Page 64 of Verses and Blooms
Ansel and I shared a look before we lost it completely, laughing until our stomachs hurt. I didn’t think I’d ever laughed that hard before.
But mostly, I just felt relieved.
The bond we’d formed as a pack wasn’t left behind in that house. Even as we reintegrated into life here at ARC, it remained strong and reassuring, prominent enough that we could truly be carefree in moments like this.
It gave me hope for the future.
Yet, there was still that little voice in the back of my head reminding me that good things never last.
Not for an omega like me.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Audrey
While I was being held captive, all I could think about was my pack. Now that we were reunited and I’d settled back in at ARC, all I could think about was playing music.
As soon as dinner was over, I snatched up my violin and hurried to the greenhouse. I couldn’t get what my pack had said out of my head. The thought of making my own music wouldn’t let me go.
Singing was in my blood, but until now, it had only been songs I’d learned through violin classes or ones I’d self-taught because I liked their sound.
Now was my chance to put my experiences into a song. One that conveyed all the feelings I couldn’t bring myself to say out loud. All the fears that had lingered, and the worry that someone would take my pack and safety net away from me.
A melody formed in my head, timid and lilting. It started slow and soft, like footsteps from a ghost, imperceptible to most until someone truly saw through the veil.
Then hopeful notes joined the song. They weren’t overly cheerful, still holding onto that first feeling of wanting to be invisible. Then it slowly shifted in a change that was so subtle it was unexpected.
I felt myself smiling softly as the song took shape.
The notes at the end swelled in a lively way, turning it into something closer to a love ballad, though it wasn’t just aimed at my pack. It was inward, too. A recognition of the strength that had gotten me through all those years, and through this latest capture.
The sound swelled to a new height before slowly returning to a happier version of that early shyness.
If I had the ability and other musicians at my disposal, this was the point where I’d overlay other instruments for a bit of an added punch.
Maybe if I ever did put these songs out on social media for the world to hear, someone else could fill in the blanks.
As I rested my violin back in its case, I could feel them. My entire pack was nearby, even though Ansel was the only one within view.
His presence was so constant that when I lost myself in my music, I was never surprised to find him there, drawing as he listened and offering silent company.
Existing together in quiet companionship.
“That was one of your own, wasn’t it?” Rydell asked as he walked closer and sat at my feet. His tattooed fingers found mine as I bit my bottom lip and nodded.
“It was beautiful,” he said. “Every time you play, I feel like you’re telling me a story. This one... I think this one was my favorite.”
“Sometimes it’s easier to put my feelings into a song,” I admitted.
“That makes sense,” Ansel said. “I do the same with art.”
“I got all of these for the same reason,” the alpha said, gesturing to the intricate art that lined his arms and hands. His muscles flexed and I had to catch myself before I doused this conservatory in my needy scent.
“Speaking of art,” I said, turning to Rydell. “Have you thought over the tattoo shop more?”
He glanced down at his tattooed hands, flexing them for a moment. “I have and I think I’d like to give it a chance. I just worry that I’ll scare off every customer. People don’t like dominant alphas enough to trust us with something so delicate. If nothing else, I like being able to do it for myself or for you guys if you want any. Maybe it’s silly, but it feels like a dream from a past life now.”
“Just because our lives have become more complicated doesn’t mean you should give up on what brings you happiness,” I said gently. “I’m not discouraging you, I just want to make sure you’re choosing for yourself, not just for the pack or what you think is right.”
