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THE PACK SURROUNDS me, sticking close, their scents soothing, as we make our way to the town offices where Grey and Callan’s mother and mine wait for us. My stomach protests the entire way, bile burning my throat.
I was supposed to have until tomorrow. I'm not ready to face her. I certainly wasn't ready for this lovely day to end so abruptly. We didn't even have time to make a plan.
Oliver squeezes my waist. “Don't worry. We won't let her take you anywhere, and we've got enough of a story prepared, it shouldn't be a problem. Grey is really good at bullshitting like the politician he is. You should stay close to Callan though, act like it's mostly him you're interested in a relationship with since he's unattached. That'll make it more palatable for traditionalists."
I snort. “A nice word for assholes."
Oliver winces. “Well, she's still your mother."
"Don't worry. You don't need to hold back about her on my account. You'll learn what she's like soon enough."
The only thing keeping me from running as fast and as far as I can is the hope my father is with her. If he is, perhaps he'll come with me when I run. We can both get away from my mother and her toxicity.
As the building comes into view, my heart picks up its pace, my palms clammy. I want to be stronger when I’m faced with her, but I never can. Anyone else, I can stand up to, but my mother scares me too much, she has too strong a hold on me.
"She will not fucking touch you." Callan growls as his hand comes down to rest on my shoulder, the first hint of alpha I’ve seen in him.
For once, I find it comforting instead of offensive.
"I know."
I trust these men to help me.
I just have to stand up to my mother for once. To somehow find the same backbone that has gotten me through every other area of my life.
Callan slides his hand into mine. "It'll be fine. We'll make this as quick as possible."
"Right."
Grey leads us to his mother's office inside the town hall, not bothering to knock, instead pushing the door open and striding through it with his head held high.
How very alpha of him.
Though in this instance too, I find it hot as hell.
The rest of us trail behind him, and I make sure I plaster a blank expression on my face before I enter. It takes every ounce of control I have when I see my mother and father, and the claw marks on his fucking neck. But the fury helps banish my fear, and I meet her eyes without wincing,
"What's this? Who are these people?" My mother demands answers, dominance pulsing from her in waves.
I hide my wince, determined to stand firm.
The mayor’s jaw is clenched and her eyes are cold. “These are my sons and the rest of their pack. They're courting your daughter."
I tendril of relief trickles through me that the mayor is playing along. Unless Grey and Callan are lying to their mother. I hope not. I don't want to come between them. Dammit, I should've asked. We shouldn’t have enjoyed the day, we should've prepared for this meeting instead.
My mother sneers. “I was under the impression my daughter was in trouble due to not having an alpha or pack. That's why I brought her one that will take her in hand."
Four snarls fill the room at her words, but I'm too busy staring at the alpha I barely recognize in shock. He's twice my age, and from what I remember, an utter bastard.
I'd rather go to jail or be sent to be a breeder than become this man's omega. "I decline. I will not accept this alpha, mother. I'd rather be a breeder."
She glares at me. “I’m sure I'll get a good price for you if that's your choice."
The mayor steps between us, cutting off our stare down. “Her choice is this pack right here. At least for now as they get to know each other. She was given that time by the OCP.”
"I'm the alpha in charge of her."
The mayor continues keeping her cool, while I fray apart inside. “Yes, our laws do say that. But the OCP supersedes that, and you know you aren't allowed to force a bond like this. All omegas have to agree to a bond. It won't take otherwise anyway."
