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Adam’s hands are shaking only slightly as he smooths down his clothes, his stomach fluttering with nervousness.
He feels sick. Even though he’s been preparing for this moment for a while, he’s never felt more unprepared in his life. He’s spent more time studying for this than he’d ever spent studying for exams in high school, and yet he’s still shitting himself way more than he did back then.
Maybe because he actually cares about this. This affects his future and could have disastrous consequences if it goes wrong.
“Adam,” Diana whispers just as there’s a knock at the door, giving him a gentle nudge. “Relax. It’s gonna be fine.”
Adam nods, biting his lip as he follows Lawrence and Diana into the hallway.
“Alright,” Lawrence says quietly. “Best behavior please. We’ll be fine. We’ve gone over this lots of times; you know what to do.”
Lawrence always sounds reassuring; he always sounds like he’s in control. Just like when they were trapped in that bathroom, Adam knows he can look to Lawrence. Lawrence will protect them.
Lawrence’s eyes meet Adam’s, and his alpha scent fills the air. Adam immediately relaxes, breathing in the woody scent that has a hint of cinnamon, and it gives him a little burst of courage.
“You look beautiful,” Lawrence says softly.
Another knock on the door.
“Adam.” Diana nudges him again. She nods at the floor apologetically. “You need to kneel. Sorry.”
Shit. He’d completely forgotten.
“Right,” Adam says, blushing as he quickly falls to his knees.
Omegas kneel for inspections. He should have known that. That’s a basic.
He’s still berating himself for making a mistake so early on as Lawrence opens the door, revealing a smartly dressed man on the other side with a clipboard.
He’s tall, well built, and probably about Lawrence’s age. He’s an alpha; his scent is strong, almost as strong as Lawrence’s but nowhere near as pleasant. It’s overwhelming, and it makes Adam a little queasy.
“Doctor Gordon?” the man says, addressing Lawrence.
“Yes, that’s me,” Lawrence confirms, leaning on his cane. “You must be the city council inspector?”
The man nods. “I’m Mr Reynolds. I’ve been sent to carry out your inspection today.”
Lawrence invites Reynolds in, closing the door behind him, and the atmosphere immediately becomes thick with tension.
“This is everyone from the Gordon pack?” Reynolds asks, eyeing Diana and Adam kneeling beside her.
“Yes,” Lawrence confirms. “This is my pack.”
“Good. Thank you for your time; this won’t take long. Usually inspections such as this are just a formality. As you know, the state requires inspections of packs where the alpha has formally unmated from their omega and mated with another, and where there is a child involved. We must carry these out every five years. I will just ask you a few questions, and ask to be shown around your household. I will then report back to the city council, and you’ll be told within fourteen days whether you have passed the inspection or not.”
Adam tries to stop himself from fidgeting nervously. He doesn’t want to think about the possibility that they might fail. He would hate himself forever if he were the reason that the council thought Lawrence was a bad alpha, a bad father. He would never forgive himself if they took Diana away.
“I understand,” Lawrence says, subtly strengthening his scent to comfort his family.
Reynolds takes out a pen and starts scribbling on his clipboard. “Can you confirm that you, Dr Lawrence Gordon, are the pack alpha?”
Lawrence nods. “I am.”
“And that you take full responsibility for the safety and well-being of those in your pack.”
“I do.”
“Good. Could you introduce the members of your pack please? Starting with the child.”
Lawrence gestures at Diana. “My daughter, Diana Gordon.”
Reynolds scribbles something down before addressing Diana. “How old are you, Diana?”
“Fourteen,” she replies calmly.
“And you are an alpha as well?”
“Yes.”
“And how have you found life in this pack since your mother and father unmated?”
“I’m very happy,” Diana says immediately. “They weren’t happy together. They’re much happier now.”
Reynolds remains silent for a moment as he makes notes.
He finally eyes Adam.
“This is your omega?” Reynolds ask.
Adam clears his throat. “Yeah. I’m Adam Gordon -“
“I was addressing your alpha,” Reynolds cuts in.
Adam immediately lowers his gaze, shame washing through him. He’s fucked up again. Omegas don’t speak unless spoken to.
“Yes, this is my omega,” Lawrence interjects softly. “He’s a little nervous. But he’s a wonderful addition to my household.”
Reynolds doesn’t look convinced. “How long have you been mated?”
“Five years.”
“And he’s not fallen pregnant yet? He hasn’t given you another child?”
Adam’s face burns red. He wishes the floor would swallow him whole.
“No,” Lawrence replies without shame. “Adam is thirty-three. He has plenty of time.”
Reynolds doesn’t look convinced. “And his profession?”
“Photographer.”
Reynolds looks even less impressed.
Adam doesn’t know whether he’s insulted or relieved that all the questions are being directed at Lawrence rather than him. At least Adam knows he can’t say anything stupid if all he needs to be is silent.
“And is he obedient?” Reynolds asks, finally locking eyes with Adam.
Diana clenches her fist beside him.
“He’s perfect,” Lawrence replies immediately.
Adam smiles, his cheeks warming in response to that small bit of praise, as well as Lawrence’s skill at giving a respectful answer to a disrespectful question.
Reynolds grunts, staring at Adam for a few moments before returning to his clipboard. “You may go, omega. Dr Gordon, I’d appreciate a tour of the apartment now-“
“His name is Adam,” Diana hisses angrily, stepping forward.
