Page 45 of For the First Time
“They’re just all omegas and alphas.”
“They’re pack traditionalists,” Oaks added, looking to me to ensure he wasn’t overstepping by speaking up.“If an omega is hurt, they blame the alphas.If a beta joins a pack, they consider it the highest honor.”
“Do they know you’re being courted by pack Wilder?”Bartholomew asked.
My hand came up to the necklace with their name on it.I never took it off.“No.”
“Why not?”
“We don’t talk a lot.At least, not about my personal life.My eldest sister has her bonding anniversary coming up and I’m planning that for her.”
“You’re close to your sisters then?”
I shook my head.“My family just knows I’m really good at planning parties.I’m very organized and I’ve planned so many events that I have lists of vendors and stuff that constantly help me out.”
Bartholomew’s brow furrowed, obviously confused by something I’d said.He looked over at the males, seeming to meet their gaze in a silent conversation between the four of them.
“What?”I asked.
“Would your parents speak on behalf of your character?”Bartholomew asked rather than answering my question.
I hated that I didn’t have to think about it.“If they knew what I was being accused of, they’d cut me out of the family.They don’t believe institutions can be infallible—especially not the OC.”
“Understood.However, I would like to point out that if we continue forward, there won’t be any hiding for you.Going forward means putting you in the spotlight.All of you.”He looked to the males surrounding me.“You might want to think that over before we continue.”
“What happens if I don’t fight it?If I don’t fight Adam?”
“Most likely you’ll lose.I see Adam painting you as a danger to omegas, to society.You’ll be banned from working, living, or bonding to omegas.Most likely registered as a person with a history of abusing omegas.Definitely banned from working any sort of government job and receiving any government benefits.Not to mention, the loss of public opinion.If Adam is smart, he’ll plaster your face everywhere.You’ll be well-known as the beta that harms omegas and who helped destroy funding for the OC.He’ll paint you as a villain and one thathecan conquer.”
With each word my panic started to rise dramatically.It was all stuff I knew, or assumed, yet hearing it out loud, with a sort of conviction, made it feel too real.I’d spent my entire life caring for omegas.Protecting them.And in ensuring one omega’s safety, I might have just ruined my own life.
I couldn’t find words.Any words.My brain stopped working, stopped functioning properly.I just sat there, staring at Bartholomew while he let me fully absorb his words.
Slowly, I turned so I could look at Atlas.His purr had died out at Bartholomew’s words.His distress was so strong that even I could scent him.Oaks reached a hand toward him, rubbing his palm on Atlas’s leg which was bouncing like crazy.In fact, Atlas’s hands were squeezing mine so tightly, I was starting to worry about the circulation to my fingers.The way he was clinging to me was full of desperation, as if I’d disappear the moment he eased his grip.
It felt like my heart constricted in my chest.Atlas didn’t want to lose me.And if I didn’t fight Adam, or worse, if I fought and lost, I’d never be allowed to bond with Atlas.Or Everett and Oaks, considering they were all bonded in a pack with an omega.Even if Atlas didn’t encourage his designation tendencies, the OC still acknowledged him as an omega.
I would lose him, lose Everett and Oaks.My fingers tightened around my necklace, like clinging to it could keep the pack from being torn away from me.
“Okay,” I croaked.Clearing my throat, I tried again.“Okay.Let’s fight.”
