Page 119 of Wild Omega

“Oops,” she says, eyes widening.

I rub my mouth to hide a smile. She’s such a fascinating person. Everything’s so new for her, she can’t even open a letter the normal way, and yet she has the most out-of-this world depth of knowledge she applies whenever she gets into character. Like maybe she’s such a good actress that she forgot the basics of her real self.

The truth is, she borrows from various movie characters more than even she realizes. I’m glad it’s gotten her through the tough situations, stuff that nobody else would know how to get through, but I also hope that as she experiences more, she can feel safe being herself.

“It’s fine,” Callisto reassures her. “The card is the only important part.” He leans across the table to push one half of the ripped letter toward her.

Red picks it up, revealing an Alphescas Honor Platinum debit card. The omega peels it off the paper and then uses her nail to remove the sticky blobs. I dig into my food, wondering if I should tell her that particular bank only serves the top one percent of wealthy citizens; you have to have a personal referral from an existing client to even open an account.

“Ooh, pretty!” Red croons, holding it up to the light. The dark purple card with silver embossing has a textured design that makes it look like fabric. Although it’s Callisto’s account, the card name readsRed Jones, which means he’s listed her as an official card holder.

Something I could never give her. I couldn’t even buy a cute ankle bracelet I saw the other day. That damn Sorentito dress stripped me of all my savings, not to mention my reputation, and I’ve gone through the rest getting Red set up with clothing plus groceries for the household.

I’m not usually one to put tough things off, but just the thought of confessing everything to Hannah makes my innards squirm. She’s sent me an email demanding an explanation, and I haven’t answered yet.

Callisto sweeps the envelope pieces out of the way. “I know you’ll be making your own money soon, but I still want you to use this to get what you need. Change the nest upstairs or make your room more homey.”

Red goes still, spoon halfway to her mouth. She seems really sensitive to the topic of nests, another thing that makes her unique.

Callisto shrugs. “Change the décor down here if you want. I’m not attached to anything.”

“Thank you,” she murmurs.

I chew on a spoonful of chili, letting the heat prickle across my tongue. Is Callisto trying to buy back his omega? I don’t think she even realizes how strange it is for a non-pack alpha to hand her access to his bank account.

The frustrating part is I can’t say a word, because without him homing and financing us, we wouldn’t have made it this far. I’m in the process of getting out of my lease on the old apartment, but since I lost my savings for a place of my own, thanks to Lyra and her bloody dress, I’m broke for the time being.

Callisto or Aunt Lexi would help me in a heartbeat if I asked, but I don’t ask. Callisto already went guarantor on my applications to be Red’s alpha, since the Omega Center required proof of financial stability. And I’m living in his damn house.

Am I too proud to ask for more, or would that mean wherever Red and I moved wouldn’t feel like ours? Or am I hanging on to a stupid wish that Red might take Callisto in and fulfil a lifelong dream for me?

That’s not fair to her.

Callisto taps his bowl’s rim. “It’s delicious,” he says, dragging me out of my muddled thought.

“Thanks,” I mutter, my traitorous heart fluttering madly from his compliment.

We eat, sharing small, unimportant tidbits from our days. It’s easy to talk about how well Red’s adjusting to both acting and lessons.

Callisto sets his spoon down when he’s halfway done. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something, Red.” He dabs a napkin elegantly over his mouth, the motion drawing our gazes. “As you know, I’m prosecuting the cases related to the illegal hub where you came from, but we’re missing some key evidence. And by evidence, I mean the testimony of the most affected omega.”

He pulls something out of his breast pocket and sets it on the table. Golden oil sloshes inside the finger-sized glass vial.

Red spasms and her hand clenches around the butter knife beside her plate.

Her tone grows cold as she says, “I’m done with that place.” She leans over and uses the knife tip to scoot the vial back toward Callisto. “You have all the evidence you need right there.”

Callisto shakes his head. “It’s not enough. None of the omegas had their haze stolen or even attempted to leave the facility, so we can’t charge anyone with the higher degree crimes.” He studies her. “But you did, didn’t you? Did you escape?”

Red’s lips silently form around a curse. “What’s your most painful memory, Calli?” she asks, ladening his nickname with disgust.

He shrugs, shifting uncomfortably.

“Probably his father’s death,” I murmur and his annoyed gaze flicks to me.

Red stabs the knife in his direction. “So painful, I’m guessing, you don’t even want to name it. So, how about I take you out to meet a journalist, and we record every moment of grief, how you felt as he lay in the hospital, or when he was suddenly yanked out of reach forever. And then, after you relive it, we smear that all over the news.” She stabs her knife down onto her side plate.

“I’m not saying it’s easy.” Callisto shakes his head, sending dark hair swishing across his brow. “I know it’s painful. But I need to put these criminals behind bars, Red. You don’t want them walking free, right?”

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