| E L I J A H |

     I felt my stomach clench as my trembling hands reached for the handle of the sturdy oak doors leading to my boss's office. They weren't shaking because I was scared; they were shaking because I was struggling to choke down my rage. I had always been a hot head and anger came to me easily. I had learned to use it to my advantage in the past couple of years, but I knew it wouldn't be suitable when addressing my superior. I needed to put on a calm facade if I was going to try and earn my way to the top.

I slowly pushed forward. It felt like a mask had fallen in front of my face as I stomped out the fire burning just behind my eyes. With great caution, I stepped into the room. My hands slid down the top of my pants, smoothing out any wrinkles.

     My eyes were immediately drawn to my boss who sat rigid at his desk. His long blonde hair was clipped back from his face, revealing the jagged scar that marred his face. The scar showed his hardships from when he worked on the force. He was known to have been one of the best officers the city had ever seen. With his heavyset brows that were constantly furrowed together and his broad figure, he was intimidating just to look at. Even his name was intimidating, Dick Wagner. It wasn't hard to believe he had been so respected; he still was.

     A cigarette hung loosely from his lips as he fingered through the paperwork lying in front of him. His gaze didn't move from his work even as I approached his desk. A flicker of annoyance rose up within me, but I was careful not to let it show in my features. I would have to stand to be ignored for a handful of seconds.

      "Excuse me, sir. May I have a moment of your time?" I spoke up, pushing my shoulders back to straighten my posture. He glanced at me with a uninterested look

"Make it quick," he said before his attention was pulled back to the files in front of him.

"I think there has been a mishap involving my placement working here," I said, getting straight to the point. It was clear to me that Dick Wagner thought he had better things to do than listen to an employee whine in his ear.

Mr. Wagner eyes narrowed at me. I ignored the feeling of my heart squeezing inside my chest. I couldn't help but feel like prey trapped beneath his claws. I hated that feeling more than anything. I wasn't weak and refused to have an alpha's judgmental gaze make me nervous.

"And what sector do you believe you should be working in?" He asked slowly, taking a long drag from his cigarette. The smoke curled from his lips as he exhaled.

"Sector A, sir. I specifically trained to work on the field. With all due respect, I came here to make a difference in those in need's lives directly. I didn't sign up to play secretary with a bunch of betas. I understand the risk of assigning an omega to work patrol, but I am fully prepared to make sure I never cause problems for anyone in this department."

Sector A was the sector every young officer drooled after. Sector A was a handpicked group of people dedicated to handling crime in the city face to face. They were the big shots who made arrests, broke up fights, and checked out suspicious occurrences. You couldn't make it into Sector A unless you worked hard and were willing to make sacrifices.

Sector C, the sector I had recently been placed in, did nothing like that. Sector C specialized in dealing with offenders after they were already behind bars. They dealt with interrogations, gathering evidence, and transporting criminals. There was nothing wrong with that type of job... it just wasn't what I was trained for or what I wanted.

"Do you really understand the risks, Mr... what was your name again?"

"Garcia, sir," I replied firmly, standing my ground.

"Garcia..." he mused. "You've got quite a pair on you, coming in my office and demanding to be put on the ground. Are you aware of what most of sector A is composed of? Sex wise, that is."

I swallowed the lump rising in my throat. Of course he'd bring that up. "Alphas, sir."

"That's right," he purred, his eyes raking down my body. "You might look big and strong, but I can smell the omega pheromones coming off you in waves. Now, what do you think would happen if your heat hit you in the middle of patrolling downtown? Who do you think would get to you first... the thugs on the street or the men and women you'll be working side by side with?"

My teeth were clenched so harshly together I was surprised they hadn't shattered. It was clear he underestimated me. I despised how he could dismiss me just because he had some preconceived notion determining omegas as inferior. The man acted as if I wanted to be raped, as if being on my heat was a good thing. I shuddered at the thought.

"Neither sir. I am taking proper medication and have already planned to take a week off during my heat cycle. I am well prepared and would never put myself or coworkers in danger like that," I answered coolly, making sure not to break eye contact as I spoke. I was a trained liar and couldn't afford to be seen through this late in the game.

"Medication only goes so far. Both you and I know that," Dick said, leaning back in his chair.

I felt like I was talking to a brick wall. I couldn't let my future disappear in front of my eyes after slaving for years to get where I am. I don't give a damn whether I'm an omega or not.

"I want to be transferred to a squad in Sector A. I believe that is where I belong sir," I repeated slowly.

     He let out an unamused chuckle. "I was already being lenient assigning you to Sector C. You're lucky to have even made it this far."

I could feel the irritation and blood start to rush to my face. "Sir, I graduated at the top of my class in the academy. I completed my training and was recognized as valedictorian; my instructor even specifically handpicked and recommended me. I've never had an incident involving my heat or status as an Omega. I have no misdemeanors and there's not a single mark on my record. Do you really think I can't do this just because I'm a Omega? I'm sorry, and I mean no disrespect, but I don't accept that as a valid reason." I stressed the word Omega, having to reign myself back in before I raised my voice at a him.

Dick didn't speak for a couple of moments. The air felt heavier and heavier with each passing second of silence. Did I just screw up? Should I have kept my mouth shut? A thousand thoughts swirled through my mind.

"Alright."

"Alright?" What was that supposed to mean? I choked down a string of demanding curses and questions.

"I'm giving you one month. You'll be assigned to Sector A, working with Team A-1. Effective tomorrow morning at 8 am sharp," Dick stated. His words were emotionless.

My heart slammed against my rib cage as I bit back a grin. "Thank you so much, sir. I deeply appreciate it!" It was hard to keep my excitement out of my voice. I felt like a kid that was shoved into a candy shop and told they could have anything they wanted.

Mr. Wagner pulled the cigarette bud from his lips, crushing it into his ashtray. He watched the light go out before looking back up to me and giving me a stern stare. "Don't fuck up."

I could practically feel the threat behind his words, pressing like a sharpened blade against my throat. I knew exactly what those three little words meant. One little mistake and I would be kicked out of the force entirely. Even with that looming over my head, I couldn't find it in me to be upset. I was bubbling with eagerness on the inside.

"I won't disappoint you, sir. Thank you for the opportunity," I said emphatically, nodding my head before swiftly leaving the room.

I was barely halfway down the hall before I was pumping my fists with an overjoyed expression. I hadn't even dreamed of the encounter going that well! My fingers were already reaching for my pocket to call my mom to share the good news. Starting tomorrow, I was going to be placed on the team of my dreams....

Authors' Note!!!: That's the end of the first chapter!!! What do you think so far? Any pointers?