The Rejected Luna’s Prince By Aurora Archer
Chapter 49 – The Dress
(Willa)
Waiting for him to come back, for them all to, were some of the hardest few hours of my life. I tried to put on a smile for Emmett but I knew it probably looked as hollow as it felt. Fear tightened my stomach into knots. Even Nora’s steady presence did nothing to detract me.
I got infrequent updates, they couldn’t risk updating more. Every time my phone pinged my fear tightened its iron grip on me, worried that it would be bad news.
It wasn’t until I got a call from Caspien that I felt like I could breathe. He sounded distant, his voice was clipped, harsh. I knew he would tell me what happened when he was ready, but as long as everyone was okay then that’s all that mattered for now.
He came in, his icy eyes seemed to flicker between black and churning blue. He was wearing only sweatpants that hung off his waist and his black hair was hanging over his forehead.
Blood spattered his bare chest and was smudged on his face. I scanned him for injuries but there were not, none visible at least.
“Dad!” Emmett shouted and his mouth hung open as he slumped to the floor wrapping Emmett in his arms.
I melted, it was the first time I could remember that he called him that. I sunk to the floor next to them and wrapped my arms around them.
I took him and let him sit in silence in a warm bath, making sure to get all the blood, sweat, and dirt off of him. He visibly relaxed under my touch and the hard anger that I felt through our bond seemed to ebb a bit.
I wanted him to know that I saw him. I saw him for who he was, who he could sometimes be, and I loved every part of him.
_______
I was exhausted, not just because it was approaching midnight when Caspien and Holden finished with The Elders, but because of the mental and emotional weight of the past few days. I felt relieved, even with knowing Alpha Jasper was still alive, there were fewer variables in the mix with The Silent a*s*sasin gone for good.
I still couldn’t believe they had done it. Maybe The Moon Goddess was watching over us, them. Maybe she felt guilty for using me as a vessel for her blessed wolf. I didn’t care, but we did get lucky, or everything aligned. If the Packless stayed loyal to their leader then – I stifled a sob, it would have been a completely different outcome.
I knocked on his open office door and came to sit next to him, leaning on the edge of his desk. He looked as tired as I felt. His hair was unkempt like he had been running his hand through it for hours, and even though his eyes softened when I sat next to him, the tension made his movement stiff.
Even if I wasn’t able to feel his unease and anger through the bond, I could sense it, see it in him.
The Elders needed us to get agreeance from the other Alphas; that was something we could do. I just hoped we could do it soon before Alpha Jasper had a chance to do anything else s.tupid.
“There is a conference soon, this weekend.”
Well, that was perfect timing. I wondered why he didn’t bring it up, or maybe he did and I was too distracted these past days.
“I rarely go in person,” I remembered that from my past life, Luna Natalie mentioned how big of a deal it was for The Prince to show up, and then we had to redo an entire party in a few hours. My lips curled into a smile at the memory, surprising myself. So much has changed since that time.
“This one is at Blue Ridge.”
I froze, did I hear him correctly?
Of course, it had to be there. My hands felt clammy and my skin seemed to prickle, crawling with suppressed emotions. It didn’t matter where it was, I was going, but why did it have to be there?
“I’m coming,”
___
The next day I was practically dragged out of bed by Cali ladened with Caspien’s credit cards. Cali snatched them even though I protested against it.
“You need this,” Cali insisted, “And with our wages, you might be able to afford a new shirt,” She gave me her signature wry smile that told me that this conversation was over.
“I want you to buy anything that you want, seriously. What’s mine is yours,” Caspien shrugged, I tried to protest but he brushed his soft lips against mine, sending sparks across my lips and settling into my core. He pulled back his eyes bright, “Seriously, you need a ballgown and then clothes for the conference.”
“I have-” I started.
“You have jeans,” Cali cut in, “This isn’t the woods anymore, baby girl,” She shook her head and tugged me away.
Her eyes clouded over and I looked back at Caspien and his were too.
“Stop it,” I said to them frowning at their silent conversation.
Cali threw my a smile and pulled us out the door, “Holden is waiting out front,” She told me practically bouncing on her feet.
Caspien was catching up with work but sent Holden and a team of warriors with us. Apparently, the mall had already been checked and camera access was granted to a team here to monitor. I would have said it was excessive but after finding out about people that would walk through time and space I welcomed the added protection, at least temporarily.
Cali was out of the elevator before it even opened and I stumbled behind her.
“S*hi*t, sorry,” Cali laughed stopping after nearly barreling someone down, “Hi,”
Rachel looked at us and gave us a genuine smile that I returned.
“Sorry,” I added, “Cali is excited about shopping, she hasn’t been allowed out recently,” I explained. Well, besides that whole semi-s.educing an a*s*sa*s*sin thing I didn’t think should be shared.
