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People he passed eyed him warily, and he knew most could not care less who Avery Stephens was and if omegas had rights. They bypassed him quickly, moving on to wherever it was they were travelling.
Hours passed.
The day warmed some, helping the stinging in his hands and face. He lowered his sign, propping it against the front of his legs for a while, his arms screaming and sore. A passing vendor handed him a hotdog with the works.
“Chilly day out here today. Winter’s definitely coming.”
Wilder lowered his sign again, reaching for his wallet. “Thanks. How much do I owe you?”
“Forgetaboutit,”the vendor cried, waving him away. “I think what you’re doing is pretty outstanding. I have five omega brothers, and I know for certain that omegas aren’t treated as well as they should be in this world.”
“Outnumbered, hmm?” Had he five omega brothers, maybe he’d have realized the truth sooner.
“You can say that again! Wasn’t easy being the only beta, either, especially when one was my twin. You really see what they go through in that situation.”
“This…” Wilder said, pointing to his sign. “A bit too little, too late, I’m afraid.” He shoved his wallet back in. “My eyes were opened late.”
“Never too late to make a difference in this world,” the vendor said.
Wilder grinned his way, hoping the man was right. “Thanks again.”
The vendor returned to his hot dog cart nearby, and Wilder dug into the hotdog. He hadn’t had one in years—last was with a beer at some game he’d attended years ago with Rohan. It went down quick… and then burned back up about an hour later.
It was getting close to the courthouse’s closing time when a news truck pulled up outside. Foot traffic had increased as some were getting off work. Suddenly, a news van pulled up before him. Wilder wondered what was going on inside the courthouse that was going to end up on the news. A reporter jumped out of the passenger side and walked closer to Wilder.
He offered a hand. “Jake Spelling, TVZD News. Can you tell me a bit about this protest of yours, Mr. Jaymes?”
Mr. Jaymes?Suddenly, Wilder realized his actions had a larger impact than he’d realized in his obsessive attempt to free his mate. Deep down, he’d known it, but it had meant nothing in the grand scheme of things. But if him being the CEO of one of the largest construction companies in the province caused his voice to be projected louder, then he had to use whatever power he had.
No matter if it destroyed his career in the making.
Nothingwas more important than Avery.
A cameraman appeared behind Jake Spelling and handed the reporter a microphone, which was shoved toward Wilder. Wilder stared at it a moment, collecting his thoughts.
“Avery Stephens is an omega who’s currently being incarcerated at the prison next door for impersonating a beta… in an attempt to get an education, find work, and help support himself and his brothers. They’re orphans, and he had little other choice. In a couple of days, he’ll be brought before the judge… and he’ll likely be sentenced to stay in that prison until he’s provided the province with any number of infants for them to auction off to the highest bidder. All because he wanted the freedom to work and provide a decent life for his family. What’s so wrong with that? Nothing.” Wilder looked into the camera. “Our system and how we treat omegas are wrong. It’s got to change.”
“What’s Avery Stephens’ connection to you?”
Wilder froze for a moment, unsure what to say. Avery didn’t want to use their mating as a reason for his defense, so what did he say? “He’s myemployee. And a good one. We want him back at work. The sooner, the better.”
“You’re suggesting that omegas come out of the OQ and get jobs?” the reporter asked incredulously.
“If that’s what they want. Why not? Why do they not get the same freedoms we do?”
The reporter’s smirk faded. “It’s not how things are done. They’re there for their protection.”
“I spent my life thinking the same way, but since this happened, I’ve learned there are drugs that an omega can take to mask their scent and all but stave off their heats. Other provinces have been using them for some time and have given their omegas much more freedom. Freedom they more than deserve. We should offer our omegas the same.”
“Omegas aren’t capable of working at our level,” the reporter mocked. “Their constitutions aren’t built for more than caring for a family.”
“Avery graduated near the top of his class, and he’s done incredible work in the few months he was at Jaymes & Associates. There’s no reason other omegas couldn’t do as well.”
“Do you suggest they stop having babies? Our birth rates are already plummeting.”
“I’m not suggesting that at all.”
“You think they can give birth and work for hours on their feet? Who’s going to raise our children?”
