Page 64 of Omega's Fire

There are so many comparisons of alphas with predators. We take charge. We chase. Sometimes the comparisons are over thetop, but there’s an element of truth.

Right now, this alpha needs to be patient and wait. I keep telling myself there is nothing wrong with that, but it is so hard.

I need purpose. I need work. I need something to do with this restless energy that has me pacing my apartment like a caged animal. I’ve burned my bridges at the Bureau and at the university, but there are other bridges.

I head over to the kitchen, make myself a coffee and open up my laptop.

I’ve got a lot of unread emails. It’s time to start thinking about my future.

A Dr. Hoffman from the Coalition for Ethical Research, asking if I’d be interested in contributing to their upcoming symposium on consent in scientific matching.

I read the email twice, then respond immediately. Yes, I’m interested. Very interested.

There are more emails. Invitations to speak, to debate, to participate in panel discussions.

Word has gotten out that Nash Thorndike’s position has... evolved and the media loves that.

I accept every invitation. Op-ed requests from newspapers, radio interviews, academic conferences.

A week after Michelle’s call, I get an invitation that makes me pause. A televised panel discussion about the future of designation rights, hosted by David Glass on his prime-time show. The topic: “Can Compatibility and Choice Coexist?”

My first instinct is to decline. I was on Glass the day that my prime match notification come through and David Glass isn’t going to go easy on me. He’s going to pull out everything I said on that show and point out where I went wrong.

I accept anyway.

Leo

I’m sorting through baby clothes when the phone rings. Mom had them delivered yesterday. They’re soft organic cotton and impossibly tiny.

“Leo Torres,” I answer, setting aside a yellow sleeper with ducks on it.

“Mr. Torres? This is Jennifer Walsh from Point of Contention. David Glass would like to invite you on Thursday’s show to discuss your advocacy work and experiences with the Bureau’s matching system.”

I straighten in my chair, suddenly alert. David Glass. He’s one of the biggest talk show hosts in the country. It feels like a bolt of lightning.

I’ve been hiding in this house for weeks, and while I needed the rest, I’m starting to feel restless.

“What would the format be?” I ask, already mentally cataloging what still fits in my wardrobe.

“David would like to have an in-depth conversation with you about your case and where you see the omega rights movement heading,” she says. “He’s particularly interested in your perspective as someone who successfully challenged the system.”

“I’m interested,” I say, folding a tiny pair of socks with one hand. “What time Thursday?”

“We tape at four PM. If you could arrive by three for makeup and prep?”

“I’ll be there.”

After she sends the details, I hang up and stare at the pile of baby clothes.

I find Mom in the kitchen, making salad. She glances up as I enter.

“Good news?” she asks, noting my expression.

“David Glass wants me on Point of Contention Thursday,” I say, stealing a cherry tomato from her cutting board.

Mom sets down her knife, a smile spreading across her face. “That’s wonderful. It’s about time you started putting yourself back out there.”

“Think I’m ready?”

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