“You seek answers that will only bring madness.”
“How could I have been so blind?”
“Children trust those in charge. They’re meant to keep us safe. The failing is theirs, not our own.” Bitterness and sorrow drip from every word. “We never see the betrayal coming. That’s why those we care for are the most dangerous. Question everything and never underestimate what others are capable of.”
I make a request. “I need the people who did this to suffer.”
“Then you must channel your anger before it renders you helpless. Take the pain they’ve given you and transform into the tool that will become their destruction.”
“Tell me what I have to do to gain my revenge.”
His eyes glow a vibrant red on black. “Surrender.”
Hypnotized by the glow, I fall into the endless depths, releasing my tentative hold on consciousness. His strength, volatile emotions, and cold calculating mind flow through me. I welcome the chaos.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
The thin woman with a severe bun and a French accent places her hands on her hips. This feels more like a funeral.
“You’ll have to wait elsewhere.”
Bo lowers his phone. “Why?”
“Because the mating dress is to be seen on the day only.”
“That’s your tradition, not ours,” Fell lifts his chin, ready to argue the point.
“It’s the rules. You can take it up with the Alpha. I am here to do my job.” She crosses her arms and leans back.
Cadoc frowns. I hold up a hand. “It’s okay.”
The Alpha’s kept his distance all morning. Polite, pandering to the wealthy sheep who eat up his every word. I don’t want to give him a reason to take a cheap shot at us.
Cadoc’s vicious display has fed their insatiable appetite for proof of virility.
“I will take it up with the Alpha. You three stay in the hallway.” Cadoc turns on his heels, leaving Kirk, Fell, and Bo leaning against the wall outside of the room.
“Suit yourself. Come. It’s time to turn you into a vision.”
Opening the door, she ushers me into the dressing room. A pale green gown with embroidered flowers adorns a mannequin.
I actually like the dress. “It’s beautiful.”
“Of course it is. Madam Boucher only provides the very best. I chose it to blend with the natural settings of your ceremony.”
“The deep V is bold.” I circle the garment.
“We can pin it if you like. Put it on and step up.” She claps her hands. “Quickly.”
I hurry to the screen, removing my clothes, and she brings the gauzy dream over.
“Arms up.” She lowers it over my head, carefully working me into the delicate garment. Too low, I’'ll be exposed.
“Hmm.” The woman reminds me of a bird, flitting about.
“We will mark it and make the adjustments today.” She circles her finger. “Face forward.”
Gathering the material here and there, she pins the material.
“Ow.” I flinch when a sharp poke gets me in the side.
She clucks her tongue. “Be careful not to move.”
Crouching, she adjusts the length. A brief pinch to my thigh makes me grunt. I hold my breath, trying not to move a muscle, least she stick me again. The pain fades. She finishes and puts her torture devices away.
“Turn slowly, cherie.”
I oblige, gasping at the image in the large circular mirror.
“Whoa. I look like a princess.” I turn admiring myself in the mirror. Running my hands along the dress I smile. It’s a bit of sunshine after rain.
“Your mates won’t be able to take their eyes off you,” she assures me.
“Do you think so?” I smile bashfully. I’ve come to care more for them than I ever imagined I would.
A wave of exhaustion washes over me. The lack of sleep is getting to me.
I yawn. “Excuse me.”