“No, of course, I get it. Shopping for anything in particular?” She pushed her honey-brown waves behind her back.
“Black and white ball at the Alpha conference,” Cali cut in, “I’m not going but that doesn’t mean I don’t need a ballgown for you know, Mondays.” She shrugged.
“I love that attitude,” Rachel laughed, “You have to go to Anthony Rossi, he is the best designer and a werewolf, also he’s my cousin.”
“Anthony Rossi is your cousin?” Cali’s voice went up an octave I didn’t know was possible for her.
“I’m sorry, who is Anthony Rossi?” I said quietly.
“He’s an incredible designer, he’s known everywhere, even in the human world.” Cali explained, “Even in my neck of the human world,” Her lips tugged in a half smile.
“Oh my gosh, you’re a werewolf,” Rachel’s brown eyes widened, “Welcome,” A brilliant smile flashed across face and it almost annoyed me how easy she was to like.
“It’s been an insane few days, but I’m adjusting, I didn’t realize how much more you guys saw and smelled and felt,” Cali gushed.
She did seem like a new person. She was always reliable, loving in her own way, but she seemed to be so easy and so relaxed these past few days, weeks even.
“I have nothing to compare it to but I do like being a werewolf,” I added and Rachel nodded.
“Come with us,” Cali said, “We could use the help,” Rachel’s eyes widened slightly and she looked towards me.
“I could genuinely use the advice, I haven’t worn a ballgown in years.” I shrugged offering her a smile.
“O-okay,” Rachel said and Cali turned on her heel dragging us both now behind her.
We pulled up to the mall in no time.
It was almost comical watching our guards try to fit in. Being surrounded by ma*s*sive men who practically exuded power only brought more attention to us, but I hoped no one would try anything with them around.
I couldn’t wait until I could have some semblance of normality, but I would take this protective awkwardness over paralyzing fear any day.
I was exhausted by the third shop, Cali insisted nothing was good enough and wanted me to find the perfect ‘revenge dress’. I filled in Rachel about where we were going and who Alpha Nolan was to me.
Her eyes flashed black, “Who the f*uc*k? When you were pregnant?” her hands clenched and she shook her head, “Come on we’re going to Anthony. Now” She turned on her heel and we followed her.
“I didn’t think he would have a place here,” Cali said after we walked out of an elevator, squished between guards.
“It’s more of a showroom,” Rachel shrugged, “He occasionally meets clients here too I think.”
We stopped outside a store. The only thing in the large windows were four gorgeous dresses lit up on pedestals. The glass door was closed, unlike every other store we passed. The door had something behind it so we couldn’t get a glimpse in.
Rachel walked up and pressed a button on an intercom I didn’t notice.
“We aren’t open for walk-ins,” A woman said dryly.
“Tell Anthony, Rachel is here to see him, he’s expecting me.”
“Oh, Rachel, of course, come in,” Her tone turned bright and a buzzing sounded.
Holden opened the door for us, “Ladies,” He flashed us a smile and we followed him in accompanied by our guards.
A short, well, short for werewolves, thin man came out with open arms to Rachel, “You’re lucky I happened to be in the city today.”
I felt guilty, he came here just for us to try on dresses? But, I was so grateful to Rachel for making it happen. Even the first glance at the dresses in the window was better than anything we had seen all day, any one of those would be perfect.
“You owe me a few anyways,” Rachel moved her waves over her shoulder.
“Hm,” He smiled at her, “Who are we outfitting today?” He looked behind her at us and Rachel introduced us all.
“Not me this time, unfortunately. Willa needs a dress for a black and white ball for the annual Alpha Conference.”
“Oh, now that, that I can do.” He turned his smile to me and stretched out a hand, I didn’t know what I expected but he was everything but that. He seemed nice and personable, and despite the gorgeous dresses and the custom shopping experience, I felt comfortable.
Chilled champagne was brought out and besides the warriors who were standing with their arms crossed, everyone took seats on couches as I was whisked away to a large dressing room with a pedestal.
“Here, try these first to see what style you want to go for, and then we can narrow it down,” He hung up three dresses and a woman came in to help me step into them.
The first one was white and had a corset top, partially sheer, and a billowing ballgown. I had to admit I loved how it felt but I wasn’t sure if it was right for this event.
The second one was black and had long sleeves with a plunging neckline, the fabric felt cool and pooled behind me with each step, two long slits opened when I walked, showing off almost the entirety of my legs.
“Holy s*hi*t,” Cali grabbed the arm of the couch. Rachel smiled approvingly.
“I love this, I just don’t know if it’s a bit too much. I think I would be self-conscious on the night, but I think I like black better.”
