Chapter 42
Summer’s POV
Walking through the gleaming doors of the massive shopping mall, I felt like I’d stepped into another world. After years of pinching pennies and shopping at thrift stores for both Felix and myself, the excessive luxury around me seemed almost
offensive.
“When was the last time you went shopping?” Lyra asked, noticing my wide–eyed expression as we passed store after store of designer brands.
“For fun? Probably before Felix was born,” I admitted, glancing at the outrageous price tags visible through the windows.
Lyra looked horrified. “That’s criminal! You’re telling me Alpha Foster never took you shopping? Not even for special occasions?
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I gave her a wry smile. “Alpha Foster believed a Luna’s job was to look after the pack house and produce heirs. Fashion wasn’t exactly a priority.”
“Well, my brother definitely doesn’t share that prehistoric mindset,” Lyra declared, linking her arm through mine and steering me toward a boutique with mannequins dressed in flowing gowns that looked like they belonged on a red carpet. “Alex appreciates a woman who expresses herself.”
My stomach fluttered at the mention of his name, memories of my vivid dream flooding back. I quickly pushed them aside, focusing instead on the intimidating storefront before us.
“Lyra, I can’t afford anything in there,” I whispered as a salesperson approached with a practiced smile.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Alex is paying,” she replied before turning to greet the saleswoman. “We’re looking for something spectacular for the Blackwood Pack Gala.”
The mention of Alex’s pack name transformed the saleswoman’s polite smile into one of genuine enthusiasm. “Of course! Alpha Blackwood called ahead. We’ve prepared several options for you to consider.”
I shot Lyra a questioning look, but she just winked at me.
What followed was two hours of me feeling like a reluctant doll as Lyra and the saleswoman–Vivienne, as she’d introduced herself–paraded me in and out of dresses. Each one cost more than I’d spent on clothes in the past five years combined.
“Too plain,” Lyra would say about one.
“The cut doesn’t flatter her waist,” Alex would comment about another when Lyra sent him photos.
I hadn’t even realized he was part of this selection process until Lyra started showing me his responses. The fact that he was so invested in what I would wear made my cheeks burn.
“This is ridiculous,” I muttered after the seventh rejected gown. “It’s just a party. Can’t I just wear something simple?”
“It’s not just a party,” Lyra insisted. “It’s your formal introduction to the pack as Alex’s-” She stopped herself, clearing her throat. “As an honored guest of the Alpha.”
Before I could question what she’d been about to say, Vivienne returned with a garment bag, her expression reverent.
“The manager suggested we try our signature piece,” she said, unzipping the bag with careful fingers.
I gasped despite myself. The dress was stunning–a deep emerald silk that seemed to capture and reflect light in hypnotic ways. Intricate beadwork adorned the bodice, creating patterns that reminded me of ancient runes.
“This is our crown jewel,” Vivienne explained. “Designed exclusively for us. The color would be magnificent with your complexion and eyes.”
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Chapter 42
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Lyra was practically bouncing with excitement. “Try it on! Alex will lose his mind when he sees you in this.” I hesitated, fingering the price tag discreetly and nearly choking when I saw the figure. “This is too much.”
“Nonsense,” Lyra dismissed my concern with a wave. “Go try it on before I drag you into that fitting room myself.”
Reluctantly, I took the dress and retreated to the spacious changing room. The fabric felt like liquid in my hands as I carefully stepped into it, pulling it up over my hips and chest. The fit was eerily perfect, as if it had been made for me.
The problem came when I tried to zip up the back. The zipper caught halfway, and no matter how I contorted my arms, I couldn’t reach it properly.
“Lyra?” I called out. “I need some help with the zipper.”
I heard the curtain rustle behind me, and my eyes met Alex’s in the mirror. My breath caught in my throat as his intense gaze traveled down my exposed back.
“Lyra had to take a call,” he said, his voice deeper than usual. “She asked me to check if you needed anything.”
“May I?” he asked, gesturing to the zipper.
I nodded. As his fingers brushed against my spine, images from my dream flashed through my mind—his hands gripping my hips, his mouth on my neck, his voice rough as he claimed me.
I needed to say something–anything–to pull my focus away from the heat crawling up my neck.
“So… I thought you weren’t coming shopping with us,” I said.
“I wasn’t I just had to pick something up before joining you,” he replied, his eyes never leaving mine in the reflection.“I wouldn’t miss seeing you like this for anything in the world.”
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