Dad looks just as elated.
Although he still has shadows under his eyes, a new energy is thrumming through him.
He is dressed in an aquamarine cashmere sweater and black trousers. His platinum hair tumbles over his face.
Despite how willowy Dad is, Papa still sits on Dad’s lap.
Papa is stiff with fear.
I offered Papa his own seat next to me as well, but he hasn’t been allowed out of the penthouse in years and even being able to take this many steps into a new room against the orders of the Chief Alpha who has terrorized him, takes huge courage.
Papa’s long black curls fall around his narrow shoulders, and he appears shockingly out of place amongst the glamorous suits and jewels in only a simple, faded jumper over joggers.
Maya deliberately keeps Papa looking like he’s low status, no more than a breeder.
My lips thin.
That’s going to change.
Yet my heart also aches because seeing Papa reminds me of Bird who is still missing in the Institute.
Has Bird been sold to a new pack yet? Will I be too late to rescue my brother?
I take a steadying breath.
I admire the bravery of both Dad and Papa to show their love in front of everyone and stand up against their Alpha.
The other board members have been looking down their noses at my parents like they stink.
Dad may be an Omega, but when Ryan was the Head Alpha, he was never treated with disrespect.
I bristle.
“Is this true?” A female Alpha and fellow billionaire, Mrs. Heverbook, who appears to be only a couple of years older than me with sly eyes, shakes the files.
She ignores me, looking to the other Alphas, Icarus and Lionzio, to answer instead.
When they stubbornly don’t reply, her assessing gaze settles on Dad and Papa.
Papa dips his head, nuzzling at Dad’s neck to hide.
Dad arches his brow. “Oh, are you wondering why I am sitting at this table? Why my daughter is?”
Mrs. Heverbook tosses her hair. “I’m not staying if I’m expected to talk to Omegas. This is the annual meeting, but it appears that Maya is having a joke at our expense.”
Several other members mutter their agreement.
I lean forward, pressing my palms on the shiny surface of the giant ebony conference table. “Everything in that file is true. Not only that but it can be proved. I intend to lead this company in an entirely new, cooperative direction, however, that gives shares to staff and involves them in decision making.”
“Beta staff?” Dr. Tramell can’t stop himself from exploding.
The Doctor is an eminent professor and Traditional. He is a bald Alpha in his sixties with a permanent sneer plastered on his thin face. I remember him attending most of Maya’s social gatherings, at which us Frost kids had to perform.
He would pat me on the head in a patronizing way with a mutteredgood Omega.
Somehow, I hated that the most.
My gaze darkens. “Omega staff, as well.”
