The Deal
Calista
“Mom, it went horribly. I did everything you said, and she asked me to stay another year.” I cradle my phone against my ear, keeping my voice low.
The shower runs hot, steaming the air. I have it on to muffle my voice, considering there’s a camera set up in my living room.
I never allowed one in my bathroom, even though alphas would pay so much money for the view.
I’d contemplate doing it now, considering my desperation.
I need as much money as possible. I need to be able to buy my approval for Omega Sterilization.
“I’m so sorry, honey. We both knew it was a small chance to go in your favor.
What do you want me to do? I can talk to Henry and see if he can request a transfer to another resort.
” Mom sounds just as disappointed as I do.
She’s always wanted what was right for me and did her best to make sure that I was in agreement.
It’s why I’m here in the first place. She wanted to make sure I had more choices than she did.
And Henry helped out a lot. He’s been so kind when he didn’t have to be.
Most pack leaders would just arrange their pack’s unclaimed omegas to be with someone else.
“That won’t change things. I would have to build trust all over again.
I’d have to work my ass off to show that I am capable of being independent.
I don’t think transferring is the answer.
I’m just… I’m being a baby.” I close my eyes, refusing to let the burning sensation make me cry.
I’ve held back tears a hundred times before, and I blink rapidly.
“Just because you’re upset, doesn’t make you a baby, Calista,” Mom says, her voice deepening with her concern.
I can picture her full brows pinching together, the crease permanent from years of frowning.
“It’s okay to be disappointed and frustrated, but don’t lose yourself to those emotions.
A year might feel long in this moment, but it’ll fly by.
You can take this opportunity to prepare more.
You know Pack Kismet can’t support you financially if this comes to fruition.
How much do you have saved? Do you already have work lined up?
Housing? Did you mention that to Alpha Daines? ”
“I didn’t get the chance.” Or maybe I purposely didn’t mention it because no one will work with a sponsored omega at the Omega Resort.
My plan was to get things in motion and figure out everything later.
I’m capable of taking care of myself. “She stopped me before I could.” I feel bad about lying, but it is what it is.
Mom only knows things from her experience.
She wouldn’t get how my real world works.
She took the easy way out with Henry. Not that it was a bad thing, but it isn’t something I want to do. Ever.
“There’s still time. I’ll talk to Henry and see what we can do. If you want, we can make the trip to you tomorrow. I think it might be good to plan things in person. It’ll give us a chance to discuss things with Alpha Daines to guarantee your application acceptance in a year.”
I almost say no, because then she will find out that I’m not as prepared as she thinks. Or maybe she’ll understand why I’m not. Either way, I can’t deny her.
“I’d like that,” I murmur, releasing a breath. It does nothing to help my tense nerves.
“Then it’s set. We’ll come out tomorrow,” Mom says. “We could use some time together before all this happens. I’ve missed you.”
“Me too, Mom. See you tomorrow.” I hang up without waiting for her response, my anxiety rearing up, reminding me that I better throw a flimsy plan together to have something to show Henry and Pack Kismet.
I turn off the shower and exit the bathroom.
I nearly jump out of my skin, spotting Ivy sitting cross-legged on my sofa, perched in the middle as if the whole thing belongs to her.
And technically, it does. I own nothing in this apartment except for my clothes and toiletries.
Everything else came from the Omega Resort and the Omega Independence Program.
Her pursed lips speak volumes. She heard at least my side of the conversation.
I should’ve known better than to assume I could create some sort of privacy in a place that monitors my every move.
Still feels like an invasion to me. I should be allowed to converse with my mom.
The last thing I wanted was Ivy listening over my shoulder.
I’d have felt better had she at least pretended not to.
But here she is, flexing her power and control over me.
In this moment, I know that I’m not actually independent.
My parents are sponsoring the idea of independence.
“You didn’t tell Pack Kismet, did you?” Ivy remains seated on my couch and pats the cushion beside her. “Is it because they would agree with me? That you’re not ready.”
