It’s just a shame our mother couldn’t be here celebrating with us. She died six years ago, and I had no choice but to become the family matriarch at just eighteen.
I miss her, and if only she were here to see Chloé’s debut. I hope that wherever she is, she’s proud of us.
Dad has been distant ever since she left. He hasn’t even bothered to arrive tonight. He’s constantly working, traveling all over the world. Vincent Laurent is a very important man, after all. Too busy to come to his youngest daughter’s debut.
I’m sure he’ll at least remember to video call.
Chloé closes her eyes, and a tear drips down her cheek. She’s going to ruin her makeup.
“Hey, don’t cry,” I whisper, rubbing up and down her bare arm.
I wipe off a little of her body shimmer, and I hear Aunt Rose grumbling in the background. It took her hours to get Chloé’s shimmer just right.
Aunt Lily rushes to my side, handing me a handkerchief. She was always the kindest of my aunts. She even helps as I dab at Chloé’s sweet little cheeks.
Chloé really is beautiful. Inside and outside.
She is going to make some pack really happy one day. I just have to ensure they won’t break her heart. Not like the asshole who broke mine four years ago.
I made a vow to myself that day. I promised that I would never let anyone hurt me ever again. No one can penetrate this concrete heart of mine now. I’m indestructible. Like titanium.
Chloé has never had her heart broken by a boy. She has never even had a boyfriend. Just a string of admirers.
“I wish Mom were here...”
Her words catch me off guard, and just like that, my armor cracks. Funny how just a few simple words can crack through titanium. Now my own tears start to fall.
Aunt Poppy and Daisy offer their reassurances, telling us both that our mom would have been proud of us. Only Aunt Rose keeps her distance. She even checks her watch, making sure we’re still on schedule.
Mom was one of five sisters, and she, too, had a flower name. Violet. It’s the reason I grow them in my apartment now. To honor her memory.
They’re beautiful and always make me smile, even during the darkest days.
Music booms on the stage, and it looks like it’s time. The show is starting. Each debutante will walk down the runway to a crowd of admirers as she debuts her Omega.
It’s also a good opportunity for packs of Alphas to find an Omega of their choosing.
Every pack needs an Omega. They’re the matriarchs of the family, natural born mothers and homemakers. That is why I have to be on my extra guard tonight.
No doubt Chloé will be the crowd’s favorite. Despite the fact that she can’t even keep a darn plant alive, she is not quite ready to take on the burden of a pack. She’s still young, still fragile. I don’t care if she is twenty-one and practically grown. I won’t let her go.
“Well, it’s time,” Aunt Lily announces, clasping Chloé’s hands. The two women squeal in excitement, jumping up and down.
Yep. Time for me to keep an eye out for any vultures.
I hold up my phone so Dad can watch Chloé walk down the runway. There are manyoohsandahsas she spins in her sparkly white dress, cameras flashing at every corner. She’s absolutely in her element as she thrives off the attention.
Meanwhile, I abhor it. I’m a typical wallflower as I prepare to keep to the sidelines. But this is Chloé’s night. She deserves to show off and have a little fun.
I can hear her pealing laughter from all the way up on the nosebleed section. She twirls and twirls, and if she isn’t careful, she’s going to trip off the stage and land on some poor Alpha’s lap.
“So like her mother...” Dad sighs, watching Chloé’s debut from halfway across the world.
He’s in GMT. So five hours ahead.
“If only I didn’t have to be in London this weekend.”
I smile tightly. I know he truly regrets leaving us for that rainy little island across the Atlantic, but I won’t pretend that I am a little upset.