Page 66 of The Omega Switch: Part 2

I looked at how adorable she was, in the middle of making a meal with her apron. I gently pulled her into me, and a light cloud of her perfume snuck through the air as she melted into me.

“I’ll still work there on a part-time basis, but only as an advisor. I've spent most of my adult life giving that company more hours than I can count, and there are some things I don't want to miss out on anymore.”

I thought about her upcoming trial, and all the days I’d worked late and missed out on being with my pack. I didn’t want to miss out on time with Ivy. “I want to be more present,” I said.

“That’s very mature of you,” She said, running her hands lightly down my back while I held her. I shivered - this omega would take control of me if I wasn’t careful. And I didn’t mind at all. “I mean, I worked until exhaustion, so I could learn a thing or two from you,” she said with a wink.

“And I’m happy to give you any advice you want,” I said. I tightened my arm around her, and Ivy lifted one hand and rested it against my chest. None of my accomplishments came close to the feeling of her hand resting over my heart.

Standing there in Ivy's kitchen, surrounded by my pack while Ronan tried to help cook and burned dinner while Elias complained about it, I realized something. My life, for once, was completely, utterly perfect.

Chapter 33

Ivy

I barely slept. Every time I closed my eyes, I’d imagine what it would be like in the courtroom. Sometimes the judge ruled against me within minutes. Or I’d imagine one look from Arabella, and I’d freeze. I’d have dreams about losing the case, and everyone mocking me as I walked out. But the day arrived. And when I woke up, I was already exhausted.

I stood in front of my bedroom mirror buttoning my cream-colored blazer. Beneath it I wore a simple navy dress that fell just below my knees. It looked professional - just how I wanted. Today, I needed the judge to believe me. Puff whined softly from the bedroom doorway, sensing my nerves. I knelt to scratch behind his ears, burying my fingers in his soft fur.

"I'll be okay," I whispered, trying to convince both of us.

A knock sounded downstairs. When I opened the boutique door, Pack Vale was already waiting.

All three of them wore suits, looking serious and intimidating. But they weren’t involved in this case - this was just me and my family. They would, however, be there to support me.

Ronan stepped forward and handed me a travel mug. "I brought you a latte. You've got a big day." My throat tightened.

"Thank you."

The drive to the courthouse was quiet. Hunter reviewed the schedule one final time while Elias explained what to expect procedurally. Ronan drove, glancing at me in the rearview mirror whenever he thought I wasn't looking. “And no matter what, remember that we’re with you. We’ve got your back. Always.” Hunter said, his hand on my shoulder. I leaned into him, nodding as I rested on his shoulder. This wasn’t just any case - this determined the future of Nestwell as well as my own. The courthouse was grey, with towering columns. My attorney met us near the entrance.

"Morning, Ivy," she said, looking serious.

"Morning," I said, and Pack Vale waited right behind me. She adjusted the stack of files beneath her arm.

"Remember what we discussed. Don't react to anything they say. They want an emotional response," she said. “Just let me do the talking.”

"I know,” I said, taking a sip from my mug. She went on.

"They're going to paint you as an angry former employee, and that you stole proprietary information. Let me handle them.” She said.

"Alright," I said. She smiled reassuringly. The metal detector barely registered as we walked in, my attorney leading the way. We’d just entered a hall when I looked up, choking at what I saw.

It was my family. All of them - my fathers, Clara and Arabella.

Arabella stood across the hallway wearing a pristine white suit, every blonde hair perfectly in place. She looked exactly like she had in every promotional video she'd ever filmed for Nestwell. Perfect - an innocent, competent omega.

No matter how much I thought I prepared myself, my body forgot that all the time had passed. I felt like I was back in the laboratory, small and powerless. I was back to wondering whether anyone would believe me over her.

Then she saw me, her eyes narrowing for one moment before she smiled.

"Ivy,” She said, loud enough for everyone to hear. "I still don't understand why you're doing this. We would have welcomed you home." As if she was just a concerned sister. I willed myself to move, to say something, but I couldn’t.

Clara laughed softly. "I almost didn't recognize her," she said. I stared at Clara, appalled that she was acting like this was nothing.

George spotted me and folded his arms. "Let's hope she tells the truth today.” He said with a sigh.

My stomach twisted. I felt like I was going to be sick. But before I could respond, Hunter stepped quietly to my side. He didn't speak, he just reached down, threading his fingers through mine as he stared down my family. They broke first. As they quickly walked away, ushered by their attorneys into the courtroom, I felt a rush of relief and squeezed his hand.