Page 160 of Claimed By the Rival Alpha
“By the way,” she said, “I left something for you on the couch.”
My eyebrows raised. “Oh, you didn’t have to get me anything, Violet. You’ve already done so much for me.”
“I know, girlie. But you know me.” She and Mom shared a brief, knowing look. “Don’t look at it until it’s time.”
“Sure, okay.”
As Violet headed out, Mom turned to me. “We should get you dressed,” she said. “It’ll take a while to get your hair to set right.”
“Okay. Can we do it here?”
“Of course!”
I grabbed a refill of chai tea while Mom grabbed the tools she needed. She set the curling iron and hair products on the table, and I enjoyed a few more scones and jam as she removed my hair from the towel. First, she gave my neglected ends a trim, then she combed some cream through the long strands.
“So, we haven’t had a ton of time to talk,” she said, “but I want to hear more about this Night Shepherd.”
My body grew warm as I chased the bite of scone down with some tea. It wasn’t the liquid that made me feel that way; thinking about Night did.
“It’s hard to know where to start,” I said. “He’s…everything to me. He’s so strong and capable and smart, and even though he’s busy being the Alpha of the Wargs, he always makes time for me.” Just thinking about him made my chest ache and my wolf purr. “He looks at me like I’m the one who makes the sun come up every morning, like I’m his whole world. He makes me so endlessly happy, and when I’m with him, I just know everything will work out.”
My mom sniffled a bit as she brushed a section of my hair. “Honey, he sounds wonderful.”
“He is.” Wonderful, and so, so much more.
“You said he was the one who took you from Troy’s cabin?”
I nodded. “I thought I hated him at first, but at the same time, I somehow knew that I was safe with him. That he’d take care of me.”
“You know, honey, the fated mate bond is something that’s destined. The fates plan it long before the souls find each other. Fated mates are a perfect match of strength, love, loyalty, and passion. Sounds like you found yours.”
“I did, Mom.” Butterflies rushed to fill my stomach. Soon Night and I would swear our bond to each other in front of everyone, but the butterflies weren’t just for excitement. Talking about fate and destiny made me remember that I had an important role to play in the future. “Mom, Violet and the Wargs’ Elders think I’m descended from the pack mothers. They say that I’m destined to do something more, but they don’t know what that is.”
Mom nodded, fixing my hair with rollers. “I’m not surprised. I’ve always known that fate had a huge hand in my finding you. I’ve also suspected that you might be a pack mother’s daughter, but there weren’t any texts in our libraries that helped me confirm my theory.”
“The Wargs have tons of literature. I think Violet brought some stuff with her. Maybe you guys could compare notes?”
“I’m sure we will.” I heard the smile in her voice. “Alright, now I just need to blow dry your hair so it sets the curls.”
Soon, my hair fell in full, luscious waves over my shoulders, shining in the light every time I turned my head. My makeup was soft and minimal, just enough to enhance my features, and I wore some of Mom’s homemade rose perfume. When it came time to put on the dress, Mom told me to open the box that Violet had left for me. When I did, I found a gorgeous, lilac-colored gown.
I put it on and admired myself in the lobby mirror. Pressed white, baby pink, and lavender flowers were sewn into the flowing hem and at the waist. The bust clung to me, but the fabric was so breathable it felt like a second skin. Spaghetti straps held it up, and across the bust were dozens of tiny, glittering beads. When I walked, a slit came all the way up to my hip. My eyes watered the longer I stared at myself.
Violet knocked on the door and Mom called for her to come in. I turned to Violet, near tears, and took her hands in mine. “Where did you find this?” I asked.
“I made it myself,” she told me. “It was for my own binding ceremony, but I never got to wear it.”
I gasped. “Violet, I can’t possibly take this! It’s too precious, and I—I’m—” I didn’t know how to put it.
“You’re my new daughter,” she finished. She used a tissue to dab at the corners of her own eyes. “I think this dress was always meant for you, Bryn. That’s why I brought it along in the first place. Why else would you be the exact same dress size as I was when I made the thing?” She laughed and pulled me in for a hug. “You look beautiful, honey.”
I couldn’t say anything but, “Thank you.”
A short time later, Tavi knocked on the door. She was wearing another sheath dress, this one in blue denim. Like me, she was barefoot. She let me hug her.
“I wanted to give you this,” she said, handing me a flower crown. My jaw dropped as I lifted it. The crown was made from the branches of nearby trees. It had fairy slipper, shooting star, as well as western springbeauty woven through it.
She blushed when I continued to admire it without saying anything. “It—it might be kind of silly. I mean, it’s kind of childish for me to do, and you don’t have to wear it.”
