Page 89 of Broken Dreams

I’ve never heard of such a thing, and Linus and I glance at each other before we nod excitedly. Any form of dance makes me happy. Pole has such an odd history in my life, I’m not sure how to feel about it.

“I have the perfect spot to watch from. Follow me,” Cerenity says, leading the way. “We recently started this format of dance, and it’s so beautiful. Coupled with the right music, it hypes everyone up.”

There’s a hallway that empties into a hidden space with a perfect view of the dancers as they begin their routine. The pole hangs from suspended tension rigging, and can be raised as necessary. The dancers are barefoot as they swing themselves into the air, climbing up the pole before twisting their bodies around it. Finley flips himself upside down, and my core muscles clench in solidarity.

It takes a lot of control and discipline to be able to do this, and it’s just as beautiful as Cerenity said.

I want a pole like this at home,I write to Linus, and Cerenity huffs out a chuckle as she glances at my tablet. Thankfully, it lights up so they can see it in the darkness, a huge upgrade from chalk and board.

“Something tells me Duncan and Callum will be down for that,” she murmurs.

Together, we watch the sensual scene as they flow through the motions around the pole to the music, showing that pole dancing isn’t just sexy. It’s an art form.

The long lines of their limbs, the controlled movements that show the careful tension in their muscles, all of it is so beautiful. I was forced to dance before, but it’s hard to mesh together the joy I feel when watching them with the atmosphere of Slick Dreams.

Since the pole was installed in the dance room by our alphas, I’ve been reconnecting with dancing on it from a place of strength. No one is forcing me to do it, it’s my choice. My body feels stronger by the end, and my mind thankfully exhausted. Everything is just quiet after a dance session lately.

I’m grateful for the silence in a way I’ve never been able to appreciate before because of the nightmares I experience. Duncan and Callum are now a permanent part of our bed in the nest. While I don’t remember the bad dreams or even having them, they told me they’re able to catch them sooner and help soothe us into a more peaceful sleep.

Peace is a step forward.

As the trio ends their dance, we hurry backstage so Cerenity can move on with her night. Everyone knows when to go, and we’re dancing a bit later. Linus and I chat back and forth, until someone walks up to us.

“Have you considered sign language at all?” the girl asks. I think her name is Aryana.

I shake my head, trying to figure out how to explain why I can’t speak. I don’t even really understand it, and when I’m alone in the bathroom, I try to say words aloud but they won’t come.

I wasn’t in the right situation to learn, I say instead.

I don't necessarily want to put my business out there.

Aryana nods. “If you ever want to learn, let me know. The tablet seems to be working pretty well though,” she says.

Thank you,I tell her with a small smile.

I think Lara’s the only bad apple so far, because people have been nice. Before I know it, the guards are ready to walk us across the club.

“The boss suggested that you wear these,” a beta guard says, handing Linus and I a mask. I think he introduced himself as Trigger earlier.

Nodding because it’s not a bad idea, we both fix one to our faces. There are loops that go over our ears so it doesn’t affect my appearance.

Even though we watched the dancers earlier, I was so entranced by them, I didn’t notice how packed the club was. Linus and I hold hands as the guards act as bookends. People are dancing, drinking, and laughing. They’re all enjoying themselves on a Thursday night, living life to the fullest. It’s like seeing a snapshot of peoples’ lives in a moment in time you’ve never experienced.

I feel old, watching the world as if through a magnifying glass.

Before I know it, I’m handing my tablet to the girl who is standing by my cage who will lift it up into the air. Linus helps me in, and I grin as he steps in with me.

“Just you and me, baby,” he says, shrugging. “Let’s dance.”

As the cage goes up and the music changes, the butterflies change from anxiety to excitement. He’s right.

It’s always going to be him and I.

DUNCAN

Since there’s a few hours before Linus and Quinn will dance tonight, my brother and I went home to work on a few things to surprise them.

We’re all up in each other’s space now unless they’re dancing or we’re working. Even then, Callum and I will find ourselves getting tasks done in the living room with them. Most of our work is done remotely, which gives us flexibility.

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