it be possible?Could an alpha lawyer actually help her sue the agency?
She could already picture it: the headlines, the gossip on LinkedIn and Instagram.
The problem wasn't the gossip itself—it was that many would turn their backs on her.If the lawsuit went public, she might never get hired again.Vendors might refuse to work with her.
Or… it could be the opposite.Erick had a lot of enemies.
She had seen lovers—omegas and alphas—thrown out by security, screaming that Erick had dumped them, calling him arrogant.
But the real issue was Raffael, the Business Director.Raffael was Erick's shadow.They went everywhere together.They looked like partners in crime.And whenever Erick had a problem, Raffael "solved" it—like magic.
Rumor had it Raffael "screwed" every omega in Accounts.He was insatiable, stubborn, with a weakness for androgynous people with light eyes, pale skin, and soft demeanors.
(Phone call)
"What if I come by your shop tomorrow so we can talk in person? I'm fed up."
"Sure. But remember… you still haven't told me anything about Bastián!"
"Hehehe… I'll be there before lunch. Bye."
Lucas cared deeply for Valentina.He knew she wasn't doing well.Even if she seemed fragile or scared—she was quite the opposite.
Maybe, sooner or later, this crisis had been inevitable.
What she needed now was a distraction, a lover… something to help her forget it all.
And for that, he had to help her find a solution.But how?
The idea of the alpha lawyer was perfect.But where would they find one who supported betas?
Normally, an alpha lawyer wouldn't risk representing someone from another caste—not for the sake of their reputation.
Then again… there was always one crazy enough to do it out of revenge.
WhatsApp Message
Lucas:Hey, quick question—do you know any lawyers?
Andrea:Did something happen?
Lucas:They don't want to pay Valentina her salary. And well, I had this crazy idea of finding her an alpha lawyer.
Andrea:Damn… you two really worry a lot about caste, huh?Well, I'll ask around. I don't know how things work over there, but I'll check.
Lucas:When you visit, you'll see it for yourself.
Lucas knew that Andrea, coming from a small town, wouldn't fully understand the caste issue.Maybe if he were from Milan or some big city, he'd care more.
Still, something inside Lucas told him that something was off.How could an omega not feel these tensions?
Maybe Lucas was just paranoid.Or maybe… he'd just had bad luck with the people he'd met.
In the end, Lucas knew he'd do whatever it took to help his best friend.And if the lawyer said no—he'd convince him.
Period.
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Glossary
Custom motorcycles – Motorcycles modified or built to reflect the owner's personal style or preferences.
RRSS – Abbreviation for "redes sociales" (social media).
Swiss Recommendation Letter – A formal work certificate required in Switzerland that states job duties, employment duration, and a general evaluation.
Sick Leave Pay (Switzerland) – Payment an employee receives during medical leave, depending on contract or insurance.
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BETAS – "THE WORKFORCE"
Betas are considered the "most human" within the caste system—something society interprets as inferiority.
Physical Traits:There is no clear pattern; they can be as strong or tall as alphas or omegas.
Pheromones:They don't produce pheromones, but they emit natural calming scents.They cannot be influenced or controlled by alpha or omega pheromones.Their natural scent and the golden glow in their eyes cannot be controlled under any circumstances.These reactions only occur in three situations: during rut, when experiencing deep love, or intense hatred.They are involuntary and impossible to hide.
Reproduction:Both male and female betas can have children, but only male betas can impregnate other castes (alphas or omegas).The most successful reproductive combination is beta + beta.With alphas or omegas, the success rate drops to 50% or lower.
Biological Cycle:Female betas experience a monthly rut lasting between 18 and 36 hours.They feel desire, but it's controllable—not an overwhelming urge.It's a sensation that can be ignored or managed with distractions.During this time, their natural scent becomes slightly more noticeable.
Male betas do not have a rut, but they may experience mild hormonal spikes, especially when their partner is in heat.This can intensify their scent and cause a temporary change in their eye color, although it's not part of a defined reproductive cycle.
Though they lack strong biological cycles like other castes, their bodies build up tension over time.If too much time passes—say, a year or more—without release, they may develop symptoms like irritability, insomnia, fatigue, or digestive issues.Some rely on medication to ease migraines or pain, but ignoring the root cause can harm their overall health.
Menstruation:Unlike ancient humans, betas do not menstruate.Their reproductive system evolved to reabsorb uterine tissue if no fertilization occurs, avoiding monthly bleeding.This process is internal, silent, and more energy-efficient.
Gestation:Male betas can conceive, but usually only once or twice in their lifetime due to the complexity and risk involved.Pregnancy requires constant medical monitoring, and delivery is always done via C-section, as they do not have a natural birth canal.
Psychology:Adaptable, analytical, and rational.They don't wish to be alphas or omegas—they simply seek respect.
Scent Points:Betas have only three scent zones: neck, chest, and genitals.
Social Hierarchy:They are considered the working class.Although the number of betas in the economy is growing, only 5% manage to become CEOs or reach high positions without the support of an alpha or omega.