Page 2 of Daisy

But something happened to her before she was even claimed. Uncle called it 'attitude adjustment,' said she needed to learn to appreciate her blessings before any pack would want her. I was only twelve then, and Rose was seventeen. Violet had been home visiting from the Omega House, but then she just vanished for those few weeks and we didn't understand where Uncle had sent her.

All I knew was that my brave big sister came back from wherever Uncle sent her with empty eyes and shaking hands. She never told stories anymore. Never winked. Never stood up for anyone.

When she was finally presented to packs, she was the perfect, obedient omega they expected.

Maybe I'm just not a very good omega.

The hallwayoutside my chambers is all marble and gold, beautiful enough to take your breath away. My sisters wait by the antechamber doors. Violet in deep purple, Rose in crimson. They both look so elegant, so sure of themselves.

Everything I'm supposed to become.

"You look beautiful, little sister," Violet says, embracing me carefully. Her scent—soft lilac—should be comforting, but there's something underneath it now. Something tired. Whenshe pulls back, I notice how thin she's gotten, how her smile doesn't quite reach her eyes anymore.

It's nothing like the smile she used to give me when she'd sneak into my bed during thunderstorms, or when she'd help me practice my letters, or when she'd promise that no matter what happened, we'd always have each other.

"Absolutely lovely," Rose agrees,though her voice sounds forced.She's been pregnant for most of the four years since her claiming, and it shows in the dark circles under her eyes, the way she holds herself like everything hurts.

I miss the Rose who used to dance with me in the garden when the nannies weren't watching. Who taught me how to braid flower crowns and told me I was her favorite little sister... and Violet was her favorite big sister. Rose was never as defiant as Violet, but she was warm and bright and full of laughter.

Now they both seem like echoes of themselves.

Looking at them, I feel even smaller. They did their duty. They made the family name proud. They found their place in the world.

Me? I just want to disappear.

"Tonight will be wonderful for you," Violet says,but the words sound like she's reading from a script someone else wrote.

"Such an honor to be presented to the finest packs," Rose adds."You're so fortunate, Daisy."

Fortunate.The word tastes like poison between us.Neither of them sounds like they believe it, but they say it anyway. Like they have to.

The way they speak now, so careful, so practiced.Makes my chest ache like something vital has been carved out.Is that what I'll sound like in a few years? Saying the right words even when they taste like lies?

My sisters kiss my cheeks and glide toward the ballroom, leaving me alone in the hallway. Watching them walk awaybrings back the memory of standing in our empty bedroom after Rose left for the Omega House. I was eleven then, and suddenly I was the only one left in a room that had once been filled with whispered secrets and midnight giggles.

I used to lie in my bed and stare at their empty ones, wondering if they missed me too. Wondering if they remembered our promises to always stay close. When they'd visit from the omega house, they seemed more and more like strangers. Quieter. More careful.

Like they'd forgotten how to be my sisters.

Now I understand why.Maybe this is just what growing up means when you're an omega. Maybe I'm supposed to feel like I'm disappearing.

"Daisy."

Uncle's voice hits me like a physical blow,and I jump. He approaches with his political smile, though his eyes stay cold.His salt-and-pepper hair is perfectly styled despite the late hour, and there's something unsettling about how healthy he looks for his age.His alpha scent hits me—bitter coffee and cold metal—and everything in me wants to step back.But his hand settles heavy on my shoulder before I can move,thumb pressing just above my collarbone like he's marking territory.

His scent makes my skin crawl.

"You understand what tonight means,don't you?"

I nod quickly, not trusting my voice.I can't find the words.

"Twenty-seven of the most powerful packs in the city are here."His thumb presses harder against my collarbone."Twenty-seven opportunities to secure our family's future. Your sisters set the standard. I expect you to exceed it."

He pauses, studying my face. "My presidential campaign depends on the alliances these marriages create. The Bolton banking empire, the old money Whitmore family. Theseconnections will put me in the White House. You understand that,don't you?"

Presidential campaign. Of course. Uncle doesn't just want to be Governor forever, he wants the ultimate prize.And we're his stepping stones.Violet married into the banking elite, Rose into old money. I'm supposed to cement his political dynasty, though I don't really understand how omega marriages translate to votes.

A pulse flutters in my throat like a trapped bird."Yes, Uncle."