Chapter 11 #4
We spent the next thirty minutes answering questions from chat, about how we met, about the pack bond formation, about our professional protocols, about everything. The questions were mostly supportive, curious, genuine.
Yes, there were some negative comments. Some people questioning our ethics. Some suggesting this would end badly. Some omega-phobic remarks that Dex banned immediately.
But overwhelmingly? Support. Understanding. Celebration.
"We're going to wrap up soon," Lucas said eventually.
"But before we do, I want to say something.
" He looked at me, and through the bond I felt his love and pride.
"Michelle is the bravest person I know. She's spent years fighting for omega representation in this industry.
Building a company that proves omegas can be objective, professional, successful.
And now she's fighting the next battle, proving that pack bonds don't negate any of that. That you can be both."
He turned to the camera. "So if you take anything from this stream, take this, Michelle is brilliant. She's professional. She's ethical. And she's my manager and my omega and I'm lucky to have her in both roles. Anyone who questions that doesn't understand what real professionalism looks like."
My eyes were definitely tearing up now.
CozyFan22: LUCAS I'M CRYING
HolidayVibes: HE LOVES HER SO MUCH
RegularViewer: this is the most wholesome thing I've ever seen
CalliesCrossed: PROUD OF YOU BOTH
"Thank you all for being here," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
"For listening. For your questions. For your support.
This is scary and new and we're figuring it out as we go.
But we're committed to doing it right, with transparency and ethics and professionalism.
Thank you for being part of our community. "
"Cozy Crew for life," Lucas added, squeezing my hand. "We'll see you all at the regular stream time tomorrow. Thank you."
"Ending in three... two... one..." Dex counted down.
The cameras shut off.
And I completely fell apart.
Lucas pulled me into his arms and I sobbed into his shoulder, all the fear, the stress, the adrenaline of the last five hours pouring out at once.
"You did it," Lucas murmured into my hair. "You were perfect. So brave. So professional. So absolutely amazing."
Through the bond, I felt Ro and Dex joining us, surrounding me with their presence.
"The chat response was overwhelmingly positive," Ro said. "Ninety-two percent positive sentiment based on my quick analysis. Callie's comments helped tremendously. Several other creators came in to support you."
"Your phone's going to explode with messages," Dex added. "But Michelle, you did it. You controlled the narrative. You showed the industry what professional transparency looks like."
I pulled back, wiping my eyes. "The ethics committee—"
"Already sent an email," Dex said, showing me his phone. "They were watching the stream."
My heart stopped. "What did it say?"
He handed me the phone. I read:
Ms. Rodriguez,
We were among the viewers of your announcement stream this evening. We appreciate your transparency and your proactive approach to addressing potential conflicts of interest.
After review of your stated protocols and your professional history, we find that you have adequately addressed our concerns regarding professional ethics and conflict of interest. We are closing the preliminary inquiry.
Your commitment to transparency and professional standards is commendable. Thank you for setting a positive example for the industry.
Sincerely,
Ethics Committee, Creator Management Alliance
I read it three times, not quite believing it.
"They closed the inquiry," I whispered. "They said we set a positive example."
"Because you did," Lucas said. "Michelle, you just changed the industry. You proved that pack bonds and professional management can coexist. You made it easier for every omega manager who comes after you."
"We need to tell Matthew Malone to go to hell," Dex said with satisfaction.
My phone started buzzing and didn't stop. Messages flooded in:
Client texts: "That took guts. Respect."
Industry colleagues: "Well played, Rodriguez."
Other managers: "Thank you for being transparent. This helps all of us."
Callie: "YOU WERE PERFECT. I'm so proud of you. Call me tomorrow. "
And then, one from Matthew Malone:
You got ahead of me. Well played. But this isn't over.
I showed it to my pack.
"Let him try," Dex said flatly. "You beat him once. You'll beat him again."
"We'll beat him again," Ro corrected. "Together."
"As pack," Lucas finished, pulling me back into his arms.
Through the bond, I felt their emotions: pride, love, relief, determination.
We'd done it.
We'd gone public, controlled the narrative, gotten ahead of the scandal.
We'd proven that I wouldn’t back down.
And most importantly, we'd proven that pack and profession could coexist with transparency and ethics.
"I need to sit down," I said. "And maybe eat something. And possibly pass out from adrenaline crash."
"All of that sounds reasonable," Lucas said, guiding me to the couch. "Janet's already making celebration dinner. Bill's breaking out the good wine. Maya's composing what she's calling 'an epic Twitter thread' about your bravery."
"Oh god."
"Your family's very proud of you," Ro said, smiling. "As they should be."
Janet appeared in the doorway right on cue. "Michelle, mija, you were magnificent. Absolutely magnificent. I'm so proud of you I could burst." She pulled me into a hug. "You changed the industry tonight. You know that, right?"
"I was terrified," I admitted into her shoulder.
"And you did it anyway. That's my girl." She pulled back, cupping my face. "Your father would be so proud. You stood up for what you believe in. You fought for your pack. You refused to let fear win."
The tears started again.
"Mom—"
"No crying until after dinner. I made your favorite, Bill's doing the tamales. You need to eat, then you can have your emotional breakdown." She smiled. "Pack takes care of pack. That includes feeding you."
She left to finish dinner preparations, and I looked at my three alphas.
"Did we really just do that?" I asked.
"We really just did that," Lucas confirmed.
"And we won," Ro added.
"Together," Dex finished.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges. But tonight, we'd proven something important pack made me stronger, not weaker.
That was everything.