Chapter 59
TY
Liza’s sudden movement to the front of the room caught everyone’s attention. The determination etched on her face was unmistakable, leaving me curious and a bit apprehensive about what the hell she was going to say.
Liza had surprised me at every turn since we’d met.
Just when I started to think I really understood her personality, her moods, and the way her mind worked, something new got thrown in the mix and she’d step up to find a solution or a workaround.
She never threw in the towel or left the decision to others.
She’d always been an independent woman, speaking her mind and following through with what she felt was right. Now, as she stood in front of Dad, our families, and Nico, I could tell she had chosen to take a stand, and it scared the ever-living shit out of me.
“I’ve made up my mind,” she began, her voice unwavering.
“I want to make a statement addressing the truth about what I am… about being an omega.” Her icy blue eyes scanned the room.
“We need to take the power out of Castro’s hands.
He wants us scrambling around like chickens with our heads cut off, and we’ve been doing exactly that.
What better way to remove his power than me coming clean publicly?
Plus, if I’m being honest with you all, I don’t want to have to hide forever.
I’ve spent my whole life pretending to be something I’m not, as if being an omega was something to be ashamed of. It’s time to reveal the truth.”
My heart pounded in my chest as I considered her words.
When did Liza become so brave? She was willing to speak out about being an omega, revealing her identity to strangers and friends alike.
Once she did that, there would be no going back…
but she was right. Castro only had power because of the information he carried.
If she told the truth, his power would no longer exist.
He’d lose his grip on Liza, our pack, and wouldn’t be able to manipulate us into playing his sick games any longer.
“Are you sure about this, Liza?” I asked.
“Absolutely,” she replied, her gaze never leaving mine. “It’s time for me to own who I am and not let anyone else control my life.”
Dad nodded in support but kept quiet.
I tried not to think about the repercussions of Liza announcing her true identity to the world, but my wolf paced inside me, anxious about the potential danger that could come from Liza’s revelation.
“Think about it,” she continued. “Once the truth is out there, Castro loses his power over us. We can focus on what truly matters: protecting our pack and building a stronger future.” She gestured toward the TV.
“Even though the video was edited, I still exist, and I had to come from somewhere. People aren’t going to let that die. ”
Dad nodded. “I agree with you on that.”
I laced my fingers together so tightly I was losing feeling in the digits.
There was undeniable truth in what she said, and it struck a deep chord in my being.
But amid her bravery, a lingering fear crept in and gnawed at my consciousness.
I worried that her boldness would put a bigger target on her back.
My protective instincts surged, overwhelming my senses and compelling me to shield her from harm. She was my fated mate. Wasn’t it my job to protect her even when she was determined to speak out?
“Liza, I understand your point, but I worry about the backlash. We don’t know how Castro or other members of the pack will react, and I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to you.”
She stepped closer to me and put her hand on my arm.
“Ty, I appreciate your concern, but I need to do this—for myself and for the pack. I’ve spent my whole life feeling different and trying to fit in.
It was always a struggle as a child, but even now, as an adult, I stick out like a sore thumb.
I’m a fucking arctic wolf among black and brown wolves.
” She closed her eyes, and a breath hissed out from between her teeth.
“I think a statement from me would carry more weight than Dominic speaking alone.”
I looked at Dad, who shifted in his seat. “What exactly do you want to say, Liza?”
She sat back down next to me and crossed her legs, her foot shaking up and down, obviously anxious. I was proud of her, though, because she was determined to make this happen.
“I thought maybe you all could help me with that part.” She smiled weakly and turned to face Dad. “Do you have someone who helps you write these sorts of things?”
“Absolutely.” Dad picked up the phone and called his personal assistant to arrange to have Keller Enterprises’ press coordinator join us in the office immediately.
Within minutes, she showed up, laptop in hand, ready to write. “For those that haven’t met her, this is Barb. She’s been waiting in the wings, knowing I’ll be making my announcement this evening.”
Barb smiled. “Nice to meet you all.”
