Page 90 of Ondine: Vol. 2

I knew it was going to happen. I knew it. I knew the moment I stood up from playing. I should have known it even earlier. I should have never let myself believe it might happen.

My whole life I’ve never been able to predict what happens next. I’m always ready for those unexpected changes. Because nothing can be relied on, so there is absolutely no reason to ever imagine. Hope is always a bad idea.

But I can’t argue out of my feelings.

Not this time.

I thank her and end the call. I blink and two tears fall down my cheeks.

Oh no.

This hurts.

I wanted it.

I shouldn’t have wanted it.

Oh boy, this is bad.

“Sabbies, she’s upset. Do something,” Shadow says from the end of a long dark tunnel.

Sebastian turns me and pulls me into his arms. My face burrows in his collarbone and I can’t stop the tears.

“It’s ok,” Sabbies says as he rubs my back.

I pull my face away and say, “I don’t know why I’m crying. It’s fine. I knew I wasn’t going to get it.”

“This is bullshit. The fact my family couldn’t even help you is bullshit. Who do you have to be in order to get on their fucking symphony? They wouldn’t have to even pay your salary. You have the talent, that’s not even a question. What the fuck!”

I’m trying not to listen to him. Because it’ll make things worse.

A slight purr comes out of Sabbies’s chest and it really helps.

I just need to be rational and calm down. It was dumb of me to get excited about this.

Shadow comes up close to us, his hands reaching for me, and because I’m so rational and calm I growl at him. He puts his hands down and backs away.

“Wow, are you ok Ondine? Shadow didn’t mean to upset you.”

I huddle closer into Sebastian.

I know he didn’t. I know.

A little growl comes out again.

The alphas exchange a look and Shadow leaves us with purpose. Maybe to go get someone.

“I’m sorry,” I say into his chest.

“You’re upset. No worries. I understand.”

“No, you don’t. I’m sorry. I’m feeling…possessive.”

He doesn’t make any indication he’s even heard me.

“Possessive? Of me?” He finally says.

I nod.