noun ~ a person who sews, especially one who earns her living this way

Instead of going to Phoenix's office as I thought, he pulled me out of the front of the house.

"Where are we going?" I wondered.

"You need to get your dress fitted, there isn't much time left and we don't know how many dresses she has to sew." He explained. "It will be the perfect distraction for you."

I sighed, agreeing with him. I couldn't leave it too late; I didn't want Molly to be overworked. So, we walked down the pack road until we came to the small shopping plaza. It was our own little community, all within a couple of minutes' walk of the packhouse. Phoenix's hand stayed in mine, even as we approached the women's clothing store.

The bell above us rang and I was met with the brightness of the UV lights on the ceiling. The familiar squeal of Molly was heard before the sound of her footsteps approached at high speed. Phoenix's hand was torn from mine as Molly collided into my body, a low growl escaping his throat.

"I am so glad you came. I just love your dress and wanna work on it already!" She groaned, pulling away from me.

I rolled my eyes, a small giggle leaving my throat as she began to drag me through the endless rows. I caught Phoenix's eye before I was enveloped in the railings, and he gave me a sly wink before escaping the store. My mouth parted in shock; he was as much a traitor as his Gamma!

We skidded to a stop by some changing room doors and Molly disappeared through a curtained door beside it. I stood there awkwardly, taking in the bright white ceilings and floors overshadowed by the bright lights and colourful clothes. She soon came back out, black dress bag in hand. She hung it up in the changing room before clapping her hands in excitement and pushing me in.

"No bra!" She shouted after closing the curtain. "And come out when it's on!"

My nose crinkled but from my vague memory, I remembered I liked this dress. I had chosen it not long after Alexandar visited, Molly too eager to let me go so long without one. I remember it being a green colour, and a few other details but not a lot. It was this or a purple one, and I remember that horrid purple mermaid dress easily.

I revealed the dress and sighed in satisfaction. It was just as pretty as I remembered. Being a coronation, which Molly was not invited to, I had to dress somewhat modestly, despite her protests. I slid off my clothes, bra included and stepped into the dress.

It was dark green, my favourite colour. It was very similar in colour to the slitted dress I wore for Phoenix's return many months ago. Except for this time, I was not looking to impress any man, just myself. I hummed as I ran my hands down the bodice. It was a floral lace with appliquéd dark green soft flowers that lay on top of silk style bodice. It had a sweetheart neckline, still too wide since it was a couple of sizes too big, and small lace sleeves that hung and fell to my bicep. The skirt had underlayers, puffing up just a little at my waist before trailing below me. It was rather princess-like, but I adored it.

I slipped on the pair of heels, happy with the extra three inches lifting me so the dress didn't trail on the floor. I clutched the bodice to my chest as I exited the changing room, searching for Molly amongst the clothes. Her head popped around the corner of a railing and her eyes widened in delight.

"That looks amazing, Nova! You are going to rock it!" She grinned.

I thanked her and she wasted no time in coming behind me to take the extra fabric in some black clips. Once secure, I let go of the bodice and allowed her to adjust the fit until she was satisfied with where she had to pin and mark for adjustments. I stared at myself in the full-length mirror as she worked on the back of the bodice. I still looked like me, just a little masqueraded at the minute. My hair was quickly growing thanks to the masks and oils I used and the healthy diet I was on. It was touching the top of my breasts, just skimming past the bodice neckline.

About too many more minutes of standing around, heels long since taken off, Molly announced she was done. I realised I would need her help getting out of the dress with all the pins, so together we entered the changing booth. It was rather cramped, and I nervously laughed when I realised I had never really been naked in front of Molly.

"Come on then, I can't wait much longer to get my hands on this dress." She grinned.

I blushed and nodded as we began to pull it down my body. I used one hand to cover my chest and the other to balance myself as I stepped out of the dress. Molly paid no attention to me as she dashed from the room, my dress in hand. I laughed to myself before getting dressed in my previous clothes. Slipping on my shoes, I held the heels in my hand and left the room.

I couldn't see her anywhere, but I could smell her in the backroom, and hear the occasional mumble as she spoke to herself.

"Where shall I put the heels?" I called.

She muttered again, not hearing me, so I left them on the counter. I walked around the counter and into the back room, fully prepared for whatever may greet me. I was surprised to find it was rather neat, my dress now hanging from a mannequin.

"You okay in here?" I wondered.

She nodded just as the bell rang from the front door. I peeked my head around the corner to see two female wolves enter the store. They were lightly chatting as they browsed the railings of clothing, so I turned back to Molly.

"I just really want this dress to be perfect." She sighed, leaning from her work to stare at me.

I smiled at her, shrugging my shoulders. "It will be. I trust you."