“Diana,” Lawrence says warningly, but his daughter quickly cuts him off.
“How dare you,” Diana says to Reynolds, her voice filled with quiet rage. “How dare you speak to my step-mother like that and dismiss him in his own home.”
“Careful, young alpha.” Reynolds’ voice is soft but dangerous. “I might start to think that your step-mother has been a bad influence on you. You can speak your mind when you are one day a pack alpha, but for now you answer to your father.”
Lawrence shoots Diana a pleading look. They all know this is horrible, but they can’t afford to fail this.
“My apologies,” Lawrence says. “Let me take you on a tour. My family will wait in the living room.”
That’s their cue to leave.
Adam keeps his head bowed, and takes Diana’s hand when she offers it to help him up. He can feel himself relax a little as Lawrence leads Reynolds away, and he walks with Diana to take a seat on the sofa.
“What a fucking dick,” Diana says when they’re out of earshot.
“Hey.” Adam tries not to laugh. “Language, kiddo.”
“The way he spoke to you, Adam. The way he looked at you.”
Adam shrugs. “I’ve been dealing with stuff like that my whole life.”
“How do you stand it?” Diana’s eyes are sad as she places a hand over Adam’s.
“You get used to it.” Adam gives her a reassuring smile. “There are way more good alphas than there are bad. The bad ones just happen to be very loud sometimes.”
“This is why I wanna be president, you know. So I can outlaw stuff like this. Make everybody equal.”
Adam loves this kid so much. When he first got together with Lawrence, he had no idea how to be a parent, but Diana has made him feel a part of this family just as much as Lawrence.
They must sit there together for ten minutes or so, chatting quietly about what they should have for dinner and what movie would be good to watch tonight, when they hear Lawrence and Reynolds approaching from down the hallway, the tap of Lawrence’s cane growing louder.
“Remember,” Diana whispers, squeezing Adam’s hand. “This is your home. You are the Pack Omega. It is your right to be here. You may have to kneel before him because he’s an alpha, but he’s a guest in your alpha’s household.”
Adam nods, feeling slightly more confident, and takes his place on his knees while Diana stands.
The two men enter the room, voices low in conversation, and Adam lowers his gaze.
“All seems to be in order,” Reynolds says to them all. “I have seen all I need to see. You should receive your report along with any recommendations in fourteen days.”
“Thank you,” Lawrence says, his expression neutral.
“But I don’t mind telling you ahead of time, Doctor Gordon, that your household could do with more discipline. Your daughter may be an alpha but she should always defer to you as the Pack Alpha, and know when to hold her tongue. And as for your omega…”
Reynolds fixes his gaze on Adam again. Adam looks up at him from beneath his lashes, trying to appear graceful and demure.
“Well.” Reynolds clicks his tongue. “It’s clear your omega is beautiful, but is still adjusting to his role even after five years. You have work to do with him.”
“Thank you for your assessment,” Lawrence says, and Adam can hear how hard it is for him to keep the sarcasm from his voice.
“Do you have anything to say?” Reynolds asks Adam directly.
“Thank you for your comments,” Adam replies calmly. “I want to be the best omega I can be and I know I still have things to learn. I’m sure I will improve under the guidance of my alpha.”
It’s bullshit, but it sounds good. Lawrence gives him a proud smile for thinking so quickly on his feet.
Reynolds nods approvingly. “Modest and humble. Two very important traits in an omega. I see great potential in you, Adam, I really do. I know you will probably have seen this inspection as being a little intrusive and a criticism of you, but it’s really about ensuring healthy pack dynamics and what’s best for Diana, as well as any future children you may give the pack. I know that’s what you want, isn’t it?”
“It is.” Adam forces a smile. “I look forward to receiving your report. I will follow your recommendations and try my best to support and nurture this pack in the way that’s expected.”
“Good boy,” Reynolds praises, his tone bordering on cheerful. “It’s been a struggle for you today, hasn’t it? I could tell you were nervous. But you’ve tried so hard. I’m sure you try hard with everything an alpha instructs you to do, don’t you?”
He takes a step towards Adam, but Diana swiftly stands between them.
“Is there anything else you need?” she asks sweetly.
Reynolds shakes himself out of his trance. “No. No that’s all for now. You all take care.”
Lawrence sees the inspector out, and by the time he returns the atmosphere is noticeably lighter.
“I’m so sorry,” Adam babbles as Diana helps him to his feet. “There’s a bunch of stuff I forgot. I just got so nervous.”
“You did wonderfully,” Lawrence praises, kissing Adam gently. “Both of you did. I’m really proud of you.”
“You were amazing,” Diana adds to Adam. “All that stuff you were saying…crazy good improv skills, dude.”
Adam smiles shyly. “Yeah…well. My omega etiquette may not be up to scratch, but I’ve been bullshitting my entire life.”
They all agree that they don’t want to cook tonight, so they end up ordering pizza and eating in front of the TV in sweats. It’s relaxed and peaceful and happy, and Adam doesn’t think there’s anything wrong with their pack dynamic. He thinks it’s fucking perfect, actually.
Of course, Reynolds may not agree. Adam is relieved the inspection is over, but he knows he won’t fully relax until they get their report in fourteen days.
He just hopes he’s done enough to keep their pack together.
END