She sat up, hair going a little wild with static electricity. “I think Esme scent-matched.”
Surprise echoed through our bonds. “Really?”
“Yeah. It was just like us. She wanted food, and then she was begging for a cupcake because she couldsmell thembut there weren’t any cupcakes there.” The rest of the story came pouring out of her. “She was so fucking happy. You should have seen her dancing with him. Even before our dad died, I rarely saw her like that.” Her voice dropped to a pained whisper. “And she’s scared of it. Because of me.”
There it was.
Guilt overwhelmed the connection in our chest, and her coffee scent turned bitter and dark. It was hard to deny the effect Eva’s life had on her twin sister. But it was too late to fix it. Even if Eva stopped acting, her fame was such that the damage had already been done. Eva had asked Esme if she wanted her to retire, and she was so horrified by the thought she told Eva never to ask it again.
“Come here, sweetheart.”
I pulled her back in and this time she didn’t resist. Eva clung to me, burying her face in my chest as she fought tears. Tyler tossed me one of her favorite blankets to tuck around her before I held her close and stroked my hands over her arm. Her spine. Her legs. Everywhere.
“You’re not responsible for the way other people react to your fame. Does it suck that people want Esme to be just like you? Yes. Without a doubt. People are assholes, and they should be ashamed of themselves. But it isn’tyourfault they do that.”
“I know.” She sniffed. “But it’s not fair. All she’s ever wanted is what we have, and now she can have it and she doesn’t even believe it’s real. It’s hard not to feel guilty when it’s because of my career. No, it’s not my fault they act that way, but it is my fault they have the opportunity. If I wasn’t who I am…”
“If you weren’t who you are, we wouldn’t be here,” Liam said gently. “We never would have met you.”
Dread soured the bond between us. Never meeting each other and never loving her? Unthinkable.
Sliding across the cushions, Jack leaned down to whisper in her ear. “It’s easy to wish things were different. But we never know what would really change, and if what would change would make you lose more than you meant to. And sometimes, things that aren’t ideal come full circle later.”
“Yeah.” Her voice didn’t sound like she actually agreed.
“Maybe,” Tyler said, “Esme’s bad experiences will help show her that the scent-sympathy is real. As soon as I scented you, there was no chance in the universe of my even looking at someone else. If it’s real, they’ll be the same.”
I nodded in agreement. “Nothing’s going to prove to Esme that she can be happy until she actually feels it.”
“But she won’t feel it,” Eva said, flopping onto her back between Jack and me. “She’s going to hide and try to forget, because the idea of being hurt again is too much for her. She’d rather be safe than take the risk.”
“Then you’ll have to figure out a way to make her see that the risk is worth it. We’ll help. Whatever you need.”
Eva’s bond finally settled from aching guilt to the quiet rumble of thought. “You’re right. I’ve only been thinking about it from Esme’s point of view. But Bennett felt it too. It was clear. If I’d disappeared after the DCAs, what would you have done?”
The immediate growls that filled the nest made her smile.
“I wouldn’t have stopped,” Jack said. “Not until I found you. Pretty sure I wouldn’t have cared about anything else.”
Sitting up, Eva wrapped her arms around her knees, cuddling in the blanket. “So you think they’ll be the same? Only Bennett was at the party, but I know he has a pack. They’re all tattoo artists.”
“You know that, do you?” Tyler leaned forward and raised an eyebrow.
She smirked. “Look up the tattoos and you’ll see why. They’re amazing. I wouldlovea tattoo from him if I could convince Jasmine and Brian to go for it.”
My purr sprang to life without even trying. It wasn’t hard to feel how much we all loved that idea. Eva with a tattoo? Fuck yes.
“But,” she continued, “he gave me his card so I could call for a consult, and we left so fast that I don’t think he has Esme’snumber or vice versa. So… maybe I kill two birds with one stone?”
Jack laughed and pulled her on top of him. “Brilliant, princess.”
“Thank you.”
“But you can’t call them tonight,” I pointed out.
She sighed. “That’s true. I guess I’ll just have to wait.” Stretching, she slowly slid the straps of her bra off her shoulders. “Whatever will I do until tomorrow? Do you guys have any ideas?”
We all pounced, and there was only love and pleasure in our bonds for the rest of the night.
