Page 24 of Generation Omega: Revealed
“Don’t hurt them,” she pleads. “This isn’t what you think.”
The top cop’s contempt for everyone else is as clear as his care for Kip. “They’re attacking officers of the law and refusing to obey commands. They will be dealt with accordingly.”
“And what aboutme?”
“You’ll go home and stay very safe.” His gaze wanders from Kip to me and then to Tillie’s presence on my back.
Before he asks, Kip declares, “These are my friends. They only came to the convention because I begged them. They aren’t from here. They flew in for this and it’s all my fault they ended up in this mess. If you arrest them for the crime of attending an omegaverse convention, they’ll miss their flight home and their classes on Monday, and you love higher education, right?”
“We’ve been ordered to secure everyone, other than you, and…” His words trail off as he studies my face, while I attempt to conceal the bloodlust sharpening weapons inside me. “Ethan Harris?” The man’s lined face is difficult to read, but his voice reveals surprise, excitement even.
“Do I know you, sir?” I manage to say without sounding homicidal, I hope.
“No, but I saw you fight in Vegas. You’re incredible, one of the best I’ve ever seen. You’re going to be the one to beat.” He sizes me up. “You really are a heavyweight, aren’t you?”
“Yes, sir.”
Jax does a double take, squinting almost comically at me. “Fuck, I didn’t even recognize you with the flowers.”
I chuckle like a man without a care in the world. “The things we do for love, right?”
The older man glances at Tillie again. “Is she okay?”
“Somewhere between the alpha burger, knotty fries, some ridiculous name for a strawberry shake, and a dozen smelly cookies, she started feeling like crap, but she justhadto stay for the lecture.”
Tillie moans and whines at the same time. “Don’ttalk about the cookies. I’m totally gonna hurl on you.”
I grimace. “It’ll be fun, they said. Well, never again for me. Riots and food poisoning—not exactly our best vacation ever.”
Kip affects a look of pure shame. “Again, it was my fault they’re here. Please, just let me get them back to their hotel before she pucks. They’ll go home and I’ll probably never see them again.”
The officer’s gaze softens as he looks from me to Kip and back. “Forgive her—she means well even if her hobbies are cults.” To Kip, he adds, “Promise me you’ll get yourself home right after you drop them off.”
“I swear.”
The officer extends his hand to me and I shake it, hoping he doesn’t attempt to touch Tillie. “Nice to meet you, son. I look forward to seeing you fight again.” He turns to Jax. “Get them safely to her car, alert those manning the exits that they’re cleared, and then get your ass back here. You’re missing all the fun.”
“Yes, sir.”
The commanding officer stomps away, muttering loudly about the incense and his allergies. Kip gives me a hopeful smile, and Jax hurries us toward the exit. Reaching the outside world isn’t as much of a relief as I thought it would be, given the hundred police vehicles and even more loitering cops. I focus on following Kip as she leads us toward the parking garage, up a couple flights, and then to her shiny blue Bronco that’s at least twenty years younger than mine.
After opening the doors for us, Kip turns to her brother. “Jax, seriously, take it easy in there. No one was violent until you idiots showed up.”
“When I want career advice, it won’t be from aninfluencer—but thanks.” He focuses his attention on me. “It’s really good to meet you. You’re an incredible fighter, no doubt. And I swear, I won’t tell anyone aboutthis.” He tilts his head toward the venue, his expression entirely mocking. “Pretty sure getting wrapped up in omega nonsense won’t help your image.” His gaze sweeps over all of us. “No more cults, for any of you.”
“Says the guy who wears a uniform and follows orders without questioning them,” Kip snarks.
“Go home.” Jax jogs back toward the active omegaverse crime scene.
But the omega legacy is alive and now seated in the backseat of a stranger’s Bronco.
Kip’s energy deflates as she watches her brother disappear down the stairs. “Let’s get out of here. I won’t feel safe until we’re past all this bullshit.”
I couldn’t agree more and quickly climb into the front seat, while Kip gets behind the wheel.
“Sorry,” Kip mumbles, sending a chagrined look my way. When she notices my confusion, she points at the flowers strewn across the dash and then waves her hand at the interior that smells distinctly of cotton candy. “I’ve always wished to be an omega and to smell like this.” She starts the engine and huffs. “But it’s not all hot alphas and cotton candy, is it?”
“Not yet,” Tillie says, “but maybe one day it will be.”
