15. Lyra
W ith one last look at my outfit, I sighed and tossed my hair into a messy bun. I’d been instructed not to wear anything I’d be upset about getting paint on. However, ratty jeans and a well-loved T-shirt with Elora’s old band logo on it wasn’t how I wanted to look when meeting Eli’s sister for the first time. I believed Eli when he told me his sister wouldn’t judge me, but I wanted to feel confident, and the right outfit helped with that.
“Come on, beautiful, everyone’s already downstairs,” Pascal said from my room’s doorway.
I couldn’t help but smile at the T-shirt he wore under the open jean button-down he was wearing as a coat. “Team internet?” I asked as I walked over to him.
He looked down at the shirt and then back to me. “Too nerdy?”
“Not at all,” I assured him as I grabbed the edges of the jean shirt to pull him closer. “I think it’s absolutely perfect.”
Ensuring he didn’t think I was just telling him what he wanted to hear, I kissed him soundly. Pascal groaned as I slid a hand under the shirt and up his stomach. Before I could venture any higher, he caught my elbow, halting my movements.
“Beautiful, I would love to know just how much you like this shirt, but we have to be somewhere, and what I have in mind would make us extremely late,” Pascal murmured against my lips.
“You’re right. When we get a chance to be alone together, I don’t want any interruptions or to feel rushed,” I agreed.
Pascal kissed my forehead before he took my hand and twined our fingers together. Together, we headed for the elevator, where I took the opportunity to rest my head on Pascal’s shoulder and breathe in his cedar and sage scent. Something about his scent seemed to quiet the worry and racing thoughts in my mind, which I needed.
Thankfully, getting into the back of Eli’s car wasn’t an issue, but I couldn’t keep from blushing at the clear smell of sex, which lingered. Fawn simply smiled and kissed me until I was breathless, giving me zero time to feel anxious about being in a car. Zachary and Tanner took a separate car since none of our vehicles would fit all six of us. As we pulled out of the driveway, we noticed a few news vans and paparazzi hanging around, but our security kept them at bay.
“How long do you think they’ll stick around,” I asked no one in particular. “You’d think our pack having two Omegas would be old news by now.”
“I’m not sure, but my guess would be until there is a story they find more interesting,” Eli reasoned. “All they truly care about is selling magazines and newspapers. Sadly, gossip always sells.”
Soon the reporters were forgotten as we entered a part of the city that was unlike anything I’d seen so far. The buildings weren’t as tall, and they all looked so unique and full of character. We passed a rather ornate building with a grand staircase leading to an entryway with massive pillars.
“That’s the Museum of Modern Art,” Fawn shared, leaning against me to get a better look at the building. “I’ve only been there once, but it was pretty cool. I know, maybe we should go on another Omegas-only date to the museum.”
“I love the sound of that,” I said and gave Fawn a quick kiss on the lips. “I used to beg my parents to take me to all the museums when I was younger, but I stopped going after they passed.”
“It’s a date then,” Fawn promised as he squeezed my hand reassuringly.
Eli turned us onto a side street full of little shops, galleries, and various places advertising all kinds of arts and crafts you could do or make. What had me truly in awe was all the stunning murals painted on the sides of buildings, walls, and even dumpsters. It was a chaotic color explosion in the best way.
The car stopped outside a two-story red brick building with a wrought iron balcony that wrapped around the front and side. From this angle, I couldn’t see if it continued all the way around. Either way, the building was full of character and charm. A sign in the shape of a cloud had The Bailey-Rose Gallery & Art Studio written on it. Off to the side, a smaller sign over a second doorway marked it as the location of Dreams are Forever Jewelers .
“Your sister does jewelry as well?” I gasped.
Eli chuckled and shook his head. “No, her Alpha Vili is the master craftsman and visionary of Dreams of Forever. His family owns Silveda, but Vili decided he wanted to venture out on his own.”
“Ah,” I commented absently as I got out of the car, trying to wrap my head around this new bit of information since I was familiar with the luxury jewelry brand.
Still lost in thought, I didn’t notice someone had exited the building until they slammed into me. The fragrance of sweet rose with the tang of black cherry enveloped me, as did the arms of the woman grinning up at me. She had stunning dual-colored eyes—one was a seafoam green and the other a bright crystal blue. Her wavy hair was violet at the roots and melted into a soft blue that brushed just past her shoulders.
“I’m so freaking excited to meet you, Lyra,” Bailey-Rose proclaimed as she practically vibrated with excitement. “I couldn’t believe it when Crew told me about you, and it was killing me to give you guys space, but Eli promised when the time was right, I’d get to meet all of you.”
Stunned by such a warm and unexpected welcome, I soon felt all my fears melt away. There was nothing but light and love in this adorable woman who was now part of my family.
