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He shakes his head. “It’s actually the last page. Under the contract, the Saints included my work schedule and job description. Then there was a file that I think was added at the last minute. At least, that’s my gut feeling. It’s advice on the job. See, I’m employed specifically as Tom’s bodyguard but also his male Omega’s guard.”
I pale. “He has a male Omega? And guard?”
How didn’t I know? Shouldn’t I have seen the male Omega in Haven? Shouldn’t the bonding have been in the society magazines?
“They may not be bonded. Before you make up your mind about Thomas, you need to know this. The male Omega is called my charge in the paperwork.” Lincoln’s expression is grim. “When my younger brother, Swan, loved to dance, it was your sisters who encouraged him. Do you remember that? Your mom too? She’d play “Swan Lake”, saying he was named after the ballet. She’d clap as Swan danced around the kitchen, as if a servant’s son had any right to be in the main house.”
My heart aches because I know where this story is going.
It’s why Lincoln has dedicated his life to protecting me and every other Omega at school.
Because he couldn’t protect his little brother.
“Link,” I say, softly, “don’t…”
“That’s what I said. Don’t take him, don’t hurt him, don’t send my baby brother away. But that didn’t stop your dad. He sold him to that ballet academy for Betas, owned by the Romeo pack, just another pretty nobody to be exploited. I’ve never been allowed to contact him.” Lincoln’s eyes gleam with tears. “So, you understand, right?”
My heart is beating too fast. My pulse is roaring in my ears.
“You’re scaring me,” I whisper. “Understand what?”
“I can’t let it happen to anybody else.” Lincoln pushes the phone into my hand like it’s venomous. “Will you hate me, if I can’t work out the seven years of my contract with Tom? If I feel like I have to risk everything because doing the right thing is more important than doing what I want?”
“This is about the male Omega.” The realization hits me hard.
It’s not a question.
Lincoln nods.
“Okay.” I clutch the phone hard with white knuckles. “How many beatings did you take from teachers to protect Omegas and younger Betas? I get it. If this is about saving an Omega, then I’m in. It’s not even a question.”
“Fuck, I love you.”
Lincoln slides his hand into my hair from the base of my neck, dragging me into a passionate kiss that makes me shiver.
Then he rests his forehead against mine for a long moment, before he grips my chin and turns me back to face the phone. “It’s a page from a log that was recorded in June. I guess Tom…or some knothead who I really hope isn’t Tom…thought that it’d be educational for me to learn about what’s effective with my charge, before I start working with the Omega on Monday.”
I look down at the screen, nervously.
What the hell am I about to read?
Saints Cage Basement
June, 1st
Reject Omega G refuses to listen again today. OG to sleep on the floor without the mattress as a consequence.
June, 3rd
OG won’t stop its feral growling. Its blanket has been removed as a consequence.
June, 8th
Some success in teaching OG that it will only receive food, if it kneels immediately. Tomorrow, I will be working on teaching my charge that instinctual movements like drinking when thirsty or reaching for food when hungry will be punished. This will be a significant step in the training.
June, 16th
Warnings that feral chirping is forbidden no longer proving sufficient with OG. It is continuing to rebel by growling and pretending innocence in its flinches. Ten strikes issued from discipline strap.
