78 Two Sisters...
So deep in my work, I barely heard the doorbell ring. I froze. We rarely get visitors…
Unless…
If that’s Zavyr, I swear to the Moon Goddess—I’m going to rip his tail off and strangle him with it!
I opened the door, fully expecting a guilty-looking werewolf—but instead, I saw a guy in uniform. A delivery courier. Again.
Another package with no sender name or address.
Letting out a deep sigh, I accepted the delivery and shut the door behind me.
I carried the two boxes into my room and opened them. In one was an absolutely stunning evening gown. In the other—a pair of perfectly matched high heels.
“What’s this supposed to mean?” I texted the contact in my phone labeled His Flea-Ridden Highness.
“For tonight. We’re going to a respectable restaurant. My companion should look the part.”
I growled in frustration, nearly throwing the phone across the room.
Sure, my wardrobe isn’t exactly full of haute couture masterpieces, but I certainly don’t wear cheap rags either. I always try to dress with style and taste—and not on the bargain rack. But compared to whatever designer nonsense the Alpha struts around in, I guess I would look like I crawled out of a thrift shop.
I ran my hand over the soft fabric of the dress, torn by conflicting thoughts. Part of me refused to give in—I could easily wear one of my own dresses or even a business suit. After all, this was supposed to be a professional meeting, not a romantic dinner.
But on the other hand... the dress was so stunning, so elegant and expensive—it would be a crime not to wear it. And maybe, just maybe, I should show up looking like a goddess. Just so he’d choke on regret, realizing a brilliant, gorgeous woman like me would never be his again. That’s right.
I snorted at my own pettiness, but in the end, I couldn’t resist trying on the beautiful thing.
“Alina, wow!” my sister’s voice rang out behind me. “Where did you get that masterpiece? You look incredible!” Tanya walked into my room, perched on the bed, and stared at the dress with wide, admiring eyes.
“Alpha Wayland sent it,” I admitted, blushing at being caught red-handed. I had already told Tanya that we were meeting tonight to discuss school curriculum.
“Alin, be honest—did something happen between you two? Is that why you left his house?” she asked, squinting at me suspiciously.
I wasn’t expecting that question, and for a second I stood there, mouth opening and closing in stunned silence.
“You’re definitely not a little girl anymore,” I sighed heavily, resigning myself. “Whatever happened... doesn’t matter now. And it won’t happen again.” I smiled faintly, even though the ache in my chest was still very much alive.
The mark—faint as it was—still pulsed, a daily reminder of that wolf’s selfish nature... and the future he stole from me just to satisfy his twisted desires.
“This dress is absolutely gorgeous…” my little sister murmured thoughtfully, still studying it with wide eyes. “I think he likes you,” she added, issuing her verdict.
I snorted, unconvinced.
“Highly doubtful.”
“Hey, what if he’s your mate and tonight he’s finally going to tell you?” she grinned mischievously.
“Yeah, no. Not happening,” I muttered, turning my eyes back to my reflection in the mirror. “Trust me—Alpha Jackass is even worse than Zavir. If I were his mate, he never would’ve let me go.” I sighed, sadness creeping into my voice. “Just like Konrad never let go of Mia. Like Max wouldn’t leave Jasmine behind. And I could name more. True mates don’t treat each other like that.”
“But mine did, didn’t he?” Tanya looked down at the floor, her voice heavy.
“Zavir never let you go, Tanya.”
“Yeah, but the way he acts is still awful. And yet, according to him, I’m his mate… So he’s supposed to love me, protect me. I even told him yesterday that I was falling for him, and he completely shut down! Werewolves are so damn confusing…”
“Hmm…” I chewed on my lip, lost in thought. “This is silly. I’m not going to wear the dress. And honestly—”
“Don’t be ridiculous! Of course you’re wearing it!” Tanya’s eyes went wide with disbelief. “A dress like that deserves to be shown off! Or wait—are you trying to piss him off on purpose? So he snaps at you again?” she added with a sly grin, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
“No!” I glared at her, insulted.
“Well then, case closed,” she smirked, heading for the door. “And make sure you wear your best lingerie—just in case!” she teased, laughing as she disappeared down the hallway.
I rolled my eyes.
That little brat!