Rejection and Second Chances

Ceremony Shopping

“Ashton really said to skip training?” Yessenia’s eyebrow was raised, a skeptical look on her face. “But it’s Friday, that doesn’t make sense?” I shuffled my feet in embarrassment.

“I…I don’t have anything nice for the ceremony.” I whispered, looking at the floor. Her eyes widened as she looked at me.

“Like…not even shoes?” She asked. I thought for a moment.

“I have this pair of sandals from my mother, but they’re…I don’t want them to get stepped on or ruined because they’re sentimental. I have her ring I could wear?” I offered, and she nodded.

“What color is it?” She seemed intrigued.

“It’s gold. With ruby rhinestones.” She nodded again.

“That’s good to know. So we’ll pick out a red dress that matches it. Maybe some black pumps, but I think wedges might be able to work.”

“Like…heels?” I asked in surprise. I had never worn a pair of heels. It scared me to think about breaking my ankle. She nodded.

“Let’s go girl. I’ll drive.” I nodded, following her out of the little packhouse and into her beautiful gray SUV. Before we left, a man hopped in the back seat. She turned around, a weird expression on her face.

“I know, Yessy.” He said. “Ashton asked because Adelina is going.” She made a face at me.

“Are you okay with this?” She asked quietly. “If you’re not, we can definitely go by ourselves.” I thought for a moment.

“How close will we be to Wild West?” I asked in return.

“It’s neutral territory, but not close at all. We’re about 6 hours away from Blue River borders, and Wild West is in the other side of that.” I nodded.

“I’m okay either way. Maybe we’ll need him?” She scoffed at my words.

“Two badass she-wolves and you think we’ll need extra protection?” She giggled.

“I’m not really badass, though…” she rolled her eyes at my words as she started the car and drove off the lot.

“Adelina, you have no faith in yourself, do you?” She asked. I snapped my neck to look at her, surprise etched onto my face.

“What do you mean?” My voice was tense. She glanced at me, shaking her head.

“I mean you think so negatively of yourself without seeing the actual progress you’re making.” I was silent, unsure of how to respond. “You think you’re weak, but I’ve seen you in training. You think everyone is out to get you, but you have to know deep down inside that our pack already loves you so much. I mean, my parents are so excited that you’ve joined us and you’re my brothers mate. You’re the exact person we were hoping for in our family.” My head was reeling at her words.

“Well, no, I don’t see any of that…” I said, trailing off.

“Of course you don’t. You live in your body; the rest of us see the real you.” I nodded as she pulled into the parking lot of the mall. There were so many cars, so many people just milling about, or eating at the food court, or walking through the stores. We got out of the car and she led me through the doors, veering into a dress store immediately.

We perused through dresses, my face red at the prices. She nodded as she picked some out, all of them either black or a dark red color. She made me try them on, showing her how they fit me. When we finally settled on one, I took a long look in the mirror. The gown itself was gorgeous, but I felt so plain in it.

It had long, sheer sleeves the wrapped around my upper arms, and the back was cut out. The corset was the same sheer fabric as the sleeves, but there was a thicker fabric underneath it. The skirt of the dress was the same fabric underneath the sheer one, with a long slit that ended at the top of my thigh up my left leg. The shoes she picked out were a pair of black sandals that had rhinestones the color of the dress. I nodded in approval and she swiped Ashton’s card, leading me to get my hair and nails done. My nails were done the same color as my dress, and my hair was a brown and caramel balayage.

After the salon, she brought me to a couple of clothing stores. She helped me pick out a few pairs of jeans and shorts, a few tops, a couple of summertime dresses, and new panties and bras. Everything was so expensive and I was worried Ashton would be mad when we got home.

We left the mall, excited for the ceremony and chatting on the way back to the pack house. As we pulled up, I noticed more cars than usual around. We walked in with our bags in arms and noticed two men and women I had never seen before talking to Ashton. He smiled as he saw me, waving me over and gesturing to the couples in front of us.

“And this is my mate, Adelina.” He said, putting his arm around me and kissing the side of my head. “Adelina, this is Alpha Oliver and Alpha Chase, as well as their mates Luna Elizabeth and Luna Makayla.” I bowed to them respectively, and saw Makayla and Elizabeth smile. Oliver seemed semi uptight, with a grim look on his face. Chase seemed relaxed, talking to Ashton with a smile.

“Where did you find her? Last I knew, you didn’t have a mate.” Oliver’s voice cut through the chat and I looked at him. He was staring me down, his orange and green eyes freezing me in place for a moment.

“Williams’ pack, Wild West. You almost border against it.” Ashton said, his eyes meeting Oliver’s as he stepped in front of me. Sizing the two of them against each other was proof enough that I hadn’t seen many other packs and their members; Oliver was much larger than Ashton, almost towering over him as well. “My apologies and no offense, Alpha, but she doesn’t like to be stared at.”

Oliver’s eyes flickered between Ashton and I, his mouth opening to say something before Chase slapped a hand on Oliver’s shoulder and stood next to him.

“No offense taken, Ashton.” There was a softness to his voice when he said Ashton’s name. “I apologize if this comes off as rude but our mother would beat us into next week if I didn’t ask; why does she not like to be stared at specifically?” Ashton side glanced me.

“It’s not something we would like to talk about here.” Ashton said, smiling at Chase. “If that’s alright. Maybe after the ceremony?” Chase nodded? Smiling back as Ashton laughed. “You are here on good business, after all.”

“That’s correct. Let’s get this show on the road.” Oliver seemed to soften up as Elizabeth took his arm.

“I will show you to your rooms for the next couple evenings.” Ashton said, gesturing forward. “Adelina, why don’t you go get your stuff ready for the ceremony?” I nodded, shuffling to our bedroom as Ashton led the Alphas and Lunas further down the hall. I noticed Elizabeth cast a glance at me behind her shoulder, a sorrowful expression on her face. I tried not to think about it as I entered the room and began setting out my clothes. I reached out tentatively through the link that connected all of our pack members, unsure of any response.

I need an omega to do dry cleaning and laundry, please?

It came out as a question, but an omega knocked on the door moments later. I opened it to see Adam, his head hung a little lower.

“You called for an omega?” His voice was quieter, and I had to swallow my surprise before answering.

“Yes I…I need these clothes cleaned, please.” He nodded, immediately gathering the clothes and rushing out of the room. The door swayed in the breeze he left by moving so quickly.

Now, to begin the real ceremony preparations.