“Do I get a hug?” Fawn asked, his lower lip pushed out in a pout. “I know Lyra is stunning and irresistible, but I’ve been dying to meet my new big sister.”
Bailey-Rose gave me another quick squeeze before stepping back, turning to face Fawn, and tossing her arms wide open. “Heck, yeah, you get a hug, my cotton candy soul sister.”
I smiled so widely my cheeks started to hurt as I watched Fawn, who was a good foot taller than Bailey-Rose, scoop her up and swing her around. An arm wrapped around my hips and tugged me close. Without hesitation, I rested my head on Tanner’s shoulder, letting his warm cinnamon apple scent add to the moment.
“Have I ever told you how beautiful you look when you smile like that, starlight?” Tanner whispered.
Lifting my head, I tipped my chin in a silent request, which Tanner happily fulfilled. The kiss was simple and sweet, but it was all I needed to have my heart skip a beat. It took me a moment to understand that the overwhelming joy and love I was feeling weren’t mine alone but Eli’s as well. My gaze shifted to my bonded Alpha and found him watching Bailey-Rose and Fawn gushing over each other’s outfits. While I could feel everything going on in his mind, the only outward sign was the slight upturn of his lips and the softness in his icy blue eyes.
“Oh my God, it’s clear that we need to go on an Omegas-only outing,” Fawn announced, clapping his hands together. “Just think of all the fun we’d have shopping, going to high tea, and then topping it all off with mani-pedis.”
“We Alphas might need to talk before I’d feel comfortable letting that happen,” a man cut in.
Bailey-Rose twirled to face him with her arms crossed. “Really, Gareth? Have you met my brother Eli? Do you think he’d ever let the three people he cares about most in the world end up in a dangerous situation? Besides, I’d have Waffles with me, and he scares the poop out of just about everyone. Isn’t that right?” Bailey-Rose said in a baby voice as she squished the face of the largest dog I’d ever seen.
Waffles was tall enough that he reached Bailey-Rose’s hip, and his golden coat made me think of a lion’s mane but all over his body. He had on a red vest marking him as a service dog which Eli had mentioned to me the other day. The massive dog didn’t even bat an eye as his owner showered his face with kisses while she praised him for being the bestest boy ever. Then a much smaller dog appeared between Waffles’ front legs.
Its fur was long, soft looking, and a mixture of black and white. While this dog’s face was dainty, its ears were large and stood tall on top of its head, which had me believing it had excellent hearing. The smaller dog’s attention shifted from Bailey-Rose to me, and I knelt down to offer a welcoming hand. I watched as it cocked its head, looking at me, scenting the air a moment, then slowly approached.
“Hello,” I greeted. “You’re a gorgeous little thing, aren’t you.”
My voice had the dog’s tail wagging and its pace quickening to reach me. Instantly, its head was shoved into my hand begging for pets, its whole body wiggling with happiness.
“Would you look at that, Nugget’s never been so excited to meet a new person. Typically, our little shadow is rather shy,” a new voice commented.
I looked up and found four more men had joined our group outside the studio. The one talking to me had long blond hair and kind blue eyes. His scent was pleasant, and he didn’t feel off-putting so I guessed he was part of Bailey-Rose’s pack.
“Nugget, is that his name?” I asked as the pup stood on his hind legs, begging to be picked up.
“It is, but it doesn’t seem so odd when you know the back story,” he shared and reached out a hand. “I’m Ulysses, by the way, one of Rosie’s Alphas and a long-time Thatcher family friend. These guys next to me are Vili, Warrick, and Yun-Sun.”
“Lyra,” I said and shifted Nugget so I could shake Ulysses’ hand while nodding my greeting to the others. “You’ve got me curious, what type of back story could this little guy have?”
“Why don’t we head inside where we’ll be more comfortable,” Yun-Sun suggested.
He was tall with super short black hair and brown eyes that showed flecks of other colors in the sunlight. Something about him reminded me of Eli in the way he didn’t easily show what he was thinking or feeling. Until his gaze landed on Bailey-Rose, then there was no denying the devotion he felt for his Omega.
“Good plan, Yun,” Bailey-Rose agreed and took the man’s hand.
They escorted us through the gallery which was full of paintings that had my jaw on the floor. Every piece carried so much life and emotion I almost felt like I was intruding on someone’s private thoughts. A large barn door was opened to reveal a studio with a few workstations set up but only one showing signs of regular use. Then we were led upstairs to a loft area filled with comfortable seating that could accommodate us all. Along the back was an elaborate tea and coffee station set up to meet any person’s needs.
“Please sit, relax, we family now,” Vili urged, his words tinged with a familiar accent.
