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“Just yourself and maybe something to take notes on,” he said. He was already moving toward the door now that he knew I was coming.
“We’re coming,” Hayes said quickly. I didn’t bother to look at them, too focused on gathering my things and hurrying out the door, but part of me was glad I wouldn’t be alone with the senator. He’d been even more handsy lately, and I wasn’t going to let it escalate. Hopefully the presence of someone else would be enough to keep him at bay.
Burke eyed the four security guards trailing after me. “We only need two of you. The other two need to stay here.”
“Understood,” Cyrus answered. He pointed at Hayes and Sterling, who followed us out of the door and into the waiting limo.
“Where are we going?” I questioned as I slid into my spot. Burke shuffled closer, letting his thigh touch mine. It took everything in me not to pull away.
“To the North Harbor Omega Services building,” he said excitedly, as if it were a huge plot twist. “They’re eager to hear our ideas, and we’ll end it with a discussion about improvements and their concerns. I’ve invited some press to accompany us.” His wicked grin spoke volumes of how smart he thought he was.
In theory, it was a smart move. Having press there as he fielded questions and reassured the ones running the services that this was a good move would be a huge step in the ‘right’ direction for his campaign.
“Oh, this is brilliant, sir!” I said with a grin, ignoring the sinking feeling in my stomach. It was just an idea before, one he’d talked about to gain voters. I’d convinced myself it would never come to fruition. But now that we were actually going to the building and I was going to hear his plans in detail, it was a different story.
“I know,” he said with a cocky smirk. His phone rang then, sparing me from more conversation. He prattled on with someone about golf while my eyes went to the two men in the limo with us.
Sterling was glaring at the floor. His thick eyebrows were creased as if he were genuinely put out by being here. I couldn’t really blame him.
Hayes wore a mask of indifference. He was leaner than his brother, almost small in comparison when sitting next to each other like this. The beta lacked the unintentional intimidation factor that Sterling had, and his presence was reassuring when stuck with the other two alphas.
The senator ended the call right as the limo pulled up in front of our destination. He gave me his usual bright grin and raised his eyebrows.
“Ready? Keep your best smile on. There will be photos,” he warned as he opened the door and slid out. Ever the picture of disingenuous chivalry, he held out a hand to help me. Thank fuck I’d worn a pantsuit today. Between the wind and the need to gracefully climb out from a limo, I’d have flashed the world.
Two women stood outside the front doors next to a man with a camera. From their tight smiles, they weren’t thrilled about this meeting in the least, which wasn’t exactly a good omen.
“Thank you for having us!” Burke called out as we approached, shaking the photographer's hand before directing a quick nod at the omegas. I did the opposite as if that could help, giving them a genuine smile before nodding politely at the photographer.
“We’re interested to hear your plans,” the older omega said curtly. Her hair was in a tight bun, the silver hair complementing her baby blue eyes. She seemed annoyed but professional, and I hated that she was having to deal with the stress this campaign was likely causing her. Knowing Burke, he’d invited himself to have this talk.
Her younger counterpart was a petite redhead who seemed downright annoyed by our existence. Her green eyes were calculating, yet she stayed silent.
“Right this way. We will start with a tour and tell you what we offer, then I have a room set up for further discussion,” the older woman said. “I’m Mary, and this is Leanna.” She added the introduction almost as an afterthought, already having turned to walk inside.
The building was pristine. The floor tiles were polished and shining. The blue walls and abundance of plants made it seem inviting and cozy.
“This is where we do intake. The desk to the left is where we usually sit. We have information, pamphlets, resources, everything we need right on hand. That’s also where we handle scheduling,” Mary started. The omega must run a tight ship because the desk was perfectly organized.
“What on-site departments do you have?” Henry questioned. His smile was still in place, not the least put out by the women being so authoritative. I wasn’t sure if it was an act for the press or if he’d convinced himself to ignore it because he assumed he’d be making his changes soon enough.
“We have a clinic where omegas can get birth control, suppressants, and anything else they might need. There’s a Pack Services department that screens packs who are looking for mates, which is something you won’t find in many other service organizations,” Mary said proudly.
“There are also dorms here for omegas in heat to ride it out safely, along with a donation room for supplies and clothes. A legal department and housing specialist are also there for omegas who might need them,” Leanna added in. She was just as short with Henry, and the tic in his jaw told me his patience was wearing down.
The photographer circled us, taking a few shots, and we all ignored it the best we could.
“Those sound like amazing services,” I supplied. “Our city is lucky to have you.”
“Yes, yes, I agree,” Henry tacked onto my praise. “These resources are incredibly important and invaluable.”
They both eyed him as they continued on with the tour, showing us their updated clinic and the legal department’s offices before taking us to a large conference room.
“We are curious to know what your exact plans are, senator,” Mary said as we all took our seats. The women seemed resolved to see this through, probably because this was their opportunity to ask questions and convince him not to go through with his plans. I had no false hopes that they’d be successful.
Hayes and Sterling stood vigil at the door. Leanna’s eyes drifted over to them more than once, and if not for them both refusing to give her so much as a smile, I might have been jealous, which was ridiculous. I barely knew them.
“I havemanyplans.” Burke chuckled, tenting his hands in front of his chest and staring at the women as he spoke. “But the main component is extending existing services to include alphas.”
