Page 71 of The Safest Place She Knows

Venka held herclose and murmured, “It’s new to both of you, and I am sosorry.”

Tamara said,“The internet says that omegas cry for attention.”

Lya wiped hercheeks and faced her daughter. “It is good to know that I am nolonger a person to you overnight. Alphas are brutal bullies wholeave devastation and despair in their wake. They hurt the innocentand maul children just because they are bigger. I hope you areproud to be growing into one.”

Tamarawithdrew, and she got teary as well.

Noh saidcalmly, “She simply did to you what you just did to her. You forgother fight, her survival, her struggle, and quoted the internet. Theomegas they are speaking about are cultured, cultivated, andtrained. Your mother fought like hell to keep you in yourneighbourhood, with your friends in your school. She chose a jobthat disguised her scent under grease, oil, and gasoline. Did youforget what was important overnight?”

“But it’s true,right? She can’t own anything.”

“That’s true,but she can be a partner, and she can get dividends. She can make aboutique and have others deal with the shop. She can do whatevershe likes with her life, and the den will back her. Lady Olyna’spack owns dozens of shops. Lady Fen owns half the restaurants andthree full-service spas in town. Packs support their own, and thatincludes the omega. Your mom isn’t our burden; she is our core. Iwish you luck in finding an omega or even a beta who suits you sowell.”

Allor smiled.“Do you know how hard it is to find any female who likes snakes?Just think about that.”

Tamara reachedfor Lya, but Lya stepped back. “I have to attend the appointment myden has set up for me. Please excuse me, alpha.”

She turned andlooked at Venka before solemnly winking. Venka’s eyes widened, andshe held out her hand. Lya put her hand on Venka’s, and they walkedtoward the clinic.

The doctor wasa female alpha who looked aghast at the medical records. “You wereconscious the whole time?”

“Yes,ma’am.”

“Poor bunny.Well, I have your x-rays, and you appear to be healing really well.Another two weeks, and you will be completely healed.”

Lya bit herlip. “The arm was rebroken and set yesterday.”

“Oh. Oh. Youare one of those groups. Well, in that case, come back Wednesday tocheck your healing. Your delta has made arrangements to have yourarm scanned and a new fitted cast. Are there any other issues?”

Lya looked atthe group in the exam room and sighed, “Can I have a moment withthe doctor privately?”

Noh said, “I amstaying.”

Venka and Allorushered Tamara out.

The doctorlooked at her pleasantly. “What is it?”

“Well, mydaughter was conceived in a particularly violent manner, and I justneed to make sure that it looks like I can possibly have kidsagain.”

The doctorblinked. “That was your daughter?”

“Yes,ma’am.”

“How old isshe?”

“Nearlythirteen.”

“And you?”

“Twenty-eightin just over a week.”

“Oh. Oh. Thefather?”

“An Elite.”

“Damn. Well, Ican take a look. Have you had sex since delivering?”

“Yes, but Ikept things to beta males or females when I felt the urge.”

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