They were watching me, some expressions bored, others taking in every word.
“The reason I left my pack was not due to the delta. In fact, Sutton had more control over his delta than most I’ve seen. I left because they cared more about the hockey team than being a part of a pack. I spent months alone, and after an absent heat, I couldn’t take it anymore.”
I glanced at my current pack, drawing the confidence to continue. The bond was full of reassurance.
“We have spoken since then and have reconciled to the point we can be civil. But one thing that I will say is that every delta that I’ve been with or encountered has been a man of integrity. Sutton made mistakes with me, and they’re learning from them and facing the consequences. However, losing the career that they’ve spent years cultivating is not an appropriate response.”
Someone made a noise in the back of the room, likely the delta I was talking about. I ignored it as I finished my speech.
“The story that was formed was a call for gossip and this group latched onto it to spread hate. None of it was founded with actual facts or statistics. When my associate Roxie comes to the podium, she will list the real facts that back our plea. Deltas are not feral or on the edge of turning. They are people who work hard to stay in control, just like their alpha counterparts.”
With that, I stepped back, letting the others take the podium.
One by one, others came forward. It was a mix of personal stories, coaches coming up to support their teams, teammates explaining that the deltas were the ones keeping the team together, and cold hard facts.
We were making sure they had no choice but to hear all of our voices.
By the time it was Roxie’s turn to come forward, they looked like they were ready to crawl out of their skin. But Roxie did what she does best, laying into them in a way that was both polite and firm.
She started with facts that we’d found, and then the ones she’d found on her own. The evidence irrefutably proved that the deltas and betas had improved ticket sales and numbers. This influx led to sponsors that not only made them money, but increased the fan following.
As she stepped down, my brother stepped forward.
“Every story you’ve heard here tonight has proven, without a shadow of a doubt, that everyone who earns a place on a team should be able to keep their place on the team. This includes any future recruits. We judge by talent, and we work hard to become a well-oiled machine. And those machines are what line your pockets.”
Now the board sat up straighter, narrowing their eyes.
“If the public outrage wasn’t enough, and all the words you heard tonight weren’t enough, then I suggest you take into account the rumors circulating about a new league starting up. An inclusive one. You can either join the times, or get left behind.”
A few of the board members looked ready to fight back, but everyone stayed silent before Atlas stood up again.
“Thank you to everyone who spoke. We will take your words into account. For now, this hearing is closed.”
We were officially dismissed.
Chapter
Forty
Lana
The last thing I expected was for Coach to try to make the team have practice today. Everyone was still waiting on the judgment from the AHA board. Videos had been released showcasing the voices that spoke, not just in that boardroom, but all over the country.
We had the support, there was no denying that.
But reason didn’t always win in this world. That was the simple truth.
I stress-cooked up a storm. I had snacks waiting for the guys after practice while I waited in the kitchen, phone and TV on, desperate for news.
No more than ten minutes after practice started, it ended. The sound of voices echoed down the hall. Then the kitchen was full, the entire hockey team packing in, including several of the trainers, the team doctor, and even the coaches.
“We’re crashing your kitchen. Practice was useless,” Mason explained.
Murphy walked up, snagging a handful of cookies from the trays I had set out.
“I take it you’ve had no word from Mom?” Conrad asked, hopping up onto the counter and earning a look from Coach.
I shook my head. “Nothing. She promised to let me know if they said anything, but she said the meeting went well into the night and they were going to talk more this morning. The fact that it’s taking this much discussion isn’t exactly filling me with the warm and fuzzies.”
