Elena’s POV
Chloe waited while I changed into sothing suitable for our trip downtown, right into the heart of pack territory.
The mont we stepped outside, every pair of eyes turned toward . I tried my best to ignore the stares, but the weight of their curiosity pressed down on my shoulders. They were all wondering who this mysterious new girl was.
Our first stop was an upscale boutique that scread expensive from the mont we walked through the door. I glanced at the price tag on the first dress I touched and imdiately shook my head.
"We need to find sowhere else," I told Chloe, backing away from the rack.
"Why would we do that? We have Gage’s credit card. Actually, it’s the pack’s card. Living with those guys, I’m shocked they haven’t given you your own yet," she said, waving the plastic dismissively.
"Damien tried to. I wouldn’t accept it," I admitted.
"That explains a lot," she said, giving my outfit a pointed look.
The sa worn clothes I’d brought from my old pack. The ones that had seen better days.
"I know I need new things. I’m planning to find a job soon."
"Aren’t you starting college tomorrow?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, why?"
"Because you won’t have ti to work. Just let them pay for what you need. Trust , they have more money than they know what to do with," she said.
"I’m sure they do, but they already know how I feel about charity," I replied stubbornly.
"Oh honey, stop being so difficult. You need help, and today I’m going to make sure you get it. We have to have you back at the packhouse by four, which gives us limited ti. You need a dress for tonight’s event. You need proper clothes for college. You need textbooks. There’s a mountain of things you require that you can’t afford right now. The Alpha is covering everything, so let’s make it count," she said firmly.
"I’m really going to regret this," I muttered.
"Maybe, but you’d better adjust to it quickly. Those guys already look at you like family. The entire pack can see it, and you’ve barely been here a week," she said.
"I haven’t even officially t most of the pack yet," I pointed out.
"Exactly. If you were just any other asylum seeker, Alpha Damien would have set you up in the town hotel or a rental house. Instead, you’re living in the packhouse itself. That ans they feel responsible for your safety. It’s actually a good sign," she explained.
"It feels strange. Nobody’s felt the need to protect since my father died," I said quietly.
"Well, you’d better get comfortable with it, because those n don’t do anything halfway."
I had to admit she had a point there.
We spent hours hunting for the perfect evening dress, along with matching shoes and jewelry. Then we moved on to casual clothes suitable for campus life and the textbooks I’d need for my classes.
The shopping bags multiplied so quickly that Chloe had to call for one of the pack vehicles to transport everything back ho.
We even stopped for lunch between stores, though I could barely eat with anxiety gnawing at my stomach over how much money we were spending.
We made it back to the packhouse just minutes before four, and the guys were already examining our purchases spread across the living room.
"I’m so sorry. You gave Chloe access to that card and she went completely overboard," I said, feeling heat creep up my neck.
"Is all of this for you?" Damien asked, surveying the bags.
"Yes. Clothes and textbooks for school," I confird.
"Then there’s nothing to apologize for. You needed a proper wardrobe and you refused to let help before. I’m glad Chloe managed to convince you," he said.
The sound of commotion outside drew my attention to the window. People were everywhere, transforming the packhouse grounds into sothing magical. Tables and chairs appeared in perfect rows, while others assembled an elegant archway. Decorations blood across every surface, and I watched in amazent as the space beca more beautiful by the minute.
Strings of lights began twinkling between the trees, and flower arrangents added splashes of color throughout the setting.
Everything was already looking absolutely perfect.
I needed to get upstairs and prepare myself for whatever this evening would bring.
After a long, hot shower, I erged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel to find two won waiting in my bedroom. They directed to sit at the vanity while one began working on my makeup and the other started styling my hair.
I kept my makeup natural with warm brown tones that complented my features, while my hair was curled into loose waves that cascaded over my shoulders.
Once they finished and left alone, I carefully slipped into the dress we’d chosen. The pale pink chiffon felt like silk against my skin, with its high neckline and delicate thin straps that wrapped around my arms. The back was completely open, and a subtle train flowed behind as I moved.
Looking at myself in the mirror, I barely recognized the reflection staring back at . For the first ti in months, I looked like soone who belonged sowhere special.
The sounds from outside were getting louder, which ant the event would be starting soon. Whatever tonight held in store, at least I’d be properly dressed for it.
I took a deep breath and prepared to face whatever was waiting for downstairs.
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