Chapter 55
AVA
“I still think the light blue dress is the winner,” I say as I admire Celine in her latest try-on.
Normally dress shopping would excite me more. It’s not like I have a plethora of ballgowns hanging in my closet even though I’m a fashion lover, but with everything that’s going on, it’s hard to feel excited.
I browse through a rack of options. Zav said this was a black-tie event and the attendees go all out.
Luna, at least, seems to be enjoying herself while it has taken more coaxing to get Celine to try on dresses, but even then, I think she’s having a little fun.
“I agree,” Luna supplies, taking in the dress Celine wears. “How does this one look?” She turns so we can look at the back of the purple floor-length dress.
“Hot as fuck,” a certain demon says from his station on the floor.
The whole time we’ve been here, he’s been throwing in his own opinion on everything she’s tried on.
It’s a little hard to explain why a 6’7” blond man is parked on the floor while she tries clothes on.
The shopkeeper gave us a quirked brow when Levi followed us into the dressing room area, but we laughed it off, joking that he was eager to see her all dolled up.
Not technically untrue, but he wouldn’t be here if he wasn’t chained to her … and if my dumb ass hadn’t summoned him.
One nice thing about having him here is we have protection in case of an attack.
Zav and Valen were reluctant to let us go shopping, but Levi assured them we’d be safe with him.
I also have my magic, even if it’s still shaky and I’m not very good at it.
Jade keeps reminding me that it takes most witches the first twenty years or so of life to master their magic—I’ve only had a few short months to work on things.
But considering Valen’s in danger and God only knows what else is going on, I’d feel better if I were making more progress.
“I didn’t ask for your opinion,” Luna huffs. She adjusts the layers of hair around her face and then pulls some of it back, turning this way and that in the mirror like she’s trying to decide how she’d style her hair with this dress.
“Well, you’re getting it, sweetheart.” He holds his hands up innocently. “I only speak the truth, and the truth is you look hot as fuck.” He leans back against the wall with a smug smile.
Luna’s eyes flare, but I detect a hint of interest in them. If I were to guess, the persistent demon is wearing her down. With the way sparks are flying, I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets physical between them soon.
“Unfortunately, I agree with Levi. That’s my favorite on you too.” Celine nods her head.
Turning toward the mirror, Luna smooths down the fabric of her dress and tilts her head. Her eyes lock with Levi’s behind her and she sighs. “I suppose you’re right, as much as I hate to agree with you,” she grumbles.
I walk over to the rack and rifle through more dresses. I’ve tried on so many I’ve lost count, but none of them have felt right.
“I’m happy you found yours. Meanwhile I’m floundering over here,” I complain and snag a mermaid style green dress, a flowy blue ballgown, and a pink to green gradient dress with puffy cap sleeves.
“You’ll find one,” Celine calls out assuredly from the changing room. She found one option early on that looked incredible on her but didn’t want to commit just yet.
My phone chimes in my pocket, and I take it out to find a text from Valen.
Valen: I miss you.
Ava: *Photo Attachment*
I smirk as I send him a picture of one of the dresses I tried on. I felt particularly sexy in it, but it wasn’t right for the event. My boobs practically spill out from the top.
Valen’s text bubble pops up and goes away a few times before a text comes through.
Valen: Holy fuck. I’m going to kill Levi. He didn’t see you in this, did he? Fucking demon. That’s it, I’m coming to you.
Hurrying to respond, I scold him but laugh as I do.
Ava: Don’t you dare. He has been a perfect gentleman and only has eyes for Luna. I honestly don’t think he’s looked our way at all.
Ava: I think that’s the first time you’ve called him Levi.
Valen: I figured I should at this point. Apparently, he IS my nephew. Doesn’t mean he isn’t an ass, though.
Valen: Hurry home, please. Pom Pom and I need you back here.
I send a kiss face emoji and pocket my phone once more. I need to figure out my dress situation, and I can’t afford any more distractions. We need to make sure we blend in with everyone else and don’t stick out like sore thumbs.
Celine steps out of the changing room and I shake my head. Her nose wrinkles when she sees the red dress and goes back in to try on the next without a word.
While the other two girls are in their rooms, I look at Levi to find him already watching me with golden eyes.
“What’s your game?” I use the opportunity to ask him what I’ve wondered.
“You summoned me, witch, so you tell me.” His head tilts in a way that reminds me of how much of a predator he is. I don’t feel unsafe around him, though. “I simply want to find a way to return home.” He stretches out a hand and assesses the silver rings that adorn practically every finger.
I squint at him and plant my hands on my hips. “That may be true, but I doubt you’ll go home without taking someone with you.” I tilt my chin in Luna’s direction, and a conspiratorial smile graces Levi’s lips. “Why do you keep calling her wife?” I ask, my tone accusing.
Levi shrugs and adjusts his corded arms where they rest against his lean stomach. He’s the picture-perfect example of the cat that ate the canary.
“That information is on a need-to-know basis, and you, Ms. McGuire, are not in the need-to-know category.”
Throwing my hands in the air at the cryptic demon, I fight my way through the dressing room curtain and yank it shut. Two of the three dresses are a definite no, but the last one has me gasping when I try it on.
I sweep the curtain aside. “What do you think?” I show the girls and both of them gasp when they see it.
I think I may have found my winner.
Falling around me like silk, the dress starts in a pale pink that matches my hair and gradually flows into a green. You’d think it wouldn’t work, but somehow it does.
I feel like me—an elevated version, that is.
Luna and Celine clap. Even Levi gives an approving nod when I glance his way, but his golden eyes go right back to Luna.
“Two for two. Celine?” I ask.
She holds up the original dress that she wavered on. “I’m going with my gut and picking this bad boy.”
Her selection is a pale blue dress with sheer sleeves dotted with delicate pearls. It makes her dark hair stand out, and I know Zav is going to go feral for it.
“Yay!” I head to the dressing room to change back into my clothes so we can check out.
After securing shoes and matching accessories, we say our goodbyes.
I’m antsy to get home and chat with Valen.
I want to bring up the mating bond and see if he’s ready to solidify it. I love the stoic but sweet vampire and don’t want to wait anymore.
It’s very possible something bad could happen at the gala, even death—I won’t sugarcoat it to myself—and I want to belong to him in all ways before that happens. I’d rather be his bonded mate for a short time than not at all.