Half of me screams that it’s a terrible idea. I know I’m already on edge, and with a potential breakthrough heat this close, being around him is the sort of bad idea that makes people into my clients. But my omega is closer to the surface than ever after the events of the weekend, so before I fully realize what I’m doing, I’m having Tony take me downtown.
The whole ride over, I think about how scared Katie is. How it’s only been a matter of luck that I’m not in the exact same position. She just wanted to go to college and walk across campus without worrying about an alpha losing control around her, and to study something she can’t find at the omega academy
By the time I climb out of my car, I’ve moved past furious and into nuclear territory. And Mark is about to catch every bit of it, even the parts he doesn’t deserve. I’d feel bad, but he brought it on himself with that ridiculous plea offer, and if I’m honest, because my feelings are hurt that he hasn’t reached out to have our talk.
I stomp into the building, pausing briefly as I wonder which night guard is on duty. I hope it’s Henry; I like him. He’s an older, bonded alpha reaching retirement age, and looking forward to being at home every day with his omega and their slew of grandchildren.
Frank, on the other hand, is unbonded and makes me feel like he’s watching me no matter how much scent neutralizer I have on. I can’t tellif he just has an overly sensitive nose or if he’s a little bit rapey. Either way, I avoid him whenever possible.
Luckily, I spot Henry’s balding head leaned over a magazine. He lifts his eyes as I approach, and they crinkle around the edges as he smiles at me. “Well, well, Ms. Ava. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
I grin back. “Oh, you know—need to give the DA a piece of my mind. Is Mr. Taylor in?”
He sighs and leans back in his chair. “You know he is. You two are a pair of workaholics. It’s not good to go nonstop like you do.”
I duck my head and spread my hands, conceding his point. “I know, but that’s just the name of the game, I’m afraid.”
He hits the button to unlock the security door and waves me forward. “Now, listen,” he says seriously, “I know you might get real tempted to kill him in whatever battle you’re about to have, because there’s no one else on the floor up there. But I’m really close to retirement, and I’m gonna ask you to refrain, as a favor.”
I step through with a laugh and reach across the desk to pat his hand. “Tell you what, if I can’t, I’ll personally pay enough to make sure you and Grace can live out your days somewhere sunny instead of dealing with any headache from little ole me. But I promise to behave.”
He smirks and motions for me to go upstairs.
I’m annoyed that Henry made me laugh and lost me some of my righteous anger, so I spend the elevator ride deliberately digging up thoughts that make me furious.
Immature? Definitely. Do I care? Not even a little. The need to see Mark is thrumming through me. If I walk in angry, I’m in control, and I won’t risk doing something reckless, like climbing in his lap and asking if I can have his shirt.
This morning, I realized the UCLA sweatshirt has completely lost his scent. I had to throw it in the wash, and until I can sneak something else out of his laundry hamper, I’ve got nothing to wear that smells like him. The smaller forgotten items I’ve stolen over the last few months—forgotten ties, mainly—line my nest like trophies.
Being an omega is so strange sometimes, I swear.
A thought intrudes, a reminder that if we end up having the talk, I won’t have access to him or his scent anymore. I shove it away because it makes my heart ache, and I’m focused on being angry right now.
My heels click on the tile floor, echoing down the empty hallway as I exit the elevator, and I frown at the sound. I’m not giving him a heads up that I’m coming so has time to prepare. Absolutely not. I slip them off and carry them as I pad silently down toward Mark’s office, only putting them back on before I open the door. I need the extra height for the boost in confidence.
I swing the door open, relishing the look of surprise, desire, and annoyance that flashes across his face before he shuts it down.
He sighs, throwing down his pen. “The plea offer, I suppose,” he deadpans.
“You’re goddamned right, the plea offer. If you can even call it that,” I say, closing the door behind me.
He leans back in his chair, steepling his fingers and looking at me with exasperation. His hair is rumpled, like he’s been running his hands through it while he works. His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, and his tie is tugged loose. It’s so unfair how sexy I find him. My omega wants to pull that tie off the rest of the way and offer my wrists to be tied up with it. Or maybe tie him up with it. I’m flexible.
Shit. Focus, Ava. This isn’t what we came here for.
Isn’t it, though?I can practically hear her croon in my mind.
“You know that’s a bullshit offer,” I say. “I have this case in the bag. Class E felony with a year attached? Even if you won, which you won’t, the judge isn’t going to hand down that sentencing. She’s a teenager with no record. Does the mayor have your balls in that tight of a vise?”
“Yeah, Ava, he does,” he snaps. I nearly grin in triumph. Good, he’s going to take the bait and fight with me. I need to let some pressure off. “Some of us aren’t trust fund babies with cushy partner positions. We have to worry about things like budgets.”
“Oh, don’t you dare,” I fire back. “Do not imply I didn’t earn every inch of what I have. I work just as hard as you do. Harder, actually, since I do it in heels and with the,” I clutch my chest dramatically, “sheer audacityto have a vagina in this profession.”
“Ah, yes,”he says dryly. “Definitely the vagina that pisses everyone off about you,” he says. “It’s definitely not,” he makes a wide, sweeping gesture with his hands and rolls his eyes, “this. You get what you want because you bully the shit out of everyone and everything, then retreat to your penthouse to decide your next attack.”
I scoff. “Right. I’m definitely the only bully in this room. You knew that deal was garbage, Mark. And you knew how I’d react.”
He opens his mouth, ready to snap back, then stops. Takes a breath and closes his eyes. “You’re right.”
