2. Kestrel
2
KESTREL
O nce Franky and James are gone, I slouch back in my chair and sigh.
Defeated and tired, I rub soothing circles over my stomach.
How the hell am I going to win this?
If I lived in almost any other country, I’d have a better shot, but the laws in Arkadia lean heavily toward the alpha as always being right.
A soft knock at my office door makes me sit up straight.
“Come in.”
The door opens slowly.
I expect to see Rosy or one of my other co-workers, but my mouth falls open when I see James instead.
The first two buttons of his shirt are unbuttoned and no longer tucked into his pants.
His hair is a little messy, as if he’s been running his fingers through it in frustration.
Even though his appearance is a little more casual, he’s still put together.
Honestly, I never realized just how handsome the older man is until now.
Too bad my mind is consumed with thoughts of another good-looking alpha.
An image of my favorite customer, Brooks, giving me one of his heart-stopping smiles, comes to mind.
As soon as I realize what I’m doing, I push the silly daydream out of my head.
“Mind if I come in?”
“Of course. Please, have a seat.” I stand up and rush to my mini fridge in the corner.
I pour him a glass of cool water and place it on the table in front of him.
James gives me a gentle smile before taking a sip.
“How can I help you?”
James studies me for a moment.
It’s almost as if his gaze is all-knowing.
After a few moments, I cross my legs and nervously start shaking my foot.
He lets out a sigh and fishes a white envelope out of his jacket.
“I like you, Kestrel. You remind me of my daughter.”
My shoulders relax at the admission.
I had a feeling I did, but it’s nice to hear him say it out loud.
Maybe he won’t screw me over, even though he’s still technically Franky’s lawyer.
“I think I have a solution for you.” He slides the envelope across my desk until it’s right in front of me.
For some reason, my pulse picks up.
Opening the envelope, I pull out a letter and unfold it.
Reading the document, my eyes grow wider and wider, and once I’m done, I glance over at James in astonishment.
“Is this real?”
James nods.
“Let’s just say it’s a passion project I’m involved with.”
It sounds too good to be true, is what it is.
“Let me get this straight: you’re inviting me to join a group of omegas who are willing to marry a wealthy single alpha? And in exchange, I must be prepared to get pregnant?” Well, no issue there.
The job’s already half done.
James nods again.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for omegas in Arkadia. All these alphas are good men and understand that the omegas in this country don’t have many rights. They want to help. In exchange, they will be provided with an heir.”
I narrow my eyes.
“And what’s wrong with these alphas? Why can’t they find a spouse for themselves? Are they all unattractive? Too old?”
James barks out a laugh at that, but I continue.
“You said they’re good, but I really don’t know what that means. Not to mention, this all sounds just too good to be true. Too convenient.”
Maybe I’m being extra paranoid, but after everything Franky put me through, I have to be cautious.
“They’re all paranormal,” he says simply, studying me for any type of reaction.
My heart pounds.
Paranormal .
“Okay,” I draw out.
“And what? The world already knows paranormal beings exist. Why would that matter?” I purse my lips, trying to act cool.
I never actually met a paranormal being, and quite honestly, some of them sound scary as hell.
“If they’re strong alphas with money, surely they can get an omega to marry them.”
“I think you misunderstand me.” James leans forward in his seat, drawing me in.
“These alphas don’t have any issues finding someone to marry them. They aim to assist omegas harmed by this country’s discriminatory laws. Their aid is directed toward omegas such as yourself who require assistance. If an alpha selects you, expect protection, financial support, comfortable housing, and the freedom to work if desired.”
I shake my head, making one final attempt at self-reasoning.
“And what’s the catch? Do I have to give up my baby once this is over? Because that isn’t happening.” That’s one line I would never cross.
James’ eyes sparkle, and I get the feeling he’s happy I didn’t just roll over and beg to sign up.
I feel like I passed some silent test as he nods at me approvingly.
“No catch, Kestrel. I promise, all these alphas are my friends. My family. They’re doing it for a good cause, and each of them has their reasons. There will be things like prenups and contracts involved to protect both parties. But ideally, you’d meet the alpha of your dreams, fall in love, and live happily ever after?—”
I scoff.
“And worst-case scenario,” he continues, “if you are chosen by one of the alphas, then you’ll have protection for yourself and your little one. Like I said, just be willing to provide your alpha with an heir.”
I already know I’m going to say yes.
Honestly, I wasn’t that hard of a sell.
Not when it’s the only option I have to live a real life.
I just pray my faith in the alpha in front of me won’t come back to bite me in the butt.
“Okay,” I nod.
“Sign me up.”