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“Honestly, it would take me days to go over all the potential harm that can be caused, but something else that leads to widespread and lasting pain is that many omegas are afraid of using a heat service because they’ve heard the horror stories, so they choose instead to put themselves at the mercy of alpha friends and acquaintances who end up not treating them well.

Others feel compelled to find romantic partners simply because they don’t know any other way to manage their heats.

When faced with the option between a potentially-risky heat service experience or linking themselves forever to whatever alpha they happen to be dating, they choose the latter,” Dayson explained.

“Society has evolved to allow omegas more options, including the ability to establish themselves in school or careers before starting a family. But not if their heats force them into ill-fitting long-term partnerships.”

Teal thought about Brinn at the coffee shop and what he’d said about being able to build his own life.

Teal had already called multiple witnesses who’d testified to the validity of Dayson’s arguments. But having Dayson synthesize them now for the court was powerful.

“Last question, Mr. Bannon,” Teal said, pressing his fist into the side of his ribcage where he felt the jabs in his stomach.

“Yes?”

“You have a thriving career as a biologist. Why take on this fight? And why now?”

Dayson darted his eyes between the judges before answering evenly.

“Besides my own terrible experience, my time in the lab has taught me that I want to do more direct service. My research has been great. It helped further the conversation about biological equity among the genders. But I see those alphas screaming outside on the steps. All the pro-alpha groups that send me hate texts and threaten my home. I remember the way it felt to have an angry fist thrust into my back. Even if I win this case, I know we’re still a long way from having everyone in agreement.

I know it’s going to be a fight. But I also know I can take it.

This doesn’t just feel like any fight. It feels like my fight. ”

As Dayson’s passionate words vibrated through the courtroom, Teal caught Mikel’s gaze boring into the witness podium. Abruptly, the alpha stood and charged out of the courtroom.

His noisy exit drew some attention, but all eyes went back to the judges as they asked the state to begin its cross-examination of Dayson.

Teal sat at his table, surreptitiously chewing another antacid.

“At this time, the state has no questions for this witness.”

Teal’s eyes nearly popped out of his skull. Schulman and Carson exchanged confused glances with one another before the men turned shocked faces toward the opposing side. The state’s lead attorney merely lifted a shoulder and looked down, shuffling papers in front of him.

Teal had already suspected the state had given up on its case. Now he was sure of it. As overjoyed as he was that the tribunal was looking more like a gimme, it was bemusing. He’d worked on this for a year.

Then again, as Dayson just articulated, the real battle wasn’t the one being fought in High Court. It was the one being waged by the folks who’d shouted “omega whore” at Teal as he’d walked in the building.

Dayson looked confused for a moment until one of the judges told him he could take a seat in the main viewing area.

And even though they’d gotten a late start, the proceedings ended early since the state had waived its opportunity to cross-examine Dayson.

Teal breathed a sigh of relief. The next day, the state would begin presenting its case. Meaning Teal wouldn’t have to talk as much. Meaning that if his stomach continued its valiant attempt to eat itself from the inside out, it would be easier to hide it.

As Teal made his way from the courtroom, he kept one eye out for Mikel. He wanted to confront him with his suspicions but didn’t think it was the right time. It should probably wait until after the ruling, but in the meantime, he meant to ensure Dayson stayed safe.

“Dayson, since we ended early, do you want to grab coffee in the cafeteria? Barden won’t be here to pick me up for half an hour.”

“Sure.”

As they sat in the court’s small eating area, Teal brought up the subject on his mind.

“Dayson, you know my colleague Mikel, right?”

An inscrutable expression took over Dayson's face. “Truthfully, I know him a little more than I want to.”

“What do you mean?” Teal circled his hands around his cup.

Dayson snorted. “I mean, the universe is apparently fucking with me because your sorta-alphahole fellow attorney smells absolutely amazing.”

Teal startled. “Wait!? What?”

Shaking his head, Dayson clarified, “Yeah. My inner omega is going nuts for him. My logical brain knows Mikel is kind of a dick, but the horny little beast inside me keeps insisting that he smells like fresh mint and wants to lick him.”

Teal chuckled, relieved. “That’s why he keeps getting all weird around you.”

“I’m guessing he senses it too, that we’re biologically compatible, but he’s also fighting it because I’m not the type of delicate, timid omega he’d envisioned falling for.” Dayson’s mouth turned down. “Why were you asking about him, anyway?”

“Oh. I’ve noticed him looking at you during the tribunal.

And even before that, he seemed extra interested, especially after you got attacked.

Clearly, I’ve been on the complete wrong track, thinking maybe he was secretly causing you harm, perhaps giving up information on you to the pro-alpha groups. ”

A resigned sigh escaped Dayson. “I sincerely doubt he’s behind my attack, or the brick, or the other threats. He may eventually cause me harm, but not the kind you’re thinking.”

“Oh my.” Teal couldn’t stop his grin. “Mikel has certainly found a worthy partner. I mean, if you decide to go there.”

“Even though the rational part of me knows I’d be better off with a more enlightened alpha, the thought of being with someone whose scent sets me off so much is…

exciting. I’ve never had that before and now I’m starting to understand what all the fuss is about when omegas go on and on about alphas smelling amazing. ”

“I’m sure you’ll figure it out. When the time is right.” Teal took a sip of his shitty coffee. “I’m just glad he’s not the one behind the problems.”

“Me too.”

“Can I ask you another thing, kind of along the same lines?”

“Shoot.”

“You know that Ronan and I have an omega partner?”

“Yes. Sorcha. He seemed very sweet. You two are lucky.”

“You’re right about that. But I wanted to ask you how common it is for omegas to smell one another. I can smell Sorcha’s blueberry jasmine fragrance, and he can scent my honey lavender. I’ve never smelled another omega before, so I was wondering how common it is.”

Dayson raised an eyebrow. “I can tell you from my research that it is extremely uncommon.”

“Really?”

“Yes. There are recorded instances of it, and it’s possible there have been omegas who felt it but didn’t admit to it, with omega/omega relationships being so taboo until a generation ago. Even now, they’re rare, as you know.”

“But it’s possible, right? I guess what I’m checking is to make sure I’m not just making it up in my mind, because I want it to be true so badly.”

“I doubt you’re making it up, Teal. It’s much more likely that you’ve simply found something beautifully rare and elusive. If I were you, I wouldn’t spend any more time questioning that. I’d focus on hanging onto it with both hands. Enjoying it.”