Page 82 of Where There's Smoke
“But this is agoodthing,” my mother insisted, clasping both my hands in hers and beaming at me. “Packs are so much more affluent. Your prospects just increased! You know, we have business relationships with several different packs who are doing very well for themselves.”
She was grinning as she spoke. My chest pinched as any hope I had for them sank faster than the Titanic.
“Herprospects?” Elliot growled softly, and I flicked my eyes to him, witnessing the undeniable irritation and outrage.
My mother didn't notice the growl and just nodded excitedly.
They weren’t concernedaboutme. They were merely concerned with what I coulddofor them. I was a meal ticket, a chance for them to gain more. To my parents and brother, I was nothing but a way to land them in a “better” social circle, so they could harp off any of the undoubtedly “rich” packs they would be setting me up with.
It was no secret that packs tended to be wealthier. Alphas often dominated in business, and when there were packs offour or five of them, it was normal that they would generate substantial wealth. It was one of the reasons that omegas were often extremely spoiled. Because they had so many partners who could financially provide for them.
Clearly, my family had learned about my change in designation and had only seen dollar signs.
“I understand why you might want that for me, but I don’t want that. I want to stay here,” I said, trying to keep my tone polite.
“Well, that's not reallyyourchoice,” Reed said, his tone as smug as ever, making Elliot step up closer to me.
“Excuse me? It’s certainly not yours.” My words were sharp as I turned to him.
“Melody! Be polite to your brother,” my mother admonished, her face twisting with that exaggerated disgust she was so good at.
“You're an omega. Omegas are a protected class,” Reed explained, a smug smile spreading across his face. “Technically, we are still your guardians. Well, our parents are. If they want you to come home to New York, you don't really have a choice…”
“What a load of bullshit!” I laughed, shaking my head.
“Melody!” My father had always disapproved of swearing, and right now I felt like tossing them all at him for good measure.
I turned to look at the guys, who all looked equally pissed. Only, they didn't say anything to disagree with what my brother had just said, which worried me. Panic flared brighter, and I turned to face Elliot, keeping my voice low.
“Is this true?” I asked. My stomach was officially on the floor.
Fitz grimaced, answering instead of his pack mate. “It's true that parents do have some more rights when it comes to their omega children. They can't just force you to move across the country at the drop of a hat, though.”
“Actually, we can. I happen to be a lawyer.” My brother's tone was as smug as ever, and physical violence sounded more and more like a good idea.
Elliot glowered at him, stepping forward and towering over him. “You're in lawschool. You're not actually a lawyer yet. Do you know how incredibly illegal it is to give legal advice when you're a lawyer, when you haven’t even passed the bar yet? I think the New York Bar Association will be very interested in that.” His voice was a low, dangerous growl, and at his words, my brother's face paled.
I bit back a smile. The sight of Elliot scaring my brother brought me far more glee than I wanted to admit. Except, screw it. They’d all been horrible, and I wasn’t going to bend over and just let them walk all over me.
“And I’m sure there are a few skeletons in that closet of yours that you wouldn’t want my lawyer digging up.”
What did Elliot mean by that? In any case, seeing Reed—as well as my parents—so shaken after his words, I was feeling more confident.
Folding my arms, I glared at all of them. “I will not be moving. This is my home.”
“We have legal claims, young lady,” my father replied. “Youwilldo as we say.”
“So, sue me or whatever. I’m not coming back with you, and furthermore”—I stepped forward and then turned sharply, going to the door of Elliot’s office and jabbing my hand outside into the hall—“you are not welcome here, and Iinsistthat you leave.”
My parents spluttered, their words faltering and failing to form coherent sentences. Even Reed was at a loss. The guys helped to direct them toward the door, ushering them out. My heart hammered against my ribs when they came back from officially kicking my family out. Fury still radiated through my blood, but so did anxiety. I didn’t have a lawyer or understandthe laws when it came to omegas. What was I supposed to do about all this?
Elliot could clearly tell that I was spiraling, and he came up to me as I stood in front of his desk, putting his hands on my shoulders.
“We’ll call a lawyer—a real one. And hell, he’s damn good, considering it’s Fitz’s money that pays for him.”
I nodded at him. “Okay, yeah. Let’s do that. I…I don’t want to leave. I hate them. I can’t live all the way across the country and never see you guys. You’re…you’re myrealfamily.”
Emotion washed over each of the three alphas I adored, and they surrounded me in a huddle.
