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I scrubbed my hands down my face. Perfection was a myth. Discipline? A steel work ethic? I had an endless well of those inside me and I got where I am today because I worked damn hard to get there.

“I was five when I said I wanted to run this city. Used to call myself Emperor Walden, though, didn’t realize the best I could do was mayor. Leaving my mark is important to me, and I’ve worked my entire life to get to this point. I’m not asking you to do it, I’m asking you to support me. Is that too much?”

“It might be for Tully.” Lloyd would not let it go.

Irritation flickered in my stomach. Made it toss with emotions I couldn’t sift through.

“If you had to choose between this role and Tully, what would you say?” Ajax tilted his head.

Pan snorted softly. He didn’t think I would hear, but I did.

I hadn’t chosen him. I whispered his name, beloved, in the shadows and in our bedrooms. He never seemed to care before. Was I wrong about that? I ignored the knot of my intestines.

“We are getting worked up for no reason. It was a question and an option. Let’s go to this donor dinner and see how Tully feels.” I clenched my jaw.

“And if she wants to live like a hermit afterward?” Lloyd arched sandy eyebrows.

“I think you’re underestimating our omega. She’s braver than you give her credit for.”

I would show Tully how incredible she was, and she would beg me to attend this gala, at least I hoped.

24

Tully

I clutched my arms around myself.

“No.” Walden shook his head, and a furrow appeared in his brow that caught my breath.

There was disappointment in the dark shadow, I was sure.

“I don’t think I can do it, Walden,” I admitted.

He pulled me into his embrace. Irritation sparked in me at how easily he made me pliant when I wanted to hold on to my sharp nerves. I didn’t want to capitulate, not with my throat covered in bile like it was.

“I thought that was the point of your delicious show the other day, to claim Tahlia’s confidence for yourself?”

I gripped the edge as my vision narrowed to pricks.

“That was a stupid idea.”

“You’re kidding me, right? It was a revelation. But I want Tully Hartlock on my arm, not anyone else. Although Tahlia is a naughty little minx.”

Walden tugged on his navy-blue suit jacket. He’d shined his shoes earlier while dread dragged my stomach down. The rest of the pack, dressed and waiting, pretended not to listen. Lloyd flipped through the TV stations, at least making some effort. But Pan and Ajax leaned subtly in our direction, waiting for my excuses.

“My lungs hurt. I feel like I’m going to be sick,” I whispered.

“Talk to me, tell me why.”

“After I presented as an omega, we didn’t mingle with many people. But my parents took me to a gala once. I got a new dress, and my hair done.” I lifted one of my strands with a flat smile. “Your family wasn’t there, and I’m sure that’s one of the few reasons we attended. Everyone was so excited to meet me.”

I flinched as the memory returned in full. Walden cupped my face, his smile infuriatingly patient.

“Of course they were.”

“You don’t understand. I watched it happen. These people ate up the name Hartlock, like it was edible gold. But as soon as I opened my mouth, the interest faded. So, I talked more and tried harder. I threw myself at these strangers, hoping to keep that spark alive. But it wasn’t there—because I’m not—I’m not…” I couldn’t say it.

Not when my throat was raw with the truth. Ugly and sharp.