Page 12 of Happy Valentine's Day, Omega
8
Over the Christmas break, the family home, which had always felt like the building equivalent of a warm hug, slowly closed in on me.
Despite their actions, they're still my family and I love them. So I attempted to enjoy the usual Christmas festivities, but it just wasn't right.
The trust is broken.
They've taken to avoiding me, and I don't stop them. I do some more research into Exclusive Courting, hunting for some kind of loophole that will get me out of this harebrained match.
"Courting for Strong Bloodlines"by Collette Prince is a surface-level insight into courting traditions.
"As per Pureblood tradition, any intended marriage between a pureblood Omega and a pureblood Alpha must abide by the legally binding courtship requirements."
Collette doesn't embellish what 'courtship requirements' mean. For all I know, I could have to dance naked under a solstice moon while counting backwards from eight hundred.
"This author notes that while it is not integral to the courtship ritual, due to the lack of Omegas born within pure bloodlines in the modern era, the Omega's family will often receive incentives to accept a courtship offer."
In other words, because of all the inbreeding happening in pure bloodlines, there's a sharp decline of available pureblood Omegas.
Idiots.
"As the name suggests, the Exclusive Courtship excludes any other potential suitor from courting the Omega. The Alpha is encouraged to remain celibate for the duration of the agreement."
Encouraged to be celibate.
Like it's some great strain for an Alpha to keep his knot dry and it's understandable if he has a slip up.
"The Exclusive Courtship begins when the Omega accepts a piece of gifted jewelry."
I scream in frustration, and Collette Prince's hateful book hits the wall with a thud.
I didn't accept that damn necklace.
It was sprung on me!
How was I supposed to know opening that silver wrapped box would lock me into some ridiculous contract?
I don't even know who gave me the necklace.
I fist my hands in my hair and seethe. This is how I feel when I play someone in chess who's three moves ahead of me. I'm scrambling to keep up, and they're in complete control.
Ihatethat feeling.
I smooth my hair down and inhale deeply.
I just have to approach this courtship like a chess match.
I'll be damned if I let this Alpha checkmate this Omega.
9
Ichoose to return to the academy early.
Jacob frowned deeply during the entire drive. There's not much more to talk about. They think they're doing the right thing and I think they've stabbed me in the back.
It's the day after Boxing Day, and the academy is dead quiet – eerily so.
There are no bursts of youthful laughter reverberating off the cobblestones. The Omega Academy seems almost like a different place altogether. The empty stone buildings feel lonely, but it provides the space for introspection I sorely need.
