“Of course. However, can I ask you a question before you go?”
I raise my brow as I turn back to him. “Sure.”
“Do you think you’ll want to officially join McMillan’s firm after graduation next year?”
I purse my lips, not wanting to give anything away. I respect Mr. Alston, but I know how this industry works.
“Let’s be frank, Mr. Langley,” he starts. “Gerald is a grade A asshole. I don’t see someone like you enjoying working for him long term. He doesn’t have the eye for justice that his father had, which I’m guessing is why he brought you in. From how I see it, you’re likely to get any job you want in any firm in the state with your intelligence, but he wanted to use your talents first.”
I’m stunned by his words, but I keep my face neutral.
“Mr. Langley, I’ve done my research. Their firm’s overturn rate has gone up by fifty percent since you joined the firm as an unpaid intern. How many cases does he have you working on as an intern? How many cases have you helped them win because you can see the facts that they can’t?”
It’s true, unfortunately, as I think back to the many cases on my desk waiting for me. Cases that are keeping me from my pack and omega.
“You’re working towards civil rights, am I wrong?”
“Civil and human rights,” I mildly correct.
Mr. Alston sighs before putting a kind hand on my shoulder. “How many times have you noticed that their caseloads arebuilt by quantity and not quality? How many cases have you been forced to work on when you knew the defendant had no plausible case? They were just people suing others because their ego was bruised, not because any real crime happened. People who wasted your time and the firm’s time, but McMillan doesn’t care as long as there is a paycheck. You don’t seem like the kind of man who can stand for that.”
A part of me wants to be insulted, but I know it’s true. I went into law to make the world a better place, not to babysit adults having temper tantrums. I only put up with it because I know how important this internship is for both my pack’s and my future.
“I’d like you to come work for me.” He surprises me by handing over a small card with his firm’s information on the front. “No pressure, but just know this: if you consider it, there will be a lot of changes. Fewer hours, fewer cases. A schedule more fit for a student of your caliber, since you still have classes and assignments to do in your free time. There’s time for harder work; this is the only time you’ll get to fully focus on your studies while still getting some experience with an actual firm.”
The more my fingers clutch the card in my hand, the more it sounds too good to be true. Their firm is a literal dream, one that I reached out to months ago but never heard back from.
“Mr. Alston?” I call out to him as he begins to walk away. When he turns to look at me, I cool my features and ask, “Why are you pointing this out? What does it matter to you? Give me proof that this isn’t just another person in this cutthroat industry trying to somehow manipulate the college student looking for a way in.”
He smiles at that. “People like us, Sam, are always striving for greatness. I recognize it. You think being the best at something will show those who discarded you that they made a mistake.”
I slightly flinch at the assessment, my body freezing in place as he continues, “But I have news for you—no matter what you accomplish, the way you were treatedwasa mistake. You don’t have toprovethat it was. You’ll understand that one day. Just like I did.”
THIRTY-EIGHT
Playing: “Light’s Up” by Harry Styles
Kit’s tonguetastes like candy as it dances with mine. His entire body lies heavy on top of me, and his fingers entangle with as much hair on my head as they can. There’s a heat coiling deep down where our cocks grind against each other, and every movement makes me that much closer to blowing my load way too quickly.
His watermelon aroma sticks to my skin as he groans against my lips, and I find myself wanting to give him everything he could ever want.
I slow down, finding moments to breathe between intense pecks that help my body cool off. Kit smiles against my lips, taking the opportunity to nip me slightly with every other kiss.
“Go out with me tonight,” I huff out between kisses, and Kit pauses with a wide grin on his face.
“Like a date?” he asks, looking giddy at the prospect.
Still catching my breath, I hook my hand around his neckand into his hair. “Yes, like a date. Anywhere you want to go. Or I can pick, if you want.”
Kit’s eyes narrow playfully. “Anywhere?”
My teeth nip his cheek. He groans and his omega extends their neck for me. The sight of the unmarked flesh seeps into me. I want to bite him more than anything, but I know it’s not the time. So I just plant a few more kisses there, keeping our libido going as our conversation continues.
“Anywhere,” I whisper into his neck as I lick a stripe upwards and behind his ear. His pulse thumps against my tongue, and a hefty moan escapes him as my mouth touches the sensitive skin.
“Well,” he says, his mouth still agape. “There’s a new live action playing. About Amelia Earhart.”
“Those are teasing words.” I finally pull back and look him in the eyes. “That sounds perfect.”
