Chapter:- 2

The words were like ashes in Sebestian mouth. Ammy had dreamed for years of this reunion and the reality was devastating in its disappointment. Even when her letters to Sebestian had gone unanswered, Ammy had hoped there had been a good excuse. Maybe they had been lost in the post, maybe some family tragedy prevented Sebestian from rushing to her side, whisking her away from her dark torment.

Surely, if Ammy explained her dire situation with her father, Sebestian would make good on his promise to never abandon her. Surely, surely Ammy's love for Sebestian was more important than the pressures put on Sebestian by his family and society. What a damned fool Ammy had been. She had poured her heart out to Sebestian in her letters, things she couldn't say before she left to return home. Had Sebestian even read them or had they had gone straight into the fire?

Sebestian looked away, dismissive and cold and Ammy wished she could sink into the ground beneath her feet. How humiliating to be treated so but Ammy understood. She was beneath the Will's, had always been a charity case for them. Looked at with pity and treated kindly but she had never been good enough to marry Ammy even before her father's last explosive scheme.

Jia's smile was slightly strained, and she took Sebestian's elbow, squeezing harshly if his wince was to be believed. Ammy stood across from them, smiling awkwardly as Allen clung to her, her eyes wide from the tense atmosphere. Jia cleared her throat.

"Ammy, please, join us at the manor for lunch! We were just about to head back, join us in our carriage."

Ammy started to shake her head, but she made the mistake of glancing to Allen. She wasn't so heartless to deny her when she made that pathetic face at her. She grimaced and agreed. Jia made to turn and walk to the carriage, but Sebestian stopped, pulling away.

"Mother, I have a previous engagement, remember?"

Jia made a soft sound of understanding.

"Oh, yes, Alpha Jason! You are such a good friend, son."

Jia turned to Ammy and smiled brightly.

"I'm so proud of my son for making such good social connections! Alpha Jason is so generous and so charming!"

Sebestian ducked his head and Ammy could see the lightest blush of red on his cheeks.

"Please, mother, I will be late if I don't go now."

Jia waved her hand and dismissed him. Sebestian kissed both his mother and sister on the cheek and gave Ammy a barely perceptible, stiff nod and he was off. Ammy watched Sebestian's tall frame disappear down the street over her shoulder as she was dragged by an enthusiastic Allen to the Will's carriage. As Ammy settled into the plush seat, she saw Sebestian pause outside of a florist's shop and enter. Was Sebestian courting someone? The idea sat like a stone in Ammy's stomach, and she watched the buildings pass as they pulled away.

***

The Will's manor had not changed since Ammy had last seen it. As the carriage clattered up the drive, Ammy allowed herself to indulge in the fantasy that no time had passed at all. That she would alight from the carriage and run off hand in hand with Sebestian and Allen to the gardens and mock fight with sticks as their mighty swords until they collapsed in contented exhaustion. Those days were lost to her but perhaps this unexpected invitation would help cultivate a relationship between Ammy and the Will's.

The nostalgia was overwhelming when lunch was served on the veranda. The trees around the secluded table offered enough shade that the ladies were able to shed their hats and the glare of the sun wasn't in anyone's eyes. The flowers were in bloom, verdant colors and sweet scents surrounded Ammy and she allowed herself to lean back in her chair and take in deep, relaxing breaths. She hadn't felt this safe in years and she let the soothing voices of Allen and Jia wash over her, smiling softly, pretending that she belonged here, that she was a Will. Right here, right now, her father's taint couldn't reach her and she felt light and happy.

A tea tray was brought for them and the young beta woman that served it chattered openly about the menu, how nice the day was, how lovely they all looked and how was your trip to town, Omega Will? Jia indulged her questions, and the women shared a laugh about something or other. Ammy wasn't following the words, just letting the atmosphere and the chatter wash over her.

The beta servant turned to include her in the conversation and Ammy smiled charmingly at her, answering her quietly. She felt a thrill when she blushed and stammered a bit, eventually excusing herself to check on lunch. Oh, how she wished to have presented alpha. She would never treat an omega the way Damon had treated her. Ammy was thankful when her darkening thoughts were interrupted by Jia.

"Oh, Ammy dear, I hope you don't mind I sent for Sam to join us in our repast. He will be so excited to see you!"

Ammy grinned and leaned forward, clenching her hands together.

"Of course I don't mind! Does he even remember me? He was so young when I was called away."

Sam had latched onto Ammy quickly after his arrival to the Will manor. The other Will's siblings had been indulgent and doting, but they rarely made time for their younger brother. Ammy would sneak into Sam's room at night and read to him for hours, soaking in Sam's hero-like worship and almost possessive demand for his attention. Being an only child, Ammy had never been around pups before and her instincts had led her to spoil Sam. Ammy wished desperately to have pups of her own one day, she just wished she didn't need a mate for that. Allen gasped loudly at her question, bringing Ammy's mind back to the present.

"Of course he remembers you. I don't think a day has gone by that your name isn't on his lips! I don't recall you spending so much time with him before, but he is constantly regaling anyone who will sit and listen about you."

Ammy flushed in embarrassment and pleasure. She shook her head and leaned back, grinning slightly, sipping her tea. Jia cleared her throat.

"Now before young Sam joins us, there is something I'd like to talk to you about. Nothing bad, I assure you."

Despite Jia's reassurance Ammy felt a creeping dread and sat down her tea slowly, careful not to slosh the liquid as her hands began to shake. She cursed her father for making her so sensitive, her anxiety had never been so overwhelming, and she felt like a foal stumbling alone in the woods. She hated herself for being so timid. Allen reached out and took her hand in hers, smiling and Ammy straightened her spine, meeting Jia's concerned gaze.

"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with Alpha En, the tailor."

Ammy groaned and covered her face with her hands, not worried about propriety with the other omegas. They wouldn't mind her lapse in manners, having known her for so long. She peeked through her fingers to see Allen looking amused and Jia, well, there was the pity she knew the Will's for poor, lost Ammy. Jia reached out to refill their tea and Allen sat two more biscuits on her plate, nudging it closer.

"I only mention it because I believe there is a better, simpler solution to your, ahem, situation."

"Oh, no please don't tell me you mean..."

Jia pursed her lips and folded her hands in her lap, pinning Ammy with a fierce gaze.

"You are having trouble securing yourself independently, Ammy. That is not your fault, my girl, it's your father's fault. He's ruined the Jones name with his gambling and drinking and swindling unsuspecting, naive people out of their money. And now he's fled to parts unknown, leaving no trace save for a kind, nurturing, beautiful daughter. Your father is not here to persecute, and his victims are taking their ire out on you, not realizing that you are more of a victim of him than they ever were."

Ammy ducked her head in shame, unable to process such kind words. She had only been spat on and yelled at since her father's disappearance. Jia continued.

"You need allies and the Will's name can only get you so much. Your greatest support would be an alpha husband and- don't make that sound, it's true!"

Ammy clenched her hands into tight fists, frustration seeping into his tone.

"No alpha of any kind of influence will agree to marry me, Jia. Haven't you heard the gossip about me?"

Jia sniffed and Allen/ was silent, watching their conversation and moving her head as if she were watching an intense tennis match.

"Yes, and I know they are not true. I'm glad your engagement to Damon was broken and anyone with half a mind won't believe those awful rumors. Alpha Damon is a liar and a rogue, much like your father."

Ammy winced. If only society knew just how much her father and Damon were alike, Ammy has permanent marks from the both of them to prove it. Damon would certainly be less sought after, the damn snake.