Chapter 137
Chapter 137
Avery’s POV
For the next few days, I kept up my training with lan, but neither Jessica nor Gideon attended. Instead, lan’s sister Melody offered to be my same-size training partner. With their help, I continued to work on my strength and stamina.
I did receive a note from Gideon’s Beta, Tegan, informing me of when our entourage would be leaving for the Alpha Ball. Since it was some ways away, we would be taking a number of pack vehicles and bring enough clothes to last the several days of the gathering.
I turned into the hallway outside our bedrooms in time to see Deirdre leaving my room with a pair of scissors. She was still limping from her injuries, and at the sight of me, she smiled widely.
“Oh, Luna!” She said in that fake sweet voice, “I wanted to check to see what you were wearing to the Alpha Ball. You know, we don’t want to be too matchy-matchy, but it looks like all your clothing is torn up! Whatever happened?” She waved her scissors at me and disappeared into Gideon’s room.
I raced into my bedroom.
It wasn’t like I had a lot of nice clothes. Most of what I wore daily were simple, everyday outfits that made it easy to work in the garden. However, I had owned two nice dresses.
The first was the one that I had worn to the Pack Acceptance ceremony, the first time I had danced with Gideon. The second was the outfit I had gotten married in. Both had been simple but beautiful.
Now both lay in tatters on my bed, torn to ribbons by Dierdra’s shears.
A sob tore from my throat. I wasn’t usually sentimental with clothes, but both of these had been associated with memories that reminded me of Gideon, and they had meant something to me.
I picked up the tattered pieces of clothing and held them in my hands.
According to the invitation, there were several evenings of dancing and other entertainments, and I
would need at least two dresses suitable for that.
I needed a backup plan. Dierdra thought if she could keep me from attending the Ball, she would be able to walk in on Gideon’s arm alone. I couldn’t let that happen.
Wiping my tears, I went into the village to visit the boutique owner who served as tailor for most of the pack. I browsed the racks quickly, but there was nothing suitable to wear to a formal event.
“So sorry, Luna,” she said apologetically, “The Alpha’s mate has wiped me out. She was in here yesterday and bought up all the dancing dresses I had p>
Of course.
I may have limited the ways in which Deirdra could fuck with my Luna duties, but that hadn’t stopped her from interfering with me personally.
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Chapter 137
+25 Bonus
My eyes fell on some bolts of fabric laying on the counter.
“Would… Is it possible to ask you to sew something for me instead?” I asked.
The shopkeeper frowned, patting the bolts with her hand, “To produce the quality required, I would only have time to sew you one dress, Luna,” she said.
“One dress will be fine,” I nodded, “if you will sell me the rest of this fabric and some needles and thread. Please have someone deliver them to my room p>
A plan was forming in my mind.
I went looking for Melody and Madelyn. Both were in the pack mess hall, eating breakfast. At the sight of me, they rose and joined me outside.
“Are either of you girls decent at sewing?” I asked.
“I’m not,” Madelyn admitted, “but my sister is amazing at it p>
“Do you think she would mind helping me with my project p>
Not everyone wanted to be associated with the Luna who was on the outs. I wouldn’t make anyone help me who might worry about retaliation from Dierdra. This was my battle to fight, alone if necessary.
“I’m sure she would love to,” Madelyn grinned, “She loves a project, and she’s none too fond of the Alpha’s mate at the moment. She was supposed to apprentice under the old cook, Anna, before she was moved, and now she’s grumpy about it p>
“Please tell her that I would be greatly in her debt,” I said, “and I’m happy to compensate her for her time if she can meet in my rooms tonight after dark p>
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