Page 66 of Just One Bite

Chapter Fifty-Five

Parker

“I didn’t know this is what ballet was like. She’s good.”

She kept her spot, even after she reauditioned because of what happened with Octavia. And Mrs. Vix had to step down as the ballet director.

This role was meant for her. The stage lights cast her porcelain skin in a dark-blue haze as she dances in her long white romantic tutu. She taught me the differences.

I stay quiet in her head as she performs so she can focus, but as soon as she takes her last step off the stage, I hear her voice in my head and smile.

“How did I look?”

“The embodiment of perfection.”

Our whole row is on our feet when she comes to take her final bow on stage. We’re right in the front, and I have a bouquet of moon nightingales in one arm and food in the other. I’m dressed in a suit, ready to take her to the city just like I promised.

Her sisters, our dads, even Aster and Barrett came to see her. Though, likely for reputation purposes, is my guess. We aren’t friends, but seeing as I now hold a council seat and Aster did help me save Olivia’s life, we’re working through our differences.

Aster flips me off when I glance over, and Barrett glares at me.

He’s only here for the photo op of them supporting her.

Nothing says I didn’t have anything to do with the drugging scandal like showing up to every performance and supporting the ballet company with money.

They’re permanently roped into funding for them.

I wave, knowing I’ll be seeing them bright and early at the breakfast table next week.

Gavin and his pack are in the row behind me, and he clamps me on the shoulder for support. And then there’s my pack …

“Your car is here, Alpha.” Ryker shows me the notification on his phone. “And your hotel reservation is confirmed.”

“We might have arranged a small gift inside.” Chase smiles.

“Thank me later.” Ryker snickers.

None of us picked it. They came all the way to the city to see Olivia in the hospital when the news hadn’t broken yet.

They felt connected to me, sensed the danger, and got on the next train in.

Packs aren’t always chosen. Sometimes, they find you.

Maybe it is like Olivia said. There are lone wolves out there that were waiting on me to step up as Alpha.

I’m still adjusting to it. Adding slowly, but it will probably be next semester till I have more recruits.

Right now, they both function as my Seconds because it just makes sense.

They’re a good team as my right-hand men.

It’s weird having them help me with stuff, but they make it funny as shit most of the time, and it alleviates the awkward bits.

Zant calls them my minions to annoy them during Rage practice, and they rightfully give him hell for it.

I think the whole thing has made the team stronger though.

The moon festival is next week, just one more free weekend to catch some alone time with my girl.

I wade through the velvet seats to meet her backstage, and she jumps into my arms.

“I’ve got flowers, food, and a car waiting to whisk us away.”

Her violet and gold eyes glimmer, her hair is in a sparkly bun and looks to be covered in layers of hair spray. “My feet hurt, can you carry me?”

“Can I? I’d love to.” I thrust her over my shoulder, still holding the goods. “I’ll have the guys come get your bags. ”

“Congratulations.” Darien appears as I spin around and he hands me Olivia’s bouquet. “Might want to take a short cut through the woods if you want to avoid a few paparazzi hidden out on the lawn.”

More and more are making it past the gate.

“Come to be helpful?” I ask, looking around for his motive, then a man with a camera comes around and snaps a picture of the three of us.

“Won’t we look like the best of friends for all of Vviveren.”

I push past him toward the back of the theater. You couldn’t pay me to care about Darien’s social status right now.

“Hope you two come back nice and rested. Lots of council business to attended to Owens."

His voice fades into the murmur of voices backstage.

There are layers of velvet curtains and various people passing us and congratulating her despite her being on my shoulder. I have a ring burning a hole in my pocket, and that keeps me grinning the entire time.

“Parker, your hand is on my ass. People are staring.”

“Good. Just how I like it.”