Page 132 of Drown My Sorrow

“I’m good at stuff like this. Organising and delegating. Let me handle the estate and things that need your attention. You guys handle the parties and other projects.”

Norman glances between us and leans in.

“Before you ask me if I trust that alpha, know I’ve been bonded to him since I was twenty-two years old. There is no one I trust more.”

Kelly clears his throat.

The room clears their throats.

I swallow a laugh and shoot them a mock glare.

“Gael’s got it handled,” I say with confidence. “Do everything he says or suggests.”

“Fine, sir. I’ll organise for a party planner to come out tomorrow. When are you planning on having this event?”

“A week.”

He chokes, violently coughing. “A week? But, sir!”

I stand up and walk out of the room, enjoying the way he continues choking in the background.

The dark halls are filled with the paintings of my judgemental ancestors. All I can smell is the lemon wood polish that Holt has always used. The velvet red carpet is totally clean without a single speck on it. Past the old wood doors with their engraved angels and heavy doorknobs are rooms with massive windows, ancient pianos, a library with books no one will ever read, and more haunted memories than I care to admit.

I hate being here. It’s making me feel hunted, alone, depressed.

The pack flanks me but keep apart, trying to give me some space. But I’m not sure I want that space.

I open the door to my room. Nothing has changed. It’s like stepping backwards in time. The bed is still oversized and covered in black materials. My desk is by the window, with the chair I used to sit in and stare out at the grounds, wishing and praying for a miracle to occur.

Aspyn gets in front of me and grips my shoulders.

“Hello, Ezekial Boothe.”

I blink and look down at her. “Hello?” I cast a confused look at Kelly, but he’s too busy studying the books on my bookshelf.

“You’re perfect the way you are. No one wants you to change. You aren’t alone.”

I stare down at this incredible omega. I already know I’d do anything to keep her. Anything at all. Every day, I’m learning something new about her or sharing things about myself I never thought I would tell.

She smiles up at me, and I reach up and cup her face. My fingers run over the scar tissue, and she flinches slightly, but I don’t let go.

“You see my scars, and I don’t flinch,” I murmur.

“Yours can’t be seen.”

“Can’t they?”

I dip my head down and kiss her before she can answer. She wraps her arms around my neck and hangs on, and that brings me back. I feel the ice that has surrounded me melt away and the warmth of the pack return.

“I’m going to explore this museum.”

I smirk as Keagan and Beau leave the room, knowing they are giving us privacy, and also that they have been dying to go explore since we got here.

Kelly leans against the window and looks out over the vast estate. I lift Aspyn up and carry her over there.

“What do you think?”

“It’s very…manicured.”

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