Chapter Fifty-Five
Jay
This is the puffiest fucking thing I’ve ever seen. I’m trying on dresses for the party tonight. The entire Crescent pack will be there, as well as some vampire supporters from nearby clans.
I’m all for celebrating the night before the Hunt, but this pink monstrosity is a no for me. “I look like a bubblegum princess threw up on me,” I say over my shoulder.
“You do not!” Taya says. I turn away from the mirror to face Taya and Alaina, who are sitting on the bed. “I think it looks nice.” Taya looks at Alaina who is cringing as she eyes the dress up and down.
Alaina, being kind, says, “It’s not what I would have picked for you.” Translation: you do look like the vomit of a bubblegum princess. “May I suggest something else?”
“Please,” I say, exasperated.
Anything would be better than this. A garbage bag, perhaps?
Alaina leaves the room and returns moments later with a garment bag. She unzips it, and my jaw drops. “Here we go. What do you think?”
The queen holds up a form-fitting boned corset top bodysuit with a strapless plunging V-neck structured with a cinched waist to give it that hourglass effect.
It’s made of leather, regal and black. There are three small ornate gold buttons starting from the cleavage that go down to the waist. Its cape—although probably a little hot for the summer—makes the entire outfit.
Its high collar clips at the neck with gold embellishment and drapes down to the floor.
At the waist, the size of a belt buckle is a sideways oval of the Crescent’s pack’s emblem and is clasped together.
In Alaina’s other hand are matching leather boots with the same gold embellished swirls down the front. Draped over the shoulder are black leather gloves. Again, it might be too hot for them, but beauty is pain, right? And luckily, I like a little bit of pain.
“Do you like it? All my warriors wear them. And you, my dear, would kill it in this.”
“It’s perfect.”
***
The castle’s ballroom entrances are draped with sheer curtains, creating a sultry setting. However, once you enter, the only word to describe it is magical. The spacious room is illuminated by French bronze candelabras and crystal chandeliers.
The floor-to-ceiling windows provide a pleasant view to the starry night sky over the kingdom. Violins play among the chatter. Everyone is dressed to the nines—women flaunt floor-length gowns and men’s sport tuxedos. Among all these handsome beings, there isn’t a single person I’m interested in.
I’ve spoken to several wolves tonight, but none of my conversations have sparked any real connection.
I sigh and toss back more champagne.
Lord Vince appears next to me, and I about spit out my drink. “Drinking won’t speed up time. You’ll have to actually find a way to have fun.”
“That’s why I’m drinking.”
“Come on, was he really that bad?”
I shoot him a give me a break look.
He gets the picture. “Okay, that bad. Do you want me to eat him?” Lord Vince says.
“What? No, you can’t eat him.”
Vince shrugs.
“Are you ready for tomorrow?”
His question requires another sip of champagne.
“Ah. Nervous?”
“More like confused. The idea of being with someone besides Caleb feels like settling.”
“And Caleb is?”
“My mate.”
“You have a mate?”
“Well, did, I should clarify.”
“Oh. My condolences.”
“Not that. He didn’t die. We just can’t be together.”
“I see. It sounds complicated.” That’s an understatement. “So, what’s your plan?”