"Hurry up and change, Ammy. I want to line your eyes and do something with that hair."
"I don't need this much primping, Allen. I'm going to look ridiculous."
Allen passed her more of the ensemble.
"Nonsense! You're going to be the most handsome woman there, alpha, beta or omega! Every eye will turn to you as you enter, and your dance card will fill up and-"
Ammy walked around the changing screen, straightening her cuffs and pinned her with a fierce gaze. She bustled over to her and started to fuss.
"That sounds awful, Allen. I don't want all that attention...I don't even want to go but your mother is right. I need a husband and damn my father for ruining my life even when he's not here."
Allen bit her lip and looked guilty.
"I'm sorry, Ammy. I just think you're so wonderful and you deserve so much! If only I had been born an alpha, I would marry you myself!"
Ammy laughed in surprise, throwing her head back and relaxing her shoulders.
"I don't think your mother would approve."
"Then we would run away together! I'd provide for you, and we could have a hundred pups!"
Ammy smiled fondly at her as she fixed her collar.
"That sounds like a wonderful dream, Allen. But even if you were an alpha, I wouldn't love you...like that."
Allen gave an exaggerated sigh and nodded.
"I know. You always favored Sebestian over anyone else. I was sure once you both presented, he would..."
Ammy reached up and captured her hands in her, looking at the stark difference between them, her rough, calloused hands against her smooth, soft ones. She looked up into her tender eyes and felt a tear roll down her cheek.
"He's been cold since our reunion, avoiding me. I always dreamed he and I..."
Allen reached up and brushed her tear away, standing closer, her voice hushed.
"He's been so strange since...well, since we heard of your engagement to Lord Damon."
Ammy let out a breathy laugh and sniffed, clearing her throat.
"Thankfully, that's in the past. What an awful man. And please, forgive me for those silly letters."
Allen frowned as she led her to the vanity, pushing her to sit. She began to pull out her beauty tools, things that Ammy had no idea what they were for.
"What letters?"
Ammy closed her eyes when she began lining them with black kohl.
"I sent letters to your father begging to be saved from my awful, cruel fiancé and the machinations of my horrible father. I'm sure I sounded like some foolish, gothic omega hero. I took care of Damon myself and my father took himself to task. I hope he's dead."
Allen was silent and Ammy leaned back to open her eyes, seeing her blinking owlishly at her.
"Which one do you hope is dead?"
Ammy sneered.
"Both."
Ammy watched Allen swallow and shift nervously.
"Ammy, you speak as if your engagement was forced. I knew life with Jones was difficult for you but I'm beginning to suspect I actually understand very little."
Ammy reached out, trying to shush her, comfort her.
"Please, Allen, I didn't mean to upset you. My father never tried to hide his disdain for me, and he was never careful in his punishments. I thought you knew that the whole family knew. It's why I was brought here originally; Jones was unfit to care for me."
Allen's voice grew shrill.
"Unfit? Unfit? Ammy! Oh, God, the scars on your back, those were from Jones, weren't they? Remember, when you fell from our apple tree and your shirt ripped? I stayed with you while Sebestian ran for help. You had scars, Ammy, deep and nasty. I was so stupid, I thought they were from other accidents, other trees! Damn my father! How could he let you go back to that monster?"
Ammy gripped her arms tightly and pulled her to her, tucking her head into her neck and forcing her to breathe in her scent. She concentrated on staying calm and projecting warmth and comfort, hoping that it would reach her. She rocked her as Allen relaxed into her, curled up in her lap and sobbing. She stroked her hair and laid her cheek on her head, trying not to fall apart. She was so stupid. Why had she let the conversation run away from her. Allen was too young to shoulder her burdens, no matter how much she wanted to.
"I'm sorry, Allen. I'm sure John tried his best but there wasn't much he could have done. I understand that now. The law says that a man owns his daughter, especially an omega daughter. Don't worry about me, pup. All that is in the past and like you said, tonight begins the rest of my life, right? You're here for that."
Allen leaned back, sniffling and wiping her eyes.
"Oh, damn, I've gotten your shirt all wet."
Ammy laughed and ran his hand through her hair.
"It will dry. Now hurry up and finish, it's getting late, and I have a dance card to fill."
