Page 73 of Omega's Fever

You are ignoring my advice and that’s not going to go well for you.

I can’t look out for you if you’re going to be so stupid.

The drive back to Milo’s office feels longer than it should. I keep checking mirrors, changing lanes, old paranoia in overdrive.

I pull into the parking garage with ten minutes to spare. Milo’s already waiting in the lobby, pacing near the securitydesk. He looks up when I walk in, and I see the relief in his face.

“How did it go?”

“Fine,” I tell him. “Everything’s fine.”

22

Milo

Kellen’s hand brushes mine as we walk through security, a casual touch that sends warmth spiraling through me. The guard at the metal detector actually smiles at us.

I don’t care. Let them know. Let them see that Kellen Hayes is mine and I’m his, and we’re going to win this case.

“Stop smiling so much,” Kellen murmurs as we wait for the elevator. His dark eyes scan the lobby with that constant vigilance he can’t seem to turn off, even when things are going well. “You look suspicious.”

“I can’t help it.” I bump his shoulder with mine, grinning wider just to annoy him. “I’ve been watching the jury. We’re getting through to them.”

“You think so?”

“Definitely.” The elevator dings and we step inside. “Cobb is going down.”

Kellen’s hand covers my mouth gently. “No. Stop mentioning that name.”

I lick his palm just to be difficult. He pulls back with a soft grunt that might be amusement. The corner of his mouth quirks up, just slightly. That’s practically a grin from Kellen. God, I love him. The thought hits me with the same stunning force it has every morning since I admitted it to myself. I love this taciturn, protective, impossible man.

Last night he cooked dinner again. He is an amazing cook. This baby is going to be most well-nourished newborn to ever arrive.

My hand drifts unconsciously to my stomach. Six weeks pregnant and I already feel invincible when he’s near me.

“Warren. Hayes.”

Sutter’s voice cuts through my happiness like ice water. She waits in the lobby, her smile wide as a shark. Everything about her is sharp—her cheekbones, her suit.

“Ms. Sutter.” I keep my voice professional, but my good mood falters slightly. “Your message said you wanted to see us before court.”

“I do.” She glances between us, taking in our proximity, the way Kellen has shifted slightly to put himself between her and me. “Interview room three, if you’ll follow me.”

Kellen’s hand finds the small of my back as we walk, warm through my suit jacket. The touch steadies me.

The last time we were in this room... well, it’s better that I don’t think about that while there are other people in here with us. I’m no longer on the suppressants. My scent does not need to go that wild.

Sutter takes the far side of the table. We settle across from her. Under the table, Kellen’s knee presses against mine.

“I’ll be direct.” She slides a manila folder across the table. “We’re prepared to offer Mr. Hayes a deal.”

I laugh. “I’m sure you are.” I’ve demolished every witness she’s put in front of us. “No chance.”

“Just look at it.” Her voice is patient, like she’s dealing with a child. Like I’m some naive omega who doesn’t understand how the world works.

I open the folder. The pages are neatly typed, official letterhead. Kellen reads over my shoulder, his breath warm against my ear.

She’s asking for a guilty plea to racketeering and conspiracy. In return, Kellen gets ten years federal prison. Eligible for parole in seven. The trafficking charges—the ones that carry lifesentences—dropped.