Page 17 of Coveted

Possibly more.

Alana swallowed the lump clogging her throat, blinking away the sudden sting of tears. The chains binding her weren’t being released, simply upgraded. The weight of expectations would only grow.

“Is everything okay?”

Alana must have paused for too long, tipping Suri off that something was wrong.

“Of course. Everything’s fine.”

She swallowed again, trying to clear the tightness still constricting her vocal cords.

“And you said if things don’t work out, I can refuse the match?”

She tried to keep the inflection in her voice neutral, but it was impossible. Even she could hear the hope in her words.

The concern in the orange eyes staring at her was just as obvious, Suri’s expression serious.

“It’s not quite as simple as that.”

Alana waited, keeping her breathing even though it felt as if a whirlwind was trapped in her chest.

“Someone will come to check on you after you’ve had some time to get to know your alpha. If there’s abuse or concernsabout your safety, you’ll be removed from his care immediately. If there’s conflict that seems serious enough to cause long-term issues, help will be provided to work it out or end the match if it’s warranted. If you’re truly unhappy, with no chance of recourse, then we’ll dissolve the match and find you a new one.”

Suri stopped and sucked in a deep breath, seeming to struggle with herself.

“This was put in place to protect omegas who were being hurt, seriously hurt, by the alphas they were matched with. A few omegas abused the new laws that gave them the option to refuse, so they had to be tightened again. I’m not telling you to keep quiet if you’re unhappy, but I am saying it’s a serious decision.”

As much as she hated it, Alana could understand. She’d known her whole life that her mate would be chosen for her, and while she’d assumed it would be her father choosing, and that it would be an alpha she knew, she’d still been upset when informed of the Federation’s law. She doubted most omegas were raised to expect the things she did though. She had no doubt that many, if not most, fought the system as much as they could.

“I understand.”

She didn’t like it, but from the perspective of trying to keep order, it made sense that she couldn’t arbitrarily refuse.

“My friend knows the alpha you’ve been paired with. Not well, but she’s worked with him, and if it makes you feel any better, I have no reason to think you need to worry. Vax can be a bit…alpha, but underneath it he’s a good guy. I’m sure things will turn out well for you.”

Suri offered a smile, and despite the sadness churning in her belly, Alana smiled back. Suri seemed like the type to believe everything would turn out perfect, probably right up until it didn’t, but Alana didn’t fault her for it. It was better than the opposite, and she knew Suri really did want her to be happy.

“I hope so.”

It was the best she could offer, and it was the truth.

“So I’ll see you in a few days?”

The flames of hope inside her had shrank, but Alana didn’t let them die. Shoving her fears into a corner, she tapped into the chance at a better life, straightening her spine and nodding.

“I’ll be there.”

Saying goodbye and turning off the screen, Alana loosened her hold on herself, slumping back into her seat and looking around the dim room.

Could things get much worse than they already were? She didn’t know. It was hard to imagine being any more stifled without turning into a husk.

That flame inside her flared, sending a surge of determination to steel her nerves. She refused to sit back and let someone else take control of her life again when she finally thought she’d be free. If Chancellor Vax thought he’d be getting a tame little mate to master, she’d show him how much she’d been holding back. She wasn’t going to let that flame be snuffed out without a fight.

Chapter Ten

Vax

“She will be here in six days. Would you be able to meet us then?”

---