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And that’s all that matters to me.
The crisp breeze wafts around me as I stand on the balcony and look over San Francisco Bay. Adrian, Ezra, and Jonah sit just inside, talking in hushed voices. Everyone knew something was wrong immediately when Adrian called them, and it has taken everything in me not to cry my eyes out.
I thought introducing my pack to my family would be awkward, but I didn’t expect the kind of reaction it elicited from Dad. I’m sure he went to my other dads as well, and they’re going to try to give us hell.
Princess: It’s a mess here. I don’t think I’ve heard this much yelling in a while.
I stare at the text message from Sapphire, wishing she had never seen any of it.
Princess: I’m sorry things went that way. Mom is getting everything in control. Stop worrying. You know how she is. All she’ll have to do is whine, and they’ll give in.
I rest my elbows on the balcony, clutching my phone for dear life.
Me: Thanks for saying that. I don’t know why it’s such a big deal.
Princess: It’s not. Adrian was so handsome and protective. Things will settle. You know how Mama knows how to handle things.
Me: When did you grow up, Sapphire? You sound so wise.
Princess: Hah. I learned it from you. You were always so reasonable. It kind of wore off and helped me. Fake it until you make it, remember?
Me: No one will know otherwise.
I repeat the phrase I told her a couple of times when she came to me needing help with one thing or another. The stress of trying to be perfect to make up for Violet has weighed on all of us. Sapphire always wondered how I could remain composed, especially when I never got any interest from packs. I faked it—I didn’t need a pack when I was passing as a beta.
Princess: Oh. Mama just stormed out.
Another text message pops on my screen, and I inwardly groan.
Me: Shit. She just texted me. She wants to come to meet with my alphas before we go.
Princess: Good luck, sis.
I sigh, stepping away from the balcony. I turn toward the open living room, spotting Leo and Dominic sitting on the couch. All five of my guys look up at me, and it’s as if mom knows that I’m not going to respond in a timely manner, because all their phones go off at once.
I squeeze my eye shut. “My mom wants to come over. She and my dads have been fighting. I don’t know what to expect. Maybe we should run while we still can.”
Ezra gets to his feet and opens his arms, coaxing me to come forward. “Amore, it’ll be fine. We need to do this. I know how important family is to you, despite the problems. I’ll make dinner, and we will have a nice evening. Once everything calms down, we can try again.”
“Shit. So that means I need to put on the damn suit?” Leo asks, rubbing his hand over the back of his neck.
“I’ll grab the gifts. I’m sure it won’t take her long to get here,” Jonah says, patting Adrian on the back. “Why don’t you pull up an additional proposal. You said it yourself. Money talks. We’ll offer her something she can’t refuse, and she’ll help settle Scarlett’s family.”
Dominic comes to my side and tugs me away from Ezra, allowing him to head to the kitchen. He quietly guides me toward the master bedroom and what they’ve deemed my suite to make it easier for all of them to come in as they please without feeling possessive like they would be in their own rooms.
“Lettie, I feel how tense you are, and I want you to take a couple of deep breaths. We’ll take care of everything. This isn’t the first dispute two packs have had during an engagement. I’ve seen it a dozen times with Pack Clearwater, and to be honest, I can’t blame your dad for his reaction. He’ll always see you as a little girl and not the beautiful woman you are. I don’t think anyone could impress him.” Dominic spins me toward the mirror and pulls my hair over my shoulders, hugging me from behind. “But it doesn’t mean I won’t stop trying. This is important to you, so it’s important to me.”
I turn around in his arms and cup his face, meeting his dark eyes. “But that’s the thing. You’re the ones who are important to me. That’s what hurts me. My dad should see that. It’s not about the damn paperwork or our obligations. It’s about me finding my happiness, and it’s as if he just can’t see it.”
“Then we will make him.” Dominic kisses me softly and heads toward the closet, pulling out one of the dresses the associate from the boutique had delivered not long ago.
I let him help me dress, enjoying the sensation of his lips kissing my shoulders and neck, his gentle touch keeping my heart steady as he traces his finger over the small flower-shaped birthmark that darkened when I manifested into an omega. His fingers glide over my silhouette, and he smiles in the mirror at me, his eyes shining with affection and adoration. I could live on his attention forever.
If only the doorbell didn’t ring.
My heartbeat skips, knowing that Mom is here.
Adrian opens the door, and Dominic guides me toward the living room. Mom strides into the penthouse as if she owns it, and Adrian bows slightly as he takes her hand and kisses her knuckles.
