“They didn’t insist or anything?” I asked.

Becky’s voice was fast. “Yep, but they said they respected his choice. One man to another.”

I bit my lip in wonder. The story was weird but there was logic in it. They could take both sexes, but they left our women alone. I guess being gay was enough of an explanation. Although they said there were more reasons.

Volardi culture said you didn’t take another’s mate. In their mind, all the females here belonged to Earth. Even if they were interested, they couldn’t take them.

Turning men into Omegas was a loophole. Earth kept their women or child-bearers. Men couldn’t have babies until altered so the net number went up. Nobody lost out, and they kept their honor.

Gays were the first to take the offer, but the Volardi needed more. They didn’t just want queers. They needed small ones. No rough and tumble males or anyone that looked like the sports stars in my room. Short and slender Omega material that might be gay and not know it.

We sat there in silence while I thought. I met my Pa’s gaze for a moment before he looked away.

All I had to do was take the test and then say no. That might push off the bank long enough and if I were lucky, Becky would be… committed to marrying Nate.

At best, this helped save the farm. At worst, I get ten thousand if my Pa refuses it. Becky would get married and I’ll be near some of the richest people in our state. I kept my face neutral while I mentally smiled.

Seems simple enough. How could I lose?

***

Chapter Four

PETER

I’m a man – and I’m staying that way; thank you very much. I don’t care what you say about Omegas. Sure, they have a cock and look like small guys but nobody that carries a baby is a real man.

Still, I could see the look in my Pa’s eyes. He wouldn’t ask me to do it and I think a part of him didn’t want me to. If it wasn’t for Becky’s constant reassurances, I wouldn’t consider it. Everything she heard and read said the Volardi wouldn’t force the change. I would ask Tommy about it, but Becky told me he was off on a Florida vacation with his boyfriend.

Must be nice to have someone that can take you to a beach to relax.

I went into my room for bedtime, but first sat down in front of my computer. On the walls were photos of muscular sports stars. Becky used to tease me that they were my boyfriends or if I ‘imagined’ myself under the covers while looking at them. I almost took them down but that would let her win. I’d never tell her the real reason.

Yeah, I liked looking at the muscles but I’m a dude. Of course, I’m into sports. What else am I going to have in my room?