Chapter 37

KATHERINE.

“I need to visit the mall.” Josie pulled a list from her pocket and a quick survey revealed that most, if not all, of the things on it were skincare products.

“That’s a lot. Are you replacing everything you have?” I asked and she nodded.

“My roommate’s lipgloss rolled under my vanity and she ended up toppling it while trying to get the gloss. Most of the products on it broke.”

“Ah, sorry,” I muttered and she shrugged. “Want me to go with you?” I added and she flashed me a smile before nodding.

It was Thursday afternoon and Lenore and Pri were at the dorm, waiting for a delivery, while the both of us were having lunch in the dining hall which looked rather empty.

“Where’s everyone?” I asked as I glanced around because the dining hall was always filled with students at this time.

“They’re preparing for the Administration dinner tomorrow,” she answered and I muttered an ‘oh’. I had received an email from the school this morning, mentioning the dinner party and the dress code, confirming that students were able to attend, and telling us that we ‘must’ be on our best behavior.

“Do you know what you’re gonna wear to it?” Josie asked and I raised my brows.

“The dinner?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not going.” After considering the fact that my pack hadn’t received an invitation to it, the Administration didn’t pay a lot of attention to small packs, the Dean didn’t like me, and that the Alpha of Silver Bow was definitely going to show up, I had decided not to go.

Also, the email hadn’t mentioned a dress code but this was Blackwood. The Administration and powerful people from powerful packs would be at the event so people would be in elegant and sophisticated clothing. Meanwhile, the only dress in my closet was a sundress and I didn’t have money to spare for a formal dress.

A small frown appeared on Josie’s face. “Why? Everyone’s gonna be there.”

I didn’t think so seeing as some students here were from packs smaller than mine but I didn’t mention it.

“I… Even if I wanted to, I don’t have a dress.”

“Really?” she replied, her brows slightly furrowed like she couldn’t believe me and I sort of wanted to laugh in her face because of course, I didn’t have that kind of dress lying in my closet. She, Lenore and Priyanka might but that would be standard for them seeing as their parents were pretty powerful people.

“I don’t.”

“You can take one of mine then.”

‘What?’ “That’s not necessary.”

“I don’t mind, silly,” she said and I wanted to protest but the look on her face told me she was set on this.

“Well, don’t I need a date or something? It’s a dinner party, right?”

“You can go with me,” she said with a shrug. “I don’t have a date.”

So Pri was going with Dave and Lenore was going with Theo. Again, I prayed that Theo wouldn’t end up being my mate.

“Why is this dinner so important anyway?” I replied because it was clear she wouldn’t let me back out of this. Why was the Administration coming to Blackwood?

“The Administration wants to meet the next generation leaders. They already went to Staerdale and Dumein earlier in the year. And besides, Alphas are going to be there.” She pointed her fork at me. “That includes you missy.”

“Technically, I’m not an Alpha yet.”

“Oh…” She blinked at me as she lowered her fork. “So you’re what? pre-Alpha?”

I drew my brows together. “What?”

“Doesn’t pre mean before?”

Now it was my turn to blink at her because she was right but I didn’t think pre-Alpha was a term.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked, narrowing her eyes, and before I could respond, her gaze slid past me to something or someone behind me. “Hold on, I need to talk to Blake.”

My ears perked up at the name while the time we spent together past midnight came to mind and I glanced over my shoulder as Josie got to her feet. His golden hair was like a beacon so it wasn’t hard to immediately spot him amongst a group of people that just walked into the dining hall. He was laughing and clapping a guy on the shoulder, looking carefree, and I remembered the expression he had on his face last night.

Josie walked over to him and he stopped to talk to her while the rest of his friends kept walking. I kept staring at them and after what felt like an eternity, he finally glanced in my direction before flashing me one of his ‘as bright as the sun’ smiles while waving. I waved back before the dinner party taking place tomorrow came to mind once more and I couldn’t help but wonder if he had a date for the event.

The thought immediately made me feel uneasy and I set my mouth in a hard line. ‘Should I try to find out?’ I thought, still staring at him and the moment he glanced at me again, I remembered his words from last night.

‘Nosy Katya.’

I heaved a sigh.

****

Stavenger Hall looked busy. Several cars were parked in front of it and people were going in and out of the hall with boxes.

When Josie said students were preparing for the dinner party, this wasn't what I thought she'd meant.

Josie and I successfully maneuvered past delivery people in hallways till we got to my room which had its door wide open. Delivery people were also coming in and out of it and several boxes were on Lenore's side of the room.

“Oh my God,” I muttered as we walked in before my gaze landed on Priyanka who was in an extremely beautiful gold dress that looked like it cost the same as the school's fees and my mouth fell open.

Josie ran over to her, squealing. “Holy moly. You look like a queen.”

“Of course I do,” Priyanka replied as she did a little spin and Josie curtsied.

“Excuse me,” someone muttered behind me and I glanced over my shoulder to see someone carrying boxes stacked on top of one another.

“Oh sorry.” I moved further into the room while Lenore stepped out of her dressing room.

“Have you chosen a dress yet?” Josie asked Lenore and she shook her head.

“Everything hasn't been brought in yet.”

‘I’m sorry, more boxes are coming?!’ Wow… I'd never felt as incredibly out of place as I did right now.

Josie glanced at the closed boxes lying around. “Where are my boxes?” she asked and Lenore pointed at the ones next to her vanity. There had to be at least ten boxes there.

“Some of your stuff got mixed up with Hunter's. He's bringing it over,” Lenore replied and I found myself glancing over my shoulder. It wasn't Hunter who walked in next though, it was just another delivery person.

“How did that happen?” I asked Josie.

“Our stuff arrived together. Me, Blake and Hunter's,” she said as she began to pull me towards Lenore’s vanity.

“Oh.”

“Come now. Let’s try on the dresses.”