They both nodded their agreeance, Holden shrugged.
“Let’s try another, if you’re not comfortable now then you definitely won’t be at the party,” Rachel said.
The third dress was a more cla*s*sic style, a long ballgown made from satin, the thick straps hugged my upper arms and the full ballgown gave way to a slight slit. I felt at ease in this dress, I loved it.
“I like it but it’s a bit plain,” Cali said.
“Plain, I would say elegant,” Anthony crossed his arms and scoffed.
“That’s the word I was looking for,” Cali looked into her drink, avoiding Anthony’s glare and Rachel laughed.
“This is just the first step, so you like the ballgown style, maybe something traditional with a twist,” Rachel said and stood up, she walked behind me to a showroom of gowns.
Anthony and I followed her, “Now out of these what would be your choice? Goddess wait,” She froze and grabbed my wrist. She turned me to look at the most beautiful dress I had ever seen.
“Wow,” I breathed, stepping up to it.
“You have to try it on,” Rachel said looking between me and the dress, “Half up half down with loose curls, maybe a small tiara headband, that would be fitting,” Her eyes seemed to light up at the idea.
“Whoa whoa whoa,” Anthony butted in, “That one has been spoken for, it’s the only one I made and someone claimed it ages ago.”
“We will pay double,” Rachel said crossing her arms staring at her cousin.
“It doesn’t work like that.”
“Fine, I’ll have to tell Prince Caspien that his mate will have to find something off the rack,” Rachel sounded bored but her eyes were glimmering.
Anthony’s eyes widened at me, “You’re, serious?” He looked at Rachel.
I shrugged slightly, “I mean yes, but I don’t want to pull rank,” I said.
“I do,” Rachel said.
“No of course I would be honored to outfit the princess for the ball,” He gaped at me bowing lowly.
“Please don’t,” I laughed once, no one has seriously called me that before, “I don’t want to take anyone else’s dress, everything you have here is more than I could have imagined.”
“It’s done,” He said shaking his head, “It’s done, go to the dressing room and I’ll have it sent in.”
“I feel so bad,” I whispered to Rachel.
“Don’t,” She shook her head, “That is your dress.”
The matter was settled apparently. but I couldn’t help but think about the person that claimed this dress as their own far before I set my eyes on it.
When I slipped into it all of those thoughts dissipated. I don’t think someone could ever f*orc*e me to part from it, I never wanted to take this dress off.
I couldn’t stop looking at myself, I felt like it was made for me. It hugged my waist and was skin-tight but still shockingly comfortable. It was almost sheer in places but gave nothing away. Intricate black beading made whirls and patterns down the dress, accentuating my figure. With every movement, the beads shone and glimmered in the light.
It felt like a second skin, there was a slight flair at the bottom so I could move freely. The top was a v-neck and held my b*reas*ts perfectly. It didn’t show too much, but it showed enough.
Thin straps held the dress to me but it was the train that I adored. I had never seen a train quite like this before. It mixed the ballgown feel I loved with the tight s*e*xy dresses I also adored. A half-train made from a heavier shiny material circled around the front of the dress partially and flared behind me.
With every movement I made, the dress moved with me, sparkling and pooling around me with fluid motions.
“Are you ready?” Anthony knocked at the door and I nodded, my breath caught in my throat, I didn’t think a piece of clothing could almost bring me to tears.
“Oh, honey,” He looked me over appreciate, “That dress was made for you, there is no one else that could wear it quite like that.” He shook his head, placing a hand over his mouth.
I took his arm and as we walked out the train danced behind me, it was surprisingly lightweight. The tight evening gown was the star of the show until I stood on the pedestal in front of my friends, only then did the train catch up and start to pool around the front.
Holden had his mouth open, Cali was clutching onto the glass and Rachel clapped her hands looking like she might cry.
“I knew it,” Rachel breathed.
“I think I might cry,” Holden said, “D.amn princess.”
“Don’t start,” I shot him a glare but couldn’t help my smile.
“That is, that is it. We’re done here. That dress,” Cali slumped into Holden her hazel eyes wide.
Anthony circled me and made a few notes, “I’ll have to get your exact measurements before you leave, but I think if we bring it up half an inch with heels it will be perfect. Do you like the length of the train?” He met my eyes.
I nodded vehemently.
“It’s perfect, thank you,” I breathed, no words could describe this man’s talent but we all tried. At once.
“Stop I’m blushing,” He held his hands out before turning to me, “Thank you for letting me outfit you for the night, it’s an honor.”
“The honor is all mine,” I nodded at him.
For the first time in my life, I felt like a princess.
