A bus ride

The trip took longer than Brian expected. But then, he only had the vaguest idea of where Queen’s River was. Somewhere near the coast, Brian thought he saw a beach on the flyer. Almost all of the people on the bus were young, Brian noticed. “I guess older people are less likely to uproot their lives,” he muttered. Including him, Brian counted 50 people, of which 7 were women. Initially, most people on the bus were quiet but as the trip went on, people started mingling. He was surprised to learn that a number of people there wouldn’t even participate in the second lottery.

“Well.. I’m a girl so... yeah,” a cute, petite brunette sitting next to him replied, grinning. She’d introduced herself as Beth. “My parents are basically dirt poor and I didn’t do well enough to get a scholarship.. But by entering the first drawing, I can go to college for free! Sure, I’m free game for anyone there, but that’s not much of a difference from here, haha.”

“So what if you’re a girl?'' another girl said, speaking up. “I am, and I’m all in for Alphahood. Brandy, by the way.” She nodded to Beth. “If I win, Pearson’s will give me a cock,” Brandy grabbed her crotch lewdly, winking at Beth. “I just hope it’ll be fast enough for me to claim you, cutie.”

Beth laughed. “Futa owner huh? Sounds like fun.”

After that, the whole bus started sharing their stories. Some of them were like Brian, basically homeless. Some were like Beth, not scoring high enough for a scholarship anywhere. But most had something in common with Brian, no real ties. No family or friends they were close with. Nobody to miss them if they moved permanently to Queen’s River.

“I’m not competing for Alpha either,” said one of the guys, speaking up. “Hi, I’m Rick.” Brian shook his hand.

“Why not?”

“If you opt for Local right away there’s a cash bonus. What I wanted was the capital to start my own business, if you go through to the second lottery and you don’t win, you get nothing.”

“Well not nothing, we still get a job, education, home…” Brian said, not really looking at anyone. “I mean that’s not nothing.”

Brandy interrupted one of the boys who’d started speaking. “No, you’re right” she said softly, smiling kindly. “That’s definitely not nothing.”

The rest of the ride was spent with everyone introducing themselves, talking about what they were going to do when arriving in Queen’s River, what they’d do if they won Alpha. Brian smiled. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he was home.

“Show me bus 7 again,” Brandt demanded.

Candace sighed internally. ‘I have three doctorates and what do I do? Change the damn channel,’ she thought. “Yes sir,” she replied aloud.

“I can hear the look you just gave me. I swear, Locals have no respect these days. Monarch was way too permissive with you lot. And look where that got him.”

Candace bit back her reply. Edward Monarch had personally recruited her all those years ago, to come to Queen’s River and set up the new genetics department at the university. A charming, commanding young man. He’d offered to adopt her several times but she always refused. ‘Why settle for one Alpha?’ she’d always said, laughing.

As for where it got him… she knew Edward would be immensely proud of how Queen’s River had turned out. In almost every aspect it was exactly the dream he had described to her back then. A strict social hierarchy, sure. But one where those on the bottom rung were loved and celebrated. Taken care of. Allowed to thrive without having all that responsibility. All the hard decisions were made for you and in return all that was required was obedience.

Pure bliss.

Of course there were always people like Brandt, but mostly that sorted itself out. He’d always been a prick, she remembered. And Edward had very much enjoyed his retirement from Alphahood. Even if he died soon after, leaving an almost inconsolable mother, son and several daughters behind. But then, Edward never wanted to rule or live forever. He’d wanted to make his mark on the world and he definitely did.

Of course, Candace kept her opinions to herself. Brandt was making her sit in between his legs instead of kneeling on purpose, having earned herself an almost vicious spanking earlier after speaking her mind. She shuffled around a bit, uncomfortably, as she clicked the button on the remote.

“Good girl,” Brandt smirked, stroking her hair as one would a dog. “See, you can do it if you try. By the time we get back home, I’ll have you properly broken in again.” Candace shuddered, Brandt never made idle threats or comments. “Monarch may have let this town go to shit, but it’s not beyond saving. Back to basics, everyone in their place.” He grabbed a bottle of lube from his pocket and tossed it to her. “For you, bend over and make sure your ass is properly lubed up. We don’t want a repeat of last time don’t we?” He grinned. “Aren’t I a generous master? Say it!”

‘Just a few more days and I’ll be back home, back at the college with all those sweet and eager Alphas and Betas Candace repeated in her mind as she bent over a nearby table and starting applying the lube. “You’re a very generous master,” she said, grimacing as she felt Brandt’s hand land on her still sore butt.

“You’re damn right I am,” he groaned as he sank home, ignoring Candace’s squeals and grunts of pain. “Roberts?”

“Yes sir?”

“Brandy, from bus 7. Make sure she’s not among the winners will you?”

“I…” Roberts bit back a reply. “Yes sir.”

“She wants a cock… I’ll give it to her,” Brandt grinned as he started thrusting, using Candace’s pigtails like the reigns of a horse.

“Welcome everyone, to Queen’s River!” A young man, clearly not an Alpha going by his very tight t-shirt and pants, cheerily called out.

Brian exited the bus, looking around. They’d arrived at what looked like a football stadium. “Queen’s River Cougars” Brandy read aloud, smirking at the picture. “No double entendres here,” she said, pointing at the drawing of the MILF wearing nothing but a football jersey. “I like it when people are open about what they want… I wonder if the model for that picture is still around?”

“If all the people wanting to compete in the next stage of the lottery will come with me?” The young man said, gesturing. About a quarter of the people on the bus left with a very chipper young girl wearing almost the same outfit as the young man, to claim their prize for choosing to be Locals.

“Meet you on the other side!” Beth and Rick called out. “If you adopt me after becoming an Alpha, that means my baking is free,” Rick said, laughing.

“Please form an orderly queue and step through to the lottery booths.”

Brian gulped, the moment of truth. Brandy punched him in the shoulder. “You got this Brian, we’re both gonna win, and then we’ll double team Beth to celebrate!”

Brian gave a weak smile. “Yeah, you’re on.”

“And if I win and you don’t, I’ll adopt you. You’ll make a very cute girl Brian, I’ll take great care of you.”

“Oh fuck you!” Brian laughed. Brandy laughed as well, as they each went into a separate booth.

“Please place your hand on the scanner.”

“Here we go,” he muttered.