Page 3 of Not a Gift

Chapter Two

It’s My Birthday and I’ll Cry if I Want To

Lyrik, Fourteen YearsOld

I have a crush on my stepbrother.I only met him today but already I know I could love him for the rest of my life.I feel like a freak but every time I am around him, all I can think of is kissing him.I want him to hold my hand and watch movies with me.I want to call him my boyfriend.

I also know that isn’t a good idea.I know I can never tell anyone how I feel.He is my stepbrother and can never be anything except that.So, I push the feelings down, deeper than I ever could have thought possible.

I will avoid him as much as I can except for the family dinners we are both forced to attend.

****

Sixteen Years Old

I stand in the icy wind staring straight ahead.The wind whips my black dress around my calves, stinging as it slams into my wet face.I can’t remember when I started crying but it feels like I will never be able to stop.

Arms wrap around my shoulder, pulling me into a warm body.

“I’m sorry, Lyrik,” Malichai says.“I know this is hard.But she is at peace now.”

“I know,” I hiccup.“She was in so much pain.But I miss her.”

“One day, you will miss her a little less.I promise.”

I trust his words.He should know.His mom died, too.

****

Eighteen Years Old

Lying in my bed, I think about what I am going to do.Malichai is gone and I am all alone.I am an omega in a house with an Alpha and I don’t know what to do.I do know the way he looks at me makes my skin crawl.

Thomas comes into my room.He is a man I once trusted.He takes what I haven’t offered.A gift meant for someone else.He calls it my birthday present.

I thought I was safe in this house.Now I know better.

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