Page 6 of Wisteria and Cloves

"Go freshen up," she instructed, stepping back. "We'll discuss strategy over dinner."

I rose from the sofa with practiced grace, keeping my shoulders back and my chin up as I left, but really, I was trying to keep myself from crying. I couldn’t…wouldn’tcry in front of them.

Chapter Three

Lilianna

It hadn’t been a day or two, there hadn’t been a call and it has been five days….Five days of, my mother teaching me what to say or not to say, while meeting Julian and his pack unsupervised.

Five days of endless coaching sessions in the grand parlor of our estate. My mother's voice played on repeat in my head like a broken record:"Speak only when directly asked a question. Keep your answers brief. Smile, but not too much. Don't fidget. Don't challenge. Don't look them in the eyes for too long."

This morning, while i was at breakfast, picking at half a grapefruit, void of flavor, the call finally came. My father swept into the dining room with purpose in his stride.

"Today. Five o'clock," he announced, not bothering with a greeting. "The Artemis Hotel, their private suite. They've arranged for a car to take you."

My mother's teacup clinked against its saucer. "Just her? Alone?"

"Those were the terms." My father's tone left no room for argument. "We will follow them. It will be the only way…” he trailed off at the end, but I could tell by the fierceness on his face, if this didn’t happen… I would be on the wrong end of his anger.

The hours stretched on and seemed to go by slowly. My mother dragged me through three wardrobe changes before settling on a pale blue dress that hit just below my knees—"modest but not matronly"—with sleeves that covered my shoulders but left my collarbones exposed. "A hint of femininity without being provocative," she explained, circling me like a vulture.

By four-thirty, I stood at the front entrance while my mother applied a final touch of nude lipstick to my mouth, her hand trembling slightly. The fear in her eyes was more honest than anything she'd said all day.

"Remember everything we practiced," she whispered. "Your future depends on it.Ourfuture depends on it."

The car arrived precisely at four-forty-five—a sleek black sedan with tinted windows. The driver, a beta with kind eyes, opened the door without speaking. My mother's grip on my arm tightened for a second before letting me go. I was on my own from here on out.

The Artemis Hotel rose like a glass monument from the city center, all sleek angles and reflective surfaces that caught the evening light. I slowly walked into the hotel, my stomach in knots. My heels clicked softly against marble as I crossed the lobby, trying not to notice how the staff's eyes lingered on me—a lone Omega in formal dress, clearly sent for a purpose.

The elevator required a keycard for the upper floors. The concierge approached with practiced deference, his Beta scent neutral and unimposing.

"Ms. Wycliffe? I've been instructed to escort you." He swiped a gold card and pressed the button for the penthouse level. "Mr. Vale is expecting you."

My pulse quickened as the doors closed. The elevator ascended silently, numbers climbing higher as my stomach seemed to sink lower. I kept my hands folded before me, focusing on the light pressure of my fingertips against my palms

I stared at my reflection in the polished elevator doors. The woman gazing back at me looked composed, but I could see the tension in the corners of her eyes. My mother's voice echoed in my head:Remember what's at stake.

The elevator slowed with a gentle hum and opened directly into a private foyer. No hallway, no numbered doors—just an expansive entrance with marble floors and a ceiling that seemed to float above glass walls. Beyond them spread the city skyline, buildings glittering as twilight descended.

"This way, please," the concierge said, leading me to a set of double doors. He knocked once, then stepped aside.

The door opened, and I found myself face to face with Miles—the youngest of Julian's packmates. Shaggy blond hair and bright green eyes that widened slightly, as if surprised to see me actually there.

"You came," he said, then seemed to catch himself."We weren't sure you would," he added, stepping back to let me enter. His scent was clean, like rain and pine, with none of the aggressive markers most Alphas projected when meeting an Omega.

"I was told to be here," I answered simply, keeping my voice soft, as I'd been instructed.

Miles studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable. "Right. Of course you were."

The suite opened before me like something from a dream—vast and luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the city in golden twilight. Modern furniture in muted creams and grays created conversation areas throughout the space. A dining table was set near the windows, crystal glasses catching the light.

"She's here," Miles called, though he didn't raise his voice much, he didn't need to. The acoustics carried his words through the open space.

Julian appeared first, emerging from what I assumed was his bedroom. He wore dark slacks and a simple white button-down with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, casual yet impeccable. His hazel eyes found mine immediately, and I felt a strange flutter in my chest that I quickly tamped down.

"Lilianna," he said, my name sounding different in his voice. "Thank you for coming."

I gave a slight nod, keeping my posture perfect. "Thank you for inviting me."

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