12
The Next Day…..
The next morning, I woke up late. The sun streamed through the curtains, painting warm streaks of light across my bed. I stretched, feeling the ache in my shoulders from the restless sleep.
Today was supposed to be the day I met Fedrick, but the anticipation I should have felt was absent. My chest felt heavy with an unshakable unease
After brushing my teeth, I checked my phone and saw a message
my mother.
*Rogues attacked Fedrick’s pack last night. He’s returned to handle the situation”
I stared at the words, trying to make sense of how I felt. There was no anger or disappointment–just a strange emptiness.
*So today is a free day for me,” I murmured, my voice echoing in the quiet of the room.
I decided I’d pick up my wedding dress from Anna’s store and then spend the rest of the day buried in movies and snacks.
As I drove the
through town, the sight of the burned restaurant caught my eye. Blackened beams and broken glass jutted out like jagged scars against the bright morning. My stomach twisted at the memory of the attack.
“Why haven’t they fixed this yet? Did Darius not help them rebuild?” I muttered. The name Darius tasted bitter on my tongue, stirring emotions I didn’t want to name
Shaking off the thought, I arrived at Annals store. The colt chime of the bell welcomed me as I stepped inside.
AFTER REJECTION, THE OMEGA RITES
The air smelled of fresh linen and citrus, instantly calming my nerves. Anna greeted me with a tired but warm
snule
“Hey, Nia. You’re here for the dress, right?” she asked, brushing her hands on her apron.
I’d get it
I nodded, managing a small smile. “Yeah. I thought out of the way.”
I
She disappeared into the back room while I lingered near the display of veils and tiaras. My fingers brushed over a delicate lace piece, but my thoughts wandered. Could I still picture myself walking down the aisle in that dress? The idea felt distant, like trying to recall a dream.
Unbeknownst to me, a pair of eyes watched me from across the street. Darius sister stood by her car, her gaze sharp and calculating. Her perfectly styled hair gleamed in the sunlight, but her expression was anything but warm.
“What is she doing here?” she muttered, pulling out her phone. Her lips curled in a sneer. “Anna’s store? She’s planning something. Probably trying to sabotage my brother’s wedding ” She snapped a picture, her nails tapping against the screen as if punctuating her disdain.
Back inside, Anna returned with the dress carefully packaged. “Here it is,” she said, holding the box like it was something precious. Her smile faltered when she saw my expression. “You okay?”
Before I could answer, the bell jingled violently, and a shrill voice cut through the air.
“I knew it!” Darius‘ sister stormed in, her heels clicking against the floor. Her eyes blazed with fury as she pointed a manicured finger at me. “You’re trying to ruin my brother’s wedding, you b–tch!”
I froze, the accusation slamming into me like a physical blow, “What?” I managed, my voice barely above a whisper.
She didn’t wait for an explanation. She lunged, her hand grabbing a fistful of my hair. Pain shot through my scalp. and my wolf stirred inside me, growling low and threatening. I clenched my teeth, forcing myself to stay calm as I pried her hand free.
“Get off me,” I snapped, stepping back. My heart pounded, not just from the physical pain, but from the humiliation burning in my chest.
“You think you can just waltz in here and play innocent?” she screeched. Her face twisted with anger, and before I could react, her hand flew toward me.
Slap!
The sting burned across my cheek, and my head whipped to the side. My vision blurred for a moment, tears pricking my eyes from the sheer shock of it. Anger roared through me, and my wolf clawed at my control, begging to be unleashed.
1248 PM
AFTER REACTION. THE GMÁGAITES
But before I could respond, Anna stepped between us. Her hand shot out, delivering a slap that echoed in the “small shop. “How dare you?” Anna’s voice trembled with rage. “You don’t get to come in here and attack my friend!”
Darius‘ sister stumbled back, her hand flying to her cheek. Her shock quickly turned to venomous spite. “You’re
both pathetic,” she spat, her voice dripping with malice. She gestured to the friends who had followed her in
“Destroy it ”
Before we could stop them, her friends grabbed scissors from a nearby counter and descended on the dress The sound of fabric tearing filled the room, each rip like a dagger to my chest
“No!” I cried, rushing forward, but one of them shoved me back. My wolf snarled, pushing harder against my
control. My claws itched to extend, my vision sharpening as the urge to shift surged.
Anna fought valiantly, trying to snatch the dress away, but they were relentless. The store turned into chaos as the four of us struggled. A rack of veils tipped over, and the shouts and grunts of the fight echoed through the room.
Just as I felt my control slipping, security guards burst through the door. “Stop right now!” one of them bellowed, grabbing one of the women by the arm. The others backed away but the damage was already done. The dress lay in
shreds, scattered across the floor like fallen petals
Darius‘ sister smirked, surveying the destruction with satisfaction “Do you really think you’re worthy of my brother?” she sneered, her voice icy “You’re nothing but a useless piece of trash.”
My fists clenched at my sides, trembling with the effort to keep my wolf at bay Heat radiated through me, my anger threatening to boil over. Anna tried to lunge at her again, but the security guards held her back
“You need to leave,” one of the guards said firmly, addressing Darius‘ sister.
She tossed her hair over her shoulder, her expression smug as she strode out. Her entourage followed, their laughter echoing in the hallway. I stood there, staring at the ruined dress, my heart pounding in my ears.
Anna placed a hand on my arm, her touch grounding me. “Nia,” she said softly. “It’s okay. We’ll figure this out.”