Under the Same Skin

In addition to ordinary sex and gender identity, the world has a biological secondary gender. People are divided into Alphas, Betas, or Omegas, characterized by different instincts, pheromones, and physical cycles. Alphas are often associated with increased physical presence, territorial instincts, and heightened aggressiveness, and experience phases of intensified desire. Omegas are particularly sensitive to pheromones and emotions and may develop regular heats associated with increased fertility, physical sensitivity, and altered instinctual behavior. Betas are largely independent of the cycles and form the majority of the population. The secondary gender influences relationships, family, work life, and societal expectations. Pheromones are perceptible to others and cannot be hidden by scent blockers. Means to suppress natural cycles also exist.