Page 5 of Twilight Echoes
It was rare that imprinting happened before a wolf came of age. When it did happen, it was usually because it meant something important. Or the universe just knew. Whatever the case, imprinting was only part of the process. She needed to accept him. Which meant she needed to claim him in her own way. From there, mating could either be instant or a dance that took a little time. He wanted time. But that was for selfish reasons.
His pack was dying.
He was dying.
She fanned her hand across her face. It was as if she were trying to hide the fact she was emitting fairy dust.
That was cute.
“I see the bandages, and I noticed you favoring your one leg.” He tapped her knee.
“It’s nothing more than overuse. I’m simply taking precautions.” She rubbed her thigh. “I don’t like taking any medications, and I certainly don’t use witchcraft to deal with these kinds of ailments. I’ll be ready. You can count on me.”
“I don’t doubt that. Or your ability and talent, but you’re not getting any younger.” He squeezed her shoulder.
She jerked her head. “Are you suggesting I’m old?”
“No.” He chuckled. “But we all know the career span of a principal dancer is short. Have you given any thought to what you’re going to do next?” He waved his hand toward the stage as his dancers moved with the music, and her understudy fumbled through the choreography. “You can’t do that forever. You may have one or two more years before your age starts to become a factor. Take it from me, going out when you’re on top is best. Having a plan is even better.”
Avery stared at the stage. Her gaze followed Olivia. “She’s good. She has talent. Her technique isn’t the worst, but it needs honing. She’s certainly eager to please you. But she lacks refinement. She’s often sloppy during rehearsal.”
“Because she’s your understudy.” Darrell tapped Avery’s knee. “When was the last time you were in that position?”
“I was sixteen and Gwen was…” Avery’s words trailed off.
“Gwen was twenty-six. She was struggling with an injury from the year before and even if she didn’t have that bad ankle, she should have retired. You came in after she fell and took her place. Gwen never returned. She felt disgraced and the worst part is she never had a plan for herself moving forward. I don’t want to see that happen to you.”
“I’m not injured,” Avery said softly.
“I didn’t say you were. And you’re still at the top of your game. You know it. Everyone else on that stage knows it too, including Olivia. Why would she need to prove herself to anyone when she has no chance? She’s wondering if her career is over before it started.” Darrell arched a brow.
“Are you suggesting I step down simply to give her a shot?”
“Good Lord, no. At least not for the duration of this year’s ballet.” He lowered his chin. “Have you ever considered being a choreographer?”
“I teach some classes at the old studio,” she admitted. “I enjoy working with young students. And yes, that thought hascrossed my mind. But this conversation is a few years too premature.”
“It’s never too early to start planning for your future.” The music faded. He stood, taking her hand. “I’d like for you to spend more time working with Olivia.”
“That’s not my responsibility. Or my job. Much less my role.”
“Maybe not.” He tugged her toward the stage. “But this ballet is now under my guidance, and I expect you to put in a few hours with her every day. I want you to help her become a better dancer.”
Avery stopped dead in her tracks, turned, and glared. “So she can replace me?”
“No one can replace you, Avery. You’ve been the principal dancer for this ballet for over seven years. And you will remain so for the rest of this show. If you choose, next year even. But after that, we both know your days are numbered and frankly, so are Olivia’s. Every ballerina has to face that fact.” He glanced at his watch. “We have one more hour left. I’m going to ask that you take Olivia into the small room and go over the solo parts with her. She’s sloppy. And I think if you spend time with her, it will only help you.”
“All right.” Avery let out a long breath. “I will do as you ask.”
“After rehearsal, could you meet me in the choreographer’s office? I have something of a personal matter I need to discuss with you.”
“Sure.” She raced back onstage and looped her arm over Olivia’s shoulders.
Darrell smiled. His mate was something special. Now all he had to do was not die.
2
Avery pulled out her cell and placed it on the vanity in her dressing room. In the three months that had passed since her sister Amanda had first blinked out fairy dust, Avery and the rest of her sisters had all sat around waiting for it to happen.