I turn away from her as to not reveal the expression dominating my features. My annoyance shifts to anger, and it takes all of my willpower not to scream at her to get out. I need her on my side. I need to play the docile omega until I can free myself from this life.
“I am ready. You know well enough that I can’t secure what I need on my own without the sterilization.
I would figure it out. I can take care of myself.
” I curl my fingers into fists, letting my nails bite my skin.
Breathe. I just need to breathe. I need to get myself in better control or she will use my emotions against me.
“That’s not true, Cali.” Ivy once again pats the cushion next to her.
I don’t know what she is disagreeing with, but it makes me feel small.
She doesn’t know me like I know myself despite what she thinks.
“You can get yourself a good job. Financial stability. Great living arrangements. You don’t have to wait. ”
Her words help me calm down. She wasn’t questioning my ability. At least, I don’t think she was.
“I need permission for all of that. You don’t think I’ve researched it?
I can’t buy or rent an apartment without approval.
Not unless I am considered useless as an omega.
I can’t even fake it as a beta because of this program.
” I remain standing, not wanting to give in to her persistent motion to sit beside her. I like looking down at her.
“These are all things that I will teach you. Like I said, give me a year.” Ivy stands up, her stilettos making her almost half a foot taller than me. She looms over me, her perfectly painted mauve lips pulling up on one side with her smirk.
“You’re giving me whiplash, Ivy. You asked for a year to prove that I want this life, not to help me figure out how to escape it.
” I take a step back, turning slightly as not to breathe in her permeating alpha scent, the heavy rose and powder reminding me of my least favorite fragrance.
“You were also trying to drug me. Why would you think I would take it?”
Ivy sighs and shakes her head. “I thought we were friends. I would never drug you without your consent. I was offering you a little medicated assistance. Something to relax you.”
Wow. She doesn’t see it like I do. Offering medicated assistance is drugging me.
I guess the rumors are true. Maybe the wealthier omegas here have just given in to Ivy and her using them.
It would make sense. The more omegas she has at the Omega Resort, the more money she has.
And the more money an omega has, the less likely they want to leave. It’s a win for both parties involved.
I don’t know how I feel about this. But maybe I should play along. As long as I can keep my mind set on my true desires, I can get out of here. I can use this against Ivy.
“Oh.” It’s all I can say in response to her comment. I can’t argue with her. I have to fake it. It’s the only way I can see her helping me get my sterilization application approved.
“I care about you, Cali,” Ivy continues.
“I just want the best for you. So if you agree, I will teach you how to make it as an omega. You have more power than you realize. Omegas are stronger than alphas. They are just raised to believe they are not. Our society would fail without you. Why do you think everything revolves around an omega? Why do you think power is based on packs with an omega? It’s all about playing the game correctly and winning, Cali. ”
I blink a few times, mulling over her words.
She’s right. Of course she’s right. But it still doesn’t change how I feel.
Because even if an omega has power, we still have to rely on an alpha.
On a pack. At least now things have changed for the better.
Omegas are cherished. But I don’t want to be cherished.
I don’t want to be seen as a breeder. I just want to live.
I want to be happy. Even if my mom is happy with our new pack, I still see how much her life before haunts her.
I don’t want to be haunted. I want to be free.
“How do I know you’re not just lying? I know you get money for me being here.” I shouldn’t say this. I can’t help myself, though. She needs to know that I’m not stupid even if I go along with things.
“I thought you were smarter than that. You know I’m different. I can’t have the same power as a male alpha. You’re just going to have to trust me.”
I don’t think I’ve trusted anyone in my life. Except for maybe my mom. But even then, I know she does stuff that benefits herself.
“Trust must be earned,” I say, remaining expressionless.
“You’re absolutely right. So let me earn it. One year. I will teach you everything you need to know, and then you can make your decision, and I will support you regardless.” Ivy holds out her hand to me.
I gingerly take it, trying not to react to how tightly she squeezes my fingers. “Don’t be disappointed when I don’t change my mind.”
“Whatever you say, Cali. Whatever you say.”