Page 11 of Galaxy Between Us

“This test wasn’t designed for anyone to pass with one hundred percent, Arius.”

My eyes bug as I gawk at her. What the heck is that supposed to mean?

“I- I didn’t cheat. It’s the truth! I’ve just always liked science, and I study on my free time.”

She gives me a look that says she doesn’t believe me in the slightest. My eyes start to water, my throat restricting, my tongue refusing to come up with words to defend myself.

“Right. Well. I’ve brought your grade down to a B until you can prove your honesty.”

“W-what?!” my voice cracks. Never in my life have I gotten a B. Never have I checked my grades and seen anything less than an A. I don’t deserve this! Especially during the first two weeks! How am I going to explain that to my parents?

“You can still bring your grade up with future assignments, but if I find out you’ve been cheating, you will not be passing this class. You’re dismissed.”

With that, she turns back to her laptop, ceasing the conversation. Intimidated by her presence, I turn and walk out, muttering my acceptance of her terms while holding back the tears. On my way back to the dorm, I replay the scenario in my head. The more I think about it, the less I feel like I did anything wrong as my fear becomes replaced with anger. I didn’t cheat!

Why is it so impossible to believe that I could just be smart? Why do I get punished for doing things right? If I was an Alpha, I’d be praised for everything that I get in trouble for as an Omega! This isn’t fair!

Fists balled, eyes narrowed with furious flood works, I stomp into my dorm room, startling my roommate studying at her desk. Ripping off my bookbag, I reach inside for that flyer, unfolding it as my chest heaves. Pacing my side of the room, I pick up my phone and dial the number on the front. It rings twice before the club host answers.

“Hi, this is Nix.”

“Hi, Nix, this is Arius Blue. I want to join your club.”

Chapter VI

The only thing disrupting the silent stillness of the room is the sound of the dry-erase marker in my hand squeaking along the white board. My eyes are sharp, focused, and confident with every stroke of black ink as I finish the physics equation. X equals nine to the power of negative seven.

Once I’m finished, and I’ve double-checked my work, I silence the marker and take a step back. Mr. Muendo stirs behind me, dress shoes tapping the wooden floors until he’s standing at my side.

“Very nice work, Beckett,” the Alpha mumbles, hands clasped behind his back in assessment.

“Thank you, Sir.”

His approval allows me to exhale and he chuckles knowingly. Ever since we met, he’s become such a strong role model to me. He’s basically everything that I want to be in the future. I want a job like his, suits like his, and a house like his. Seriously, this place is freaking fancy with a capital F! I’ve never been to a house that has its own study lab with microscopes and Bunsen burners.

“Father?”

We both turn toward the gentle voice from the doorway. My neck tingles as an Omega pokes his head in sporting youthful features that resemble Mr. Muendo’s. His scent is like adobo sauce and sunflowers. Based on the recognizable potency of maturity, I’d say he’s a couple years older than I am.

“What is it, Juanito?” Mr. Muendo’s accent thickens and his voice softens.

“The Becketts are here.” He steps aside, gesturing for my parents to enter the lab. Shocked to see them so soon, I glance at a clock above the white board, and sure enough, time flew by. I can’t believe they’re here to pick me up already.

“Hey, guys. How’s it going in here? Did you have fun?” my mom asks sweetly as the Omega lingers in the doorway, staring at me with interest.

“Yeah,” I grumble, embarrassed by the way she makes this seem like a playdate instead of a grown-up business meeting. I’m not here to have fun, I’m here to secure my future. This ain’t summer camp, I’m a man now, handling a business negotiation.

And in the presence of an Omega, I puff my chest, encouraged to show that I’m the provider here. I don’t need my parents coddling me forever. That’s my job as an Alpha. I do the coddling!

“Ready to go, Kid?” Dad asks, patting my shoulder.

I nod, catching the Omega’s eyes again. Why is he just staring at me? What’s his deal?

“He’s extremely talented,” Mr. Muendo tells my parents. “Be sure to get him enrolled in the engineering program when he’s sixteen. I’ll put in a reference.”

“Of course,” Mom agrees. “We want whatever is best for him and whatever makes him happy.” Embarrassing me some more, she reaches up to adjust my hair, messing up the way I deliberately styled it. I swat her hand away, cheeks growing hot from her pampering me around someone I’m trying to impress.

She rolls her eyes with a scoff.