Page 55 of Verses and Blooms
The more time we got to cultivate the bond, the more I knew it would grow.
In an attempt to give me some normalcy, Ares brought me a few outfit options for tonight. The beauty of them was not one was the usual black of the ARC uniform I was used to.
One was a sweet, floral dress, another a sexy, green number. Then he’d gone for casual but class with a purple sweater that hung off one shoulder and charcoal pants that looked soft despite seeming formal. The last was simple, with jeans and a comfortable green shirt.
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d chosen my own clothes, and a small part of me wanted to forsake dresses forever after being forced to wear the dirty white ones my captors chose for me.
But like usual, I couldn’t help being a little petty. This was my chance to wear what I wanted, to really claim a part of me that had been long ago buried. And to say a silent fuck you to the assholes who took me. They had me twice and still couldn’t break me.
I slid the green dress over my head. It was a gorgeous emerald green, the material silky and hugging my curves as it slid into place. Despite being sexy, it didn’t show much cleavage, thankfully, since we had a meeting with the Chief. Even the arms were covered in delicate lace.
I felt pretty and elegant, and more put together than I had in my entire life. This was the version of Audrey I wanted the world to see now. Balanced and beautiful, ready to face the world and show them she made it out of the other side.
“You look stunning, Wildling. Your pack is going to lose their minds,” Ledger husked as he stared at me with open adoration. His vivid blue eyes scanned slowly over every inch of my body until warmth spread through me.
Ledger finally stood and walked to the door, holding it open and gesturing for me to go first with a wicked smirk on his face. He was looking forward to their torture.
“Wow,” Ares breathed out when I stepped into the hall, likely to come hunt us down. “I wasn’t expecting you to choose that dress, but I kind of hoped.”
Knowing it was something he specifically bought with me in mind, meant I’d made the right choice. Their subtle ways of taking care of me always got me.
“In that case, I’m glad I didn’t disappoint.”
His expression turned serious. “You could never disappoint me, omega. Youshouldmake decisions that feel good for you, and that will always be enough for me. Alright?”
“Yes, Alpha,” I said, stepping closer and pressing my lips to his again. ARC would have to deal with that part, I didn’t think I could stop myself from touching and kissing them when we did return.
His praise gave me a bit more confidence. That, and the reminder that there was no reason to hold myself back anymore. Everyone knew I was taken, that Ares and the alliance had brought ARC to its knees, and we formed a pack.
“You ready to face this?” I nodded as his eyes studied me. I swear, they expected me to break down again soon. And maybe when things calmed down, the shock of my last experience might finally hit me.
It felt wrong that I wasn’t more upset or traumatized by being taken again. But, I’d trusted Jameson the moment he’d mentioned my pack. Ares specifically. They had done everything they could to find me.
This time I wasn’t desperate and wishing I would just die. Iknewthey were coming and I clung to that.
For once, I wasn’t truly alone in there.
Those were all thoughts for my therapist on another day, though. Tonight, I had to face this meeting with calm confidence.
I put a smile on my face and let Ares lead me down to the dining room.
The Chief was waiting at the table. He was dressed more casually this time, no combat gear, just dark jeans and a black button-up. His salt-and-pepper hair was even combed back.
“Audrey,” he greeted, standing up and giving a slight nod of his head instead of approaching. “I’m glad to see you’re safe.”
“Thanks to you and your men,” I countered. “And thank you for not making them stay back and torture themselves.”
“It was a risk, but one I was willing to take. I believe in my men,” he said, nodding at Ares. “And I know what it’s like to lose someone important to you. I wasn’t going to put the rest of them through that. I couldn’t take them all, but Ledger here was a good ally.”
He nodded at my pack mate who was sitting at the table next to Caspian, Kane, and Rydell who were all trying their best to not openly gape at me in my dress. I gave them a wink but bit back a comment.
The only one missing was Ansel, and I saw him slowly walking into the room as if he was waiting for my voice. I gave him a smile and held out my hand. He hurried over, wrapping his fingers in mine.
“According to Sanchez, your omega here was brilliant. Always asking the right questions. Sometimes that’s all it takes to trigger something in brilliant minds like Sanchez’s. So, he has his respect as well,” he noted to Ansel, but didn’t linger, as if he knew it would make him uncomfortable.
“He is brilliant,” I said, placing a kiss on Ansel’s temple. Just having him this close had the bond between us burning bright. I could feel his surprise but also the undercurrent of pride. It was well deserved, but like me, he wasn’t used to having this level of support.
“Now, I doubt that you’re here to sing our praises,” I said as I let Ares pull out my chair. I sat down, and he did the same for Ansel before taking the seat on my opposite side between Kane and Ledger. Caspian sat on Ledger’s other side with Rydell, and the Chief at the head.
