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Chapter Thirty-Five

Lilianna

I ’d finished breakfast and was sitting in the livingroom with one of my new books while I waited for the meeting with Mara, I was grateful it was to be a Video call.

Julian appeared in the doorway, his tablet in hand and an expression that was more relaxed than I'd seen from him since yesterday's paparazzi encounter. "Mara will be calling in about five minutes," he said, settling into the chair across from me. "Are you ready for this?"

I closed my book, keeping my finger between the pages to mark my place. "As ready as I can be, I think. What exactly will we be discussing?"

"Strategy, mostly," Julian replied, his hazel eyes warm as they met mine. "How to control the narrative around our courting announcement. She'll want to know your comfort level with different types of posts and photos."

Miles entered carrying a steaming mug, which he set on the coffee table beside me.

"Chamomile with honey," he said softly, his fingers brushing mine as I reached for it.

The brief contact sent the now-familiar flutter of warmth up my arm, and from the way his green eyes darkened slightly, he'd felt it too.

"Thank you," I murmured, wrapping my hands around the warm ceramic. The simple gesture of care steadied my nerves about the upcoming call.

Christopher bounded into the room with his usual energy, settling onto the couch beside me as Nicolaus came in right behind him. "Mara's going to love you," he said with a grin. "She's been handling our public image for three years, and she's never had anything this interesting to work with."

"Interesting?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"A mystery omega who's actually worth the mystery," he explained, his gray eyes dancing with mischief. "Usually when celebrities try to keep relationships private, it's because they're hiding something scandalous. But you? You're just genuinely private. It's refreshing."

Everyone was settling into their usual spots as Julian's tablet chimed with an incoming video call. He positioned it on the coffee table so we could all see the screen, then accepted the call.

A woman with sleek auburn hair and intelligent brown eyes appeared on screen, her professional smile warm but assessing. "Good morning, everyone," she said, her voice crisp with efficiency. "Julian, gentlemen—and you must be Lilianna."

"Hello," I replied, surprised by how steady my voice sounded."I've been looking forward to meeting you, even if it's just virtually for now. Julian has told me wonderful things." She said with a genuine smile.

I felt heat creep up my neck at her words. "Thank you. I'm... still getting used to all of this."

“That is understandable….but first, let me say congratulations on your courting announcement. The response has been overwhelmingly positive." Mara spoke, glancing at some papers in her hands.

"Positive?" I asked, surprised. "I thought there might be more... speculation."

"Oh, there's plenty of speculation," Mara replied with a knowing smile. "But it's the good kind. Romantic curiosity rather than invasive digging. The statement Julian's team released was perfectly crafted—just enough information to satisfy the public's interest while maintaining your privacy."

Julian leaned forward slightly. "What's the current sentiment?"

"Fascination," Mara said simply. "The public loves a good romance, especially when it involves four successful alphas who've been resolutely single for years and a part of the same pack at that.”

I nodded at this, understanding where she was coming from.

“I also wanted to make sure you know that privacy is precious, especially when you're navigating new relationships in the public eye.

That's why I wanted to speak with you directly—to make sure we're handling this in a way that feels right for you.

" She pulled up what looked like a presentation on her screen.

"I've put together some options for how we might approach the social media strategy.

Nothing has to be decided today, and everything is entirely up to your comfort level. "

Julian leaned forward slightly. "What are you thinking?"

"Well," Mara began, clicking to her first slide, "I'm thinking we start with something subtle but intentional. A series of artful, partial images that hint at the relationship without revealing too much of Lilianna."

The screen showed examples: a silhouette against a sunset, two hands intertwined, a woman seen from behind walking through a garden, a close-up of two coffee cups on a table.

"These types of images create intrigue while protecting privacy," Mara continued. "They tell a story without exposing you to scrutiny."

I studied the examples, finding them less intimidating than I'd feared. "These are... beautiful, actually. Not invasive at all."

"Exactly," Mara nodded. "We want to create a narrative on your terms, not let the paparazzi dictate it. The goal is to satisfy public curiosity just enough that they don't feel compelled to dig deeper."

Julian shifted, eyes on the photos displayed, “You also spoke of having Lilianna have her own social media that shows her life and interests as well?”

"I did," Mara confirmed, clicking to a new slide. "This would be entirely optional, of course. But having your own curated space can actually provide more protection than complete silence."

The slide showed examples of tastefully anonymous accounts—close-ups of books with thoughtful captions, artistic photos of gardens, music sheets, and food. No faces were revealed, just glimpses of a life being lived.

"Think of it as controlling your own narrative," Mara explained. "You'd share only what you're comfortable with—your interests, your daily moments of joy, perhaps quotes that inspire you. Nothing that would identify you to strangers, but enough to establish your presence on your own terms."

I studied the examples, intrigued by the possibility. "And I could use a pseudonym?"

"Absolutely," Mara nodded. "Many public figures' partners maintain semi-anonymous accounts. It gives you a voice without exposing your identity."

I considered this, the idea growing more appealing as I thought about it. "I've never had any kind of social media presence before. It seems... freeing, actually. To share things I genuinely care about."

"That's exactly the right attitude," Mara said warmly. "Authenticity resonates far more than manufactured perfection. Your genuine interests—books, music, gardens, whatever brings you joy—those make for compelling content."

Miles leaned forward, his green eyes thoughtful. "What kind of username were you thinking?"

"Something that reflects who you are without being obvious," Mara replied. "We could brainstorm some options. What matters most to you right now? What defines this new chapter of your life?"

