The Alpha King approaches me, leaning down to meet my eye. “I’m not embarrassed at all. You’re entitled to how you feel. In fact, it is our fault for putting this on you. We should have approached this with a little more caution, talked to you, explored how you feel. We were excited and jumped in without thinking of your needs. We’re the ones who owe you an apology. I promise we won’t make this mistake again.” He lifts his little finger.
Justin explains,It’s a pinky promise. It’s something we do in this family. Along with voting. I’ll tell you all about that later.
Holding up my little finger, he entangles his large one with mine. My heart swells with an unknown emotion. I feel safe and cared for. Dropping my hand, I gaze around the room. I have a family now.
The Alpha King wraps his arm around Shakti’s waist and leads her to a large table, sets a plate of food in front of her, and kisses her forehead before returning to the line. No one serves him or stops what they’re doing to let him go first. He talks to everyone. He claps Anders on the back as if they’re old friends. And Shakti talks to Tater, Sixes, Faith, and Emily. It’s so casual—no airs, no hierarchy.
Justin and Jeremy chat with Liam and Sodie, like they always did in my clinic room. Nothing changes now in their own home. I like it. It feels right.
“Jessica.” Alpha Agnus crooks a finger at me. “I expect a visit from you at least once every other month.”
I thought you were done with me.
She scoffs, “Don’t be a smartass. Just because I knew you belonged here for now doesn’t mean I abandoned you. Besides, I need you to come back to make me those brownies. Miller had everyone make me brownies since you left, and they just aren’t the same.”
I cover my mouth and giggle.You made everyone bake you brownies?
She raises an eyebrow and whacks me with her cane. “Miller, how many brownies have we gone through?”
He grimaces. “I lost count. Please come back, Jessica. She’s driving everyone crazy.”
I burst into another raspy laugh and shake my head.They’re just brownies. I don’t know what’s so special about them.
She frowns. “Just tell me you’ll return and make them again. Give Miller a list of what you need. I’ll make sure we have everything in stock.”
I shrug.Here, I thought you wanted me to visit because you wanted my company.
“Don’t be a wiseass!” she growls.
I wrinkle my nose and offer her a tender smile. Behind Alpha Agnus, I glimpse a piano in the corner of the room. I hesitate at first and then decide to look more closely. It is a baby grand piano, shiny black as if someone polishes it regularly.
With the pad of my index finger, I touch it. But I feel guilty for leaving fingerprints so I wipe the smudge with the hem of my hoodie. Sliding onto the bench, I lift the cover, revealing the piano keys. A music book sits on the sheet holder. I thumb through the pages, and some of the music titles seem familiar.
Play something, Alpha Agnus urges in my head.
Play what?
Just close your eyes and play something. It will come.
I hover my fingers over the keys, and they begin to move. In my head, colors take shape in a kaleidoscope. Behind closed eyelids, a yellow-white light radiates from my heart through my fingers. With only a few notes of sound, I make music.
The song is slow and haunting at first and then softens. It matches the way I felt a few minutes ago—sad, worried, fearful, relief, and then acceptance. Even with so much uncertainty in my future, it will be okay. I will be okay.
I play the last few notes, ending the song. I open my eyes to look down at the keys and my fingers. Flipping my hands over again and again, I check. Are these really mine? I can’t believe I played. Where did that even come from?
The room is quiet. Everyone stares at me.
Oh, gods, am I in trouble? Why do I keep screwing up? I wait for the yelling, for the punishment. Instead, Shakti raises her hand over her mouth, and tears streak down her face. She slowly approaches me. I wince.
“That was beautiful!” she exclaims, resting her hands over her heart. “Can you play another one?” I hesitate, and she adds, “It’s okay. Give it a try. It’s okay if you play the same one. It was beautiful.”
I don’t want to disappoint her. Swallowing, I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and place my hands over the keys once more. and another song flows through me.
With the final notes still lingering in the air, I slowly open my eyes. Shakti stands between to Anders and the Alpha King. My parents, my chosen family.
The party lasts for a couple more hours before everyone slowly begins to depart. Alpha Agnus is the first, complaining that her old bones must endure a two-hour drive back to her territory. She makes arrangements with Shakti and Anders for my next visit to her territory then leaves.
Emily promises she will return to hang out often. Ean grunts. “You’re going to wish I kept her away longer. Trust me.”
