Page 50 of Verses and Blooms
Ares looked reluctant to answer, and I supposed that was answer enough. “We could put some kind of statement out there, get one from all of you, but I don’t know that it’ll change the outcome. You’ll look like you’re hiding or weak if you don’t face them. We need to make sure you not only get released, but receive some sort of compensation for what you’ve been through.”
“That’ll be the day,” Ledger scoffed. I had about as much faith in that as he did. They didn’t care about us or what we’ve suffered through. They only cared about their bottom lines and reputation.
“Either way, putting all of this together takes time. With an investigation underway, that also means endless red tape,” Ares finished. I could see the stress in his features, his neck straining as if he was having to calm his alpha down.
He hated this. All my sweet protective alpha wanted to do was save us, but the world was reluctant to let us go.
“There have been rumors of interviews with all of you, but they’re going to come from Omega Network higher-ups and Alliance officials. All influential people with money and power. The chief is making sure you guys have advocates if you want them. It’s going to be important to show how settled you are,that you arenotthe diagnoses you were given by Malik. That you can be integrated back into society without being a risk to other people. Especially those of you with… histories.”
“That means me,” I said quietly. “I’m the one who ‘stalked a pack.’”
Ansel squeezed my arm, and Kane, surprisingly, was the one to reassure me this time. “You didn’t stalk a pack. In your mind, you were trying tofindyour pack.”
“It’s so weird that I barely remember any of that, now. I really need to write them a letter of apology when we’re free.”
“Our minds are incredible things,” Ares said. “But, right now our job is to focus on proving to the world that you’ve changed. That your trauma didn’t permanently alter your behavior and cognitive abilities. You’re going to have to face the reality of people like your parents, for instance,” he said, gesturing to me, “trying to argue that you’re unfit. Or, for Kane, the pack that left him behind. Everybody’s going to want a say, and I have a feeling the Omega Network will reach out to them all.”
“So, the Omega Network is going to ask opinions about us from the people thatcausedthis?” Ledger laughed incredulously. “What are they going to do, call my fucking dad?”
“In your case, no,” Ares conceded with a wince. “Your dad is the last person they want to talk to. They’ll probably do it on a case-by-case basis, which is wild to say out loud. They’re not likely to talk to Rydell’s dad, either.”
“Will they even give me the time of day if they’re terrified of him and people like me?” Rydell asked. I hated that it was even a possibility.
“You’re getting out with us. You’ve shown control in ways most haven’t and even have a recommendation from the Chief.”
We fell quiet as we processed his answer. This was truly our only chance to prove to the world we were capable of living outside of ARC’s walls.
“I can face my parents again,” I said. “They mean nothing to me now. Their words and actions can’t hurt me.”
“I can face my pack, too,” Kane added. “If anything, this has given me clarity and confidence. I think I’d like to see Paul, reconnect with a safe piece of my old life, first. One that wasn’t tainted by them.”
“You’ll have time to do that. This won’t be a quick thing,” Ares reassured him.
“Our last therapist kind of blurred the lines of client–patient etiquette,” I joked. “Who’s going to be taking over when we go back?”
“Someone I approve of,” Ares said firmly. “I’m not going to let anybody in that place hurt you anymore, nor am I leaving your sides.”
“I’m not sure how to imagine an ARC where we aren’t forced into accepting whatever fate a twisted doctor decides,” I said sadly. “Plus, we’re going to have to do physicals and meds again, won’t we?”
“Not unless absolutely necessary. The Alliance had a judge signing temporary orders for us to handle care, which means it’s our doctors, not theirs, who will examine you all.”
“We need actual treatment plans and follow through,” Kane said. “For those of us who have had setbacks. Ledger and Rydell never really had the same issues.”
It was a fact, not an accusation. Neither were harmed by the bonds as much as ‘punished’ for other reasons.
“I think it’ll be easier to settle back in than you realize,” Ares sighed. “The Alliance is doing its best to give you everything you need. You guys have never been given true kindness, or a way to heal without restrictions. This is going to be that chance. You may as well take advantage of it. The more work you put in, the better the outcome will be. You just have to remind yourself who you’re fighting for, and why we’re fighting.”
“We can do that,” Kane said, looking at the rest of us and demanding we agree. It wasn’t even a second thought. I knew I’d give this new therapist everything I could.
Needing some form of therapy and treatment and deserving to be locked away were two very different things.
“Now,” Ares said, clapping his hands as if that would change the subject for him. “I was making pizza. What does everybody want?”
Ansel perked up immediately at the mention of pizza.
“I take it you like that idea, omega,” Ares teased.
Ansel’s face flushed adorably, and he gave a crooked smile back. “It’s just that I haven’t had pizza before. Well, probably as a kid, but I don’t remember it.”
