Chapter Fifty-Eight
Wilhelmina
“Ro. You look stunning. Happy graduation.” My gorgeous, super-smart sister turns this way and that in her shimmering white gown. The belle of the ball, Rosaline, is the last of us to graduate from college.
My youngest sister is always so happy, exuding joy and radiating energy wherever she goes. The brainiest of the bunch, she’s finished college a year earlier than the rest of us. Mom and the dads couldn’t be prouder.
She throws her arms around me just as the twins enter her bedroom.
They’re both absolutely stunning, wearing complementary shades of green and purple; they belong on the cover of a magazine.
Identical in appearance, though vastly different in personality, they practically glow with vitality.
They join our embrace, bringing warmth as we enjoy a quiet moment before the guests arrive.
“I bought you a present,” I whisper in Rosaline’s ear, eager to gift it to her.
She squeals, then claps her hands, and we break apart.
As the eldest, it’s always been my mission to make sure each sister knows how loved and special she is.
So, for major milestones, I like to give them something precious to represent their achievements, and this one is no different.
Stepping away, I retrieve a small blue box and pass it to my baby sister. Her silver eyes sparkle, and she grins cheerfully.
“You know I’m not big on jewelry.” Her nose wrinkles adorably.
“I have a feeling this might be the exception.” The top opens with an audible click, and Ro’s sudden gasp tells me everything I need to know. She touches her mouth, running her fingers along her lips as she processes each piece.
“You’re going to make me cry. It’s perfect.” Her voice is barely a whisper.
“No tears! It’ll ruin all that makeup.” Ophelia steps forward, catching the single stray drop that has the audacity to fall.
“Help me put it on?” Rosaline hands me the box, and I lift the delicate charm bracelet from its nesting spot.
It’s small enough for Rosaline’s slender wrist, and with practiced finesse, I fasten it easily.
She gazes at it in awe, looking at all the trinkets adorning it.
Everything that’s important to her: computers, a birthstone for each of her sisters, and even the symbol of Athena.
My sweet youngest sister values wisdom and education far above romance and music. The charm bracelet encompasses all her passions.
“What, no violin or cello?” Rosaline is amazing with string instruments; in her hands, they weep, swell, and create emotions others will never achieve. She giggles at her joke, and the twins roll their eyes, exact mirror images of one another.
“Never.” Though Rosaline is a talented musician, she has never enjoyed it. No, my sister’s nimble fingers are more at home clacking on a keyboard.
A gentle knock sounds at the door, and quickly dabbing her eyes, Rosaline shouts, “Come in.”
Papa peeks his head in. He takes us all in with a smile, and whilst we don’t belong to him genetically, we consider him just as much our father as Dad.
“Happy graduation, sweetheart,” he tells Ro before his gaze trails to me. “People are starting to get a little restless.”
Taking my cue, I give my sister a big hug, kiss her on both cheeks, and squeeze Ophelia and Aspen’s hands before following Papa out of the dressing room.
The scent of decay hits me hard as we pass one of the security guards who has invaded our enormous home to provide protection. I choke with distaste.
“Papa. Something isn’t right with that man.
You’re sure the team was thoroughly vetted?
” I ask under my breath once we’re out of earshot.
Though this was supposed to be a small affair, my parents have always struggled to grasp the concept.
In the entertainment industry, everything is an opportunity for a show.
And that man has my omega instincts careening toward fight-or-flight.
“I know Dad mentioned there was a last-minute change he wasn’t thrilled about. Don’t worry about it, my girl. I’ll look into it. You go delight the crowd. Pack Moreo is here.” Papa squeezes my hand and wiggles his eyebrows.
My parents are fixated on the idea that the handsome pack of rich playboys could be my perfect match. They aren’t.
While they are nice enough, I’m not interested right now. My heart belongs to my sisters and my music.
Papa escorts me to the grand piano, and as soon as I’m seated at the familiar bench, my fingers find the keys. Closing my eyes, I let the song flow from my soul into the room. A self- composed piece just for tonight, to celebrate Rosaline’s accomplishments and express my love.
Soft shuffling footsteps reach my ear, but I don’t stop as a crowd gathers. The melody crescendos, and my whole body vibrates with peace and joy.
Finally opening my eyes, my mother’s face comes into view. She smiles softly, pride shining in her face. It’s like looking in a mirror. Mama’s genes are the strongest in the family, so much so that all of us girls are carbon copies of her. Except for our silver eyes.
No, those belong to Dad. Banyan eyes.
Papa stands behind Mama, the perfect picture of love and devotion. An Alpha completely obsessed with his omega.
Gentle applause reaches my ears, and I start the next song.
“Don’t play too long, my beautiful girl.” Dad places a protective hand on my shoulder. “Remember, you’re a guest, not the entertainment. Mingle.”
I smile politely and nod, but we both know I’m much more comfortable behind the piano than in a crowd.
My mother sits beside me, resting her head on my shoulder.
“You take my breath away, Wills.” She sighs, her light powdery scent making me so happy. “Never choose a pack. Just stay with us forever.”
A giggle builds at her silliness. Do my parents want to see me happily settled down? Yes. But not until I’m ready. Being a single omega at nearly twenty-six isn’t exactly common, but they won’t push the matter.
The room swirls.
Pain. Burning. Antiseptic. Love?
Something threatens to pull me from my parents, and I fight back, kicking deep into my memories.
I’ll just stay here forever.