Midfield Academy: Book 3

Chapter 30: Mating Problems (13 years, 10 months)

Vinny sat on a bench beside his fiance in the sub-campus garden along the paved path.

Brock leaned closer and slipped his arm around the sub. "How's your week been?"

"Fine."

"How's school?"

"It's okay."

"That's good." He kissed the boy's cheek. "Only a little longer before I can make this permanent." His ran slipped up Vinny's shirt.

The sub pushed it down. "Please. People will see."

Brock grabbed his wrist and yanked back the sub's sleeve. "What is this?"

Vinny withdrew his arm and held it to his chest. "Nothing."

"Who did that to you?" The dominant narrowed his eyes.

Vinny chewed on his lip. "You."

"What?"

"Sometimes you grab me really tightly."

"I haven't seen you in days." He sunk into the bench seat.

"It's almost gone." Vinny bowed his head.

Brock shook his head. "Are you lying to me?"

"No." The sub looked up wide-eyed. "I'd never. It's just."

Brock raised his hand. "I don't want to hear it. Go back to the dorms. I'm leaving."

"I'm sorry," Vinny called after him. "I just... I'm not like other werewolves."

"No," he turned sharply. "Until we're mated, you're an omega. Maybe you wouldn't have those bruises if you'd remember that. You're mine, Vinny. Your parents gave you away. They got a good deal out of it. My dad was really happy with the arrangement. Great bloodline is what he said." He motioned to the boy. "I'm trying to love you, Vinny, but I expect obedience in return. We're not humans. You may have been raised among them, but don't forget what we are."

Vinny bowed his head as his eyes started to burn. "I'm sorry."

"Stop saying that. I'm tired of hearing it." He turned and headed back to the dominant campus.

Trying to keep it together, Vinny ran back to the dorms. He hurried past the guards and up the stairs to his room. Throwing open the door, he went to his bed and flung himself on top of it. He heard movement behind him.

"What happened?"

Vinny turned over and hugged Liam. "I hate him. He's so mean."

Liam ran his fingers through the sub's hair. "What'd he say?"

"Called me omega." Vinny wiped his face. "I know my rank, but I just expect him to be kinder because I will be his mate one day." He tugged on his jacket. "Brock saw my bruises. I told him it's because he grabs me too hard. He got mad. What am I supposed to do?" He peered into his best friend's eyes. "He did it, but he gets mad because he does it." Vinny clasped his forehead.

Liam rubbed the boy's arm. "Dominants don't want to admit they did something wrong. To hurt their own mate, it's embarrassing."

"He hurts me all the time, though." He wiped his nose.

"Life is never easy for werewolves like us. We're outcast."

"I know," breathed Vinny. "I've heard it all before too. My parents gave me up to the first person who offered them a good deal."

"It could be worse."

Vinny sat still. "Still no offers?"

Liam laughed. "No one wants an omega that borderline a lower rank. I'm too tall. My coat has a bit too much color to it. That's life. I'll figure it out. Fifty years ago we would have been killed. It could be a million times worse. I mean I get to go to school." He waved his hand around the room. "Most, like us, don't."