As she led me through the store, I noticed a plain-looking girl-another salesgirl, I assumed-rushing towards us, her skeptical eyes locked on me.
Without so much as an “excuse me,” she tugged at Frieda’s sleeve and whispered something short and inaudible. Whatever she said, it killed Frieda’s enthusiasm in seconds. The once-warm smile disappeared, replaced by a cold glare.
“I’m afraid you’re not welcome here,” Frieda said, straightening her sleeves like she was trying to regain her composure. Her voice was now firm, but oh-so-polite.
I raised an eyebrow, not missing the venom hidden behind her words. “What do you mean?” I rolled my eyes and let out a dry laugh.
“These dresses are for Lycans,” she continued, her tone dripping with condescension. “Not… someone like you.”
By “someone like me,” I knew she meant as a wolf, not a Lycan. Really?
Someone like me? Oh, so we were going there? If I wasn’t too stunned, I’d have slapped her. Weak wolves? When had that ever stopped anyone from buying a damn dress?
“And why wasn’t I told this minutes ago?” I felt my anger bubbling beneath the surface. First Isabelle, now this? Seraphina’s hand found mine, a weak attempt to soothe me.
The plain girl finally chimed in, crossing her arms and looking me up and down like I was dirt beneath her shoes. “You wouldn’t understand. We’re booked for the entire day by a VIP customer.”
I snorted. This was getting more absurd by the second. “And who’s this VIP customer?”
A familiar voice cut through the air, laced with mockery. “Look who we have here, the Alpha lady, Jasmine. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
I turned around, my gaze meeting hers for a second. I wasn’t surprised to see Isabelle, flanked by her posse of wannabes. I almost snickered. They looked like they belonged in a bad ’80s music video.
“You heard Frieda,” Isabelle sneered, her lips curling into a malicious smile. “This place isn’t for people like you.”
Really? How about you lecture me on where to go and where not to?
I returned her smile sweetly, matching her passive-aggressive energy. “Actually, I think this place isn’t meant for you. I mean, there are classes to things, aren’t there? And you are not in my class.”
Her smirk faltered, but she quickly recovered. “You’re an ex, after all. And I’m the Alpha Lady. Always keep that at the back of your mind anytime you want to blurt out something so foolish.”
I said casually, savoring the flicker of rage in her eyes before she quickly masked it.
Turning back to Frieda and the plain girl, I said firmly, “Just so we’re clear, I’m Jasmine. The Alpha’s Lady. You’ve got two choices: do your damn jobs like you’re paid to, or I’ll report you to the Alpha. You both know what it is to disrespect the Alpha Lady, don’t you?”
This wasn’t me being proud of a stupid position I’m never pleased with; this was me using what I had to put these darn bitches in their place.
The nervous glances they exchanged almost made me laugh. Frieda bowed hastily. “No, no, Alpha Lady! We’ll ensure your comfort immediately.” They bowed. Oh really? They can be this nice?
Frieda practically scurried to my side, offering me a personalized shopping experience, suddenly eager to please.
As we walked, I couldn’t resist one last jab at Isabelle. “You should probably leave,” I called out over my shoulder. “Your tacky style is clashing with the store’s.” I blew her a kiss before turning back to enjoy my shopping spree, Lycan-style.
After browsing, two dresses caught my eye: a flowing ox-red gown with a halter neck and long sleeves, and a sleek black satin jumpsuit with a sequined cape. Both looked incredible, but I was torn between them.
Seraphina, sensing my indecision, piped up. “You’d look amazing in both, but I think the red gown would complement your skin tone perfectly.”
I held the red dress against my chest and nodded. “You’re right. Red it is.” Turning to Seraphina, I smiled brightly. “Pick something for yourself, too. After bringing me here, you deserve a treat.”
Seraphina’s eyes widened in surprise. “The card was meant for you, ma’am. I couldn’t possibly-“
I waved her off, rolling my eyes at her humility. “I insist. Pick something you love.”
Her face lit up as she scanned the racks. She squealed with excitement, holding up a stunning emerald green dress. “This one! I’ve always wanted a dress like this.”
I grinned, happy to see her excitement. “It’s perfect. Get it.”
We piled our dresses into the arms of Emily (the plain girl) and Frieda, heading to the counter. But just as I handed the cashier my card, Isabelle swooped in, her entourage carrying a mountain of clothes.
“Add all of these to hers,” she said smugly, flashing me a condescending smile.
I didn’t even blink. “I don’t think so, Isabelle. We came separately, so our bills will be separate.”
Her smile widened, but her eyes flashed with annoyance. “You’ll do as I say. I’m the future Luna of this pack, and I have every right to use that card.”
I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Fine. If you want to use the pack’s card, feel free to get it from the Alpha-your future husband.” I smirked, adding, “In the meantime, I’ll pay for myself.”
A heavy silence fell over the room. I half expected Isabelle to explode, but instead, she stood there, speechless.
Typing in the pin, I watched as the sales associate processed the bill. The amount I spent could’ve bought a small house, but it wasn’t my money; it was Ryder’s.
As soon as we stepped outside to the car, I let out a sigh of relief.
“Ma’am, you’ve just stepped on Isabelle’s toes. She’s going to come for you,” Seraphina said, her voice filled with concern.
I chuckled. “And I’m shaking in my boots.” I wiped a tear of laughter from my cheek, but Seraphina wasn’t amused.
If Isabelle was a green snake, I was more than prepared to crush her.
I blink. She blinks too. The replica staring back at me in the mirror? Yeah, that’s me. And damn, I look good. My hands fly to my mouth, a squeal escaping my lips. I could gush at this reflection all day! My eyes trail down my body, taking in every curve hugged perfectly by the red velvet dress Seraphina picked out. It flows all the way down to my feet, and I gotta say, I feel like a goddess. I’m not used to this. Dolled up like some princess? So not my style. But damn… “This is so freaking pretty!” I spin in a full circle, unable to stop the grin splitting my face.
Seraphina stands behind me, blushing like crazy. “I just did my job,” she mutters, all shy and humble.
“Girl, you did more than that.” I watch as she loosens my bun, pulling strands of hair to the front. She runs her fingers through, letting my chestnut locks fall over my shoulders like some waterfall from a shampoo commercial.
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