What's an omegaverse?
Omegaverse is an alternate universe that follows wolf hierarchy, where "alpha, beta, and omega" are regarded as a secondary gender. These genders are determined at birth. World-building is common depending on the author's vision, so it's normal to see a wide variety of tropes, terms, and character development.
This novel has concepts that are traditionally found within this genre, some that are newer, and a few I made up myself.
A/B/O
Alphas are ranked as the highest of the genders. They're physically stronger, assertive, overprotective of their territory, and can intimidate others with their scent. These "top dogs" of society usually have leadership careers such as CEOs, managers, directors, actors, etc.
They make up 15 percent of the population.
Even rarer are dominant alphas who possess stronger pheromones and have the ability to control others for a short amount of time with their scent. Dominants are the least evolved compared to the other genders and are easily triggered to revert to their primal instincts. This includes aggression, extended canines, and animalistic needs.
Their rutting (see rut below) periods are called "seasons."
Betas are everyday humans and vampires, comprising 80 percent of the population. They do not produce a scent but are able to procreate with alphas. Chances of reproducing a child with an omega are highly unlikely.
Omegas are classically stereotyped as the lowest in society and only 5 percent of the population. They're typically smaller in body structure and are not as physically strong as alphas and betas. A common trait is their feminine features, no matter the sex. Like alphas, each omega has a unique scent to attract a mate.
Male omegas have the capability to become pregnant like females can. If they're marked (see marking below) on their nape by an alpha's bite, he or she is forever bonded to that individual. Of the 5 percent total number of omegas, only 1 percent are male.
Dominant omegas went extinct in the 1800s, but it's believed they had the same primal instincts when stimulated and could control others with their pheromones if threatened. There are not many studies about them.
Their heat (see heat below) periods are called "cycles."
Vampire Pheromone Sac
All alpha vampires have a sac in their skull, on the right side above the roof of their mouth. This is filled with pheromone venom. If injected into the skin through a bite, the venom can either 1) calm down an omega during heats or nesting, 2) subdue a mate into submission without using the body's pheromone scent, or 3) stimulate sexual pleasure.
After omegas disappeared, an alpha vampire celebrity got their sac surgically removed due to the assumption that human omegas were extinct, rendering the gland useless. This started the trend to get the sac taken out.
Omega Drop
This is a self-induced coma by an omega if faced with a severe situation, such as being scared or hurt. An omega needs their mate to pull them out of the drop; otherwise, it can be life-threatening.
During a drop, an omega will experience a decrease in bodily functions to look less appealing to the attacker, including 1) a decrease in pheromones, 2) organ shut down, 3) shallow breaths, and 4) lower body temperature.
Guarding
This relates to an omega drop. During a drop, the omega's mate responds by becoming feral to protect them. They can attack others if they get too close to their endangered partner.
Omega Hibernation
Omegas are sensitive to hot temperatures. Becoming too warm can affect fertility. If their bodies become overheated, an omega will enter hibernation, usually in their nest. It can last a few days or longer, depending on their body's condition. Their body temperature will decrease, but this does not pose a danger to the omega. Unlike a drop, an omega will wake up on their own. If woken up early, they will attack the person who disturbed them, even if it's their mate.
Scent Glands
A scent gland is located in the crook of an alpha and an omega's neck. Pheromones are produced here. The wrist and anus don't have a gland but can hold in a partner's scent. The wrist is a popular spot for a mate to lick.
Scent Marking
Mates or pairs will transfer their scent by nuzzling with their scent gland. It can also be transferred through body liquids like saliva and semen.
Purring
This is a natural response by all genders. The sound usually signifies happiness, content, or playfulness, but it can also indicate distress.
An alpha's purr is deeper compared to a beta's or an omega's purr.
Heat
An omega will experience their first heat between 18–21 years old. It's their most fertile time, meaning they're ready to conceive. Their sexual arousal increases tenfold. It's common for an omega to lose their cognitive ability, relying on their instincts to mate.
An impending heat can be noticed through a sudden increase in body temperature and a change in pheromone smells. A heat will come in "waves," providing the omega rest time to eat and sleep in between. It lasts generally from three days to a week.
Rut
This is the alpha's version of a heat. It can be aggressive and possessive, especially if other alphas are nearby. Spring and summer is the usual rutting season, where the alpha will experience numerous cycles of rut. More can be triggered if there's an omega in heat nearby, regardless of the time of year. They lose their rationality and become obsessed with impregnation. Unlike heats, ruts do not come in waves. An alpha will sleep only after they're satisfied, then wake up to seek sexual intercourse again.
Two to four days is normal for one rut.
Nesting
This occurs after a "failed" heat, where conception wasn't successful. It could also happen if the omega is under stress. They choose a private spot such as bed, closet, bedroom, couch, etc., and gather soft objects and familiar scented things for comfort. They use these items to create a nest in the form of a circle, cave, fort, tent, and so on.
Nesting can help relieve anxiety. They may occasionally "black out" while they're doing it and not remember making a nest. At times, an omega can be aggressive if anyone tries to enter the den. If an omega is in hibernation, placing them in their nest can help trigger them to wake up earlier because of the comforting scents.
Presenting
An omega gets in a doggy-style position to "present" their bodies to the nearest alpha. Alphas are attracted to this position the most since it is easier to knot the uterus and provides full access for breeding.
Courting
An alpha will prove their worth to a potential mate through strength, money, genes, or whatever they can to gain an omega's attention.
Marking
An alpha bites an omega's nape to create a bond, making them a pair for life. This mixes their scents, so other alphas will immediately know if an omega is taken. A mark leaves small teeth marks in the shape of a ring from the bite.
An omega may also bite an alpha on their nape, but this is purely to mix scents and for comfort.
An alpha can only mark one omega in their lifetime, while an omega can only be marked once. Many vampires will "turn" their human mate into an immortal.
Mock Marking
This is when an alpha doesn't bite directly on the omega's nape. It tricks the alpha's body into thinking they created a bonding mark. It doesn't work often, but when it does, this could end a rut early since the pheromones believe a mark was actually made.
Some betas will allow their alpha partner to bite their neck since betas can't be marked. It can satisfy an alpha in rut.
Remarking
An alpha can bite the same mark to reseal the bond. Not all couples do this. It's mainly for bonding reassurance.
Slick
Slick is a thick, clear lubricant secreted by male omegas during heats or sexual arousal.
Knotting
During intense sexual intercourse, the alpha's genitals will engorge twice its size to lock with the omega's uterus, trapping the semen. This increases the chances of insemination. A knot can't be released until the genitals decrease in size, which can take anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour.
Destined Partner / Fated Pair
This is a couple that was born to be together. Many know immediately if they meet their fated one, but some couples take time to realize it, depending on the emotional state of the person.