The Omega's Price

Chapter 8: My Greatest Treasure

The spatial dining room went silent as Mew's eyes darted from person to person his expression a mask of confusion, "w-what?"

The elegant woman stood from her chair at the head of the table, legs sliding against the marble flooring, and shuffled towards Mew gracefully her palms coming up to cup Mew's cheeks as tears glazed her eyes, "its what we've always wanted Mew! You and Zan have been pledged since childhood and now you both can finally get married and carry on the family legacy."

Gulf's temper sparked, eyes darkening and jealousy boiling over at the thought of his mate touching, much less marrying someone else. Wait, Gulf paused, what? Mate? Mew was not his mate.

His gaze landed on Zan and his eyes narrowed as he tried to breathe in his scent from this far away. But Zan never noticed, his eyes only aimed at Mew as a half smirk lifted his lips. Gulf disliked this omega immensely. And what was that about a childhood pledge? His skin felt tight as he seethed, emotions running hot as he tried to calm himself down, but it was no use he could only see red, his vision tunneling on Zan before switching to Mew. Their stares met and held; a silent conversation being attempted as Gulf tried to express how livid he was with only a look.

"Mae, we've talked about this, that pledge was a silly whim between kids..."

"Mew Suppasit Jongcheveevat, I will not have you stand there and make light of a promise between our families. You know how long we've looked forward to embracing this marriage. To be united with our closest friends," she said as she looked to another woman sitting next to Zan and they smiled at each other with glee. Gulf examined the scene unfolding before him and felt uncomfortable as doubts began to plague him. This was exactly as he had feared. A controlling, wealthy family that made decisions for their children. What would they think of his child?

Mew spoke up, interrupting Gulf's reverie, a firm tone against his mother, "Mother we've discussed this a hundred times. Zan tomorrow we'll go and get a paternity test tomorrow to make sure its mine."

Gulf's eyes widened as the sound of a slap echoed throughout the room and he stared in disbelief as Mew held his cheek, his eyes rounded and gazing intently at this mother.

"You will not dishonor Zan's integrity like that ever again. If he says the baby is yours, its yours. You will take care of this child and marr-"

"DAO!" a strong voice interrupted.

Gulf looked to find an older woman hobbling towards them.

"Touch the boy again and you'll answer to me."

"Of course, Mae, my apologies", she replied head bowed in deference.

"Mew you've made it home my sweet boy, and who's this you brought with you?"

All eyes in the room focused on him as if for the first time noticing and Zan looked up with a sneer, "that's just some street rat."

The elder woman's gaze skipped to Zan, "shush boy and speak only when spoken too, now Mew what is that beautiful young boy's name? You do have a name don't you boy?"

Gulf glanced to Mew, panicked.

The elder woman chuckled brightly, "you look to my sweet grandson for your own name? Surely you know it. Come with me Mew and bring the boy. I wish to have a conversation without all these stuffy gossips listening in."

"Now Mae..." Dao, Mew's mother, began.

"I won't hear another word from an old biddy that slaps her own son" the elder woman said with finality.

Mew's grandmother began to walk away at slow pace her covered feet slipping softly against the floor and Mew grabbed his hand, guiding him behind the elder woman as he watched her step. Silence echoed behind them as they left the grand dining room and moved further into the mansion, Mew's steps surefooted and his palm squeezing tightly against Gulf's.