I glanced from Ty to my parents. I was now part of two worlds—the Wylde pack and the Keller pack. In the end, the peace of mind for my current family and pack took priority. I couldn’t change the past, and dwelling on it wouldn’t help me heal, but I could take control of the present in a way that would preserve my future here with Ty and my family.
Taking a deep breath, I stood and faced Dominic with renewed determination. “I have an idea.”
59
TY
Liza’s sudden movement to the front of the room caught everyone’s attention. The determination etched on her face was unmistakable, leaving me curious and a bit apprehensive about what the hell she was going to say.
Liza had surprised me at every turn since we’d met. Just when I started to think I really understood her personality, her moods, and the way her mind worked, something new got thrown in the mix and she’d step up to find a solution or a workaround. She never threw in the towel or left the decision to others.
She’d always been an independent woman, speaking her mind and following through with what she felt was right. Now, as she stood in front of Dad, our families, and Nico, I could tell she had chosen to take a stand, and it scared the ever-living shit out of me.
“I’ve made up my mind,” she began, her voice unwavering. “I want to make a statement addressing the truth about what I am… about being an omega.” Her icy blue eyes scanned the room. “We need to take the power out of Castro’s hands. He wants us scrambling around like chickens with our heads cut off,and we’ve been doing exactly that. What better way to remove his power than me coming clean publicly? Plus, if I’m being honest with you all, I don’t want to have to hide forever. I’ve spent my whole life pretending to be something I’m not, as if being an omega was something to be ashamed of. It’s time to reveal the truth.”
My heart pounded in my chest as I considered her words. When did Liza become so brave? She was willing to speak out about being an omega, revealing her identity to strangers and friends alike. Once she did that, there would be no going back… but she was right. Castro only had power because of the information he carried. If she told the truth, his power would no longer exist.
He’d lose his grip on Liza, our pack, and wouldn’t be able to manipulate us into playing his sick games any longer.
“Are you sure about this, Liza?” I asked.
“Absolutely,” she replied, her gaze never leaving mine. “It’s time for me to own who I am and not let anyone else control my life.”
Dad nodded in support but kept quiet.
I tried not to think about the repercussions of Liza announcing her true identity to the world, but my wolf paced inside me, anxious about the potential danger that could come from Liza’s revelation.
“Think about it,” she continued. “Once the truth is out there, Castro loses his power over us. We can focus on what truly matters: protecting our pack and building a stronger future.” She gestured toward the TV. “Even though the video was edited, I still exist, and I had to come from somewhere. People aren’t going to let that die.”
Dad nodded. “I agree with you on that.”
I laced my fingers together so tightly I was losing feeling in the digits. There was undeniable truth in what she said,and it struck a deep chord in my being. But amid her bravery, a lingering fear crept in and gnawed at my consciousness. I worried that her boldness would put a bigger target on her back.
My protective instincts surged, overwhelming my senses and compelling me to shield her from harm. She was my fated mate. Wasn’t it my job to protect her even when she was determined to speak out?
“Liza, I understand your point, but I worry about the backlash. We don’t know how Castro or other members of the pack will react, and I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to you.”
She stepped closer to me and put her hand on my arm. “Ty, I appreciate your concern, but I need to do this—for myselfandfor the pack. I’ve spent my whole life feeling different and trying to fit in. It was always a struggle as a child, but even now, as an adult, I stick out like a sore thumb. I’m a fucking arctic wolf among black and brown wolves.” She closed her eyes, and a breath hissed out from between her teeth. “I think a statement from me would carry more weight than Dominic speaking alone.”
I looked at Dad, who shifted in his seat. “What exactly do you want to say, Liza?”
She sat back down next to me and crossed her legs, her foot shaking up and down, obviously anxious. I was proud of her, though, because she was determined to make this happen.
“I thought maybe you all could help me with that part.” She smiled weakly and turned to face Dad. “Do you have someone who helps you write these sorts of things?”
“Absolutely.” Dad picked up the phone and called his personal assistant to arrange to have Keller Enterprises’ press coordinator join us in the office immediately.
Within minutes, she showed up, laptop in hand, ready to write. “For those that haven’t met her, this is Barb. She’s beenwaiting in the wings, knowing I’ll be making my announcement this evening.”
Barb smiled. “Nice to meet you all.”
Dad gestured in Liza’s direction. “This is Liza Mims. She’ll be making a statement as well. It’ll be a tricky one because we’ll need to bend the truth, but you’re used to that, aren’t you, Barb?”
I felt Liza relax slightly. My dad had just told her in so many words that Barb could be trusted.
Barb laughed softly. “That’s kind of my job, Mr. Keller. What’s the main topic of Liza’s announcement?”
Dad cleared his throat. “She’ll be announcing her identity as the rumored omega.”
