Page 122 of Bonds of Fate

Antonio’s poker face has not budged one iota. He has no “tell” that Jay can see, and it’s obvious even to him why Henry wanted him in their corner of the courtroom. In the end, his logic wins out.

“Leo Costas. That is not funny.” The older alpha growls, and Jay’s hackles rise, too. It’s not Antonio’s place, and it hasn’t been in eight years.

Jay has had enough rude interactions tonight. All Jay ever asks is fucking politeness and respect in his conversations, so he lets some of his banked anger surface into his tone and, he is sure, his expression. “Antonio, Leo would never lie about Nix and never to you. When Nix transitioned to Were, he did so as an omega. We haven’t said anything before because until this morning, we were certain he was the only one, and you can understand how that would make him a target.”

“Omega.” Leo’s Dad is at a loss for words, and who can blame him? Every single person in Jay’s household is going through much the same response, in varying degrees, to the vast array of changes that loving Nix brings.

“Sir, I can confirm that, without a doubt, our mate is an omega. We wouldn’t lie about this.”

“I believed you the first time, Jay. Truly, I am just processing. Okay, that does change things then, doesn’t it? I assume Erin knew that the first day you visited the office? Yes, of course, she did. That’s what you were intent on protecting. I can see why. This will be big news.” He smiles, then. “Well, I, for one, am happy for all of you. Nix couldn’t join us tonight?”

Jay is grateful Nix isn’t present. Jay hasn’t had very good control over his emotions tonight, and he wouldn’t have wanted Nix exposed to Jason’s ignorance or the shit about Hayes. Plus, no one wants to get to know their father-in-law while discussing your torturer.

“Nix has had a very long day, and he is resting. He’s still recovering mentally and physically as well. He wanted us to thank you for helping him.” Finn slides his chair into view, and Jay is surprised that his voice is a bit sharp. Their puppy can always be relied upon to be respectful no matter the douchebag, but coming out in defense of Nix is clearly where he is drawing the line.

“We are family, Finn. Costas’s stand together.”

“Thank you, sir. Shall we conference in Erin?” Finn is quick to connect the other call.

Like her employer, Nix’s attorney is waiting, and her desk is visible on the screen, piled high with papers and books. It’s organized chaos, and Jay sees Finn’s eye twitch at the mess of books and papers strewn over the surface.

“Erin, thank you for staying late,” Finn says.

“Certainly, it is easier to secure the information and keep Nix’s confidentiality this way.” No one wants to drag the meeting out longer than necessary, so Erin takes charge. “I have confirmed from Nix that we can proceed with all the parties present.”

Jay appreciates it every time as a reminder of Nix’s consent at work, and it reveals how the lawyer is carrying some of the load with competence and sensitivity.

“I received information from Henry this afternoon, as he is acting on behalf of another interested party. Nix consented to this as well, and while I have not shared our strategies as Nix’s protection remains our top priority, he did have several thoughts I think will be helpful. Why don’t we go over the parts we will need the pack to complete, and then Mr. Costas and I can discuss the legal particulars further?”

That sounds ideal to Jay. If there are things he and the pack need to be doing to make this as safe as possible for Nix, then he wants them on his radar.

“Erin, I think the others will agree that once Nix’s omega status is made public through the courts, this could derail the trial.” Antonio makes an excellent point. It’s not surprising the more experienced lawyer has big-picture concerns. It’s frightening to think that someone’s secondary gender could be enough of a factor that it would affect the entire fucking legal process.

“Agreed, but I have spoken to Nix regarding historical Omega laws, and with your help and Henry’s advice, I think we can keep the ball in our court until we need to have the information out there.”

Nix’s omega secret is a “ball” in someone’s court as if it’s a game. He knows it’s a turn of phrase, but it’s scary. Games rely on chance, and Jay is not a fan of playing fast-and-loose with his beloved.

The acid in his stomach churns again, and he rubs it until Leo takes over with a small smile. But if there arethingsheneeds to do, then he will make sure with fucking certainty they are done correctly. “You mentioned the pack needs to do something to get things moving?”

“I did.” She shuffles a few papers around and then pulls out her tablet. “Henry suggests Nix files the basic registration certificate as omega. Normally, there are just boxes checked by parents, guardians, or sponsors.”

“Alpha or beta, right?” Leo asks.

“Exactly, but he’s suggesting you be truthful and just write ‘omega’ in and then drop it in the mail. Henry confirms that human-to-Were transitioned betas usually require accompanying medical documents. The added time it would take for a written request for clarification to reach you would also work to give us added time. Meanwhile, we will be working toward our goals concurrently.”

Finn looks uncertain. “Won’t the prosecution need a copy of his registration for the trial?”

“All that is required to commence proceedings is for us to confirm its submission—we will also indicate that the medical information has been delayed. We will have declared his transition with transparency. Finn, I’m going to stress that the prosecution isn’tlookingfor a transitioned omega. They are just dotting theiri’sand crossing theirt’s—they have their eye on the big prize.”

Jay is not new to the idea of giving people what they think they want, but are they willing to risk everything on this idea that the delay in the bureaucratic process will buy them the time they need and shield Nix from a pre-trial media circus?

Maybe five hours of sleep tonight will be a stretch.

“That sounds like we are leaving a lot about Nix’s safety to chance.”

Leo looks to his father, who has pulled up his tablet and begun taking notes. “Dad?”

“Trust us. I’ll have a better idea of the big picture after Erin and I talk. We will make sure we have covered our bases and have plans B through Z. Regardless of how we get there, I believeHenry is correct. They won’t notice Nix is omega until we make them notice.”

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