Revea
The day, surprisingly, goes smoothly. So well, I’m still waiting for it to go wrong as staff are leaving.
I’m still waiting as I stand by the revolving doors, preparing to step outside and finally face the crowd that only seems to have gotten larger.
“You don’t have to do this. We can go out the back,” Val murmurs from behind.
I shake my head. “No, I need to.”
“We’re here,” Sylvan adds, standing close enough for his hand to brush mine.
I keep my eyes locked on the crowd through the glass. After taking a deep breath, I step through the revolving doors.
The flashes are more erratic than this morning, but now with my glasses, at least they dull the intensity a little.
The crowd is held back by metal barriers, police, and Nexus security. No one is really shoving, but the noise is overwhelming.
I move to a marked-out spot and wait. Eventually, the lights and screaming lessen to something more tolerable.
“Good evening,” I begin.
Silence.
A few flashes, but no more screams.
“I’ll say a few words, and then I’ll take a couple of questions at the end.” I swallow, going over the speech I prepared with Lyana.
I’m used to this, speaking without notes from years of conventions, but never with an audience quite like this.
“These last few days have been incredibly challenging. For me, my family, my team. But I want to start by saying thank you. Thank you for the support, the messages, and…” I gesture to the crowd, smiling slightly. “…the pink placards.”
An excited scream erupts somewhere.
I take a steady breath before continuing.
“That day, I reacted on instinct. Someone I cared about was in danger, and I stepped in. I don’t believe violence should ever be the first answer, but I will always protect the people around me.”
I straighten.
“I’m grateful the attacker was brought to justice, and I want to thank the police, as well as my security team, for helping ensure everyone’s safety since.”
My gaze sweeps the crowd.
“Let this be a reminder that omegas are capable of far more than the world expects.” I pause. “I’m not a hero, a vigilante, or a symbol. I’m a woman, a daughter, a business owner, and an omega. That’s it. Thank you, I’ll now take some questions.”
An uproar of sound commences. I find myself stepping back into the warmth and strength of two alphas who don’t move an inch.
I fix my sight on the closest person and point.
“Maria Johnson, ADC. You pride yourself on being an independent omega running her own business. Does that independence extend to your relationship status?”
I frown. “My relationships have nothing to do with my business—”
“So youdohave a relationship?”
I’m not able to respond as another reporter jumps in. “Pack Arden, CEOs of the Arlton Empire, have recently shared their interest in finding an omega for their pack. Sources say a representative has reached out, but you’re yet to respond. Is that true?”
I scowl. “Questions about my business, or nothing at all.”
