Chapter Two
It’s My Birthday and I’ll Cry if I Want To
L yrik, Fourteen Years Old
I have a crush on my stepbrother. I only met him today but already I know I could love him for the rest of my life. I feel like a freak but every time I am around him, all I can think of is kissing him. I want him to hold my hand and watch movies with me. I want to call him my boyfriend.
I also know that isn’t a good idea. I know I can never tell anyone how I feel. He is my stepbrother and can never be anything except that. So, I push the feelings down, deeper than I ever could have thought possible.
I will avoid him as much as I can except for the family dinners we are both forced to attend.
****
S ixteen Years Old
I stand in the icy wind staring straight ahead. The wind whips my black dress around my calves, stinging as it slams into my wet face. I can’t remember when I started crying but it feels like I will never be able to stop.
Arms wrap around my shoulder, pulling me into a warm body.
“I’m sorry, Lyrik,” Malichai says. “I know this is hard. But she is at peace now.”
“I know,” I hiccup. “She was in so much pain. But I miss her.”
“One day, you will miss her a little less. I promise.”
I trust his words. He should know. His mom died, too.
****
E ighteen Years Old
Lying in my bed, I think about what I am going to do. Malichai is gone and I am all alone. I am an omega in a house with an Alpha and I don’t know what to do. I do know the way he looks at me makes my skin crawl.
Thomas comes into my room. He is a man I once trusted. He takes what I haven’t offered. A gift meant for someone else. He calls it my birthday present.
I thought I was safe in this house. Now I know better.