Page 84 of The Heart of Winter

Not everything at home was as I expected.

There was someone else staying there, someone I had barely had a chance to see.

A young omega named Summer, who was under my dad’s care. He had survived abuse at the hands of his ex-husband, the mafia boss Anzo Ferro. But I had almost no interaction with him, he was painfully shy, permanently frightened. He didn’t even come down for meals; Snow brought them to his room, which surprised me.

A few times, I caught sight of Summer sitting motionless on the patio, staring blankly at the garden while Snow sat nearby, playing the harmonica for him.

They didn’t talk. I never once saw them exchange a word. And when I tried to start a conversation, Summer wouldn’t respond. He’d just sit there in silence, avoiding my gaze.

After a few days, I decided to stop trying. My dad told me Summer was… a unique person. He needed peace, security, and time.

So I let go of any attempts at socializing and just relaxed, mostly in my room or talking with my dad.

One day, as we sat on the patio with tea, I admitted, or rather half-mumbled, that I was interested in a certain alpha.

Dad lifted his head from his cup, platinum blond hair catching the light, as he looked at me. "I have a feeling this is serious," he said with a gentle smile.

I exhaled sharply. "What it is, is crazy, that’s for sure."

He tilted his head, studying me.

"A new piece. With Finn, it was never crazy. Just very… measured."

"Isn’t that how it’s supposed to be for betas? Calm, stable relationships?" I huffed, feeling a familiar tightness in my throat.

The beta complex. Dad, as an omega, couldn’t fully understand.

"What matters is what’s right for you, not your designation."

"I could ruin everything I’ve built with this."

His turquoise eyes lingered on my face for a while.

"Would you feel better if you walked away from it?"

"No!" The answer shot out of me before I could think. A shiver ran down my spine. "I’d feel awful."

"There’s your answer, Winter. It really is that simple."

We sat in silence for a while, staring at the sunset. A harmonica sounded in the distance. I guess Summer and Snow were somewhere near the lake.

"Did you know? From the start?" I whispered.

Dad sighed softly, glancing at his saucer.

"You know my situation was unique. When Uncle Van gave me pictures of people I could stay with, your father’s photo caught my attention immediately. Even though I was terrified of alphas… something about him spoke to me. So I went to his home, and despite my fear and hesitation, it was the ‘fated’ decision. Something pulled me toward him. Something incredibly strong."

"I feel it too. The strong pull. It’s… unsettling."

He leaned in slightly and reached for my hand, his slender fingers clutching mine.

"Winter, if it’s strong, follow it. It’s very important."

So easy to say, so hard to take the jump.

"I’m risking my job, Dad!"

"You’ll find another if you have to. Who, if not you? My smartest son!"

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