Chapter 86 Some Girl Time pt 2
Seren
"What? No, I already have more clothes in the closet than I've owned my entire life put together!" I blurted out.
Mom scowled. With a frustrated sigh, she muttered, "That damn pack." Then, taking a deep breath to calm herself, she smiled at me. "Seren, my love, you will need to have clothes for a variety of events as both the returned princess and the Luna of this pack. Clothes are armor for us as Lunas and as royalty. They set the tone at a glance. Frequently, the first impression is critical to success in negotiation or just in being taken seriously in a group of peers. I imagine that Kayla also needs a good boost to her wardrobe, as she's your Beta female and will support you at pack functions."
Kayla's eyes widened. "Queen Gwen, I'm sure I've got plenty."
"Nonsense. You two had better just give in. We're getting you new wardrobes. Now, finish your breakfast. I'll go speak with the royal guards that your father left behind and arrange our escort." Mom stood and swept out the doors, leaving Kayla and me dumbfounded in her wake.
"I've been friends with Gwen since before you were born, dear. When she decides something like this, it's better to just let her run with it." Cat was grinning. "Besides, it's our pleasure to spoil the two of you a bit. You certainly deserve it. And she's missed out on so many things with you, Seren, that this shopping trip is as much for her as it is for you."
When she put it like that, I couldn't argue any further. I had to admit that I wanted to experience shopping with my mom for the first time in my life. I simply nodded, then finished my plate.
Once we were all done with breakfast, we met Mom downstairs in front of the Alpha office. Duncan's scent was strong here, and I missed him with an almost physical ache in my heart. I hoped they would return quickly. My mother was speaking with Aidan, who immediately reached out for Cat when we walked up. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and tucked her into his side without a break in the conversation, which was apparently about the number of guards we needed for our trip. It was sweet to see how they were with each other. I wanted that with Duncan.
"Between the royal guards you have and the six Crescent Moon warriors I'm sending with you, I don't expect any issues," Aidan was saying.
"Twelve is a bit much, though," Mom argued.
"All due respect, Queen Gwen, you're not leaving with less." Aidan was firm. "Anyone who is paying attention within the pack knows that Duncan and King Cian are gone, as well as the rest of the leadership group and a large contingent of warriors. It's a perfect opportunity if the information makes its way to the wrong person, and I won't be risking it."
"Oh, alright. You're just like my mate, Aidan, I swear. You should be brothers."
He flashed a grin. "We may as well be."
"Let's get loaded up, then. Girls, center SUV, please." Mom led the way, a royal guard opening the front passenger door for her.
Four other SUVs surrounded ours, two in front and two behind. Each of them carried three warriors and a driver. Our driver was the only guard in our vehicle. After Mom settled in, I sat in the far back with Kayla while Duncan's mother and Louise were in the center.
"Now that we're finally moving, we need to have a plan of action. We'll start with the Luna ceremony gown, as that's critical and time-sensitive if they need to make adjustments to whatever you choose. Then we'll move on to everyday clothes, and other evening gowns, and so on." Mom went on and on, drafting up plans and secondary approaches, assigning guards like troops on a board. Kayla met my eyes, and we both burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?" Cat turned in her seat to look at us.
"I was just thinking that we were the ones going to battle with how Mom is planning this out!"
"You may as well be! The right outfit makes all the difference," Mom said from the front seat. "You'll know what I mean when it's time for Duncan to come home and you decide you're ready to mark and mate." She winked at me.
"Mom!" My face flushed crimson.
"Honestly, I'm not even sure Julian registered I had clothes on…" Kayla interjected.
"Kayla!" This time, mortified, I covered my face with my hands. I can't believe these women!
"What? It's true. I told him I didn't want to wait, and next thing I knew, he was tossing me-"
"I don't need to hear the details! Louise, help me out here!"
"Mating and marking are natural for werewolves, honey. You know that. And Duncan is a fine specimen. I imagine that you'll have a delightful time when it comes to it," Louise said innocently.
"I can't believe this." I sank down as far as I could in my seat. "I'm not talking about mating and marking Duncan! Let's discuss something else, please!"
"Fine. But we'll take a spin through the lingerie store while we're there." Mom was laughing now. How in the world did I ever think this was a good idea?