Page 26 of Moon Kissed

The omega protestor leaped for it, and then the little girl told him to go away.

He spun on his heels and raced out of the square without hesitation. The little girl then picked up the ball, squealing and jumping with glee to have her request granted—two scoops of chocolate chocolate chip ice cream.

The rest of the omega protestors just slinked away—the air of humiliation so thick and cloying, I cried to my father that night, demanding to know why he was so horrible to them.

“No one who’s easily swayed by others is fit to lead, Daciana. That is true of all people, in all dominions, and throughout time. There is no point calling such person a leader... when the true power is held by the one controlling them.”

That belief has carried on through the centuries, becoming the mantra that smacked down any beta or omega who dared to reach for the top. If a little girl can take your ball... she won’t take your orders.

Corvin Academy hasn’t changed anything,I thought, peeking back at Paxton.They put the same shit in a different toilet, and expect a treat for it.

Paxton caught me looking. Flicking to the other guys, he made sure they weren’t looking, then nodded to me.Thanks, he mouthed, then fixed back on Hall like nothing happened.

Hmm. Seems my omega boy toy doesn’t feel the same all-consuming hatred for me that my other fates do. It isn’t just that his wolf wants me, he himself seems to be neutral about me.

I didn’t know the guy, but I had a feeling I was right. No fear or disgust shone in his eyes when he looked at me. He answered my question that morning without mocking, and he thanked me even though he didn’t have to and no one would’ve expected him to. He may not be a friend, an ally, a lover, or a mate, but it would be nice to have one less enemy.

Taking out my notebook, I dashed a quick note on a piece of paper, stuck my hand under his desk, and tapped his boot.

I heard him shift, scoot back, and duck his head under the table—seeing my waving hand and the note clutched between my fingertips. At first I didn’t think he would take it and then—

Pluck.

Me: Ugh. Sorry they’re such assholes.

My wolf ears listened to the paper crinkle and thescritch-scritch-scritchof his reply. Paxton softly tapped the desk and I reached back, snagging the note.

Paxton: It’s cool. I’m used to it.

I was quick writing back.

Me: But you don’t take it lying down. Can’t imagine how hard you fought to get into the alpha track.

More crinkling. More scritching.

Paxton: Wish I could take the credit, but it was the guys. It was a condition of their acceptance. They wouldn’t do the alpha track unless we all did.

I read that over a few times, taking that in. Apparently my fates and I read from the same playbook. They also held the academy to ransom—making demands of their own.

No wonder the goddess believed we were soulmates.

This also means Paxton isn’t the weak link. Edric, Nyx, Badr, and Orion lost everything, and then risked even more to see their friend treated fairly. Loyalty like that doesn’t break easily.

But still. Paxton wasn’t so loyal that he was taking on their hatred of me. He thought for himself.And what were those thoughts?

Me: That was cool of them. You guys must be really good friends.

Paxton came back quick.

Paxton: That’s what happens when you’re stuck in a two-bedroom shithole for a year.

I hid a smirk.Thank you, Paxton, for opening that door all on your own.

Me: You must hate me.

Paxton didn’t crinkle, scritch, or move for so long, I thought he wasn’t going to answer.

I jumped when the tap came. Reaching behind, I took the note and read.

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