Why hadn’tanygrocery store thought of that?
I must’ve said the words out loud because she says flatly, “Because alphas run our society, what does it matter to them if we are harassed?”
“I’ve always thought we had a very omega-centered society, as we should. Heats are a top priority,” I point out, clearly incorrectly, judging by her scowl.
“Our society centers around an alpha’s pleasure. All major companies are run by alphas, and there’s tax breaks for packs, which are formed to give alphas a better chance to court an omega. We’re forced to rely on alphas who can’t think past their own dicks half the time. Omegas are treated like afterthoughts unless we’re doing somethingforalphas.”
I contemplate asking for her to elaborate, but think better of it, and let her continue without interruption.
“The nine days of legally required heat leave is only because it’s for alphas to enjoy, not for an omega’s well-being. Companies could protect and cater towards omegas, but they don’t. It’s why medically supervised heats aren’t covered by insurance, so we have to use alphas or pay thousands of dollars out of pocket. We’ve been asking for omega-only rows on airplanes for years, so why hasn’t that happened? Oh yeah, because that would limit alpha access to us. Most omegas are rich, so we fly business or first class. Who is also the majorityon that side of the airplane? Alphas! I can give you a laundry list of ways our designation society claims to prioritize omegas, but it doesn’t really want to limit alpha access to us, so I’m not holding my breath.”
Fuck.
She’s right. Beyond right. Of course, we haven’t noticed, because we’re the ones benefiting from it.
My company needs her. “Would you like a job?”
She laughs. “Well, considering my job was fucking the three of you, and I can’t be a sugar baby anymore, probably. What would it be?”
“Omega consultant for Nourish LLC. We’ve clearly missed the mark in multiple ways, and I would like to rectify that. Nourish is a Fortune 500 company. If we announce we’re making progress towards actually catering to omegas, other companies would follow suit. An omega consultant could one day be a mandatory position for all companies to have.”
She appears genuinely excited and it only builds on my hope she’ll accept. This could change parts of our society forever, but her face falls and my stomach plummets.
“It’s a great idea. Your company should absolutely have it, every company should. Not just for omegas but beta women, too, and other marginalized communities. I’m not sure that’s the job for me, though.”
“Why not?”
She looks down at her plate, and I know the answer. Because if she walks away, she wouldn’t be able to take the job.
“Madeline, this offer stands whether or not I ever see you again.” Saying it is like knives in my throat, but I don’t want her to be uneasy that she will have to encounter me at every staff meeting. Even though I would consider myself a lucky man for a glimpse of her at work after this. “You could workexclusively with Alexia, Nourish’s chief operating officer. You wouldn’t report to me.”
She gives me a soft smile. “I’ll think about it, but I’ll write down all my ideas, okay?”
I nod quickly. That’s a start.
Dinner is nearly over when Madeline’s phone pings. She glances at it, her expression darkening, and she aggressively hits a few buttons before placing it face down.
Zach and I glance at each other. “Is everything alright?”
“Yeah, just peachy.” She stares at her plate.
That’s certainly a lie.
“Is everything okay with Bellini?” Hunter asks, trying to coax out whatever has upset her.
She softens at the reference to her cat. “She’s fine. I miss her, though.”
“I miss Dreamsicle, too,” Zachary muses.
Thunder roars above us, startling Madi enough that she knocks over her water. I jump up, grabbing a towel from the kitchen and striding over to her side to clean up.
“I’m s?—”
I slide my eyes towards hers.
She cuts off her sentence and instead says, “Thank you.”
“Good girl,” I whisper, delighted when she blushes.
