Page 198 of His Forsaken Alpha

“Tulla Berringer,” Avery replied. “The omega who sold me the drugs that allowed me to mask who I was. He ended up in prison alongside me—and he doesn’t belong there. Especially when the drugs he was selling are nowlegal. He was selling them to help offer omegas some freedom over their situation.”

“I fear you’re making Tulla into some hero he isn’t,” Tensen said. “He sold the drugs to make a profit. I don’t think there was any higher purpose.”

“Maybe. Maybe not,” Avery said. “He took a risk, either way, and had he not sold me those drugs and set me on this path, thousands upon thousands of omegas would still be legally classified as chattel. I’ve been called the catalyst, when in fact, itwas Tulla. Without him, none of this would be realized today and for that alone, he deserves a second chance. I won’t allow him to rot in prison while I walk free.”

Wynter eyed Avery, thinking out loud. “I know a lot of omegas at the country club. While I’m sure many of them will balk at the idea, especially as my situation is now changed, there might be one or two that could be swayed to help, as well. I have a couple in mind right now.”

“And what can your country club omegas do to help?” Rohan asked, lifting a brow.

“Well, one of the two I’m thinking about is mated to one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the province. His omega was a bit of a bohemian before they mated. He’s constantly doing charity work and raising vast sums to help the less fortunate. I’ve always assumed it was a way for him to counterbalance what his husband does. Clear his conscience while living in the lap of luxury. According to the gossip, his alpha has gotten some very rich, very shady men off on charges they were very likely guilty of.” Wynter sighed. “If I could convince them both to help, we could have a skilled fundraiseranda powerful attorney’s help to get Avery’s friend freed—and possibly more.”

“I don’t know if I’d call him a friend,” Avery said, cringing. “Tulla kind of hates me right now. He blames me for getting him locked up.”

“So is your help more from guilt or actually believing he should go free?” Wynter asked.

“Both?”Avery asked.

“Sounds like an appropriate enough answer to me,” Wynter responded with a smile. “Guilt is a powerful motivator. I knowthat better than most right now.” He glanced around the table. “What else can I do to help?”

“I think you’ve offered plenty to start,” Gray said.“Ifyou can manage to pull off what you say you can.”

“All I can do is try,” Wynter said.

Tensen closed his notebook and cleared up some paper. “Well, I hope you’re successful. We could definitely use some more support from the legal community as well as more money to help grease the wheels.” He rose. “I’ve got an appointment across town, so I need to get going.”

“Youarestill planning to work Tulla’s case, right?” Avery asked Tensen.

“I told you I would, and I will,” Tensen murmured. “I’ve got my best investigator pulling all he can find on Tulla’s past as we speak.”

“I’m sure he has a complicated history, but please don’t use that as an excuse not to help him now,” Avery said.

“I’m not,” Tensen said. “First, we need to know what the government might use against him in court so we can build a defense against it. I’ve also already learned that Tulla Berringer once went by the name AmantullaMontgomery.If it’s of the Montgomerys I think it might be, I want to know how he ended up where he was. A fall from grace? If so, his story might be more compelling than I assume it is—and that’s something we can use.”

“How?” Avery asked.

“We can feed it to the press,” Rohan said. “Spread the word. Have him tried in the court of public opinion before he everstands before a judge. If we can get the public behind him like it got behind you, it might help sway a judge’s ruling.”

“You two are so smart,” Avery said.

Tensen chuckled. “Some days are better than others.” He tipped his imaginary hat to those at the table. “We’ll talk soon. If I get any news before we meet again, I’ll call.”

“Thank you, Tensen,” Avery said.

The others said their goodbyes, as well, including Wynter.

“I’ll walk you out,” Rohan said, rising.

Once the pair were gone, Wynter turned to Gray and Avery. “This is amazing what you’re doing. Truly.”

Avery grinned, but Gray didn’t.

“Have I done something wrong?” Wynter asked Gray. “I only wanted to help.”

Gray pinched his nose and sighed. He turned his focus on Wynter. “I’m glad you want to help. I am… but this isserious.These omegas need our help. They didn’t grow up in the lap of luxury like you, and most don’t have anyone in their corner but us. I don’t need you making promises only to have your attention wane, and you drift off to the next passing fancy that piques your interest.”

Wynter blinked a few times.“Passing fancy?”He sighed. “I know I haven’t had time to rebuild your trust, but if anyone knows about omegas getting the raw end of the deal, it’s me. And I’m angry. I’m angry that Warden Jaymes did what he did to me, and I have no way to punish him for it. What do I do with that? Either I simmer in it and let it fester or I do somethingand maybe help men in a similar situation get the justice I never will.”

Gray sighed. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to be rude. It’s just…we’ve had others like you offer to help. That country club set of yours. When Avery and the ORM were headline news, omegas who had money and power showed up, making promises like yours. They made grand plans to fundraise and network… but when the excitement died after Avery’s release and there were no longer cameras pointed our way, those omegas were nowhere to be found and we were left emptyhanded. I don’t want to get our hopes up and have it happen all over again.”

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