Page 37 of The Omega's Unexpected Bounty
A soft shuffle took both of our attention. We both turned toward the narrow-eyed narrowed gaze of our father. He crossed his arms and weathered, tanned muscles flexed while he awaited my question.
“You know of this,” I said.
He nodded that he did.
“You can’t allow this–”
His folded arm muscles tensed. “Graden, we are the rulers of the galaxy, not because it was gifted to us. I am your father because I beat other Soturi. I fought, struggled, and endured. Had I sat back and waited, neither one of you would be here. For countless eons, this empire and previous ones took over all known space. Sometimes by Boot and by the Hand but always because we strive to do more. Nobody gave us anything for the taking. Even the Human Omegas are from our efforts.”
His eyes closed for a second while he thought. “I followed Balo’s plan and announced it to everyone on Augo because I didn’t expect you would get a mate. The lottery did not match you up with anybody and to be honest, you don’t have your brother’s zeal for…”
“Stealth, politics, the force of will?” offered Balo.
“We were leaving,” said my father sharply. “Then we were not. We planned because of practicality. You cannot have a child by yourself. Now that you have an Omega Graden, the chances are greater.”
We waited for the second part, and it came quickly. “You are both my sons, and you each have mates. I explained where children come from when you were both of age. You know how to create an heir. I have made public plans for leaving and private ones for staying. I wonder which of my sons will rise to the occasion?”
He stared directly but not at us. I could smell the coppery scent of fear within Balo’s mate. We were princes, but my father was a king. Being in the room was terrifying to him.
“If you wish to be king,” said my father, “take a lesson from the Volardi of old andstrive. We will prepare for both contingencies – leaving and staying within the empire. Our father spun on his heel and walked out with crisp military precision. Balo’s hand went along Taleen’s shoulder until his trembles stopped. “Await me in our bedroom.”
He waited until his mate was out of earshot before he spoke. “Why so morose brother? This is an excellent opportunity for us to challenge ourselves. It’ll be like when we were children again.”
“That never stopped,” I said curtly.
Balo tilted his head to say I was right. “However the contest is here. All you have to do to beat me is take your Omega many, many times.” He grinned. “Do you need any help? There are instructional simulacrums…” He grinned, and his eyebrows rose. “If I were you, I would be very kind to Caan. He’s your only way to the throne.”
“Like with yours?”
He shrugged. “A tight ass and a way for me to become king, there are worse things in a mate. Now off to the bedroom and another chance.” He slapped his hands together. “Wish me good fortune brother!”
He left without waiting for a response for I had none. I swallowed hard and remembered my dojo time with Caan. We had extended our ‘physical studies,’ but every time Caan told me he used his simulacrum’s nanites for birth control. Balo wouldn’t know about that. When I failed, it would be interpreted as me not being Volardi enough to impregnate my mate.
The child wouldn’t come if Caan used the nanites. My brother would have a solution, but I sighed loudly to the shameful thought.No, I won’t do that.I’ve compromised him enough. I’m not my brother.
Another thought came.But if I don’t do it, then I’m under his rule, and our kingdom leaves the empire.
***
Chapter Twenty
CAAN
“How do you think I feel?” I asked. “I’m a child of two…” My sandal tapped against the stone floor of Nate’s room while I paced. Like the rest of the castle, it was spacious and elegant. Servants provided dark wood furniture, a crystal computer terminal, and plush cushions. Yet everything of his was placed in the far-right corner – as if he were still mentally in his old little room.
His lips thinned together from the bed he lay on, and I saw ‘my’ expression mirror back. “Can’t say the word son?”
Tiny was on the other side and looked up.
“Iain’tthat.”
“You’re the child of another man and me.” He shivered – as if trying to erase the memory. “So why are you here anyway? You rescue me and don’t think I’m not grateful. You find out what I did, but didn’t send me back. Since then, you’ve avoided me. We’ve only seen each other once.”
“The announcement ceremony,” I mumbled under my breath. “The one that almost started a war between our kingdoms.”
“I didn’t think to ask if Peter would be there. You think I want to remember that? As for coming, I spent twenty years obeying orders. Words, a silent look or a scroll. It’s the same command.”
“Scroll? Who invited you?”