Allen set to her task with a renewed determination. She filled the silence around them with idle chatter, trying to recapture the light atmosphere that had deserted them. Her bright company eased her heavy heart and the darkness receded, leaving her hopeful and nervous again.
Finally, Allen urged her to stand in front of the full-length mirror next to the vanity and stood behind her, smoothing out the back of her jacket. A beautiful stranger with her face stared back at her. Her clothes were more appropriate for a beta according to society's standards, but they suited Ammy more than the more feminine attire that most omegas, male and female, wore.
Omegas traditionally wore flowing, draping clothes, feathers and beads, soft pastel colors. Ammy had always admired the omega style, but she felt foolish emulating it, like a hulking pretender, not lithe and graceful enough. Allen had chosen well from her wardrobe, the blue of the waistcoat accentuated her eyes and the jacket smoothed out her shoulders and chest, hiding what she perceived as a flaw. She spun and blushed a bit to realize that the pants were a bit too tight, but they hugged her in all the right places, showing off her natural omega curves. The collar of the shirt was open, revealing a tantalizing view of her neck and the barest hint of her scent glands. It showed to the world that she was unmated and open to courtship. Allen smiled dreamily and hooked her chin over her shoulder, meeting her eyes in the mirror.
"You look wonderful, Ammy. Sorry, I went a little heavy on the kohl."
Ammy shook her head and reached up to lay her fingertips on her cheek, blushing lightly.
"No, Allen, I like it. It makes me feel...nice, confident."
Allen squeezed her, her arms around her chest.
"Good, you should feel amazing. You are amazing, Ammy. I love you. I want you to know you will always be my sister, no matter what."
Ammy met her gaze in the mirror and her eyes teared up.
"I love you too, Allen. Now stop making me cry."
Once they had both gathered themselves, they made their way to the parlor to wait for Sebestian and Jia. Allen rang for a tea tray, and they sat on a loveseat together, cozy and warm, staring into the darkness outside and watching the rain lash against the windows.
"How horrible that it is raining! I've heard that Alpha Jason has the most wonderful maze garden. Sebestian says there are fountains, benches and rose bushes. I could just imagine you taking a romantic stroll with a handsome alpha, arm in arm, the moon shining down, the lights of the ballroom blinking in the distance. How romantic!"
Ammy snorted into her cup, wiping the tea off her lips onto a soft napkin and standing to stretch out her stiff shoulders. Staying so still for Allen to work her magic had taken a toll on her posture.
"I don't think romantic things like that actually happen, Allen. It's all in those torrid books you read."
Allen gasped and crossed her arms; she opened her mouth to retort but was cut off by the front door banging open. The wind howled and someone grunted, sounding like they were struggling with the door. Ammy heard soft footsteps and then Jia's voice.
"Oh, dear. I wonder if we should be out in this?"
Sebestian's voice answered her and Ammy felt all the tension she had worked out of her shoulders return.
"Nonsense, mother. The storm is passing. I've instructed the carriage be readied for us."
The two made their way to the parlor and Ammy paced over to the fireplace, nervous to see Sebestian again. She stood facing the flames until Jia called to greet her. She turned to give her a smile and froze, caught in Sebestian's gaze. Sebestian had stopped in the doorway, taking in Ammy's appearance, eyes sweeping slowly over her form. When Sebestian met her eyes, Ammy grinned at him, daring to believe for a moment that the awkwardness between them would disappear and their previous camaraderie was not lost forever. She was disappointed when Sebestian's face closed off and he nodded politely to Ammy before joining his family, sitting with his back to Sebestian and accepted a cup of tea from Jia. Ammy bit her lip, willing herself not to cry. She turned back to the flames to hide her distress and prayed that it wouldn't be obvious in her scent. Jia noticed but guessed wrong as to the source of her ill humor.
"Ammy, dear, don't be so nervous. Come and sit, please."
She did as she wished and sat beside her, directly across from Sebestian. She kept her eyes on the tea tray, tracing the different biscuits and wishing she could partake. It was rare that she was able to have such treats. Jia reached out and laid her hand on her arm.
"Don't worry so, my girl. You will fit right in, I promise. You look so lovely, doesn't she Sebestian?"
"Yes, of course."
