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“You got him.” She waved a dismissive hand at Pan. “An expensive antique that should be in a museum. And you got Ajax this? What is your problem? Do you even know how incredible your eldest son is? He’s outgoing, driven, and successful. His giant heart has so much love to give, and the way you treat him disgusts me.”

“What are you talking about?” My mom circled her throat with trembling fingers.

“You heard me. You pour all your attention onto Pan and ignore Ajax, except to berate him.”

Warmth bloomed in my chest at her furious tirade.

“That’s quite enough.” My dad stood up, trying to use his alpha height to intimidate Tully into silence.

I stood at her back and glared at him over her shoulder. Pan unfolded from his chair and his hands curled like claws.

“It’s not worth it, Tully. Don’t do this for my sake.”

I’d long since given up trying to get my parents to see my worth. But having Tully defend me lit up a part of me that had been dormant.

“I already told you I won’t be lectured by someone like you.” Dad sniffed.

“Oh?” Tully’s eyes flashed. “You won’t care if I do this, then.” She tore the front cover off the book and tossed it on the ground.

Who was this omega, and when could I mark her? I needed to feel her fury inside me like a blaze. I’d never felt so alive seeing it reflected in her eyes. She could turn me to ash and I’d die smiling. My mom’s outraged shriek only emboldened her, and Tully ripped page after page, flinging it in their faces until my parents stood with gaping mouths. My mom looked to Pan, bewildered, for support that didn’t come.

“Do something,” she urged, but he shook his head and crossed his arms.

He watched Tully with a look of pure adoration. “She’s doing what I wish I was brave enough to do.”

“You’re nothing but a slut and your parents would be disgraced.” My dad shook his finger, but it was gone in a flash, as was his voice.

Pan wrapped his hands around Dad’s throat until all he could manage was a wheeze. His cheeks flooded with forced color.

“Pan,” my mom cried out, clutching her designer bag to her chest like armor.

“You insult Tully in my presence again, and I’ll do worse than choke you out. Understand? Tully and Walden are my music. They’re the only reason I haven’t given up.” Pan shoved Dad back and shook out his hands with a grimace.

Like they were in pain.

“After the time and effort we poured into your lessons?” My dad rubbed his throat.

“You’ve never spoken to us like this before.” My mom’s lower lip wobbled as she stared at Pan.

Pan found me, and the space between us turned electric. “I should have done this a thousand times over for you. I’m sorry.”

My chest warmed even more as Tully slipped her fingers in mine. I squeezed three times.

“You want to know why I don’t play anymore?” Pan turned back to our parents. “I literally can’t. I’ve had broken hands for years.”

He held up his hands. Long, elegant fingers, covered in tattoos.What was he talking about?

“Don’t be dramatic.” My dad snatched up his jacket with a scoff.

“It’s true. It’s called Focal Dystonia. Look it up. I’ll never play piano the way you want me to again, not because I don’t want to. Because I can’t.” Pan’s voice cracked.

He stared down at his tattoo peppered hands like they weren’t real, and the longing, frustration, and disgust made my stomach churn. I had no clue he was struggling at this level. I thought he was being petulant and rebellious.

“When you’re done having your tantrum, you can call and apologize.” My dad wrapped his arm around my mother, who dabbed at dry eyes.

They scurried to the elevator without another word. I thought my dad would argue more, but that wasn’t his style. He knew when to retreat and he was a master of optics.

“That was horrible,” Tully grimaced.