Chapter 67
“That will never happen, and if it ever did, I would go down on my knees and apologize to the wolfless, and that should tell you how much I know I will win. By the way, Zoe, it will soon be Mrs. Kade. I will soon be your sister-in-law, and all those high designs you made and refused to sell to me in Silver in the past, you will be the one to make my wedding dress with your brother. Mark my words p>
Everyone knew Zoe to be a top fashionista, a model, and a designer. That was why she lived outside the Kade family house and ruled the fashion world in the werewolf realm. Over the years, she had made grand designs and sold them both inside and outside the pack. Not once had she ever sold her finest designs to Laila, always claiming they were sold out, even though she allowed them to be sold to others without hesitation.
Laila was known not to tolerate omegas in her circles, no matter how influential their families were. But Zoe was different. She wasn’t just anyone; she had made her name known to many in Silver through her fashion career. Though her wolf was no different from that of an omega, she was still an important and influential figure within the pack and beyond.
However, Zoe never gave her the chance to be friends, given her extreme pickiness with people and the company she chose to keep.
Zoe hadn’t even been close to the last two Lunas but still hung around this wolfless girl like a tail, which was somewhat annoying to Laila. Shouldn’t she be hanging around her at this point, especially considering she would soon marry her brother? Why was she always helping the wolfless loser instead of supporting someone worthy?
Though, as much as Laila liked to pretend otherwise, she would very much like for Zoe to fawn over her. After all, who wouldn’t want a famous fashionista and the Alpha’s sister to be their friend and supporter?
“In your precious dreams,” Zoe said, “I will never make any designs for you with my own hands. Perhaps you can wear the copies, but never my originals.” Saying that, Zoe pulled out a package of the special gear suit she had made for Viola, then pressed a button on the package to make the suit unfold itself, rising upward like a display on a mannequin.
Viola, who was calculating and barely aware of what was being said above her head, was presented with the fighting overall suit in front of her. She blinked in wonderment at the fancy attire and its detailed craftsmanship.
“Let’s get you into your attire, Vee,” Zoe said, completely ignoring Laila, as well as Eleanor’s small gasp of astonishment at the beautiful suit that looked far grander than what she had collected for Laila from her designer.
Before Viola could even admire the exquisite fighting gear properly, she was gently but firmly pulled behind the screen that divided the space so the participants could have the privacy of changing behind the many screens that lined one wall of the changing area.
“I know today is daunting, Vee. But you have to try your best to survive. I don’t know what the competition will be like, but I truly hope you come out alive p>
Zoe whispered as she helped Viola put the suit on, starting from her legs and pulling it carefully up over her hips, waist, and chest. She guided Viola’s hands into the sleeves before pulling it up completely and then fastening the invisible inner zipper at the back with careful fingers.
Survival p>
Viola raised her hand and touched the suit. It was maroon, with strips of black running along the sides, and a waist belt that held a dagger sheath securely in place. The material felt leather-like, strong yet flexible, with a faint glowing sheen that reflected under the lights. It hugged her body completely and emphasized her shape, where her body had recovered to her normal form, even looking far more shapely and toned than four years ago. Her hair was held neatly in a ponytail.
“It’s beautiful Viola said, raising her eyes to the mirror and meeting Zoe’s teary gray eyes staring back at her through the reflection.
Viola smiled softly and turned, pulling Zoe into a hug. “Don’t cry. I am not going to die, and you said it yourself to Miss Serrano. I won’t die,” she whispered firmly, even though she didn’t fully believe it herself after seeing the cheat code sheet the Alpha had secretly sent her.
She didn’t have a wolf, and she had no idea how she would survive all three different competitions, which was why she had seemed absentminded since last night, trying to figure out a way to stay alive. She hadn’t even slept a wink after she saw the sheets and understood what she would be facing.
And everywhere her thoughts led seemed like a dead end because this competition was no ordinary one. She felt Zoe’s tears soaking into her neck and gently stroked her back in comfort. “Shh. Don’t. No tears, Zoe. No tears p>
“I am afraid for you, Vee. You are really strong for daring to want to join this competition, I could never. I wish you could have just listened to me days ago and come with me to my fashion house or my apartment. We could work together, and I would protect you and not let my brother banish you from Silver p>
Zoe had already proposed this before, knowing Viola was fighting to have a place to belong and live, a protected place where she wouldn’t ever fall into banishment among the packless. Zoe believed she could give her that protection. Though, as cruel as Sebastian could be, he wasn’t entirely heartless and wanted to fill the silver pack with more members. He accepted people into Silver every month and gave them work and lodging in the many empty buildings in their city.
If Zoe spoke to him personally, he would likely make Viola a member without her going through this deadly competition.
Just as Zoe had expected, Viola replied, “What I want in life could only be possible if I become your brother’s wife. As much as I want to accept your offer, Zoe… I can’t. Thank you for being my friend and partner. You were the first best thing that walked into my life in years, and I truly appreciate it p>
Viola pressed a gentle kiss to Zoe’s cheek and then wiped away her tears as she mustered a smile and swallowed the tight lump lodged in her throat. “No more tears. Now let’s get back to business. Could you go get the photographer ready for my profile picture p>