“It’s too much. There’s not just one thing, it’s everything.” Memories flashed through my mind I thought I’d buried completely. Being forced to change because I needed to look different, and Eva’s image was the more important one. Being instructed on how to make sure I didn’t do anything to damage her brand as the wholesome girl. I had freedom, but only as long as I did it in a different way from Eva. I was the comparison others measured her by. To them, I wasn’t a person, only a reflection.

“A few years ago, an Alpha asked me on a date. My family knew his, so I said yes. We went to Aurelia’s, so we were seen, and I wore what I wanted.” I still remembered the outfit. A magenta dress which slipped off the shoulders, and flared out at the knees. It was pretty and frothy, and Eva helped me do my make-up. “When we sat down, he told me I should leave the pretty dresses to my sister. He laughed and said it was her job to look pretty and smile, and it was my job to make her look better in comparison.

“Everyone wanted her, but since they couldn’t have her, they would settle for me, the knock-off version. So I should play up what everyone really wanted me to be and own being the dirty one. The slutty one. Everyone’s fantasy fuck. He tried to touch me under the table.” I took a breath, feeling the stillness which now clung to Avery. “I left, and I know he was an asshole, but it turned out he was right. I love Eva so much, and it’s not her fault, but they all want her. She’s the face of everything sweet, good, and wholesome, and I’m the edgy, bitchy sister everyone wants as a replacement. So they can pretend they have her.” The words tasted bitter on my tongue. “There’s a reason I asked if you all knew I was different.”

He didn’t say anything, still stroking up and down my side, waiting for me to get it all out.

“So I can’t wear things like that. Because—and I know you wouldn’t. I promise I know—but all I can think about is how it would feel to see laughter in Ben’s eyes when I put it on. Or Luke’s, or yours. Any of you. And… I’m not sure I would come back from that.”

He did pull me in now, enveloping me in strong arms and a purr so loud it blocked out everyone and everything else. One hand stroked up my back, finally cradling the back of my head, and it just felt… complete. Complete comfort and complete safety.