Gabriel
There were rumors floating around. I’d heard from Ava that early this morning two people were found in a compromising position in the dining hall. She went on and on about how insane it was like she wasn’t into it herself.
“I heard the maid walked in on them. The scullery maid was on her knees and the tall devilish chef was seated on the table. You’d think father would punish them but he didn’t seem to care about it since he didn’t see anything.” Ava huffed.
“Did you say chef?” I asked. There’s no way it’s my Shane but if it’s a chef, it has to be someone he knows. Maybe a friend.
“Yes. He’s tall and has black hair. She thought we had a visitor since only alphas have dark hair.”
My stomach churned. Was she talking about Shane? He was the only person she knew of outside of her family, Ethan, and the other alphas who had dark-colored hair. Guests hadn’t arrived yet for the celebration and this wasn’t making sense. It had to be Shane. I could taste the bile on my tongue and I fought the urge to throw up all over my floor. Ava was sitting on the bed, her knee bouncing, her foot bobbing up and down. She had a book in her hand but it was closed as she looked at my reflection in the mirror. There was a light in her eyes that said she was enjoying talking about this.
“She didn’t get his name. Usually the chefs stay in the kitchen but now that I know there’s a handsome wolf in our packhouse, I’ll have to check it out,” Ava giggled.
I trusted Shane but there was a bit of doubt that started to wiggle and worm its way into my chest, into my mind, and into my soul. He said he’d stop seeing other women, had he been lying? Had he ever stopped? The idea that he had been sleeping with women all along made me feel sick.
“I think I need to lay down,” I mumbled as I held my stomach.
“That’s not a part of the plans. Because the celebration was pushed back, we weren’t able to get you measured. The dressmaker will be coming by today with her understudy. You most likely will not be able to try on the dresses but they brought style samples to palm through,” Ava said excitedly. “Father says I can get one tailored for myself as well.”
“I can’t. I-”
“But you can, big sister and you will. We don’t have time for you to feel ill. If anything, we don’t even have time for the dressmaker but you need a dress for the celebration! We can’t have you wearing last year’s clothing when Ethan comes and especially not in front of the other packs. No. I’m in charge of making sure you are ready and I will not be held responsible for anything that may go wrong. Why? Because nothing will go wrong.”
The innocence my sister should have still had was gone. Long ago replaced or taken by something I’m unsure of. I don’t know why she was the way she was but I’d long stopped referring to her as my sister. She was just Ava now. I still missed the little girl she used to be but I’d long given up on seeing her ever again.
I didn’t say anything as I stood to my feet. I swallowed down the bile and kept my chin held high. I would not be responsible if I threw up. This would be their fault. I told her I wasn’t feeling well and if she insisted on having me go here and there then that wasn’t my fault.
“What do we have planned for after the dressmaker?” I asked.
“The shoemaker, of course,” Ava said as she headed for the door. She didn’t look back to check if I was following her outside. She knew I would be.
I followed her downstairs and into the area where we entertained guests. As we walked in, I was surprised to see it had already been set up. The dressmaker was busy scurrying to-and-fro as she organized the dresses and got them ready for me. Too many dresses for me to count were laid out along a large table. Ava disappeared and reappeared with crackers.
“Eat these. They’ll soothe your stomach.”
I took a bite and sighed as the sickness was pushed back. Salt. It was helpful. The dressmaker turned to face me and my eyes widened. I had expected a woman but was faced with a man. He was tall and blonde, his shirt was loose and opened at the chest. A cocky grin pulled at the corner of his lip.
“I greet the Alpha’s daughters,” he said as he dipped his chin and bowed his head in respect. We didn’t say anything but I could tell from the look on Ava’s face that she thought he was handsome but wasn’t sure how to feel about a man taking our measurements and helping us with our dresses. “My name is Gabriel. I’m going to be your help for today. I’ve put out different styled dresses. Take your time going through them. I’ll be waiting off to the side when you decide on the one you fancy.”
“What of her measurements?” Ava asked.
“I’ll take that at the end and I was told I would be doing yours as well?” Gabriel asked.
“That’s correct,” Ava said curtly. I gave her a look but she ignored me. She was always snooty and thought she was above everyone because of the blood that ran through our veins. It didn’t make us any different in my opinion. If anything it made us pitiful.
“My name is Adealine,” I said. “I look forward to working with you today.” Gabriel nodded and went to stand by the wall. “Feel free to start whenever you’re ready.”
I nodded and took my first step toward the dresses. I didn’t even want to be here. I didn’t want to choose a dress that that asshole would like. I didn’t want to play this part today. I didn’t want to play the sweet, dutiful daughter to the Alpha. I didn’t want to play pretend that I was excited to see my intended.
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