“Well, aren’t youkind,” Ellington says, bitterly.
I take a careful step closer to him.
I notice for the first time how pale he is and the way that a fine tremor is running through his hands.
I recognize the signs from the many,manytimes that Maya used Alpha Commands, which can’t be disobeyed but take a deep toll on an Omega, on Dad and Papa.
Also, sometimes on Bird and me.
Yet I never saw her use them on her favored First Omega and his son.
Yet she must have done now — he’s suffering from the aftereffects of one.
What else did I miss when I was growing up in the penthouse?
“Why don’t you sit down?” I say, gently. “Bird and I could nuzzle you, and if you let Icarus use his pheromones that willsettle your neurological system. Do you have any candy on you? Sugar helps. I could run and grab something from the kitchens.”
Maya never supports anyone through the aftereffects of Alpha Commands, I remember that. Yet my other family members always helped each other out.
Who does Ellington have at these times?
Ellington staggers away from me, falling against the side of the corridor. “Don’t touch me. There is nothing wrong.”
I sigh.
Well, I tried.
“Why did Mom have to force you to obey?” Bird narrows his eyes. “You’re her loyal dog.”
“Bird,” I chide.
I can’t blame him though, not with how Papa is treated in the pack.
I find it hard enough coping with knowing what has been done to Dad.
“How dare you,” Ellington snarls but it’s weak. He struggles to stand upright, despite the way that he is shaking. “If you truly wish to know, the Head Alpha was displeased with my attempt to intervene on both your behalf’s. You’re welcome, by the way. And this is why I look out for my own son. You two are rebellious.Trouble.I could always see it. I knew that you would end badly and I didn’t want your bad influence dragging my son down with you. It’s hard enough for Omegas in this world without Omegas ofyour sortupsetting the status quo.”
Asshole.
I clench my jaw.
By trying to be a good dad, Ellington has wrecked our family. His fear for his biological son has led him to deny reform for every Omega.
Will he ever see that makes him a terrible dad in the end?
“How did you try to intervene?” Icarus’ hard gaze settles on Ellington.
“I asked for a doctor for Bird.” Ellington ducks his head. “The breeder’s weeping got on my nerves. I was only trying to do my charity for the year. When my Alpha wouldn’t call one, I requested that Bird take off the rest of the week. She refused. She said that some Alpha owner of a model agency, who is staying in one of the presidential suites, needs a heat omega to see him through his rut.”
I turn back to Bird, hugging him to my chest.
Bird hugs me back fiercely. “It’s okay, sis.”
“It’s not.” My voice is raspy with tears. “It’s fucking not.”
“What if I don’t let you take him?” Icarus growls, stalking toward Ellington.
Ellington’s eyes instantly become cold again. “Then you’re fired, and your brother and you can enjoy Christmas out on the snowy streets.”
