Page 84 of Rejected Beta

He shakes his head. “I don't."

"But you're already grown up. You're Mama's age."

Ouch.

"I am. But I've been... traveling for the past ten years, unable to work or go to college."

Irritation passes through me at the way omegas are pushed to only worry about finding an alpha or a pack instead of learning any skills that could possibly make them independent.

"Why didn't you stop traveling?"

"I wasn't allowed to." Pain flares in Jareth’s eyes.

I butt in. “He's an omega, darling. Do you remember how we talked about the exchange program?"

Lexie nods. “Yeah. I learned about it in class too. I'm sorry you're an omega, Mr. Jareth. It must suck. I hope I'm not one."

"Lexie!" I turn horrified eyes to Jareth.

But he laughs, completely unoffended. “It's okay. She's not wrong. I've spent most of my life wishing I wasn't an omega and a beta instead."

"Did I say something wrong?" Lexie’s eyes are so big.

I shake my head and smile at her. “No, but it could be a bit rude to tell someone their designation sucks to their face."

She wrinkles her nose. “Even if they think it sucks too?"

"Even then."

She thinks that through for a moment before turning back to Jareth. “Oh. Well, I'm sorry, Mr. Jareth.”

"Thank you, Lexie."

"Maybe you can be a different kind of of omega. One who gets to work and go to school and do whatever you want."

Her hopeful optimism is almost painful.

"I'm going to do my best to have just that kind of life."

Jareth and I share a sad smile. I wish it was that simple, and I'll definitely do everything I can to fight for that kind of life for him, for all of us, but our country's laws make it difficult.

Lexie is still too young to understand and it's highly unlikely she'll be an omega. I'm not looking forward to her losing her innocence and understand exactly what sort of world she's inheriting.

"What sort of things do you like to do? Maybe I can help you decide,” Lexie offers.

"I like reading and art and soccer."

He certainly fits well with all of us.

"What about basketball?"

He nods. “I like that too, though soccer is more fun."

"I haven't tried soccer."

"I can teach you some time, if you want."

She brightens. “I’d like that. I bet Coach Hendrix knows how too."

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