For The Win (Gamer Girls, #6) - Auryn Hadley Page 0,193

Professional Gaming Tournaments, but it was the push I needed to come out to my own family. A family that has been supportive my entire life, and who has made it clear that they're proud of me. And thanks to the Kings of Gaming, who claim that women are ruining the video game industry, I have achieved not only my dream job, but I'm also in a relationship with my dream man."

Her eyes scanned the cameras, and she smiled. "This isn't about some transgender person getting a job. It isn't about what pronouns I use. This is about virtual terrorism and the simple fact that our police forces aren't equipped to handle it. Gamers, hackers, and a few select cyber security groups are the best defense we have. Where were the police when Nina Sarkovsky begged for help? What about Jasmine Regan, Milla Chandler, Tess Arias, Olivia MacEntire, Isabela Hughes, and Livie Scott? These women are all dead, and the Kings of Gaming are claiming to be responsible for it. Why isn't anyone asking about this!"

She slammed the paper back down on the podium, her eyes scanning her phone to make sure she hadn't missed anything. In her hands, it vibrated, and a message scrolled across the top of the screen.

PsychoCut: You look amazing! You got this, Rhaven, and we're all watching. Go get 'em, girl.

She felt her lips curl into a smile and looked back up. "I'm one of the lucky ones." Lifting her arm, she showed the scars on her wrists. "When the bullies convinced me that I didn't deserve to live, I failed. I got help. I have some of the most amazing friends who have picked me up and reminded me that it's ok to not hate myself. Now, I'm here to do it for others. To remind your sons and daughters that they are worth something. That any Deviant Game is a safe place for them. We will protect you from all the hate out there."

She paused, pulling in a deep breath as she looked back down. "I am real. I am valid. I am a transgender woman, and I am proud to work for a company that puts the safety of our gamers above profits and bad press." She lifted her eyes back to the cameras. "And I'm not going away. I refuse to let the terrorists win. Thank you."

And with that, she turned and walked calmly back toward the building, aware that Chance had taken the podium again. "No questions at this time," he said. "I'd just like to add that I hope you can see why Deviant Games is proud to have Rhaven Moore on our side. For many young people, games are the only place they can escape bullies, anxiety, or even abusive parents. What we offer is an escape that is safe. With the help of Rhaven and our entire development team, I hope we can do even more to protect those people. Deviant Games has just made donations to multiple transgender and LGBTQ organizations to help make this even easier. Our website also has a help page that includes a suicide prevention hotline and other emergency assistance options. Thank you."

His words trailed off just as Rhaven made it inside. There, the entire team was grinning at her like a bunch of idiots, and Dez held her phone with the screen pointing at Rhaven. Right at the very top was a breaking news banner. Below that, on CNN, they were discussing why the FBI wasn't stopping this group because it sure looked like a terrorist organization.

"That," Dez said, "is called winning, and you did it, Rhaven. You finally figured out how to make the world start taking this problem seriously."

A pair of strong arms closed around her waist. "That's my girl," Braden said before kissing her neck. "You were right. I was scared, but you were right, and I'm so fucking proud of you."

She looked back to meet his eyes. "Know something? It feels really fucking good to finally be the hero for once."

"Baby, you've kinda been my hero since the first time we met." He reached up to caress the line of her jaw. "Besides, no one ever said the damsels can't fight back. I'm pretty sure you just proved that. KoG picked the wrong bitch when they came after you."

"Us," Rhaven corrected, "because I'm not alone, Braden. I've never been alone, that's why we're winning."

Dear Reader,

So many of you have been waiting for For The Win. Rhaven's story