Page 28 of Omega's Fever

He’s actually doing his job, even when we both know it’s in his own best interests to get me locked away,

Judge Melkham frowns. “These are serious allegations, Mr. Warren.”

“They’re not allegations. They’re fact. The warden’s own reports confirm that Mr. Hayes is being systematically targeted.”

“Your Honor,” Sutter interjects, “the defendant is charged with running a criminal enterprise. He has connections, resources—”

“What resources?” Milo’s laugh is bitter. “Have you seen his bank statements? He lives paycheck to paycheck. His arraignment bond was set at two million dollars, which he obviously couldn’t pay. He’s been in custody for over a year. What exactly do you think he’s going to do, swim to Mexico?”

“Mr. Warren makes some valid points.” The judge reviews the incident reports. “However, bail for this kind of case is extremely rare.”

“My client isn’t a flight risk, your Honor. He has no passport, no money, no family to run to.”

I flinch, despite myself. I’ve always prided myself on my independence. I’ve never needed trappings. I’ve never had anyone tying me down, but hearing my omega put it that way, it makes me sound very alone in the world. For the first time in my life, I feel vulnerable.

The judge considers this. The courtroom holds its breath.

“I’m inclined to grant conditional release,” he says finally.

Sutter’s voice erupts. “Your Honor, this is highly irregular—”

“So is an inmate being attacked seventeen times in four weeks.” Melkham’s gavel comes down. “However, Mr. Hayes will require a custodian. Someone to ensure compliance with bail conditions.”

My heart sinks. I have no one. No family, no friends who aren’t connected to Cobb’s world.

“Given the unusual circumstances,” the judge continues, looking directly at Milo, “and the prime match status that you’ve mentioned repeatedly, Mr. Warren, I’m releasing Mr. Hayes into your custody.”

Milo goes rigid. “Your Honor, I don’t—”

“Do you really want to finish that sentence considering it may leave you in contempt of court?”

Milo’s mouth opens. Closes. His hands clench at his sides.

“No, Your Honor,” he mutters.

“Excellent. The defendant will be fitted with electronic monitoring and released to Mr. Warren’s custody. Any violations will result in immediate remand.” The gavel comes down with finality. “Court is adjourned.”

The room explodes into motion. Reporters rush for the doors. Sutter storms out, already on her phone. Guards move to process me.

But I can’t look away from Milo, who stands frozen at the defense table, staring at the judge’s retreating back like he’s just been sentenced to death.

10

Milo

I swear Melkham has it in for me. He’ll have had this little trick up his sleeve.

He was just waiting to use it and I let him. He doesn’t like omegas in his courtroom but that was still one shitty move.

The irritating thing is that it’s my own fault. I should have seen it coming.

We’re in a small antechamber outside of the courtroom. There’s a beta officer kneeling at Kellen’s feet fitting him with an ankle monitor.

I’d have seen what Melkham’s was planning if I were in my usual top form, but the suppressants are making me stupid. I’ve never had brain fog like this.

My hands are shaking so badly I have to shove them in my pockets. Yet another side effect of the suppressants. I don’t know how much longer I can keep taking these things. I’ve never felt so ill in my life.

“GPS tracking is activated.” The officer says. “You’re allowed within the city limits and your whereabouts are recorded. Any movement outside of the city will trigger a full alert.”