Page 67 of Ondine: Vol. 2

“Ondine, I’ve been watching you play piano since you first arrived. It’s how I’ve gotten to know you. Watching you play. I like who you are when you play.” He looks like he wants to say more. Or doesn’t quite know all the words. So, he says instead, “I hope you get this thing. You deserve it. I’ve already asked my dad and Freddie’s dad if they could help. They are looking into it.”

My mouth hangs open. “Really?”

“Yeah, I mean, you’re bonded to a Wong and being courted by a former Wong. There’s got to be some benefit to being with me.”

Wong Music Hall isn’t named after his family in particular, but another Wong pack in their clan that they are related to. I asked him on the way here.

“I appreciate it,” I say warily. “It’s hard without any connections. I can’t even believe I got this audition.”

“We’ve heard you play. We can believe it.”

This heavy iron weight lifts off of my chest. I didn’t even realize the pressure I was feeling. But knowing that I had connections to help me get this position is huge. What if I actually get this thing? I can breathe for the first time in a long time.

“You’re going to do great. Your pack will be in the mezzanine listening.”

I stand up from the piano bench and walk over to Jake. He’s wearing one of his gray suits and has a steel blue tie on. I run my fingers down the back of it. I can smell him so well this close. His birthday cake smell.

“Can I have this?” I ask, letting the omega in me out to play.

“My tie?” He asks.

I nod and go to loosen the knot. He takes over and does it for me. Once I have it in my hands I wrap it around my knuckles and then rub it across my lips and cheekbones.

He seems very pleased.

“Mine,” I say about the tie.

Then I step away. He looks like he’s trying real hard not to grab at me.

I walk the few steps over to Shadow. He’s not wearing a tie. Just a black duster over his wrinkly white button down. He is the picture of cool, but he hasn’t taken a breath the entire time I’ve been getting close to him.

“Shadow?” I say barely above a whisper.

“Hm?”

“What’s in your pocket?” I ask. Even though I know.

He pulls his hand out, empty, but I wait. He dips his hand back into his duster and pulls out a small pink book.

I stretch out my hand between us. He mimics me. I take the book in my hand and he finally inhales a breath.

Pablo Neruda’s Love Poems.

I already know he’s drawn all over the margins. The paper is soft from wear. I keep eye contact with him as I hold the book to my chest.

“Mine.”

He dips his head in agreement.

There’s a soft knock at the door.

“Miss Ondine. They are ready for you.”

I look between these two alphas, showing them how nervous but ready I am. Neither wavers in their expressions. They think I’m going to do great.

The assistant leads me to the wings of the stage. She tells me to relax and not worry. They are just looking to see my skillsand not looking for a show. I know what she means. Hit every fucking key. They are listening to the notes. Don’t be a diva.

I am still holding Jake’s tie and Shadow’s book. My portable nest. Normally I’d ditch anything that makes me look like an omega. But she needs this. I need this.