Christian clears his throat. “As you know, the OC trains awakened omegas to manage their instincts before matching them with appropriate alpha groups.”
We nod. The general work of the OC is common knowledge.
“In recent years, the board has been clear that they don’t believe our work goes far enough. Rumors surrounding the omega war and some unfortunate incidents mean that public sympathy is growing for omegas. There are discussions in play over whether the work of the OC is still needed. It also takes up significant government funds, and we’re being pushed to look for more cost-effective alternatives that result in more children being born.”
Anger swirls through me at the thought of releasing omegas into the general public, free to wreak havoc and work their influence, controlling alphas until they become mindless rutting beasts. “That’s bullshit.”
“Do you think so?” Christian raises his brows at me, but he doesn’t look surprised. “Well, you might be a fan of the new scheme then.”
He doesn’t look like much of a fan himself, and Rogue pulls him up on it. “So, what’s the deal with this new project? The OC already owns all omegas. Surely there’s not much else that can be done?”
“There’s always more that can be done.” Christian’s voice is dark as he gets up, facing away from us and staring out of the window.
Curious, I step up alongside him, taking in the guards lining the fence, guns at their hips. Seems a bit overkill, but who knows what they have to put up with. The space directly under his office looks to be some sort of exercise area, and there’s a handful of omegas there stretching.
My lip curls automatically, and I head back to my seat, not wanting to see any more.
“The Phoenix Project aims to remove all autonomy from omegas. By binding them to a single alpha trainer who will have full control over every aspect of their lives, they will undergo a significantly intensified training program from what we currently offer, including behavioral and emotional aspects. At the end of this training period, they will be bitemarked and enter the surrogacy breeding program alongside their individual alpha on a permanent basis. It’s more focused, will cost less and has a higher chance of successful breeding than the current arrangements.”
My stomach clenches. Glancing at Rogue, I see a similar expression on his face. “Alpha, as in singular? No more packs?”
Christian nods, the expression on his face betraying his distaste. “Exactly. Omegas will no longer be matched with a pack if the project proves successful. The government has always been aware of the influence of alpha packs, especially given the issues we had during and after the omega war. They wish to dissolve that influence and think that this may offer a joint opportunity – true control of the omega population and limiting the capability of the alphas.”
Just the thought of being separated from my pack makes my teeth clench. “It’ll never happen,” I scoff.
“Not immediately, perhaps. But over time, who knows?” Christian challenges. “Once, we would never have thought omegas would be where they are now, but things change. Not always for the better.” He mutters the last part under his breath.
Rogue turns to me. Before he can speak, a knock sounds at the door.
“That will be Jason and 792,” Christian looks concerned. “I wanted to explain more before you met her, but we’re out of time. Just keep an open mind – and whatever you do,stay calm. Your reactions are likely to be reported back to the board.”
What the fuck? Firstly, omegas have names, so why are they referring to this girl by a number? Secondly, what exactly are we going to see that will make us react badly?
Rogue and I share a quick glance and his concern is clear.
What the hell have we gotten into here?
ChapterEight
Rogue
Something’s not right. I’ve never interacted with my father at work, but the way he’s behaving is strange. My neck prickles at his final words. They sound like a warning.
Devlin’s unease pulses through the pack bond. I reach out a hand, squeezing his shoulder. His tension is clear, and I’m starting to second-guess this whole arrangement. It’s too late to leave without meeting the omega now, though, as my father calls out for her to enter.
The door swings open to reveal a stocky man in a grey guard’s uniform. His dirty blond hair is sticking up and his sweaty brow furrows over beady muddy brown eyes. Distaste fills me.
He’s clearly an alpha. His scent leaks into the room, and I bite back a snarl at the acidic citrus tang. This guy’s giving me the creeps. A side glance at Devlin shows me that he feels the same way.
My eyes sweep around, looking for the omega, but a sound from Devlin draws my attention back to him. His face has paled, brows dipped in trepidation as he stares down at the floor. A pulse of anger echoes through the pack bond. I follow his gaze, and that’s when I see her.
Stunned shock fills me, quickly followed by absolute fury.
The girl at his side shuffles forward on her knees, keeping close to him. It takes me a second to see the collar around her neck, linking to a chain-link leash wrapped around the guard’s pudgy fingers, and I can’t stop a growl emerging. Thefuckis this?
The girl’s eyes sweep up to me at the sound. We lock gazes for a second. Her eyes shimmer the purest shade of gold, like sunlight through a glass of whiskey before she quickly drops them down to the floor again. The agony in them almost brings me to my knees.
Devlin has turned to stone next to me. I don’t think he’s even breathing. Whatever his thoughts on omegas, neither of us expected this. My thoughts fill with Gabrielle and little Molly, waving as she trustingly walked into this place because we told them –promisedthem - they would be safe.
