Dash eyed the Lachlins, who waved to him before ushering Jaye into the back of a waiting car. He turned back to Meade. “You can’t out Jaye just for a cause.”
“Everyone’s going to assume once they learn he’s been returned,” Meade said. “Most people have put two and two together at this point and realize which alphas were targeted by Crenshaw.”
“Assumption and fact are two different things.”
Meade eyed him. “How about this? I’ll write up a little puff piece and not use the pictures we just took—ifyougive me the interview I’ve been begging for.”
Dash rolled his eyes.
“Come on, Dashiell. The province wants to know your story in depth. The first registered alpha-omega. The man who just might push the legality of alpha-alpha relationships onto the ballot in a few months.”
Dash hedged. He’d already had enough publicity after their case was broadcast—and he’d had reporters camped outside his house for a month. He didn’t want more noise, not when it was finally quieting.Especiallywhen he’d soon show and there’d likely be another uproar to come.
“Dash, I get it. It’s a lot for one man to take on. You’re the face of alpha-alpha relationships by no choice of your own—but have you considered the lives you might save by speaking out? Could you sway people to vote yes to allow other men like you and Emerson to be free to love one another in the daylight, too? And what about other potential hybrids?”
“Others?Do you know of any?”
“Yeah,” Meade said. “I’ve had a couple here in the province and a few outside it reach out to me, but they’re hesitant to come forward. Maybe you could encourage them with this interview. Let me humanize you for the masses and make them see you’re just like everyone else.”
Dash considered Meade’s request a moment. “I’d have conditions.”
“Like?”
“I won’t speak about the case against Crenshaw. Or the missing alphas. It’s ongoing and I won’t jeopardize our momentum.”
“Agreed,” Meade said. “I want them home as much as you do. And I respect you for all you’ve already done. I won’t impact that investigation.”
“And Emerson is off the table.”
“Oh,come on,”Meade said. “You’re a package deal! I have to interview him, too.”
“Onlyif he completely agrees and even then,limited access.”
“Overprotective much?” Meade asked. “You really are a dominant, aren’t you? I don’t see a smidge of omega.” He tapped Dash’s belly. “Oh, wait,thereit is.”
Dash’s eyes widened.
“Emerson’s a big boy. I bet his babies will be, too. Either you need to hide it better or lock yourself inside for the next however many months.”
Dash growled lowly.
“The interview would be a great way to let the world knowan alphais pregnant.”
Dash scoffed. “No.”
“They’re going to figure it out sooner or later. Why not control the message?” Meade asked. “It might help sway voters, too. Especially if I can also tempt the other hybrids into coming out into the light.”
“How wouldthatsway voters to an amendment that, I’ll add, hasn’t even been approved for the ballot yet?”
“If people see that two alphas have produced a child, they might be more willing to vote yes to decriminalize alpha-alpha attraction. If we can verify you’re not the only one—that means there are more alphas out there capable of having children.”
“I’m not exactly alpha, now am I? Neither are any other hybrids.”
“You were classified that once as they are now. And what if there are even more like you than we realize. I only know of the ones who’ve reached out. Your interview might bring more out of the woodwork for all we know.”
“A lot of ifs.”
Meade shrugged. “We’re in a world of possibilities these days. Betas becoming omegas. Alpha hybrids who can havebabies. It’s a wild, wild world and whoknowswhat happens next, Dash.”
