Chapter 19 Silk and Scars
Alyssa's POV
The attendant led us through the store like we were royalty, which technically Aileen was, but I still wasn't used to this kind of treatment. The further we walked, the more my eyes widened at the displays. Mannequins wore pieces of fabric that could barely be called clothing, and my cheeks heated up just looking at them.
"This is our exclusive collection," the attendant announced, gesturing to a section cordoned off with velvet ropes. She unhooked one side and ushered us in. "Please, take your time. I'll bring champagne."
"Make it three glasses," Aileen called after her, then caught Tristan's glare from where he stood guard outside the store…that werewolf hearing. "Fine, four glasses. The grumpy bodyguard can have some too."
"I don't drink on duty," Tristan said, loud enough for us…and a few others to hear.
"More for us then," Aria chirped, already running her fingers through a rack of silk negligees.
I stood frozen while they spoke, taking in the sheer amount of lace, silk, and satin surrounding me. Everything looked like it belonged on a supermodel, not on someone with curves like mine. My wolf stirred restlessly.
"Stop overthinking," she said. "We're going to look amazing in these."
"Easy for you to say," I muttered under my breath. "You're not the one who has to squeeze into them."
Aileen appeared at my side, holding up something red and completely see-through. "This would look perfect on you!"
"I can't wear that," I squeaked. "It's basically air held together by wishful thinking."
"That's the point," Aria laughed, joining us with an armful of options. "The less fabric, the better. Trust me, Alpha Zayne won't know what hit him."
The attendant returned with our champagne, and Aileen practically forced a glass into my hand. "Liquid courage, you'll need it." she winked.
After two sips, I let them drag me toward the fitting rooms. Aria dumped her collection on a plush ottoman while Aileen started sorting through sizes.
"That’s not even my size."
"That's what fitting rooms are for," Aileen said, grabbing several options. "Besides, you're perfectly proportioned. These curves?" She made an hourglass gesture with her hands. "Chef's kiss. My brother is one lucky wolf."
The first piece was a black lace bodysuit that had more straps than fabric. I stared at it for a full minute, trying to figure out which way was up. When I finally got it on, I barely recognized myself in the mirror. My curves actually looked... good. Really good.
"Let us see!" Aria's voice came through the door.
"Absolutely not," I replied, but that didn't stop them.
"Holy moon goddess," Aileen murmured. "If Zayne sees you in this, you're not leaving your room for a week."
"A month," Aria corrected, circling me with an approving nod. "Maybe longer."
My wolf grinned at their compliments, and I found myself standing a little straighter. Maybe I could pull this off after all.
We spent the next hour in a cycle of trying on increasingly scandalous pieces, with the girls cheering me on and making different guesses of what Zayne's reaction would be. Even Tristan had to clear his throat loudly a few times when their voices carried too far.
"This one," Aileen declared, holding up a deep emerald green silk set with delicate lace trim. "It matches your skin."
I tried it on, and even I had to admit it was perfect. The color made my skin glow, and the cut actually flattered everything instead of making me feel like I was playing dress-up in someone else's clothes.
"We'll take one in every color," Aria told the attendant, who looked like she'd just won the lottery.
"I don't need—" I started, but Aileen cut me off.
"It's not about need, it's about want. And trust me, Zayne will want you to have all of these…probably more."
"I'm going to be way over there.” Tristan announced from the entrance. "I'll probably block my ears too.” He added, and without waiting for our response, he moved further away.
We were laughing about Tristan's increasingly uncomfortable expression when I decided to check the other sections while the girls finished packing up but that turned out to be a mistake as I crashed directly into someone. The champagne glass I'd been holding shattered on the floor, and I looked up to apologize when my blood ran cold.
Iris stood there, her perfectly manicured hand on her hip, looking exactly as I remembered. Same honey-blonde hair, same calculating green eyes, same cruel smile that had haunted my memories. She was dressed in designer clothes from head to toe, a massive diamond ring glinting on her finger. Her minions stood behind her, their hands crossed in front of them.
"Well, well," she purred, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. "If it isn't my dear step-sister. I didn't expect much, but a sales girl?” She said, her eyes roaming through my body.
The attendant rushed over with towels for the spilled champagne, apologizing profusely, but I barely heard her. My wolf was snarling, remembering everything I went through because for some reason, she hated my existence.
"Iris," I managed, my voice steadier than I felt.
Her eyes swept over me, taking in my simple clothes, then flickered to the exclusive section we'd come from. Confusion flashed across her face before being replaced by her usual sneer.
"Do you want me to remind you of your position, you Omega?”
I just stood there, the memories of the pain and everything I went through, came rushing back. And I felt small, I wanted to say something, but the words felt stuck in my throat.
Aileen stepped forward, her presence suddenly commanding despite her small frame. Aria stood beside her. "Luna, are you okay?"
Aileen on the other hand was glaring at Iris, “who are you?"
"Iris Ashford" she said, emphasizing the last name—Ryder’s last name. "Alyssa's step-sister. We're practically family."
"Funny," Aria said coolly, moving to my other side. "Alyssa's never mentioned you. Must not be that important."
The insult hit its mark. Iris's face flushed, but before she could respond, Tristan appeared. His massive frame blocked the exit, and his expression was anything but friendly.
"Is there a problem here?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.
Iris took a step back, finally seeming to realize she was outnumbered. "No problem at all. I was just surprised to see Alyssa here. This place is quite... exclusive. I hope you're not in over your head, sister." She said, "And do you go around telling people you're a Luna? Ryder's never going to want you.”
“One more word and I'll…” Tristan started, but Aileen didn't let her finish as she grabbed Iris by the neck. “I don't care if you're a girl, one more word from you and I'll snap your neck." She threatened before letting her go.
Iris cleared her throat loudly, "We should go," she said to her minions "The air in here suddenly feels... cheap."
As she walked away, her heels clicking against the marble floor and the guys turned to face me
“Are you okay, Luna?" Tristan asked, and I shook my head,
"Take me home.”