“And instead,” Cece said, stepping forward, “that one told Billy he was lying about being in heat, lying about having a mate, because Palin clearly believed the messages were true…”
“When Billy called looking for help, all he got was insulted, lied about, and then clearly gossiped about after the call was done,” Tristan added fiercely. “All because Palin’s mother is friends with Billy’s mother, and he’s one of the reasons Billy’s found things so difficult since he got kicked out of home at eighteen. Palin decided, much like Morgan at the Paradox restaurant, that there must be something wrong with Billy. They never once considered that it’s Billy’s parents who should’ve been charged for the way they treated their son.”
“They waited until I was eighteen.” Billy wanted to crawl under the desk.
“But they made your life a living hell from when you were fourteen until they did kick you out on your birthday,” Cece said staunchly. He pointed at Palin again. “Frankly, Mr. Brown, I have no idea why you have someone like this working in your office. The Omega Hearts Foundation is meant to be a support hub for all omegas, from all walks of life, providing advice, financial and practical aid if required, and a safe place whereomegas can meet alphas in social events. He doesn’t do any of that.”
“It sounds like you’ve read our promotional brochure.” Mr. Brown was still smiling.
“Yes. Well.” Was Cece blushing? “It was my parents and Tristan’s brother that helped Billy get his start when he was homeless. But it was Billy who’s worked himself to the bone ever since, providing for himself, never taking any handouts. And then the one time he did contact your office for advice, all he got was insulted.”
“Palin will be dealt with. Yours is not the first complaint I’ve had about him since being here.” Mr. Brown was looking at Billy again, and Billy swallowed the lump in his throat. “I’ve only been in this position the last four months, Billy, so I’m not familiar with a lot of the history of omegas in Frankton. But I do know this office was established twelve years ago. Is there a reason why, when you were made homeless, you didn’t contact our Foundation for help?”
“My parents told everyone I was drinking and sleeping around, trying to get an alpha to bond with me. The rumors got that bad, most people assumed the only way I could pay my rent was by giving sexual favors to alphas in exchange for money.”
Billy’s cheeks were flaming red. “It’s why I work from home on my computer. Back then, I couldn’t get a job in town anywhere, and the only time I ever went out was when I had my friends with me. A lot of people weren’t… they weren’t kind.”
“You are a truly incredible young man, Billy.” Mr. Brown nodded. “I have a feeling you could be of great use to our organization going forward, but I did hear what you said about being newly mated, so I’ll wait until your mate returns, and we can all chat then. In the meantime, has the issue with the cruelmessages you’d been receiving been resolved by your alpha, or can I help in any way?”
Nodding, Billy said, “Cord managed to call me this morning, and I told him what was happening. Within about twenty minutes, the messages had stopped.”
He took in a shaky breath. “He says he’ll be home by tomorrow morning, and I believe him. However, I am concerned…” he flicked a glance at Palin, who was studying his feet. “When I contacted this office, I got told that if I had been in heat, as I claimed, then the alpha I was with must’ve drugged me. So you see, it wasn’t only me being insulted, it was my mate as well. Cord is in a very important position…”
“My goodness, no!” Mr. Brown turned to Palin. “Do you have any idea how careless that sort of talk is?”
“He could’ve been drugged.” Palin pouted. “It happens. You read about cases like that in the news outlets every week.”
“Yes, but if you thought that” – Cece went running past Mr. Brown and poked Palin in the chest – “if you thought Billy had been drugged, why did you tell him to just forget the alpha concerned and basically just get on with his life? What if it had been true and he had been drugged? Can’t you see the amount of damage your careless words could’ve caused?
“You can’t have it both ways.” Cece was being persistent in his poking. “Either Billy was mated and distressed, in which case you should’ve gently explained it wasn’t possible that his alpha was with someone else, and the pictures were likely of historical events, soothing and calming his fears. Or if he had been drugged, then he should’ve been given help – visits to a doctor, support as he had talks with the authorities so the illegal drugs and the criminal alpha could be found, checks for pregnancy andcounseling to help him overcome the traumatic event. You told him to just forget about it!”
“Do you want a job here?” Mr. Brown was looking at Cece in amazement. “Seriously. Can I have your parents’ contact number? I think you’d be an amazing fit here.”
“The rights of all omegas are important to me. Just because I’m small and cute doesn’t mean I can’t fight for someone in my own way.” Cece was looking interested, and Billy knew that within a few days, their friend would have a job. “Would I get a say in hosting the Omega Heart events, too?”
“I’ll definitely discuss that with your parents.” Mr. Brown looked amused until he glanced at Palin. “Palin, get in my office. Now. I’ll talk to you in private.” Palin left, scuffing his feet along the carpet as he went down the hallway.
“I’m not sure I want to work with him,” Cece said quietly. “What he did to Billy was not okay, and Billy’s not the first omega he’s insulted or given bad advice to.”
“You won’t be working with him.” Mr. Brown chuckled. “Managers are always told they should fire people in private, that’s all. It’s the respectful thing to do, considering the employee’s feelings.”
“What Palin said about omegas getting drugged was true, sir,” Tristan said slowly. “If Palin was so dismissive of Billy, is it possible other omegas have been treated the same way when they’ve come here looking for help?”
“You’re Anthony’s brother, aren’t you?” Mr. Brown was eyeing Tristan with interest. “He and I know each other socially.”
Tristan nodded.
“You make a good point, and it could be that I’ll need to employ someone who was prepared to get in touch with any omegas whohave contacted us in the past to ensure they’re in safe situations. Is that something you might be interested in?”
“Yes, please.” Tristan beamed. “Between me and Cece, we know most of the omegas in Frankton, so that will be a good idea.”
“All right then.” Mr. Brown did have a nice smile. “I have a rather unpleasant matter to deal with right now, and then I’ll make some calls to Anthony and your parents, Cece. Billy, do you have a card? I have an idea where I think your skills could be useful for the Omega Hearts Foundation as well, but I’d feel more comfortable if I could include your mate in our discussions.”
Digging into his pocket, Billy pulled out his wallet, fishing out one of his few cards. He didn’t get asked for them very often, but his contact details were still current. Handing it over, he was compelled to say, “I don’t think Palin is a bad person. I think he’s just misinformed, getting his information from unreliable sources.”
“That is something I’ll discuss with his parents,” Mr. Brown said firmly. “However, having empathy for others is a core of who we are at Omega Hearts, and unfortunately, that’s not something that can be taught. It was kind of you to speak for him, though, especially after the way he handled your situation. I look forward to meeting your alpha and speaking with you again.”
“Mom and Dad aren’t going to believe it.” Cece and Tristan were dancing with excitement on the pavement the second they’d left the Omega Hearts office. “We got jobs.”
