A/N: This is an idea I've had for a while, and I'm curious to write it and see where it goes. Feel free to let me know what you think-I'm a little bit uncertain of how I've characterized FP, so please give me any concrit you have about that.
Truthfully, FP never expected to remarry, and definitely not to an Omega. With as rare as they presently were, their populations having declined significantly over the past twenty years, Omegas were prized and highly sought after. Wealthy families offered significant bride prices to them in exchange for marrying one of their Alphas. Omegas weren't just valued, they were treasured, with society placing a heavy emphasis on their health and happiness.
With one Omega having already walked out on FP, there was almost no chance of him mating with another, and it was unlikely that any Beta or even fellow Alpha would want him either. For an Omega to leave their Alpha was the ultimate sign of the Alpha's unworthiness, and it served as a warning to all other potential mates that the Alpha could not properly care for whatever person they were mated to.
So when Mayor Sierra McCoy, a strong and sly Alpha, invited him into her office for a meeting and offered him an Omega to marry, FP knew there was a catch. All the more suspicious was how goddamn young the Omega appeared—if FP had to guess, he would say he was only sixteen at most, the age of FP's oldest child.
"You really expect me to believe that any parent is gonna to let their kid marry me?" he asked Sierra skeptically, tossing a disbelieving glance at the teen who sat beside her on the sofa opposite him. "In case it's escaped your notice, my Omega ran out on me. That's not exactly a glowing recommendation." It was now well known throughout the town that Gladys had abandoned him, and any parent with half a brain would be aware that FP could not be trusted as a husband. Furthermore, they could easily find a wealthier, more stable Alpha for their Omega to marry. There were plenty of Alphas from well-to-do families searching for Omega brides.
And yet, here the kid was, clearly dressed to impressed, wearing simple but well-made and carefully tailored Sunday clothing that, though dignified, emphasized his fine form. With his shoes freshly polished and both his shirt and pants pressed, it was was evident that the Omega wanted it to be known from their first meeting that he respected FP.
Ever the polished politician, Sierra was not thrown by his doubt. "As mayor I hold a certain amount of authority within the legal system of this town. I can assure you that if you and Kevin both agree to this marriage, no one else will be able to legally prevent your relationship."
"And I've already agreed," the Omega, Kevin, said with evident determination. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes to save Riverdale."
"You are, are you?" Looking the kid up and down, FP decided he liked what he saw. With wavy golden brown hair and bright green eyes, the kid was definitely a looker. His form was tall and lithe, with slim hips and long legs but wiry muscles. As typical for an Omega, no trace of beard growth was present on his smooth, ivory features. Pretty as he was, he could easily have had any Alpha he wanted even without the Omega shortage, which was all the more reason FP found the situation questionable.
Curious about how far Sierra was willing to go to accommodate him, FP pointed out another roadblock. "I'm still legally married to Gladys. Our divorce hasn't been finalized yet."
"I've put in word for your divorce proceedings to be accelerated," Sierra replied smoothly. "As long as you agree to this arrangement, your current marriage can be ended by next week, and your new one can then commence."
FP snorted. The offer was simply too good to be true. Sierra didn't use her political power to perform favors for just anyone. "All of this in exchange for nothing? C'mon, Sierra, don't play games with me. What's the catch?"
Kevin glanced at Sierra and then opened his mouth to speak, but the Mayor beat him to it, giving her complete attention to FP.
"You might have noticed that Lodge Industries is finalizing its bid for some Riverdale land," she began. "If they win the bid, they'll be constructing another flagship office."
"Which means hundreds of jobs for Riverdale's citizens that would provide a vital boost to the town's economy," Kevin broke in, passion in his voice.
FP scoffed at his contribution. "Paid attention in school, then, did you?" He'd never had much patience for these idealistic types.
"Thank you, Kevin," Sierra said with an edge to her words, before refocusing on FP. "I understand that with some of your . . ." she paused, searching for a polite phrase, "connections and associates, you might be persuaded into causing trouble with the Lodge land, should the bid go through. However, it has been agreed that Andrews Construction will be offered any jobs associated with this Lodge office, including the construction of the building itself and any other Lodge properties to follow. That is," she added warningly, "as long as you ensure that none of your acquaintances interfere."
