Page 125 of Ondine: Vol. 2

Boone is in a long stay care facility since he’s in a coma. I don’t ask any questions as I don’t want to think about that man.

All our furniture and things have been moved to the new house, and most has been unpacked.

The promotional materials and website have all launched for my solo piano concert. The Wong Music Hall is nearly sold out. Our reception at the Rose Room is at capacity. My parents have not been invited. But I’ll meet Sebastian’s family there. Arnie’s parents have also confirmed they’ll be there.

Jake asks me to go meet his mom on Friday and I agree.

I spend the day unpacking my things and reacquainting myself with my house. It’s never felt this warm and full before.

Jake comes to me in the afternoon to tell me that he’s sorted my registration. I was playing on the recently arrived piano in the sun room. Alpha Kam-po gave his notarized signature on Freddie’s registration, and my handler was declared absent. A judge reviewed the petition and signed on it. Judge Wong, Shadow’s dad. I’m registered fully in the Meier Pack, along with Freddie.

I’m officially Ondine Meier.

As he kisses me, Arnie slips something over my finger. I pull away and see all the pack around me.

On my finger sits a white gold ring with ruby red and sapphire blue stones clustered in the center. I’m confused and nervous.

He gets down on one knee and I sit back down at the piano bench in front of him. I’m trying to figure out if I know what’s going on.

“Ondine, I know we are as committed as we’ll ever be, being bonded and registered. But humor me. Betas like rings. And I’d like to make a wife out of you.”

Tears track down my face. I think I’m nodding because he pulls my face to his and kisses me. He’s crying too.

“You’ll make a fine husband,” I tell him.

Freddie’s voice from nearby says, “Oh, well, I want to be a husband, too.”

“We should all get rings,” Jake agrees.

I laugh as I wipe my tears from my face.

“One big wedding,” Shadow teases.

“And a long honeymoon. Maybe on a boat,” Sebastian says.

I can picture it now. A big wedding on the lawn here at the country house. All my husbands, my alphas and my beta. They’ll wear gray suits. And I will wear a bow in my hair.