Page 9 of Finding the Forward: Part One
“Stop being dramatic, Verity,” she retorted in her British clip. “You wouldn’t have lasted two seconds on a real sports team or at a top university. Honestly, it’s disgraceful you even considered it. Maybe I shouldn’t leave Mercy with you. You’llonly encourage her. She won’t last in pro sports, either. She needs to pick a practical occupation.”
“I’mbeing dramatic?” I huffed. “Why is it that when I ask for my needs to be met, I’m dramatic?Why does no one ever drop anything for me?”
“Respect isearned.”
I stared at the phone in my hand as she continued to rant. It hit me in the chest. No matter what I did, I’d never, ever get the respect of the alpha parents.
Tears pricked my eyes.
Alphas don’t cry.
“Verity, are you listening? You will–”
“I won’t.” It came out more like a sob. I hung up, laid my head on my knees, and cried. My heart ached.
A horn honked, and I looked up. The window rolled down on a sleek sedan.
“Get in the car, we’re going for ice cream. Jesus, you’re crying. Spence, get her bag.” A tiny blonde woman with big gray-blue eyes and short hair leaned out of the window.
My older sister, Grace, tumbled out of the car and threw her arms around me. She was four foot ten to my almost six foot in flats. Her scent was reminiscent of peaches and ice cream. I also caught whiffs of her mates.
Spencer, one of her alphas, a dark-haired, sophisticated Greek genius, got out, grabbed my things, and put them in the trunk.
Leaning into my big sister, I sobbed and sobbed. She understood how awful the parents could be.
“I’m so sorry they're being shitty to you. Spend the summer with us. Mercy can stay, too. I know you have research to do over break, but Spence owns a biotech company. We'll figure it out.” Grace led me to the car.
“I’ll help where I can,” Spencer added as he got into the front seat.
I stumbled into the car, feeling a little dizzy. “Whoops, too many plane drinks.”
She sat next to me in the back instead of the front with Spencer. “They can be such assholes.”
Grace had a complicated relationship with the parents–and rightfully so.
She rolled down the windows. “You smell weird, but planes, am I right?”
Oh. I would smell weird.
“I’m excited to hear about your trip,” I told her. She’d recently had the most amazing wedding I’d ever attended, then gone on a fancy vacation with her pack to celebrate.
My phone kept ringing. Taking a deep breath, I silenced my phone, making sure my location was off. A tingly sensation shot through my hand, and I squeezed it a few times. I must have been leaning on it funny or something.
“We’re glad you’re here.” Spencer glanced at me in the rearview mirror.
“I need a break. I just can’t do it anymore,” I sobbed. “It’ll never be enough. I’m tired of having to sacrifice everything for them.”
While I’d always had responsibilities, it hadn’t always been like this. Mom going to jail last year was a turning point. As was Creed moving away.
“Verity, I love you, but you need to stop setting yourself on fire to keep others warm,” she told me. “You’re right. Nothing will ever be enough for them. However, youareenough. More than enough. If they don’t appreciate it, fuck them.”
“You think so?” I paused. Deep down, I knew I was–or at least I used to be. But hearing it from her affected me differently.
“Yes, you’re amazing. It’s time to stop sharing your amazingness with people who don’t acknowledge it. Wewillfigure this out.” Grace squeezed my shoulder with a tiny manicured hand that wore a massive emerald ring.
Spots swam in front of my eyes.
“Are you okay?” Grace asked, concern in her voice.
