"That's not..." Richards started.
"That's exactly what this is," I cut him off, my voice rising. "I did my job. I treated Knox's injury. What happened after was between two consenting adults."
"During your heat," the male lawyer spoke for the first time. "Some might argue you couldn't truly consent."
The rage exploded. "Don't you dare. Don't you fucking dare suggest I was some helpless Omega who couldn't make her own choices."
"Dr. Graves," Richards said, trying to regain control, "we're prepared to offer a generous severance package. Sign an NDA, resign quietly, and we'll ensure the medical board doesn't pursue any action."
"And if I refuse?" I asked.
"Then we'll have to report the situation formally. Every detail. Every witness account. Every violation of professional conduct," the female lawyer said smoothly. "Your career would be over."
"It already is, according to you," I pointed out.
"This way, you could practice again. Somewhere else, eventually. Otherwise..." Richards shrugged.
I looked at each of them. These people who thought they could threaten me into disappearing quietly. Who thought being an Omega meant I'd submit to their authority.
"No," I said simply.
"No?" Richards repeated.
"No. I won't resign. I won't sign anything. And if you want to go to the medical board, go ahead," I said, my voice stronger with each word. "Explain to them how you fired a doctor for being claimed. How you discriminated against an Omega for her biology. See how that plays out."
"You're making a mistake," the female lawyer warned.
"The only mistake I made was thinking this organization valued competence over politics," I said, heading for the door.
"Dr. Graves," Richards called out. "Knox's violence, his lack of control, it's only going to get worse. Do you really want to tie yourself to that?"
I turned back. "Knox's violence comes from protecting what he cares about. Maybe if this organization actually supported its players instead of treating them like assets, you'd understand that."
I left before they could respond, my hands shaking but my head high.
Knox was waiting in the hallway. Of course he was. I could feel him through the bond, his rage barely contained.
"How much did you hear?" I asked.
"Enough," he growled. "They threatened you."
"They tried," I corrected, moving past him toward my room.
He followed. "Harper, wait."
"I need a minute, Knox," I said, but my body was already responding to his proximity. The bond had grown stronger overnight, and being near him was like standing next to a live wire.
"You stood up to them," he said, something like awe in his voice.
"I'm not some weak Omega who needs protecting," I said, fumbling with my key card.
"I know," he said softly. "But you protected me in there. Protected us."
I turned to face him. "They wanted me to say you took advantage of me. That I was some victim."
"Maybe you were," he said quietly.
"Stop," I said firmly. "Stop making me a victim in your story. I chose this. I chose you."