Ammy startled at Sebestian's response and lifted her eyes to meet Sebestian's. Sebestian pursed his lips and turned his head, but Ammy could see a faint blush on his cheeks and the tips of his ears. Ammy ducked her head, confused but pleased and let the faint smell of ginger and old books surround and relax her.
***
The rain had barely abated when they set off for the party and the traffic through the city made them arrive later than was expected. Jia slapped her fan against her palm in frustration.
"Oh, dear. I wanted to arrive early, Ammy. I know the perfect vantage point above the ballroom to watch all the guests arrive. It's going to be harder to point out eligible alphas now."
Sebestian rolled his eyes and propped his chin on his fist, looking out the window. Ammy hid a smile and couldn't help but compare Jia to her daughter, both of them scheming so hard to secure the future they thought Ammy deserved.
"Don't worry so much, Jia. What will be, will be."
Ammy saw Sebestian look at him out of the corner of his eye. Jia rolled her eyes this time.
"Don't be silly, Ammy. You have to be more assertive than that, you have to put yourself in front of all the other omegas there! Get noticed."
"Then I wouldn't be myself. I would rather be honest with a potential spouse. After all, eventually, they would come to know me. What if I am a disappointment?"
Jia sighed and tapped him gently with her fan.
"Oh, Ammy. You are so kind and so frustrating. Do what you must."
Ammy caught Sebestian frowning at her as he looked away from Ammy. He shook his head as he looked out the window, watching the gas street lamps pass in a blur. Ammy was done being confused by Sebestian. She would look to the future, to this party and to her faceless, nameless husband.
The Jones estate was truly impressive. Ammy's only experience with an estate this size had been her father's own. While the James estate had been in ancient disrepair, the Jones estate shone like a beacon in the night. The Will's and Ammy, having arrived a bit late, were forced to join a line of carriages winding its way to the beautiful manor. The slow stop and go offered ample time for Ammy to gape and gasp to herself like a child, completely charmed by the festive decor of the grounds. Sebestian seemed greatly amused by her reactions, hiding what Ammy was sure was a smile behind his gloved hand. Ammy couldn't find it within herself to be embarrassed. She had very little experience with Society, having been isolated by her father and she had been too young to enjoy parties and dinners of the like when she resided with the Will's."Is every party like this?"Sebestian scoffed and Jia shook her head, fanning herself in the humid air left by the storm."No, dear. Alpha Jason is truly a
"My goodness, Ammy, take a breath, omega! That's it, another deep breath. What a lamb you are. How have you wandered into the wolf's den?"Ammy followed her directions, taking a breath and calming down. She was making a horrible first impression on the man meant to welcome her into society and pave the road for her future. Ammy felt foolish and lost, truly she was the lamb Jason had called her. She closed her eyes, enjoying the cool wind generated by Jason's fan and forced herself to calm, breathing deep of the alpha's intoxicating scent. She met Jason's gaze again and smiled crookedly, widening her eyes to look more innocent. She could do this; she could be the lamb and dance with the wolf. Jason's amused smile softened at Ammy's wide eyed, humiliated look and Ammy cheered internally. She could salvage this."Forgive me, Alpha Jason. I am new to Society and was so charmed by your... aesthetics, you called them, that I lost all sense. It is truly beautiful, my lord."Jason pulled his
They started slow, not moving much as Adom instructed Ammy on the steps to the dance. It was a slow, graceful number and the longer they practiced, the more confident and relaxed Ammy became. They weren't perfect. Ammy stumbled more than once and stepped on Adom's foot three times, but Ammy laughed every time Ammy made a mistake. Ammy found herself laughing along, brushing off her embarrassment and enjoying the moment.They drew attention, of course, some people frowning and pursing their lips and others shaking their heads and smiling indulgently. Adom was impervious to the attention, secure in his and his alpha's good reputation and that confidence gave Ammy courage. She urged Adom to spin her and laughed as the room whirled around her. They came apart, arms spread in a graceful arch, one hand still connected, smiling at each other. As Adom pulled on his arm to come back together, Ammy caught sight Sebestian and Jason on the edge of the dance floor, watching them.Sebestian was watc
