Chapter 179: The Look That Stole The Air
Aurora’s POV
"I want to see you soon again, dear," Rafael said with his usual sly grin, leaning easy on the doorframe, his eyes on Annie.
Annie rolled her eyes big. "Not. Ever. Here."
Rafael laughed like her 'no' was the best thing he ever heard. He gave a wink and moved to go, Gabriel right behind, quiet.
But just as he left, Gabriel gave Annie a quick, small look just one and then went out the door after Rafael.
The moment it clicked shut, Annie spun toward me like a whirlwind.
“Ugh!
Is Rafael always that full of himself?” she asked, flopping backward onto my bed like she needed to recover from the encounter.
I couldn’t help but laugh as I adjusted the straps on my dress in front of the mirror.
“Always. Since birth, probably. I’m convinced he came out of the womb winking.”
Annie snorted, grabbing a pillow and hugging it.
“He’s lucky he’s pretty. If arrogance was a crime, he’d be locked up for life.”
I turned around slowly, catching the faint blush that had started to bloom on her cheeks. I smirked.
“But you weren’t looking at him, were you?”
She froze. “Huh?”
I raised an eyebrow, walking over to my dresser for my earrings.
“You were eyeing Gabriel. Don’t play dumb.”
Annie sat up straight, almost scandalized.
“What?!
I was not—”
Then she paused.
“Okay, maybe I peeked. But that’s only because he wasn’t talking. I had to make sure he wasn’t mute.”
I burst out laughing. “Sure. That’s the reason.”
She furrowed her eyes at me.
“Don’t turn this around, Aurora. We’re dressing you for the ‘impossible date,’ remember?”
I grinned and turned back to the mirror, heart fluttering slightly at the thought.
The impossible date. Only Alessandro would name a date like it was a mission straight out of a movie.
Annie stood and strutted dramatically to the wardrobe again.
“Now, where’s that black dress I saw earlier?
The one that says ‘I’m hot, but also not trying too hard because I’m naturally this stunning.’”
I shook my head, laughing. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And you’re lucky to have me. Let’s make Alessandro speechless, shall we?”
Annie practically dove into my closet like it was a treasure chest. Clothes flew everywhere as she rifled through hangers with the energy of someone preparing for battle.
“Nope. Too sweet,” she muttered, tossing aside a soft pink dress.
“Too librarian,” she said of a navy blue one. Then she pulled out a sparkly silver number and stared at it with mock horror.
“What is this, prom night in Vegas?”
I laughed from the vanity as I applied a light layer of blush. “That was gifted to me,” I said.
Annie immediately dropped it like it burned.
“We’re burning that later.
But first—ah-ha!”
She turned dramatically, holding up a sleek, deep red dress that hugged all the right curves and shimmered subtly in the light.
“Now this. This is a dress that says, ‘I’m fire, and you’re lucky not to get burned.’”
I turned my head, amused. “That might be a bit much.”
Annie tossed it at me. “Trust me. Alessandro won't even remember his own name.”
I stepped behind the changing screen while Annie kept talking.
“You know, I never thought I’d say this, but I’m kind of excited for your date.
Not because I want to hear all the mushy stuff after, but because this guy… he’s proving me wrong. And I hate being wrong.”
I peeked out, adjusting the hem. “Yeah?”
She leaned against the wall and smiled faintly. “He’s done more for you than anyone ever has, Aurora. He didn’t just fall for you. He fought for you.”
My chest tightened, and I looked down at the fabric between my fingers. It was true.
Alessandro had risked more than I could ever repay.
“Okay,” Annie suddenly clapped her hands.
“Now, heels. Where are the murderously sexy ones? The ‘if I trip, at least I’ll look hot’ type.”
I laughed as I dug them out. “You're a menace.”
“And you love me,” she said with a wink.
As I sat to slip them on, she plopped down beside me. “Do you feel ready for this?”
I paused, then met her gaze in the mirror. “I think I do. For once, I’m not scared of what’s next. Just… nervous in a good way.”
Annie nudged me with her shoulder. “Good. Now let’s go turn the impossible into unforgettable.”
****
Just as I slid on the thin band Alessandro had given me, a soft tap rang out in the room. Annie and I stopped.
She raised her brows.
"You set?" I nodded, heart thumping hard.
"I think so." She let out a low cheer and ran to the door.
"Okay, okay!
I'll open it. I want to see his face when he sees you first." I giggled, a bit tense.
"Annie—" But she had swung open the door wide, showing him off like he was a king.
There he stood. Alessandro, tall and stunning in a dark suit, fit him just right.
The light caught gold bits in his dark hair, his jaw sharp like cut by night itself.
He was not just fine; he pulled you in. Annie's mouth hung open a bit.
"Oh wow. I take back all bad wolf talk. Wow." Alessandro kept his eyes on me.
When he saw me, a shift in his look. Dark eyes, open mouth, like he forgot how to breathe.
"Aurora," he said, low like a hush. I felt hot, red in the face. Annie poked him fun, moving aside.
"Good luck with this one, Alpha. She's a storm in silk." He laughed, still watching me.
"I hope so." I caught my breath as he came close, looking me over with awe and want, making me weak. He moved a curl from my face.
"You look… stunning," his voice soft, deep. I looked up.
"That's tonight's pick, right? The 'no way' date." He smirked.
"I said I'd make it one we won't forget." Annie coughed loud.
"Hey, I'm still here. No soundproofing, so hands where we can see them." I rolled my eyes, laughing.
"Annie..." Alessandro gave a low laugh and held out his hand.
"Set?" I paused, then took his hand. His grip firm, warm. Annie smiled.
"Go live a fairy tale. Tell me all when you're back."
"No way," I shot back. She threw herself on my bed.
"Fine! I'll just stay here, bored and plain in a house of wild, hot werewolves. No big deal." Alessandro glanced at her.
"Stay out of mess."
"I don't start mess," Annie declared, then winked.
"I just find it."
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