"All right, so you'll keep me in work as long as I keep the Serpents away. And this Omega is, what, just icing on the cake?" FP glanced at Kevin dubiously. The clause about Andrews Construction made sense, as it was a financial incentive. FP worked there as the foreman for his old friend Fred Andrews, who was both the owner and manager. Regular construction jobs for the company meant a steady stream of paychecks for FP. But he couldn't figure out how marriage would tie in.
"To give you a personal stake in the situation," Kevin informed him unflinchingly. "It's one matter for your job to be on the line, and another entirely for your family life to be at risk. But as long as you promise to keep your gang from doing anything that could threaten Lodge Industries's entry into Riverdale, I'm willing to serve you."
" 'Serve' me, huh?" Eying the kid, FP couldn't help but be somewhat charmed by his spirit, as well as faintly enticed by the claim. It had been a lonely four months with Gladys gone. He didn't object to the idea of having a mate again, particularly not one that was as much as a doll as this particular Omega. Sure, the kid was young, but not quite young enough for FP to feel guilty about wanting him. "Say I've got kids. Would you know how to take care of them?"
"Mayor McCoy has briefed me on your family dynamics." Kevin's words brought an indignant look from FP, but Kevin simply returned his gaze evenly, utterly unimpressed with his ire. "I have younger siblings. I know a decent amount about raising children."
"What Kevin says regarding the motivation for your potential union is correct," Sierra stated, though she tossed Kevin a warning look, clearly displeased with him taking the reins. "However, while the Omega angle of the bargain is included to give you even more of an investment in the success of Lodge Industries, it could be of great benefit both to you and your family."
Her remark brought FP to tense. Sierra wasn't only referring to the security and reassurance of having an Omega in his household again, but referencing the current stigma against his children. Once an Omega left an Alpha, it was assumed that not only was the Alpha unworthy, but so were the children of the union, tainted by the bad blood of their Alpha sire. The general belief from that point forward was that the entire family line was unsuitable, and the prejudice continued with each generation.
Since FP was currently disgraced, so were both of his Alpha sons, and there was little chance either of them would be able to find a mate if he could not find a way to make amends. Jughead's girlfriend, Betty Cooper, had already been forbidden by her parents from dating him (though FP was fairly certain that Alice and Hal's orders alone wouldn't be able to separate the two of them).
Noticing his reaction, Sierra's eyes narrowed and her lips turned upward ever so slightly, the only give in her politician's poker face.
"Why don't you take a few days to think on it?" she suggested, her voice filled with faux generosity. "So you have time to consider all aspects of your decision. If you agree to our terms, though, we can have you and Kevin wed within the week."
"Fine," FP said with a shrug, but he knew that just with his agreement to think about the deal, he was already playing straight into her hands. He hated the thought of letting himself be reduced to a pawn for someone else's strategy.
But it couldn't hurt just to toy with the idea, he reasoned with himself, drinking in Kevin's slim, supple form that he could just imagine writhing beneath him. Besides, such a beautiful Omega warranted consideration, at the very least. FP could have him in his fantasies, even if not in real life.
What would his kids think? As he left Sierra's office. FP wondered how they would react if he brought the Omega home to them to be their new mother. Jellybean would be enthusiastic, eager for a new playmate, while Jughead would likely be skeptical, and Joaquin would just do whatever was required of him to keep the peace. But it would be reassuring to them, FP knew, to have second parent once more, for them to know their father was capable of not only winning another mate, but keeping this one. And, of course, the blight on his sons' futures would be lifted.
What was more was that there was a loneliness to being a single parent. Waking up each day to an empty space in the bedside him and knowing all too well just how many responsibilities he had, how much he had to handle on his own, could be incredibly depressing.
It would be nice, FP conceded as he began his drive home, to have a mate again.
A/N: Thanks for reading. Next chapter will feature FP and his kids. Be sure to let me know if you have any thoughts, ideas, or anything you'd just really like to see!