She raises a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. “I’m going to review the entirety of the Trials process, from start to finish. Maybe we’ll find that it isn’t needed. Maybe it is archaic, as some voices have been saying for years now. Maybe the alphas should be the ones proving themselves, and not the other way around.”
My mouth drops open. Bonding Trials… foralphas. My fascination must show, because Ollena smiles. “It’s difficult to argue that they don’t need it after the last few weeks, no?”
“I can’t imagine it,” I admit. “But it doesn’t sound like the worst idea.”
“Whatever happens, my immediate priority is to help settle the omegas who are seriously concerned.” She sits forward, scrutinizing me. “You, attending the gala, being seen with your pack in public, would help. I would also welcome your help in assessing the Trials, if that’s something you would be interested in.”
I blink. “I’ll… think about it.”
“Thank you.” She settles back, smoothing down her dress. “I understand if it’s too much. May I ask how you are?”
“I’m… okay. We’re working things out.”
Slowly, but we’re getting there.
“That’s good.” Ollena watches me carefully. “I have been working closely with the Council to lobby for the removal of your Denied status. Depending on the appointment of the Beta representative, I don’t believe it will be an issue.”
The tension in my shoulders doesn’t loosen. “I’m glad to hear it, but I’ve learned not to take anything for granted, Councilor.”
Her lips tighten, but she nods. “I’ll leave you in peace. Thank you for seeing me.”
I follow her lead as she gets up. “No problem.”
My head is spinning as I walk her to the door. Tristan is leaning nonchalantly against the wall, not even trying to look like he’s not lingering, and Ollena frowns at him. “It’s unbecoming to listen at doorways, Mr. Cohen.”
“Not listening, Councillor,” he responds smoothly. “Just making sure my Bonded is well.”
She eyes him suspiciously. “In order to ensure that, you need to look in a mirror, Tristan. I hope you’re working to make amends.”
Her voice is cutting, and I frown as Tristan looks down at the floor. “As I said, we’re working through it. Thank you for your time, Councilor.”
I open the front door, and Ollena assesses me. “I think you may be right, Sienna,” she says softly as she sweeps past me. “I look forward to seeing you again.”
I sink against the door when it closes behind her, and Tristan is there in a flash, his hands lifting to my cheeks. “Are you alright?”
“Did you hear?”
He shakes his head. “I really wasn’t eavesdropping. I just wanted to be close in case you needed anything.”
Nodding, I move his hands away and walk back to the living room, curling up on the couch. Tristan follows me, Jax, Gray and Logan slipping in behind him as I run through our discussion.
Gray’s face twists in doubt. “The gala? Really?”
Logan nudges him. “What do you want to do, Sienna?”
I don’tknow.
“Can I use your phone?” I ask Tristan. “I need to make a call.”
This is definitely a situation which calls for advice from my best friend.
47
SIENNA
“Are you kidding?” Jess half-shrieks down the phone. “Hellyes, we are going to the gala.”
I can’t help but grin. “We?”