She laughed, "It's not your trust I need, it's good luck. This dress is going to be the talking point of the night!"

"I'm sure there will be more extravagant dresses than mine-"

She shook her head, cutting me off. "I mean, not the dress. No offence Nova, but you are an outed Lycan now and mated to Alpha Titan aka the wolf who just killed the King, the strongest wolf around. Not to mention his scary, dark persona... Then there's little old you, beautiful and innocent at his side. People are going to be talking about you all night."

I felt my heart sink in my chest at her declaration. "They are, aren't they. Oh, Goddess, I'm gonna be like a trophy piece."

I had gone to slump in the chair when the bell on the desk was chimed. I turned to look at Molly, still exasperated to see her giving me the puppy eyes. I huffed and made my way to the desk, putting on my best Luna smile as I greeted the two wolves there. Their brown eyes widened when they saw me approach, bowing their heads in respect.

"Luna, I did not expect to see you here. What a privilege." One gushed, I think her name was Lola.

"I'm just visiting my friend, she's just busy fixing my dress for the coronation. Anything I can help you with?" I smiled.

Lola shared a look with, I wanna say, Alice before they grinned at me. "We just wanted to buy these dresses... But I can't believe you get to go to the coronation! They're going to be putting it on the television live, you know! I cannot wait!"

If possible, my heart fell even deeper into the pit. Live? TV? LIVE TV?

I blinked furiously, trying to calm my racing heartbeat. "Oh...y-yeah. Exciting..."

They continued to beam about how much they looked forward to watching it as I totalled up their clothes and waited for them to pay. They glided out of the room without a second thought, paper bags in hand. I shook my head, watching them go. I wish I could have no care in the world like that, but alas, I had a million responsibilities on my shoulders.

With a sigh, I was about to go back into the backroom when the familiar figure of Charlie and Sean walked past the shop window. Wishing for nothing but payback, I crouched beside the desk as I waited for them to choose a direction. I was in luck when the two of them turned towards the front door. I ducked down beneath the desk and hid under its top.

I heard the door open, and I was unable to see through the wooden desk but I held my breath. Their footsteps grew closer, and I got ready to pounce. As soon as I smelt them approach the desk, I slid my fingers on the tabletop and launched myself upright.

"Boo!" I screeched.

Two screams hit me in return, but three gasps of breath filled the air as I was suddenly winded from a punch to the shoulder. I narrowed my eyes and turned to Charlie who's eyes had widened considerably. He had been the one to scream, and I turned to realise Rose was wedged between the two so she had been the other. Sean didn't even react, unbothered by my scare. He probably knew I was there the whole time.

"Ouch?" I grumbled.

"I'm sorry, what do you expect jumping up like that?" He groaned.

"I expected the Beta to not scream like that," I muttered, rubbing my shoulder.

He took a step closer to try and touch me and I punched him in return, sticking out my tongue when he gasped at the contact. He pouted at me, always the child, but it didn't last long before he began to laugh. I rolled my eyes, a small giggle escaping my lips.

I turned to Rose. "Sorry if I scared you, I thought it was just the two airheads."

Sean scowled and it was then I noticed the hand-holding. My eyes widened in delight, and I held back the ranting that I so wanted to give, so settled for an excited gasp for breath. Rose stared at me concerned but I saw the way Sean was smiling too, trying to fight back the glimmer of a grin. They were holding hands!

"What you here for anyway? Charlie come to collect his dress?" I changed the subject.

"Very funny, I will have you know I look great in a dress." He scoffed. "I'm here to get you."

"You are?" I frowned. "Why?"

"I dunno, your mate is grumpy today." He shrugged.

I hummed, agreeing. He had been unusually quiet. Last night he came home, and passed out on the sofa, exhausted. Then this morning he had training, and he seemed okay, just not talkative. I felt my stomach clench as I realised I had been so absorbed in my own feelings to even consider his. I felt suddenly guilty, for making it all about me and never asked him how he was. The way his face lit up when he mentioned pregnancy yesterday, then to the way it dropped when it ended up more complicated... Along with the responsibilities he has... He is bound to be grumpy. He's allowed to be.

"I better go find him," I muttered, eying the clock on the wall. "He's been working hard. I'm guessing he is in his office?"

It was close to eleven, my appointment wasn't until three so I knew he had to be working in there. Charlie nodded his head and I took it as my opportunity to leave. I turned to Rose and Sean, jumping to mess with his short hair as I left.

"Good luck with your sister!" I cheered as I left the store.

I had a mate to comfort.

***

Wow is it Friday already?? This week has dragged tbf but friday crept up on me there lol

2062

Question of the Day:
Do you prefer showers or baths?
I have an arthritic hip so I prefer baths but with a toddler I always have to shower as usually when I do bath, by some cruel fate he wakes up lol

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