22. Callisto
Chapter twenty-two
Callisto
I stare at my Jacob however more frequently they describe it as a ‘gut feeling’ or protective instinct, a phenomenon equally as mystical as the pack bond.
Betas do not display either facet of a scent match, although in a few rare cases betas have described the sensation of discovering an overwhelmingly attractive scent. However, ninety percent of these cases go on to switch to omega designation within the following twenty-four months.
I close the article and tap my phone against my chin. As much as I want to deny it, I did feel something when I looked up into Red’s eyes. But why does our society put so much stock in a concept even science can’t explain? Apparently scent matches are wired for each other, but how and why? The evidence isn’t concrete. Can I upend my whole life for something that might be a myth?
I’m not the type of person to regret things, but an uncomfortable pang in my stomach says I might miss out on something special. The feeling simmers down as I head back into the courtroom in time for the judge’s verdict, catching my ninety-second win.
It can’t hurt to ring Rickon and just check on him, right? I did tell the woman I’d call to confirm she found him. Probably should have gotten her phone number.
If only I weren’t so distracted.
After congratulating my client and collecting my things, I hit Ricky’s name in my favorite contacts. A strange, buzzing sensation rises in my throat as the line rings and rings, and then clicks over to voicemail. I disconnect quickly. No one’s got time to wait around for recorded messages.
He made it to the cafe, didn’t he? What if the omega got left there alone, sitting by herself?
The phone buzzes in my palm and I glance down to see Hale’s name. “Hale, how’s things?”
“I’m calling to see if you’ve finished in court? If not, I’ll push back your meeting with Lyle and Quinton.”
“No, I just finished. What time’s our meeting?”
“In an hour.”
“Right, I—” I pause at the top of the courthouse stairs. Last chance. I could tell him to reschedule and have time to chase after Rickon and Red. Maybe I could make things right with the stunning omega, tap into some of that dopamine and longevity. Pack up.
Lose myself.
Hale catches my attention. “Hey, since you’re coming in, can you bring me a chicken and salad wrap? I haven’t eaten yet today.”
His voice flips a switch in my head, smothering that unfamiliar yearning for an omega. This is what we lawyers do. We chase our goals ruthlessly. We neglect to eat, neglect to sleep, but never lose sight of our target to bring justice. Without people like me, the world would descend into lawless chaos.
“Sure, Hale. Be there in ten.”
It’s my first meeting with the two men assigned to help with the omega cases, so I can’t appear unprofessional. We have to be on the same page for the pre-hearings.
Besides, I promised my dad I’d make partner and nothing else takes precedence. Not even a wild omega.