We agreed! We both said we’re ready. You said this weekend.
I know... but having them meet Mom versus talking about our birth mother? I’m ready for one. I’m not sure I’m ready for the other.
We’re ready. Now shush and enjoy the rest of the evening!
Sonnet exhaled all her pent-up anxiety and put it aside. Jude continued to spin her around the room before another alpha appeared from the shadows, ready to steal her away.
Jude pouted but hardly put up a fight as Kai put out a dominant aroma before scooping Sonnet into his arms. Hespun her around and dipped her before finding a spot in the center of the dance floor. Ever since returning home, Kai has become such a consistent force. He was always there, keeping a possessive eye on her, and each day his eyes reflected love, his words reflected adoration, and his hands reflected safety.
Sonnet wrapped her hands around his neck to pull him closer. His purple hair stood out, as did all their new hairstyles, and she couldn’t help but smile at the memory of finding them all in the bathroom. It had been Kai’s idea. An act of kindness she’d never forget or take for granted.
“You’ve really surprised me,” Sonnet said, trying to observe the passionate emotions in his once closed-off gaze. “You were such a jerk when we first met. I didn’t think you’d ever be the first one to give me such an intimate gift.”
Kai smirked proudly. “I’m not known for being good at gift giving. I prefer acts of service. I like doing things without having to express how I feel.”
“I’ve noticed that.” She tugged on his hair pointedly. “Although your little speech in the kitchen was very expressive.”
Kai’s cheeks flushed, but despite feeling embarrassed by it, Sonnet felt even more moved by how far he’d come and how outwardly driven he had been to her and this pack.
“I love you,” Sonnet whispered. “I love you so much. Your speech, this bracelet, your hair, everything. You’ve gone from being one of the worst puzzle pieces to solve to being one of my favorite people.”
“Your favorite? Ohh. You’ll have to say that again in front of the others.”
Sonnet scrunched her nose. “One of. Not the only one.”
“Hmm. Fine, fine.” He held her tighter, his alpha releasing a low, playful growl. “I guess I can settle for being one of your favorites. I just want you to know how ready I am to be the alpha you need. I’m ready to show up. To be a part of the team.”
“I know. Your recent actions match your words perfectly. I trust you, Kai, and I already love you as the alpha you are.”
“I’ll never tire from hearing that,” Kai growled, kissing her deeply.
Her omega was in complete bliss, not wanting the kiss to end, but Sonnet was all but too aware they were at a public charity event. Now was not the time to get hot and steamy with one of her alphas. Even if her omega really, really wanted to.
Kai understood, pulling back and leading her away from the dance floor and towards their waiting pack. Jude held his arms out, but before she could fall into them, the sound of heels and a sharp hello practically broke all the other noise from the room. Jude’s arms and expression fell immediately, and when she turned, she understood why.
Juliana.
Her name had been in every cheap tabloid for the past year and a half. Every fan of the Obsidian Alphas knew the crazy story with Juliana. But for the past month, Sonnet acted like she didn’t.
Sonnet had been so enamored with getting to know her alphas, building a bond, and figuring out her own self that her alphas’ past was long out of her mind until here she was.
Kai looked uncomfortable. He was tense, as if looking at a ghost. Sonnet grabbed his hand instantly to help, but the small act was not ignored by Juliana, who stopped in front of them with a nasty sneer.
She looked like a devil ready to claim a soul.
A very beautiful devil.
BLEH!
Sonnet ignored her omega. Juliana was not a threat, and with all the eyes already on them, she wasn’t about to make a scene.
“Hello, hello,” Juliana purred, her eyes glowing seductively like a siren, and flipping back her straightened black hair, giving a better view of her cleavage in her red dress. She had great boobs. But a charity event like this was not the place to let the girls out. “My, it has been so long, hasn’t it?”
No one said anything. Kai was completely paralyzed, Jude was sweating bullets, and Felix looked like an awkward schoolboy about to give a presentation. Sonnet turned to Zayden, and all it took was one glance back at her before he straightened himself and took the lead.
“Juliana. I didn’t know you were on the guest list.” He shifted himself to the front of the pack.
Juliana grinned and swirled her wine. “I’m a plus one. He’s a football player. I figured my taste buds needed a new flavor after my musician phase didn’t pan out. But don’t worry, boys. You were still yummy. I’m sure your new little friend would agree, or were those hard-working paparazzi spinning another little tale?”
