Chapter 12 Goodbyes
❀ Maeve ❀
Candlelight bloomed from a corner, then another, as Mother lit them up.
I picked the parcel up again, arms straining as I dropped it on the table.
Mother joined at my side.
“What do you think it is?” I asked her, voice filled with wonder.
The past few days had packed more excitement than I’d had in my whole life.
“Let’s find out.”
A small dagger I didn’t recognize glinted in her hand. She cut a neat line across the thick brown parcel.
Still awed, I asked, “Did you know vampires could… disappear?”
“They call it tracing. They can transport that way. But not all of them.”
Curiosity churned. I had so much to ask Nikolai.
Candlelight illuminated something in the package. And as Mother pulled the sides apart to reveal more, my jaw dropped.
Mother gasped.
Fabric.
Soft as silk. Dark red like blood.
And the stones. Tiny red gems scattered over the fabric caught the light, not reflecting, but seeming to absorb and glow.
Mother picked it up reverently, then she turned to let it tumble out.
A dress.
My heart warmed. A grin spread across my face, and I felt the maddened glint in my eyes.
“With a dress like that, I could snag the Alpha of IronWolf himself!”
Mother grimaced. “Gods. I hope not.”
“What?!” I screamed. “Are you seeing this?!”
“It is rather lovely. He’s kind to you.”
Understatement of the century.
I ran my hands over the dress.
The corset was small enough to restrict my breathing in the latest fashion. The skirts billowed, gems glittered, and when I saw the high slits on both sides, I groaned.
“I can’t wait to wear this.” I held my hands out. I needed to try it on.
“Yes, that’s why you have to leave. Now.”
I blinked. “Huh?”
“Did you forget you have to pass through the matrons first? You’re rogue. They’ll pick and prod and you might just miss the ceremony if you leave late.”
As she resealed the dress in a frenzy, I stole one last feel of it. I’d never owned anything so gorgeous. I’d cherish it forever.
My excitement quickly waned when I remembered that Nikolai had given me this dress to use on my mate.
I didn’t want to wear it for a stranger. I wanted to wear it for Nikolai. Ached for him to see me in this dress. Too bad he wouldn’t.
Once I was in IronWolf Pack, I wouldn’t leave until I’d secured permanent residency, and then I’d return for my mother.
I palmed the gem embedded in my chest. So similar to the ones littered on my dress.
Was I to be sentenced to a lifetime of feeling Nikolai’s urges and emotions within a pack where I could never see him again?
I shook my head. Hard.
He had his chance. And made his choice.
Mother’s frantic movements brought me back to the present.
She carefully placed the parcel into a basket, shoving bottle after bottle of stuff.
I drew closer.
“What are those?”
“Lotions, dear.” She stuffed a hairbrush. “When you get to IronWolf, prove yourself to the matrons first. Then find a water source to wash yourself.”
She flitted to the shelf at the back.
“Use this generously at the matrons,” she shoved a candle-shaped bottle into my hands. “It’ll help you relax to pass their tests.”
My cheeks heated.
Mother hissed. “Oh don’t be prudish now! Use this one after you wash and dress for the ceremony. It’ll accentuate your natural scent and make you irresistible to your mate.” She pushed another bottle to me.
“Okay, okay. Candle-shaped for matrons. Oval-shaped for ceremony. Mother, is this witchcraft?!”
Her urgency was getting to me; surely I had more time?
“You don’t need witchcraft to get a mate, my snowdrop. They’re herb-infused oils to compliment your natural arsenal.”
The basket evidently complete, she squeezed me in a bone-crushing hug.
She released her grip, pulling back to face me.
“Maeve.” Her voice broke. “I wish we had more time. But it’s time to go.”
“I’ll return for you. We’ll be safe and protected. And we won’t have to see another vampire ever again.” My chest clenched at the words.
Mother smiled. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
“I… I’ll be fine.” It sounded like she’d wanted to say something else. “Now go.”
She turned to pick up the laden basket, hoisted the handle on my shoulder, and led me to the door.
Already, I could see figures with baskets and bags hurrying off in the distance.
I turned back.
She stood at the door, her hands in her dress, lips twitching with emotion.
This wasn’t goodbye. So why was I memorizing her face? Worse, why did she seem to be doing the same?
I’d be back in a day to get her if I found my mate. A week tops if I didn’t and I had to find employment.
“I’ll be safe. I promise. Don’t worry about me. Just focus on what you have to do.”
“I’m not worried.” I answered.
But something deep inside told me not to leave.
This wasn’t goodbye.
She steeled her voice.
“Go.”
I nodded, turned, and fell into the procession.