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I pushed it open to find Tully contemplating a long, champagne colored gown. It had gauzy long sleeves and shimmered as though dipped in sunlight. She didn’t turn when I entered. She was wearing one of Lloyd’s hoodies. The hem skimmed her mid-calf, the sleeves swamped her arms.

“That’s a gorgeous dress. Have you decided to come to the gala after all?”

My chest tightened as I wrapped my arms around her front, plastering myself to her back. Her scent burned sharp in the room, and I ran my nose down her neck, trying to soothe her. She let out a deep sigh and sank against me. I was glad she took the comfort I offered, at least.

“It’s a present from Walden, although I think Pan picked it out. I don’t think he liked my answer.”

“You would look beautiful in it, and we would have so much fun.”

Another beat of silence, followed by a whistling sigh. She cracked the window open, and the sheer curtains billowed in the breeze. The fresh air cleared my lungs of her dissatisfied scent.

“I can’t Ajax. Especially not after the dinner.”

I turned her in my arms, making a noise at the devastation swirling on the surface of her gaze. She was an icy lake, set to crack and plunge us into the freezing depths of despair. I fought the urge to crush her in my arms.

“What is it, Tully? What happened?”

She lay her head on my chest, and I looked at the beautiful gown. How long had she been here? Staring at the intricate crystal beading and being too frightened to try it on. It would fit perfectly. I already knew it. Pan had impeccable fashion sense, and he knew the coloring would make Tully look like a golden goddess.

“Listening to everyone at that table speak over my head, like I was a pretty doll, was a horrible reminder. I’m not going to that gala, with all those cameras in my face, to pretend I’m something I’m not. Your pack, Walden, even the human delegate, they’ve done things that matter.”

I frowned and lifted her chin. “Don’t discount yourself, Tully. You deserve to be there like everyone else.”

“Give me one reason. That isn’t my Designation or surname.” She pulled out of my hold.

Her eyes narrowed as they flicked to the dress. I crossed my arms over my chest, resting them on the bulk of my stomach.

“Your parents, that alpha, they really did a number on you, didn’t they? I could give you a thousand reasons, but you’ll never see your worth, will you? I know the feeling,” I added, when Tully’s shoulders stiffened. “Trust me.”

She finally turned, her ashy brows drawn together in confusion. “What are you talking about? You and Pan fit in this pack like you were born to be in it.”

I sighed and moved closer. “Do you want to know where Pan is right now? He’s having dinner with my parents. They’ll spend the entire night trying to convince him to play piano professionally again. He’s their golden child, always has been. There’s nothing I could achieve that would make them admire me.” I gestured to my straining stomach. “Especially because of this.”

Her gaze softened. “Your weight?”

“The more they berated me, the more I ate. I was a highly awarded public speaker and debater. But it was never enough. I got used to the way their faces dropped when I didn’t magically become like Pan.”

I hesitated as I chewed on the bitter truth, and whether to share it. Tully’s shoulders curled in like she could make herself disappear, making my choice for me.

“I know you didn’t grow up in a pack but most people who do have more than one dad. Pan’s dad was the one with musical talent, but he passed away. I know it shouldn’t matter but having my biological dad choose Pan feels like losing a game I was designed to win. What parent doesn’t love their child? It’s taken me years to realize their approval is worthless. I’d never be happy if I was constantly chasing it.”

“That’s horrible,” she muttered, shaking her head. “How can you even call them family when they treat you like that? No wonder you and Pan have your struggles.”

I shrugged. My chest burned from the admission. I didn’t like to crack open old hurts. What was the point of it? But Tully needed to know she wasn’t alone in this feeling. And where she saw worthlessness, I saw a survivor.

“I don’t—call them family, that is. My pack is where my heart is. We might squabble, disagree, and fight, but I know they value me for who I am, not who they want me to be. We want to make you feel that way too, Tully. Remember what Walden said the other day? It doesn’t matter what strangers think about you.”

Tully’s eyes shimmered, and she pressed her pointer fingers into the corner of her eyes.

“Eavesdropping, were you?”

“Yes, and I won’t apologize for it.”

“I appreciate you trying, Ajax, but my parents became martyrs for Starhaven. How can I ever compare to that?”

“Why do you have to?” I asked.

She blinked, startled by the question. “What do you mean?”