Page 6 of Omega's Fire

And that makes it perfect.

If Torres and I truly bond, and our 98% compatibility guarantees it, it will be the most compelling evidence possible that the system works. Not just works, but transcends everything else.

I turn off my tablet and lean back in my chair, scotch forgotten. Torres will resist, of course. He will fight the match with every weapon at his disposal. His entire identity is built around opposition to the Bureau.

But chemistry is persistent. It can’t be argued away. And 98.7% isn’t just attraction; it’s recognition at the cellular level.

“Of all the people,” I murmur into the quiet apartment. “Perfect.”

The system works. It always has. And now, not only have I finally found my perfect mate, but the system has given me the perfect opportunity to prove it.

Leo

It’s only a day after the horror of registration when my Bureau nightmare gets a thousand times worse. I’m even in the same place. The same time. The same irritating buzz as the notification comes through. It’s late afternoon at the squat and I’m lying on my mattress reading through case law on my laptop trying to find a way out of the registration mess when the message comes through.

Nash. Fucking. Thorndike.

At first, I think it’s some kind of sick joke. Someone in my contacts knows about the registration and they’re messing with me. Because that is the worst name in the world.

Nash. Fucking. Thorndike.

I sit bolt upright, pulse hammering against my ribs as I scan the message again. Maybe I’m dreaming. Too little sleep. Too many energy drinks. It feels like a weird fever dream.

I’ve been officially registered for twenty-four hours thanks to the blood drive scam, and they’ve already matched me with Nash fucking Thorndike.

I laugh out loud for a moment. The same three words keep swimming through my head.

Nash. Fucking. Thorndike. I have no idea what Thorndike’s middle name is but right now I can’t think of his name without putting a ‘fucking’ in the middle of it.

Do you Leo Torres take Nash Fucking Thorndike to be your lawful wedded husband?

Fuck no.

The universe has a twisted sense of humor. Or more likely, it’s someone at the Bureau who saw my name come up and thought this would be hilarious.

Thanks anonymous Bureaucrat bastard.

My phone buzzes with another notification, and for a wild second, I think it’s Thorndike himself. But it’s from my mother, the last person I expect to hear from.

Leo, I just saw your match notification.

I blink at the screen. How the hell did she know already? I only just got the damn thing.

The Bureau must be working overtime. I knew they tried to smooth the way for difficult matches. This is so smooth, I already feel like I’m slipping. They’ve recruited my mother to try to persuade me. These people are evil.

Then I realize. Yes, they’re evil but they’re not that organized. Mom will have got the notification at the same time that I did. I might be twenty-seven but I’m an omega. Under the eyes of the law, she still has parental control. Now that is a joke.

I know you’ll be upset, but please consider giving this a chance. 98% compatibility is rare, sweetheart. Maybe this is meant to be.

I feel a flash of anger. I might have detested my father but my parents were a love match for some reason. Mom doesn’t know what it’s like to be matched with the worst person in the world. My thumb hovers over the delete button. She’s asking me to surrender my whole damn life. I take a couple of deep breaths. She wants the best for me. I know that. Besides, if I respond with anger then I’m just being a hysterical omega in her eyes. It’s not going to help.

It isn’t meant to be anything, Mom, I type back.I doubt it’sreally even a prime match. They want to keep me quiet.

Her response comes immediately:Just meet him once. That’s all I ask.

My phone buzzes again as she sends another message straight after.

He’s an alpha from a good family, Leo. Think about what this could mean for your future.

---