Chapter 40: Laying out the Plan

Arabella stood on a platform, staring at herself in a full-length mirror. At her feet, an older stooped woman fussed with the hem of her gown which extended into a long train that reached as far back as the low sofa behind her. On the sofa sat Sonia and Lavinia, the former leaning forward impatiently.

“I don’t see why you need a dress,” Sonia complained.

“Look, if I have to suffer a whole ceremony, I’m at least going to look good doing it,” Arabella snapped.

“Our ritual robes are perfectly fine.”

“I feel like I should be allowed to add my culture into the process.”

“Wanting a new gown isn’t culture.”

Lavinia rolled her eyes. “For Arabella, it’s almost a religion. Did I tell you what she was like leading up to Isaac’s Ball?”

“No, you neglected to entertain me with that one,” Sonia said.

Laughing, Lavinia started to describe how Arabella approached her makeover with no small amount of schadenfreude. She talked about the previous fitting she had gone to and how Arabella had insisted on lowering the neckline of her gown against her mother’s wishes. Looking up, Sonia saw Arabella blushing as she listened to their conversation. They were interrupted by a sudden knock on the door.

“Come in!” Sonia called.

Isaac pushed open the door, using one hand to block Arabella from his sightline. “Are you decent?”

“Sonia told you to come in, didn’t she?” Said Arabella. “You can look.”

Isaac dropped his hand, taking Arabella in. She fluffed her hair overdramatically, striking a pose. She looked down at the woman fitting her gown, hoping that her enthusiasm read as genuine. Isaac forced a laugh. “Not the shape I was expecting, but I like it.”

Arabella turned back to the mirror, pulling the arms of her dress down so that her shoulders poked out the top.

“Could you give us a moment?” Isaac asked the tailor. She bowed and retreated from the room.

Over on the couch, Lavinia slid closer to Sonia, trying to make room for Isaac. Sonia paused for a second as if considering staying put and forcing Isaac to sit between them. Casting a look at Arabella, she moved, allowing Isaac to sit down beside Lavinia, lounging back on the couch with his hands behind his head. He crossed his legs, resting his knee on Lavinia’s leg. He did not acknowledge Sonia, who kept staring at him.

“So what’s the plan?” He asked.

“The ceremony is in two days,” Lavinia said. “Sonia told us there are three parts. There is a reading from some sort of holy text at the beginning, then the exchanging of vows, and then…” she trailed off.

“Then there is a personal ritual, between mates,” said Sonia. “I don’t know what it entails because I’ve never done it. It’s a process that gets passed down the male line. But I know that is where the actual bond is formed.”

“So I need to get out of there before that,” Arabella said flatly. “Is there an opening anywhere? A pause?”

Sonia shook her head. “The first break is between the second and third parts.”

“So that’s when we’ll need to interrupt,” said Lavinia.

“Traditionally, the couple’s fathers walk them to the ritual room,” Sonia started. “It used to be the alphas of the packs, but modernity has adjusted procedures. I suppose it will just be my father going.”

“No,” Isaac said. “I’ll fill in. Even in a fake wedding, I’m still going to walk my baby sister down the aisle.”

“Did you know that I hate you?” Arabella stayed facing away, but Lavinia could see her smile reflected in the mirror.

“I would be doing a poor job if you didn’t,” laughed Isaac. “Right. So, I’ll start to walk her there. How far do I have? Is the ritual room close?”

“Relatively,” said Sonia. “But you’ll still be fairly close. If you try to break away in the hall you’ll be too close. The rest of the pack will hear. I would wait until you actually get into the room before trying to break away.”

Lavinia and Isaac exchanged a look. Actually entering the room seemed incredibly risky. There would be no room for error. Was this Sonia’s plan?

“Look,” Sonia said. “It’s going to be risky. But they’re not going to let her go without a fight. And Isaac, I know you’re strong, but you simply cannot take my entire pack.”

“He’ll have help,” grumbled Arabella.

“Still. That won’t be enough.”

“Well, that’s where you and I will come in,” said Lavinia. She turned to Sonia pointedly. “As soon as they go, we will make up some excuse to follow.”

“There is no way they’ll-” Sonia broke off as Lavinia stared her down.

“This is non-negotiable.”

“No,” said Isaac. “Lavinia, I cannot let you get involved. I won’t let you get hurt.”

“If you are in danger, I am coming with you. You’re not fighting alone. Not again.”

They looked at each other for a moment, expressions softening. Arabella made a noise of disgust behind them, making Sonia look up at her. The two held each other’s gaze for a moment before quickly looking away.

“Sod off, will you?” Complained Isaac.

“Never,” said Arabella. “Now get out. I’m going to try another dress. If we’re fighting, I need more legroom. Though, I think I’ve proven pretty capable in a gown.”

Isaac rubbed his jaw, remembering the pain of her striking him. “I’ll say. If you can just do the same to Marco, we should be in good shape.”

Sonia looked uncomfortably down at her feet, a glance that did not go unnoticed by Lavinia.