241
Lucy
David had been weird. Well, he hadn't been so weird that I thought something was wrong, but I could tell that something had happened. Trent had looked at me like he'd never seen me before like there was a secret that was going to come out soon, but I had no idea what. Honestly, he didn't treat me any differently. There was just something in his eyes that made me think something had changed.
Duke agreed with me, but neither of us knew what exactly was going on. As I stepped into the training room, the familiar sights and sounds of combat practice greeted me. I had been making some progress in my training, but I was still far from being as skilled as the others. Today, I was determined to put in some extra effort.
Duke grinned at me as he came in. "So, I've got an update. Apparently, David and Trent went through some super secret training outside a few days ago. He's been weird ever since, and they've had at least three Blood Moon meetings about whatever happened."
I huffed. "Sounds like it's going to take forever to get an answer about what's really going on."
"We'll see," he grinned. "I'll be in the next one... You'd be in the next one, too, if you were a part of the pack."
My face burned. I nudged him, and he laughed as Lucian called us to get started.
After the grueling training session, I wiped the sweat from my brow and began to gather my things. That's when I heard David's voice just outside the classroom. Duke wiggled his eyebrows.
"Looks like you'll get the scoop before I will."
I nudged him away as David walked towards me. He was wearing this deep green suit today. I didn't know why, but it looked really good on him.
I smiled to keep myself from saying so. His eyes twinkled with warmth.
"Hey, Lucy," he grinned. "Ready for the fitting?"
I blinked. "That's... today?"
He nodded. "You need some time to clean up or...?"
"I don't want to be late."
"You won't be."
I bit my lip and nodded. He walked me down the hall towards the Academy locker rooms and took a seat in the general waiting room. I tried to hurry through a shower and change into my clothes from earlier. I came out, slinging my gym bag over my shoulder.
He stood and led me out to his car. He took my bag and put it in the trunk after helping me into the car with a smile. When he climbed in, he grinned.
"I've been tasked with asking about colors. Any particular ones you have in mind for the gown?"
I hesitated for a moment, pondering my next words. It was a question that had been on my mind for a while now, one that held significance not just for the gown but for us as well.
"David," I began, looking into his eyes, "how would you feel if I wore Blood Moon colors?"
His eyes flashed a bright purple. His face heated. Then, his expression turned sultry, heated, as he looked me over.
"Blood Moon colors, huh?" He licked his lips. "You're going to drive me crazy in no time."
My stomach jolted. "I... don't want there to be any confusion."
"About?"
I bit my lip, meeting his gaze. "My... choice."
He let out a pained, wanting sound and cranked up the car.
"I think it's a fantastic idea, even if it's going to drive me absolutely crazy."
The way he supported my choice filled me with warmth, and the look on his face made me feel like I was making the right decision.
It might even get me more kisses. David drove us away from campus and out of the city. I had no idea where we were going, but it didn't matter. David did, and I trusted him more than anyone.
My thoughts wandered to the Crescent Moon Festival. A little fear went through me at the thought of seeing the twins again, but it seemed to ebb just as quickly. I wasn't sure if that was Selene or my confidence in David who was doing it, but it didn't matter.
Soon, we were pulling up in front of a little house. David turned off the car and turned to me.
"Stacy arranged this, so... whatever happens, know it's her fault."
I nodded, barely stifling a giggle as he came around to open my door for me. He led me up to the front of the house and knocked. The door opened, and Stacy was on the other side, beaming at us both.
"Well, aren't you two precious! Come on in!"
I walked in ahead of David with no idea what to expect. The inside of the house was set up like a small boutique. I could hear someone in the back of the main room before a young woman came out with a tray, grinning at us.
"Welcome! He'll be out shortly," she said and set the tray down. "Help yourself to refreshments."
David led me to a couch before taking a seat beside me. I poured us both tea and tried not to meet Stacy's gaze as she cooed at us.
"So cute."
"Reminds me of his father." David looked up as a tall, thin man came in. He had a certain grace about him, and his eyes held a warm, knowing gleam. He looked old enough to be our father.
"Lucy, David, this is Gabriel, one of my best friends and the most talented tailor by far!" Stacy said. "I was so lucky I could get you on his schedule."
"Nice to meet you, Gabriel," I said, offering my hand.
He shook it with a gentle smile. "Pleasure to meet you too, Lucy. I've heard so much about you. Stacy's been raving about this dress." He glanced at David with an amused smile. "Though knowing now who you're attending with, it makes sense."
I looked back at David, who stood and approached the man. "It's good to see you too, Gabriel."
They embraced briefly, and I looked between them.
"Another... relative?"
David laughed. "Of a sort... He also happens to be making our suits."
"Yes, but no one is here to speak about your suit," Gabriel grinned and offered me his hand. "We're here to talk about this young woman's dress. Shall we get started?"
I nodded eagerly and followed him away from the sitting area. I heard Stacy and David chatting as he drew the curtain closed and got down to business. Gabriel's precise and delicate hands measured me carefully, making notes and sketches as he worked. His measuring tape zipped through the air, measuring me as he murmured.
"Have you thought about color?"
"I... uhm, well, I was actually hoping to wear Blood Moon colors."
He smiled. "That's certainly something that can be done. Would you rather only have the Blood Moon Crest?"
I bit my lip, thinking about it. "Is there a way I can wear both?"
"Of course," he said. "I suppose this dress is just a... forewarning to the unification of the two soon enough, hm?"
My face heated. "I-I don't know about that."
"Well, you'll at least be close allies. It would make sense given the two packs' history."
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
He looked up from his sketch. "Well, it hasn't been confirmed, but it was said once that the White Moon pack and the Blood Moon Pack were as close as two packs could be. Near inseparable."
"I thought... that was the Blue Moon pack."
He smiled. "You'll learn, dear, that there are at least two versions of werewolf history: the werewolf version and the truth."
I said nothing, a little dazed about it.
"It'll be quite a task designing a gown to represent Blood Moon and White Moon... though I can't say I'm not looking forward to a fresh take on an old idea." His eyes were shining with enthusiasm. "Indulge an old man, and let's keep it a secret from David, hm?"
I smiled and nodded. He turned the sketch towards me, and I gasped, seeing it.
The details were subtle. The crest of the Blood Moon pack was woven in this lace rich red lace that spilled out over the white of the gown with growing vines and roses. The white looked like it would sparkle under the light.
"What do you think?"
"It's lovely," I said.
"Good. I'd like you to try on a few things to get your sense of comfort..."
I tried on whatever he gave me, marveling at the feel of the lace and textures on my skin. He hummed and took notes, adjusting the colors as needed. I couldn't see what he saw or understand the changes he was making, but I trusted him. When Gabriel had all he needed, I changed back into my clothes and went out to meet David.
"I'll just add it to your bill, hm?" Gabriel asked.
"Of course," David said. "And... there should be one more--"
"It's already arrived," he grinned. "Though I'll be curious to know how you react when you see the final look."
He looked at me. "I'll have your first fit ready for you in two weeks."
I nodded. "Thank you."
David led me out of the house. "So, Stacy left in a hurry and entrusted me with the rest of your evening. What say you to an official date?"
My heart fluttered as he opened the passenger door for me.
"I'd love to."
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