Chapter 13 Pack Lead
Pack Lead
Oscar
Imarch myself to the Institute the next day. Everything is taking way too long and going oh so wrong.
We’ve been in this city for months, and we are only inching closer to our goals.
I knew Locke and Kol were manipulating me into the decision to leave Salt Port, but they presented a great case.
First, Locke’s troubles with Legs O’Bannon.
Then Kol’s medical problem can only be solved with an omega.
All three of our problems can be solved with an omega, and we were blacklisted in Salt Port.
It wasn’t Kol’s fault for getting us blacklisted, or for even getting us into this mess, despite it being a direct result of his actions.
While we were at the O’Bannon packhouse, Kol took a shine to Locke.
I could feel his desire in the bond for him.
Not a sexual desire, they’ve never been that way with each other, but the kind alphas have for their packmates.
Kol bit Locke, suddenly, and without warning, in front of everyone, with a bonding mark.
The women screamed. I tried to pull them apart, and Legs O’Bannon was angry enough I thought he’d execute us right then and there.
I dug us out of that mess with a bargain.
Which is why this is so important. It’s important for them and for me to get an omega.
I’ve spent the last twelve years working towards my PHD. I have a fully completed residency, but I can’t get hired as an unbonded alpha. My three-alpha pack doesn’t count when you are an OB-GYN, specializing in omega births. Even if I’m damned good at what I do.
I’m trying to get a research position, and even then, I’ve been turned down time and time again because of administrative bullshit.
My omega patients never minded.
My residency proved that.
But my designation makes it impossible for me to do my work.
I’m not complaining. The only complaint is that I thought that by now we would have an omega, so it wouldn’t be a problem. I’ve been specifically told by two major hospitals to apply again when I have a bonded omega.
I walk into the building holding my gift in front of me like the offering it is. Angeline greets me, despite me arriving unannounced. She takes me up to the meeting room near her office.
“Alpha Soto, what can I help you with?” She asks cheerily.
“I’m here to ask you to give this courting gift to Acadia. On behalf of the Soto Pack.”
She gets a weird look on her face. She’s going to say no.
I slide the blue box across the table to her anyway. Inside is a silver chain necklace with a pendant. Lilac blossoms are cast on the polished silver pendant.
“We are in the process of courting a beta. We hope to have him bonded soon. I don’t want the natural timeline of these things to ruin our chances at making our intentions known to the omega.”
I can’t tell her we think she’s a scent match in case she accuses us of lying to get to the omega. They will remove us from the whole Institute if we make a claim like that just to see the omega.
But I’m hoping the little lilac blossoms will communicate to Acadia that she’s special to us.
“I’ll see what I can do. But this is highly irregular. If she did end up getting this, most likely I wouldn’t be able to tell her who sent it unless she chose your file.”
I nod in understanding. Though I’m pissed.
We’ve been paying monthly for access to the Institute. Not to mention the exuberant application fees. It feels like we are constantly getting the runaround. And the worst part is, Cash City has the best placement center in the country, so this is the best they can offer.
I remind her again I’d like Acadia to receive this right away. That it’s important.
“I understand, Alpha Soto. I do.”
And since I’m here and have her at my use, I ask, “And do you know why our girl wants a pack with a beta? It may help us with our process.”
She bites her lip.
“You know I shouldn’t be talking about this, but to be honest with you, no, we do not.
She is very serious about it. I meet with her today, and then again next Wednesday.
I’d like to get your name to her by then.
Is that something you can do?” She’s whispering and leaning close to me. Like she’s telling me a secret.
“You’ll give her the gift today?”
She sighs, but nods her head.
“Then I’ll have a beta by Wednesday. It’s done. I appreciate your hard work and dedication you have to the placements you handle, Miss Angeline.”
She doesn’t seem to enjoy my compliment when I am asking her to go against her company’s policy.
She doesn’t offer her hand, and neither do I.
She walks me out, and I make sure she has the box in her hands.