Page 86 of For the First Time
I was glad that my mates were able to talk, because I couldn’t think at all.Maybe having my pen and notebook here would have been useless because I couldn’t think of a single question to ask.It might have been the shock or the fear or the stress, but my mind was completely blank.Not a single thought.I was just hoping I remembered this conversation when we got home.
“That is probably a conversation for later.The first question you have to ask yourselves is if this is something you’re willing to do.”Lilith forced her gaze away from me to meet each of my packs’.“As much as Eve will be our spokesperson, your entire pack will be under scrutiny.Your lives will become very public, and I can say, with certainty, that you will automatically make enemies.Those like Adam and other elitists.But I urge you to consider how beneficial this cause could be.”
She took a deep inhale before admitting, “The OC is a strong opponent.A lot of people believe that any admonishment to the compound is an attack on omegas.That trying to better the system, in admitting faults, is somehow worse than covering their eyes and letting people fall through the cracks unknowingly.And of course, you have the elitists.Those who do not want the system to change because they currently benefit from it.”
Lilith stood, wiping away imaginary wrinkles from her suit.“Think about it.I know this is a lot, but I do hope to hear from you, Eve.”She nodded her head toward the rest of my pack and then she walked out without so much as a glance behind her.This wasn’t her office, but she left the meeting area like she’d been here a hundred times before.
For a long moment, silence lingered in the room like a bad smell.Then Bartholomew rapped his knuckles on the table, drawing our attention.
“Whether you decide to take Lilith up on her offer or not, I will still be representing you in this case against Adam.Speaking of which, a date has officially been set to go in front of the judge and plead our case.This is just a preliminary hearing.Essentially, the judge will decide whether or not the prosecution—Adam—has enough of a case to take this to a trial.”
“When is this?”Oaks asked.
“In about two weeks.”
“What do you need from us?”Everett asked.He glanced at me for a moment before turning back to Bartholomew.“From Eve?”
“Nothing.I’ll go in front of the judge and hopefully end this whole thing.If this case does continue, then we’ll start worrying about how to fight back.For now?You all need to decide if you’re going to take Lilith up on her offer.”
I nodded, but it was an absent motion.It was simply what you were supposed to do when someone spoke to you—acknowledge them.My fingers twitched again, desperate for something to write down.I didn’t even know what words I’d put on paper if I had some.
This was not how I’d thought the meeting was going to go.
During my first meeting with Bartholomew, I had agreed to fight for myself.My motivation had been about protecting other betas and omegas, but that outcome was solely based on one, singular case.My case.To take on the responsibility to bear the others?That was a task I wasn’t sure I was capable of.Wasn’t sure I wanted.
But I didn’t thinkwanthad anything to do with it.
I hadn’twantedto lose my job at the OC, but I wasn’t going to allow Hannah, an innocent omega, to be attacked.
I hadn’twantedto wear descenter all day every day.I did it for the comfort of others.
I hadn’twantedto be a beta—that was a choice I didn’t even get to make.
What did want really have to do with doing the right thing?
“Come on, Babygirl.Let’s go home.”