(Nolan)
I linked my Mom and Camilla to come into my office, this conference was about to be a bigger deal than I thought.
“Honey, what is it?” My mom came in first taking a seat across from me.
“I need your help,” I sighed and she sat up straighter a wide smile crossed her face, “Wait until Camilla gets here.”
Camilla came in a few long minutes later.
“What took you so long?” I asked her.
“I was on the other side of the packhouse,” She crossed her arms glaring at me.
“Sit,” I commanded.
Her eyes narrowed even further and I met her icy stare.
“Don’t make me command you,” I said my voice even, it was not the day for this.
She made a show of taking the seat next to my mother and my mom frowned at her display.
“I just got notice that The Prince, Alpha Dracos, is attending the conference,” My mom sat forward and Camilla’s eyes went wide, “So there will have to be additional preparations to be made.”
“I wish he would have told us sooner,” My mom frowned.
“He is The Prince, I don’t care if he showed up unannounced we will make it work.” I let out a growl.
“This is a huge honor, we haven’t seen him in ages, no one has,” Camilla twirled the end of her blonde ponytail thinking, “Not since our ceremony,” She offered me a small smile, a peace offering.
“Do whatever you guys need to do, but I need the party to be bigger, better, and worthy of royalty.”
“It already is,” Camilla said and my mom scoffed earning her a glare from my chosen mate.
“You will be working together, we have no time. Make sure they get the best guestroom, I don’t care who you have to move. This shows the other Alpha’s how prestigious our pack is that he’s showing up in person.”
“They?” Camilla repeated.
“He’s bringing someone, apparently he found his mate,” I said, “She hasn’t been seen before either.” My mom’s eyes widened.
This is the first time I was hearing about it at least. This party had to be perfect, once it got around that The Prince and his new mate would be attending, no one would dare not show up. This was going to be great for Blue Ridge.
“This will be a great honor indeed,” My mom’s mouth hung over, “What do you need us to do, honey?” She glanced at Camilla.
“I don’t know, whatever you women do. I want it big, just more, make it happen,” I waved them off, “Work together you need each other’s help,” I added, I was getting annoyed with their bickering.
“Of course, love.” My mom rose first and Camilla nodded once but didn’t look happy.
“Close the door behind you,” I dismissed them both.
I linked my Beta and Gamma to come in, I needed to discuss pack security and other protocols that The Prince asked for. He was bringing along some of his own men and now we needed to house them and figure out how they would fit in and where.
This would be worth it though, the headache would be worth the status boost and the jealousy of every other Alpha in this territory.
The door of my office flung open and Camilla came stomping in her face red.
Did she and my mom get into it already? They just left.
“What?” I demanded icily.
“My dress,” Camilla clutched her hands at her side, “My Anthony Rossi dress, it’s gone.” She wailed.
“Someone stole it?” I asked her, no one would dare.
“The dress I ordered for the ball, I saw it in a magazine six months ago and I had to have it, I planned the entire black and white ball around that dress.” She stomped her foot, her eyes rimmed with tears, “They just called, he gave it to someone else. He can’t do that, you have to talk to him.” She pleaded.
“First off,” I stood up, “It’s just a f*uc*king dress.” That name tugged on my memory and then I remembered the inordinately expensive quote she showed me for a dress she would wear once, “Secondly, I told you not to buy that. That thing was like fifteen thousand.”
“More than that,” She whispered.
“You are f*uc*king joking me. A dress?” I laughed, “It wasn’t your dress because you were never going to be allowed to keep it. Are you f*uc*king s.tupid?” I shouted, “Answer me,” I shook my head, she looked down. My rage matched hers but for a different reason.
“We don’t have that kind of money to be spending on party dresses, things are tight enough as it is.” We had conversations about that, the parties were one thing, but her spending was getting out of hand, enough so that it was making a noticeable dent.
“But The Prince is coming,” She couldn’t stop shaking but she wasn’t as hysterical now, her voice evened a bit.
“With his mate, he’s not going to be looking at your sorry a.ss,” I laughed once and she walked up pulling her hand back but I grabbed it and t.hrust it down.
How dare she?
“Leave now,” I commanded roaring at her.
She had the decency to look scared.
My wolf was pissed too that she would try something so degrading as to slap us. Will would have never, and my wolf would have never gotten angry at her. He couldn’t have.
Her eyes filled with new tears and I dropped her hand, “Never pull that s*hi*t again,” I laughed once dryly, “And your spending is cut off from here on out, wear something you already own.” She turned back to say something.
“Shut your mouth,” I commanded, “Leave,” I waved her away and she was f*orc*ed to do what she was told. I rarely actually used my Alpha command on her but I couldn’t help it. Spending that kind of money on a dress, no one has that kind of money.