“Forgive me, but are you from Numoland?” I questioned.
He smiled warmly at me and nodded, causing his strawberry blond curls to bounce. “Yes, have you been?”
“No, but my best friend is from there,” I shared.
“Oh?” he pressed, adjusting his glasses, eyes bright with interest. “Maybe I know this friend.”
“Her name is Elora, Elora Casten,” I offered.
“ L?gg av, I know Elora well,” Vili said excitedly and began to talk furiously in Numolandian.
Over the years, I’d picked up a few words, but I wasn’t at all skilled enough to understand what he was saying.
“Vili,” Bailey-Rose cut in, waving her hands like a referee. “Time out. I know you’re excited, but no one can understand what you’re saying.”
“Sorry, kitten,” Vili mumbled, his cheeks turning pink. “I got excited and started to speak in my home tongue, it is easier.”
Bailey-Rose nuzzled her nose against his and smiled. “It’s fine, I just want to know what’s so exciting.”
“Kitten, your friend Zelly, she has older sister, Elora, who lives in this country most of time. Lyra just told me she is best friends with Elora,” Vili explained, beaming. “You two like sisters now and good friends with sisters I know, this is amazing.”
Finally, I was able to put all the pieces together right about the same time Bailey-Rose had.
“You know Zelly?” we blurted simultaneously, only to start laughing.
“Yes, I’ve known Zelly for years. Elora was my college roommate,” I explained once I’d caught my breath. “How do you know her?”
Bailey-Rose settled comfortably on Vili’s lap as I took a seat on the couch between Zachary and Fawn. Nugget, who’d wandered off for a bit, returned, hopped onto my lap, and made himself comfortable. I absently started to pet his soft fur as I listened to Bailey-Rose’s story.
“A little over two months ago, we all went to Numoland to visit Vili’s mother. While we were there, Vili took me to the opera, but of course, you need a proper dress to wear. Vili surprised me by taking me to the shop, Dreams Do Come Tulle, which Zelly’s parents own. To my delight, Zelly was the one to help me pick out the perfect dress.” Bailey-Rose let out a sigh as if she was remembering the whole interaction. “You could say after an introduction like that, Zelly and I became good friends. I haven’t seen her in person again, but we video chat and text all the time. Although I’m sure you already know how crazy things are for them with Elora’s new album coming out.”
I nodded. “Yeah, it’s been taking her a day or two to respond to my texts, but I know it comes with being friends with someone who’s become kind of famous.”
“ Kind of famous?” Fawn scoffed as he knocked his shoulder against mine. “Angel, I love you, but your friend has been nominated in the category for best rock artist. Elora is majorly famous.”
“I know, I know, it’s hard for me to think of her as anyone but my roommate,” I argued. “I’m overjoyed for her success, music is the one thing she loves. I wonder if she’ll take Zelly to the awards show since I doubt I’ll be able to go as her plus one.”
“Hold up a sec,” Bailey-Rose said, holding up a hand. “Why wouldn’t you be able to go?”
“Because I’m no longer single, and I doubt she’d want to have my whole pack tagging along. She offered it to me when I broke up with my previous pack, it was something for me to look forward to,” I answered.
Bailey-Rose tapped her chin in thought. “I guess if you, as an Omega, showed up at an awards show as her plus one, people might get the wrong idea. Everyone knows Zelly is her sister, so it doesn't draw any attention.”
“The only reason I would have gone is because she wanted me to. I hate being the center of attention,” I added.
My guys chuckled at that, knowing just how much I avoided such situations.
“Well, I think we’ve bonded enough so we can leave the Alphas up here without them killing each other while we go down to the studio and have some fun,” Bailey-Rose announced, hopping to her feet only to put an arm around the final pack member we hadn’t been introduced to. “Warrick, the amazing, even made some killer mocktails for us to sip on while we paint.”
Warrick snaked an arm around Bailey-Rose, holding her still long enough for him to kiss her. “Well, I had to help make a good impression on your big brother’s pack now, didn’t I, care bear?”
Bailey-Rose smiled so sweetly at her Alpha that it was obvious to a blind man how in love she was with all her scent matches and vice versa. “You say the sweetest things, but I’m gonna go spend time with my new Omega besties. Don’t miss us too much.”
With that, Bailey-Rose grabbed my hand and Fawn’s in a clear signal we should follow her. Nugget hopped off my lap, looked over his shoulder, and wagged his tail as if to encourage me to do the same.
“All right, but I’ll warn you, I’m not really the artistic type,” I shared as I stood.
Fawn hooked his arm through mine as if he’d been worried I’d run away and winked. “Don’t worry, if all else fails, I’ll make you my canvas and show you just how creative I can be for the both of us.”