Page 23 of The Alpha's Chosen Outcast

The skirt will be tiered organza, flowing with embroidered designs that match the beading but in a bolder metallic thread. To get it right, I’ll have to split the metallic thread and stabilize it with a silk strand of the same color.

The train will start just above the bustle and be removable. We decided to do it that way because I’m also making her a matching bolero to go with her signature everyday blazer style.

Her train is not quite cathedral length but a little longer than the average chapel length. I’ll be doing matching embroidery to the skirt there, along with some beadwork at the very end.

I want to make sure it has a decent subtle sparkle. After the ceremony, she’ll be able to remove the train and the bottom two tiers of her skirt. It’ll be a tea length with the matching bolero.

For her shoes, I’m doing something really special. She’s wearing cream-colored ankle boots with a heel, and I’m going to paint them to match the floral designs on her skirt, train, and bolero. Her outfit is going to be setting the stage for brides all over the country for this whole decade, I can already see it.

I set up video calls for the weekend with my friends, as well as Jessie and Gretta.

Technically, I don’t usually work on weekends, but with all the detailing that’s going with this dress and the time frame, as well as the fact that I’m trapped in this shop anyway—I’m working. I still need to catch everyone up and pretend everything is normal.

Jessie and Gretta gush over the designs and ask if I’m really going to be able to get it done by the end of the three months.

I promised to do it because I am representing Jessie’s brand, and I’m pretty sure her shop will be teeming with orders as soon as Violet makes her bridal debut down the aisle.

Then it’s time to FaceTime my friends. I can’t keep leaving them on “read,” and they specifically asked for this date and time so they could all be together when I called.

I can’t get out of this. I have to put on a smile, take a deep breath, and pretend I’m having the best time ever in New York.

When the call comes in, Samantha, Callie, and Logan are crowding into the diner so they can all be on the screen. I find I have to hold back tears when I see them. I didn't realize until this moment how much I miss seeing them every day.

“Heather!” Samantha shouts in her mom-tone voice. “Sweets, I see you holding back that cry face. It’s okay. We miss you too.”

I let the tears roll out. There’s no holding back after Samantha uses that tone. She doesn’t have kids now, but one day, she’s gonna be an amazing mom. She reaches out, then remembers we’re on a screen, and she can’t get to me.

“How’s NYC? Are you eating way too much pizza?” Logan chimes in.

Of course, he’d think of pizza. I pull myself together, wipe my tears on my sleeve, and take a breath in, hold it, then let it out. Okay, I can do this.

“Yes, Logan, I’m eating way too much pizza. I’m barely gonna be able to walk home.”

I smile at him, sniffling. Callie speaks up next.

“Have you gotten to see all your friends and family yet? I bet they missed you!”

Hold it together, Heather. “No, I’m way too busy with this dress. This client is really important, and the design is incredibly intricate. I’m working around the clock to get it done in time.”

“You don’t want to see your family?”

Shit, Callie is on to me.

“You three are my family. This isn’t my home anymore. I’m just here for a job.”

Saying that with a straight face is not easy but I get through it. They all smile at me on the screen. It’s that “we love you, but we know you” smile.

Better they think I’m overworked than that my life is in danger. I’m not sure what they’d think if they found out I’m a wolf, too. They might have been okay with it if I hadn’t lied to them for five years.

Samantha is the first to break the tension. It feels like half an hour has gone by, but it was only a few seconds.

“Okay, I guess we’ll let you get back to it then. We love you, Heather! Miss you!”

Logan and Callie repeat the same sentiments, and we all wave goodbye through the screen. I end the call and slump back in my seat. I need a cup of coffee. Thankfully, the food that Trey had brought over the last time he was here was a pretty good selection.

I’m starting to run low because the fridge and freezer are pretty small, but I don’t know if I should ask for more. Maybe I can just ask Violet.

It’s obvious to everyone that I’m afraid of Trey coming around again—with good reason. I’d rather communicate with Violet only. For now, that’s what we have going on.

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