The hedge maze was vast and beautiful. It didn't take long for Ammy to be completely lost, ambling at a slow pace, enjoying the numerous fountains, alcoves concealed by ivy and exotic flower beds she stumbled across. The maze was impressive but daunting in the dark, not enough torches and gas lamps to dispel all the shadows. The air was humid, and the heavy smell of damp vegetation clouded her sensitive nose, thunder rumbling like a pleased alpha purr. The hedges loomed over Ammy as she wandered, towering high and blocking the din of the ballroom. The only sounds were her soft footsteps in the damp earth and various night birds and insects. No guests had dared to venture so far, and Ammy reveled in the solitude, the sense of adventure she felt.Ammy's dearest wish since she was a child had been to travel the world and journal her experiences. She imagined herself as an old woman, reading to her children and grandchildren of the adventures she had in her youth. Always, in her most secr
Ammy's fingers moved from her shirt collar to cup her throat, caressing her swollen scent glands as Jason did the same to Sebestian. What would that beautiful hand feel like on her own skin? What would Sebestian's mouth on her things feel like? Ammy dropped her hand lower, over her hard nipples, biting her other palm to muffle her heavy breathing. Her head felt fuzzy, heavy, her arousal making her tremble and she gasped softly. She should leave before they smell her, before they see her wet, watching them.Jason moaned again, long and loud, stiffening and holding Sebestian's head tightly to him. Sebestian echoed his moan and grasped Jason thighs, squeezing, nails digging in. Ammy bit her palm harder, watching Jason face. She was torn, wishing she could see better, wishing she could leave and in her dark, selfish heart, wishing she were with them, between them. Sebestian moved back, his head still tilted up and Ammy could see Jason softening cock hanging over the top of his pants, shin
"What? No, I didn't follow you. Something happened and I had to leave the party, get some fresh air. I swear I didn't know there was anyone else out here."Sebestian leaned forward, straining towards Ammy. Jason placed a hand on his chest, keeping him from Ammy's personal space. She still felt trapped here, the space too small, the memory of their passion playing on a loop in Ammy's mind. Why were they so reluctant to see her leave? It was Ammy's fault for spying, and she had no intention of letting them know how long she had watched them. She would scratch, punch and bite them to flee before she admitted to her accidental invasion. Sebestian's voice was still hoarse, and Ammy shivered, realizing it was from having Jason in his mouth."What happened? Are you well?""I'm...fine, now. It was..."Ammy shook her head, feeling foolish. She had fled from the ballroom in a complete panic. What was Society going to say about her now? Jason took mercy on her and sighed, waving his hand dismiss
The sun was bright the next morning, shining through Ammy's window and coaxing her into wakefulness. The fireplace was cold and dark and Ammy huddled under her threadbare blanket, curling upon herself, desperate to chase away the morning chill and hold onto her dreams.She barely remembered her journey home last night. Jason' valet, a beta named Ray, had been easily spotted, pacing the veranda and muttering to himself in a language Ammy didn't know. The valet had been stoic, polite and had wasted no time calling for a carriage to take Ammy home. Ammy was sure she had looked frightful, her clothes in disarray, her jacket missing, and she smelled quite scandalous. She prayed that Beta Ray was as discreet as she was competent.Lillian had been in the tiny foyer to greet him. She had turned pale and indignant at the sight of her, a quiet fury that had amused and touched Ammy. Her mother had never had much care for her only daughter, dismissing her in favor of her high society friends. She
"Ammy! I'm so glad you came. Adom hasn't stopped talking about you since the party."Jane stepped in close to her and kissed both of her cheeks before stepping back and raising an eyebrow, her lips quirked into a teasing grin."Are these flowers for me? Thank you, Ammy. They are lovely!"Ammy blushed and handed the bouquet to her, feeling like a child with her handpicked flowers. Ammy didn't seem to mind, bringing the flowers up to her nose and inhaling deeply. A loud bang sounded behind them and echoed across the courtyard, making Ammy jump and turn swiftly. Jane laid a steady hand on her arm, laughing as Adom stumbled from the stable, brushing straw and dirt from his clothing. Ammy relaxed under her hand and smirked at Adom when he recognized her and came running, almost tripping over a sleeping cat. She apologized loudly to the dozing feline then turned to hug Ammy, rubbing their cheeks together, scenting her.The cloying smell of cypress and lavender enfolded Ammy and she felt a p