None of it matters. Because as Kennedy’s trailer comes into sight through the trees, it’s clear that someone beat us to it. A large trailer with blacked out windows is parked up, several people in thick boiler-style suits talking to each other.
A woman walks over to us, her eyes assessing. “This would be Kennedy Traylor, I presume? My name is Joanne Owens. I’m her keyworker.”
Max steps back, cradling Kenny against his chest. “What exactly are you doing here?”
Joanne tilts her head. “Well…Kennedy called us. She asked for a pick-up. Transport to Springfields Residential Center. This is the time we agreed on.”
Her lips firm as she takes in Kennedy. “Did she hurt anyone when she turned?”
“No,” I say harshly.
Her eyes lower to my bloodied neck, wariness settling into her expression. “May I ask who you are?”
“We’re her mates.” Oscar slips in front of Max and Kennedy and holds out his hand. “Oscar Rivers, from the Rivers pack. We’d like to discuss alternative arrangements for Kennedy’s care.”
She barely shakes it. “I’m afraid that’s not possible. Kennedy consented to being taken into our custody – and her agreement is what we need to work with.”
Some sort of silent discussion is taking place behind her. Several of the white-suited people move forward.
Max takes another step back. Jake, Oscar and I close ranks.
Oscar leans forward. “You’re not taking her into that place.”
Joanne’s lips press together. “Springfields is an excellent facility. One of the best in the country, perhaps. I don’t know what you’ve heard, Mr. Rivers, but the days are long gone where we chain omegas to the wall for something they can’t control. Believe it or not, we’re here to help.”
She takes a step back, giving us space. “Having mates is… unusual, for one of our omegas. But you’re welcome to visit. We have times every day. The Center is very open to working with families on care arrangements.”
Her voice lowers. “I promise you, that you will find any alternative difficult to live with.”
We’d have to keep her isolated. Locked up. We’d have to tie her down for meals, restrict her movement. Every hour would feel like a punishment, every moment a fight where we’d have to pin our mate down over and over again. Until her heart gave out, and we would sit there and watch her die.
Again.
“No,” Max says again, “Oscar –tell her.”
But I know what he’s going to say.
He clears his throat. “How exactly does it work?”
“Kennedy will have her own apartment. It has an outside space, but it’s completely secure. Trained medical staff will be on hand at all times. We have hospital-grade equipment, and our teams are very used to managing omegas without hurting them.”
She hesitates. “And this is not a long-term arrangement. Things tend to happen rather quickly. But she’ll be safe, and comfortable. As much as we can make her.”
“And if… if she gets better?” Jake’s voice wavers.
Even the cold beta looks stricken as she looks between us. “You know… that’s not possible. If you didn’t, I’m sorry. But Kennedy won’t be able to heal from this.”
“Then let us go with her.” I find my voice, pitch the offer. “Let us stay with her. All of us, or just… just one of us. I’ll go. I’m happy to sign anything needed. A waiver.”
“I’m so sorry.” And she genuinely looks it. She frowns, eyeing my neck again. “That wouldn’t be safe for you. But it would also be highly distressing for Kennedy, in her current state. But you can absolutely see her, even spend limited time with her. Every day, if that’s what you want to do.”
“Behind a safety wall,” Max says icily. “Call a cage a cage.”
It’s no life.
“It’s not right.” Max is shaking his head. And his eyes are bright as he backs away. “She can’t go there – it’s not fucking fair!”
No, it’s not.
