“What’s wrong?”
Ronan’s expression darkened. “At the site today, I walked in on Al Jasper, the plumbing subcontractor, talking about somepro-alpha groups he’s part of. I think he was trying to recruit my guys. He told them one group is focused on finding legal options that would make it harder for omegas to work in the trades. I wish I could say all my alpha employees are fine working next to omegas, but you already know that’s not the truth.”
“That’s insane,” Teal asserted. “Omegas gained work rights in all fields years ago. I’d never have been able to go to law school otherwise. Alpha tradesmen need to get over themselves. Omegas give birth. Pretty sure we can hang drywall.”
“I know that. And you know that. But you also know there are alphas out there who refuse to accept it, even decades later.”
Teal shook his head. “That’s so ridiculous. They need to move on.”
“Yes, but for obvious reasons, it made the omegas in my crew uncomfortable. Some betas too. Once I heard, I told Al to knock it off. But it’s troubling.”
“Can you let him go?”
“Not without jeopardizing the project and destroying the budget. That would make the omegas even more of a target.”
“It’s like we can’t win.” Teal threw up his hands. “Even when we win, we lose.” He thought about how many of those groups had been popping up lately. The pro-alpha movement that began as a response to the original omega rights campaigns had gained steam recently as omegas made more visible strides. “Do you think a lot of your crew are interested in those groups?” His mind went to the AINO painted on Ronan’s truck.
“It’s hard to say. They know my stance, so it’s not like anyone would spout that nonsense near me. But for sure this shit goes on when I’m not around. The pro-alpha assholes are everywhere these days.” Ronan breathed out heavily. “And I haven’t even told you the worst part.”
“Worse than having someone recruiting for pro-alpha groups at your work?”
“Unfortunately, yes.” Ronan sat down at the table and asked, “How good is Dayson Bannon’s security?”
Teal startled at the question before answering. “Very good. Schulman and Carson have had a team on him since the case went public. Why?”
Dragging a hand over his face, Ronan tilted his chair back. “After I stopped Al from speaking openly at the site, I guess he took his conversation to the parking lot. One of my omega crew members, a good guy named Arin, overheard him talking to two men he didn’t recognize. Not my employees, so probably day labor for the plumbing company. Arin came to talk to me after everyone else left. That’s why I was late.”
Teal’s stomach churned. “What did he say?”
“He couldn’t be certain, because he was crouched down, but he said it sounded like one of the pro-alpha groups is planning to attack Dayson, although he didn’t hear any specifics.” Ronan shoved the long sleeves of his henley up to his elbows. “He said it didn’t seem like Al was planning the attack himself. More like he was bragging about something he’d heard. Even so, it was enough for Arin to be concerned. To wait around until they’d left to tell me.”
Teal reached for his phone.
“What are you doing?” Ronan asked.
“I’m texting Mr. Carson to make sure Dayson’s security is extra tight. What else can I do? You know the cops won’t investigate, not based on the word of an omega.”
“I’m sorry, baby.”
“Don’t be. It’s not your fault things are the way they are.” Teal tapped out the message, receiving a thumbs-up from his boss almost immediately.
“I’m still sorry I can’t do more.”
Teal leaned over and gave his husband a firm peck on the lips. “You do more than most. Besides, I wouldn’t worry too much.Harsh words and blustering against Dayson are common. Just like they are against me. People are loose with their threats behind the safety of a screen or around other close-minded folks. It’s most likely that whatever Arin heard was just some dick-swinging by an alpha with too much time on his hands.”
Ronan nodded. “You’re probably right. Sometimes I forget I’m married to the smartest, bravest omega in the state.”
Teal grinned. “Should I order pizza now so it’s here when the boys get home or wait a while?”
“Let’s order now. I can do it.” But before Ronan could open the app, his phone buzzed in his hand. His expression hardened. “On second thought, no pizza.”
“Why not?”
“We need to get to the pool. Niall and the boys are in trouble.”
Chapter Eleven
Niall