Dad gestured in Liza’s direction. “This is Liza Mims. She’ll be making a statement as well. It’ll be a tricky one because we’ll need to bend the truth, but you’re used to that, aren’t you, Barb?”
I felt Liza relax slightly. My dad had just told her in so many words that Barb could be trusted.
Barb laughed softly. “That’s kind of my job, Mr. Keller. What’s the main topic of Liza’s announcement?”
Dad cleared his throat. “She’ll be announcing her identity as the rumored omega.”
“Oh.” Barb shifted her weight and glanced nervously in Liza’s direction.
“We need to let the public see that she’s still the same Liza they’ve known since she was adopted into our pack when she was only four years old.
” Dad winked at Liza to lighten the mood.
“Think you can handle that?” Barb nodded as Dad turned his attention back to Liza.
“You’re leading this meeting, Liza. Tell us what you have in mind. ”
She sighed. “Honestly, I think I should tell the truth about what I am, but also allow people to see that I’ve been a productive member of the Keller pack all these years.
I’ll introduce myself, remind them of my parents, and talk to them about my catering business and all of the people who have trusted me to cook for their families. ”
My mate had clearly put a lot of thought into this.
“Everyone’s always thought omegas to be mythical creatures, so it would be a good thing for them to put my face with the title. That way, they can see that I’m harmless, and it will take away their fear and reservations about something new and different they don’t quite understand.”
Brilliant. My mate was a fucking genius.
Dad smiled. “That sounds like a great start to me.” He turned to Barb. “Did you get all that?”
She nodded as she typed quickly, trying to keep up with Liza’s fast pace.
“I’m not finished. I have another idea I’d like to run past you.
” Liza paused and glanced back at me. “What if we flip the script, so to speak? If I focus on Castro and what a horrific person he is, outlining all the grief he’s put me and your family through, the general public will see that he’s the one who needs to be focused on.
We can even show a picture of him on the screen, and ask them for their help in finding the man responsible for planting a bomb in the bell tower and nearly detonating it, without caring who was hurt. ”
We all gave our input but allowed Liza to lead the discussion.
She knew exactly the kind of outcome she wanted from her press release and also had a decent idea of how to get there.
Three hours quickly passed as we discussed her coming out, and her version of how she came to be a part of the Keller pack.
Liza would include the truth of her pack’s existence, but with a fabricated story of how they came to an untimely end.
When the decision was made to lie about how every member of the Wylde pack had died, I growled. “I hate this, Liza. I don’t want you lying on our behalf.”
She looked me dead in the eye. “I’m your mate, which means that this pack is now mine to protect, not just yours.
My parents are a part of this pack, and so are my brothers and my best friend.
I’ll do my part in protecting them, whatever that may look like.
It’s no longer a ‘me versus you’ situation. I am one of you.”
A hum of appreciation came from my mother, and I when I looked at her, a soft smile adorned her face.
When I shifted my gaze to Dad, pride emanated from his expression.
They all knew this wasn’t an easy choice for Liza, but it displayed not only her loyalty to the pack, but also her loyalty to me.
This was going to be our legacy, and she had chosen to protect it.
“Ty,” my mother called out gently, bringing me back to the present moment. “We’re all so proud of Liza for making this choice. She’s truly proven herself as a valuable member of our pack.”
“Thank you, Mom.” A surge of gratitude and love for my family and my mate almost took my breath away. “I know how much this means to all of us, especially to Liza.”
My father chimed in; his voice strong despite his weakened state. “Son, remember that our pack is built on loyalty and trust. Liza’s decision shows her dedication to our people and her commitment to you. Never forget what a gift she is.”
I nodded in agreement. Our future together would be filled with challenges, but with Liza by my side, I knew we could face anything. The fate of our legacy rested on our shoulders, and we would do whatever it took to protect our pack and uphold the Keller name.
I placed my hands on Liza’s cheeks. Her eyes met mine, filled with determination and a vulnerability that tugged at my heart.
“I love you,” I whispered earnestly, hoping she could feel the depth of my emotions behind those three simple words. “I know this is a big deal for you, and I’m so proud of you, Liza. I promise I’ll be by your side during the entire thing.”