I jump when Barty’s voice startles me out of my thoughts. “I bet the Alpha Prince would love to take you around the territory sometime. There aren’t many people, let alone ladies, who would look at any of his toys with that kind of fondness.”
| laugh at his statement. “I am definitely not your typical girl.
Speaking of, | know | agreed to wear the fancy dress to the gala ball thing tonight. Is Luna Anne going to put me ina monkey skirt suit all day too” | try to school the nauseous feeling | get thinking about being uncomfortable in my clothes as well as with all of these people today.
“I believe she is aware of your affinity for pants.” He winks at me and leads me to an elevator.
We head up in a comfortable silence and reach Luna Anne’s floor quickly. I walk into the same suite we did the dress fittings in, and it actually looks more terrifying now. My eyes go wide. Not only is the dress | chose for tonight hanging from a tall rack, there are at least five more that she said ”
were good contenders.’ Next to that was a rack with items in varying shades of white hanging from it. Pants, jackets, vests, blouses and to my irritation skirts with frilly bottoms.
The third rack had similar business attire, but in cool shades of greens, blues and purples. Rack four was on repeat with warm shades of yellow, orange, red and pinks.
“Close your mouth and stop looking so terrified, we have a job to do and the first impression is always the most important.” Luna Anne pops out from behind one of the racks.
“Are all of these things necessary? It’s just one day of meetings and then a ball. Or did | miss something?” | looked accusingly between her and Barty knowing parts of what he told me were strategically left out so she could explain herself.
“You didn’t miss anything, but Luna Ava and | decided that if we told you everything all at once, you would refuse.”
| nod my head agreeing with their assessment. “As Barty told you, Reggie and Osiston want you in several of the meetings today, and for good reason. You are smart and very good at tactical planning. Unfortunately there has been a development. First, you are not a show pony and I don’t want you to think that, but somehow word got to a few of the Elders that ‘Xander’s date,” She air quotes,
“Is attending meetings. So several have insisted that they get to bring their daughter’s to also learn the ropes of pack management.” She rolls her eyes at the thought. “It has become a joke now, but there isn’t much that Reggie can do without explaining your ties to the family and opening Xander up to the piranhas trying to get a queen out of this whole situation.”
| rub my temples already feeling the star of a headache that comes from dealing with self important morons. –
“Don’t look like that, you will do great and it gives me an excuse to also attend, which | normally do not, since most females are not needed for such things. I’m actually kind of excited, but that also means you will be under a bigger spotlight than we anticipated.”
She at least has the audacity to look a little ashamed of the situation | am in, but also far too excited about the prospect to dress me up. “I have several outfits picked out for you and as we get you dressed | will explain the day.”
| reluctantly nod my head in agreement.
