Page 7 of Royal Omega

Simon’s expression turns pained. He closes his eyes for a moment. “Fuck, Castle, look, they offered to help my son get into Bancroft Academy.”

I stare at him, folding my arms across my chest.

“I know, ok? I know I shouldn’t let them manipulate me like that, but I’m only human. They hit me right in the stones with this offer. My son... he’s been struggling at school since he revealed.”

I close my eyes.Dammit, Simon. I may not have stones, but I have ovaries, and I can tell that I’m about to get kicked and good. “He revealed as an omega?” I ask.

“Yeah. Just a couple weeks ago. I should have told you, I know, but... it’s been a rough transition.”

“You didn’t need to tell me shit. His dynamic is none of my business.”

“I know, Castle, I know. But it’s just... all his friends are alphas, and he just revealed and none of them will talk to him. He’s confused, and so damned sad, and things are going to be hard enough for him as he gets older—” Simon cuts off as his voice cracks. He blinks back tears and adds, “...And Bancroft, it’s a good place, right? You went there, didn’t you?”

“Yeah I did,” I say softly. “It’s a good place. They’ll actually help him out.”

I was damn lucky I went there instead of some bullshit omega finishing school. Bancroft Academy is an omega-only high school. They’re all about teaching omegas the same way they would teach alphas or betas, without any of the bullshit of submission-first education. I’ve never known why my parents didn’t force me to go somewhere else, but I’m grateful all the same. Bancroft Academy helped me to build the skills I needed for college. It gave me independence. Bancroft is the reason I can stand on my own two feet.

I curse under my breath. My fucking family. Every time I think I’ve found a way around them, they find another way to manipulate me. If this isn’t about Bobby Kaplan, I’ll eat my newly scuffed ankle boot.

Looking at Simon, though, I know I can’t let his kid suffer when he doesn’t have to. My parents have won this round; might as well make it count. “What did they promise you, exactly? And is it in writing? Because we need to make sure they can’t wriggle out of it.”

Simon closes his eyes and blows out a breath. “Thank you, Castle. I’ll never forget this.”

“Please, I’m doing it for your kid, not for you. And you’re going to run this story when I write it, right?”

“Well if it’s good, I will,” Simon retorts.

I grin. “That’s the spirit, boss. But you know it’ll be good.

Simon smiles back. “Yeah, I know.”

“Good. Now that that’s settled, let’s figure this thing out.”

Chapter Four - Ransom

Islam my hand on thefingerprint panel of our townhouse door. The tattoos on my fingers vibrate as my hands clench and unclench.

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