I thought for a moment, my fingers tracing the rim of my teacup. "Growth, I suppose. Discovery. Learning who I really am. A little bravery, maybe.” My voice was softer than I intended, but it hung in the room like something sacred—honest and fragile.

Julian’s eyes flicked to mine, and for a moment, the whole room seemed to still. Something in his expression shifted, subtle but unmistakable. It wasn’t just pride—it was recognition. Like he saw me not just as the Omega I was becoming, but the woman I already was.

“That gives us a great place to start,” Mara said, nodding as her fingers flew across the keyboard. “I'll draft a list of name ideas—nothing overt, just concepts that reflect those words and the energy you're stepping into. I'll send it to Julian to share privately with you.”

I curled my fingers around the handle of my teacup, warmth sinking into my palms. The chamomile and honey was perfectly steeped—comforting, floral, soft on my tongue.

Miles’s presence beside me was just as grounding as the tea, his arm resting along the back of the couch behind me, not quite touching, but close enough that I could feel his heat. A quiet reassurance.

Christopher, sprawled out on the floor at my feet like a contented cat in the sun, let out a thoughtful hum. “You know… it’s kind of poetic, the way all of this is unfolding. You’re not stepping into a spotlight—you’re growing a garden, slowly and with intention.”

I glanced down at him, eyebrows raised. “That was… surprisingly deep for someone who once referred to cereal as a ‘valid dinner option.’”

He grinned, unrepentant. “Multitudes, sweetheart.”

Nicolaus chuckled softly under his breath from the chair by the fireplace, one leg crossed elegantly over the other.

He hadn't spoken much during the call, but his silence wasn’t disinterest. His sharp, perceptive gaze rarely left me, even now—cataloguing, calculating, caring in his own quiet, intense way.

Mara flipped to her final slide, her tone shifting into something softer, more intimate.

“The final piece is pacing. We don’t rush any of this.

We release content only when and if Lilianna feels safe and sure.

Until then, radio silence is not just acceptable—it’s powerful.

Let them wonder. Let your story unfold on your own terms.”

There was something seductive in that. Not in the romantic sense, but in the control of it. For so long, my life had been directed by others—parents, tutors, even strangers. The idea of shaping my own narrative, even in tiny, anonymous ways, was thrilling.

When the call finally ended, Julian lingered by the tablet for a few beats, staring at the dark screen after Mara’s face disappeared. His fingers drummed absently against the tabletop, his brows furrowed as if working through a dozen thoughts at once.

The others began to shift—Christopher standing and stretching, Miles collecting the empty mugs with careful efficiency, Nicolaus returning to his tablet but not really reading.

Then Julian looked at me.

“Come walk with me?” he asked, his voice low and deliberate, like the question had been waiting on his tongue for hours.

I blinked. “Now?”

“Now,” he said again, more gently this time, offering me his hand.

I hesitated only a second before placing mine in his. His grip was warm, steady, his thumb brushing lightly across my knuckles. A simple touch, but intimate enough that I felt my heartbeat stutter as I stood.

No one questioned us leaving. Miles gave a nod so subtle it was more sensed than seen.

Christopher winked and made a teasing remark about “romantic strategy debriefs,” but his voice was light.

Even Nicolaus glanced up, eyes briefly catching mine in a way that told me he’d be listening for our return.

Julian led me through the quiet house, his pace unhurried, his presence calm but undeniably commanding.

Out through the glass doors, the patio welcomed us into a soft cocoon of morning warmth.

We walked into the garden until we reached the low stone railing that edged the path into the private trails, the wooded parts where wild things still grew untamed.

Julian stopped, his hand still holding mine, and turned to face me. “You handled that well,” he said, his voice thoughtful, not perfunctory.

I glanced at him, searching his features—the firm line of his jaw, the soft amber flecks in his hazel eyes, the crease in his brow that never quite went away. “I felt freeing to have all those choices and options…and I didn’t feel pressured at all.”

A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “That’s what growth feels like. A little awkward. A little thrilling.”

I laughed softly, tucking my hair behind my ear. “Is that why you brought me out here? To tell me I’m awkward?”

“No,” he said seriously, stepping a little closer. “To tell you I see you. Really see you. And I wanted a moment where it was just us—no noise, no strategy. Just you and me. ”

His words struck something deep in my chest. I swallowed, the sound loud in the silence between us. “Okay.”

Julian’s gaze softened further, and he reached up to brush another loose strand from my cheek. His touch was featherlight, but it lingered—a question in the space between skin and meaning.

“You’re changing so quickly, Lilianna,” he said, his thumb tracing just beneath my cheekbone. “Every day you grow braver. More yourself. And I… I want to make sure we’re not overwhelming you. That we’re not pulling you faster than you want to go.”

“You’re not,” I said immediately, then paused. “I mean… I was overwhelmed at first. But not because of you. Because I didn’t know how to be. Now I think… I’m starting to.”

His jaw flexed, something raw flickering behind his eyes. “Good. Because I need you to understand something.” I looked up at him, the garden and morning forgotten. Only the strength of his gaze mattered now.

“You matter to me…. to us .,” he said, the words like stone on water—rippling and impossible to ignore. “Not just as an Omega. Not because you’re ours. But because you’re you. Because you keep showing up, even when it’s hard.”

My breath caught. I didn’t know what to say, so I did the only thing that felt right—I stepped forward and pressed my face to his chest, arms wrapping around his waist. He held me without hesitation, his embrace strong and sure, like shelter.

“I trust you,” I whispered into the fabric of his shirt.

“I’ll earn it,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of my head, “every day, if you let me.” And just like that, I knew —no matter how complicated things became, no matter how loud the world got—this was the place where I could grow.

Right here. With him. With this pack.