AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I shrug and shake my head. “No. Not at all. That's not an option for me."
"Is that why you're so fascinated with biology and anthropology? Trying to change the world?"
"Something like that."
He has no idea how close he is to my secret.
I didn’t start on this journey to change the world, I just wanted to understand. And that search had led me to some interesting paths. We’re all put into tidy little boxes and we all deserve freedom from that—omegas, betas, and even alphas.
Tradition doesn't have to trap us when all it is is peer pressure from dead people.
I hate that word. Tradition. So many laws and societal niceties are formed in the name of tradition. Just because it's been this way for tens or hundreds or thousands of years doesn't mean we have to keep doing things this way.
Too bad I keep getting distracted from my work with a secret bit of fiction I've been writing. All the research I've done is technically getting put to use in my novel, but that certainly wasn't the goal I set out with when I ran out of reasons to put off the program any longer. I'm hoping this magical library will be the inspiration I need to get back on track, but all it's done is made me flesh out the magical world in my novel instead.
"Do you believe proof we're more than our natures will change anything?" Oliver asks.
I sigh. “Honestly? No. But what's the alternative? Just accept it? Part of me thinks that's the right call, but... I just can't. Or, I don't want to."
He considers me for a moment. “You know... there are alphas out there and packs who would take in an omega without expecting anything. It would just give you protection from the rules and regulations."
"That would take an immense level of trust. Is that what you did?"
I’ve never found an alpha or a pack like he’s describing and even if I did, could I hand over so much control to them?
"Well, no. My pack is... it's complicated, but I'm with some of them."
I tap my pen against the stack of papers beneath my hand. “Maybe that's something I can one day consider, but that's still an extreme option. They'd have immense control over me and what if they change their minds? And I can't just...settle down. I want to travel and explore, not end up stuck in a pack in a small town or even city where I’m not allowed to travel without a fucking alpha like I'm not a goddamn grown ass woman with two degrees."
"I get it. I do."
Guilt wells at the defeated look on his face. “I’m sorry. I know you're the last person I need to omegasplain to."
He laughs. “How long have you been traveling away from home and your real nest?"
“About a year.”
His nose wrinkles in disgust. “I think I'd be pretty irritable too. Omegas definitely didn't come up with the exchange program idea."
I scoff. “No. But it's always alphas who are regulating our bodies without knowing a damn thing about us or how we truly work."
I've met some alphas who believe the most ridiculous things about our bodies, our heats, our needs. Which is why I research so deeply, why I went to school for so long.
I'm not comfortable with politics or protests or any kind of social justice work, but I can damn sure do the research and write some papers and articles with sources and proof and get that information into the hands of people who can use my words as the weapons they were meant to be.
"I'd love to help you while you're here,” Oliver offers.
My eyes widen as I gape at him. “Really?"
He nods. “Of course. I may have a pack, but that doesn't mean I stop caring about my rights or the rights of other omegas. I haven't given up my autonomy."
"I didn't mean it like that. I meant, usually my research bores everyone."
A charming flush paints his cheeks pink. “Oh. Sorry. Maybe the testy omega thing is biological? And contagious?“
I laugh. “Actually, yes. It's our hormone levels that cause it."
His fasciation isn't faked, his eyes light up with interest. I remind myself that he's taken, that he has a pack, that omegas aren't compatible, no matter how hot he is talking science and research and books with me.
