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Before I know it, I’m squashed in the backseat of my dad’s car with Oliver and Simon while Seth sits in the front with Dad. A warm breeze blows in through the open window, making me inhale deeply.
I can’t believe I’m about to meet the whole Burton family today.
“Oh no! I’m not dressed properly,” I groan, suddenly realizing I’m wearing a tank top and shorts with pink slippers on my feet. “We have to go back.”
The twins laugh and peck my cheeks.
“You look beautiful, Rory,” Seth says, turning around to look at me.
The sincerity in his voice makes my heart flutter. I could be wearing a sack and he’d still think I was beautiful.
Blushing hard, I try to calm my nerves. It’s not that I’m scared to meet their dads. I’m just nervous about the first impression I make on them.
All too soon, the car comes to a halt.
Climbing out, I stare up at the imposing manor before me. The ancient structure never fails to fascinate me.
“Come on,” says Oliver, holding my hand firmly.
Taking a deep breath, I follow my mates inside the manor.
“How old is this place?” Dad asks.
“It’s over six hundred years old,” Seth says, walking beside him. “The original structure wasn’t this grand but over the years, our ancestors added the towers and expanded the area surrounding our home.”
Dad nods, staring around at the modern art that dots the interiors of Burton Manor.
“Hey, Grandpa!” Oliver shouts, raising the hand that’s holding mine.
A startled gasp escapes the frail man who’d been intently reading a newspaper. He turns toward our group and a big grin spreads on his wrinkled face.
“Ahh! I see you’ve brought Rory with you today,” he says, slowly getting to his feet. Grabbing his cane, he makes his way toward us. “And, who’s this?” he says, peering up at my dad. “He seems kind of familiar but I can’t quite place him.”
“Grandpa, this is Mayor Philip Bailley, Rory’s dad,” Seth says.
“That’s right! He’s the mayor of Maplewood. That’s how I know him!” Charlie exclaims, looking excited. “How’re you doing, Mr. Mayor?” he greets my dad and extends his hand toward him.
“Very well, Sir,” Dad says, grasping Charlie’s hand. “And, please. Call me Philip.”
While they talk, Simon and Oliver walk down a different hallway and call for their mom. They’re so loud, the whole manor echoes with their voices.
“Come and have a seat,” Charlie says, leading Dad toward the couches. “Valerie and my sons will come down in an instant to see why the twins are making a racket.”
As I sit down with my dad, I see Seth walking down the same hallway through which Simon and Oliver disappeared.
“I have been following your campaigns over the past few years,” Charlie says, distracting me. “Especially the ones on omega rights that won’t chain them down to the packs they’ve been matched with.”
Dad nods with a serious look on his face. “They’re all way too young to be choosing a pack when they’re fresh out of the omega training academies. I feel they should have a few years to immerse themselves in the real world out there instead of being brainwashed into becoming baby-producing machines for alphas who might not be the right match for them.”
Charlie nods in agreement.
For the first time, I hear what my dad’s been fighting for. He’s been trying to get me to see through the layers of grooming that omegas go through in the training academies.
Most of us are so blinded by the expectations of our society that we never think about being anything different. In the end, it hurts our souls to live a pre-destined life but there’s nothing we can do after we’re already bonded with our packs.
“I’ve been trying to get Rory on my team for years,” I hear Dad say with a chuckle. “But, she’s never been interested in any of my campaigns.”
“I want to help you,” I say.
