Page 71 of Talk About… History

My new pack celebrated my independence and that was the only reason I was comfortable being submissive to them in any respect.

“Avery?” Lance’s voice was loud enough this time that I knew it wasn’t the first time he’d said it.

“Sorry, what did you say? I got lost in my head a bit,” I admitted sheepishly.

“I’m sorry, I know this is difficult,” he said, trying to be gentle and professional even while I made it awkward. “I asked if you’d be willing to do a formal statement to someone on the Network’s legal team? It would help you avoid court directly.”

“Sure,” I said, my stomach in knots at the thought of it, but facing my exes sounded worse. “We’re teaming up on this case, but I’m representing you specifically. We’re trying to avoid further trauma to the omegas involved.”

“I appreciate that, but won’t the opposing side want to question us?”

“They can want it, doesn’t mean they’ll get it. Honestly, they’ll likely not want this in court anyway,” he admitted. “We’ll record the interviews for our records, but will try to keep it as short and up front as possible.”

“Alright,” I agreed. “Whatever you need, Lance. Just promise me they’re not going to get out of this?”

“They might have money, but the Network has more. They’re going up against not only a group of individual omegas, but an entire organization that has more reach than any other company in this country. They’ll face consequences.”

Lance was confident and that was enough to reassure me this was the right way to go. I could live through one awkward, invasive interview.

Especially knowing that I was protecting future omegas from their torment.

“Then I’ll do it.”

“Thank you, Avery. The more evidence we have, the harder they’ll fall,” he assured me.

“One more question, Lance. What happens to the omegas who didn’t come forward?”

“They may not have believed us then, but we planted the seed of doubt and when the packs’ supply of pheromones runs out… well, they have our number. We can only do so much, but we can prevent future omegas from falling victim to this scheme.”

“Okay, thanks, Lance.”

“We’ll be in contact to schedule the interview at the Network Clinic near you. Until then, reach out if you have any questions or anything new pops up. Be well, Avery.”

With that, he hung up. It was finally starting to hit me that this was happening, that my closure was coming and the hardest part would soon be over.

Hearing this news and after talking to Maverick, all I wanted was my pack. That had to be a sign that what Mav said was true. That they are truly my pack, and the sooner I accept them, the sooner I’ll be happy.

Truly happy.

Even if it might take some convincing, I knew I deserved this pack.

No more standing in my own way.

Cohen

Having the pack move in was my idea, but it was still so strange sharing my space with others. Arden was just as meticulous as I was in keeping it clean, so it counteracted Ford’s spontaneity and Mason’s constant coming and going.

Not one of us was overly messy, it was just… different.

Lola and Molly however, were in doggy heaven. They had endless attention and treats. Mason even took them on a run with him before bed.

Yet, as the house was finally silent again, I couldn’t sleep.

I made my way downstairs, glad the rooms were far enough away I didn’t have to tiptoe around to get things. Though, I did try and be as quiet as possible.

Grabbing down my favorite late night blend of tea, I turned on the electric kettle and pulled down my favorite mug. I was clearly a creature of habit.

Soft footsteps leading down the hall had me biting back a sigh. I wasn’t feeling social right now, but when I turned to find Ford, hair askew and only sweatpants on, my body had other ideas.

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