Sophie's POV
After I finished cleaning up the studio and made sure that cancellation announcements had been posted to the registration portal I had about 2 hours before I needed to start getting ready for the lunch. More than enough time to pop out to the shops and find something to wear that would be suited to the occasion. Being in downtown Seattle meant I had a ton of different options and I even had time to stop down at the market for some jewelry.
I walked down to 1st street and stopped in a few little boutiques along the way. The event was supposed to be pretty casual, but I knew I was being presented to the pack so I wanted to look nice. I picked out a pair of platform heels from the first shop, a deep red that was broken up by sparkles across the surface. They didn't feel too mature, but they did make me feel pretty. I wanted to feel confident and in my element when I met the members of the pack.
At my next stop I picked out a black skirt that fell almost to my ankles but had a slit to just a little bit above my knee. It would let me move freely but also make me seem a bit more feminine. The black made it feel a bit formal, while the pale silver inlay reminded me of patterns the moon made on lakes late at night.
For my third stop I got a cold shoulder top in a deep maroon with black patterns, it felt kind of sensual and it showed off my neck and shoulders where my alphas would put their marks. For now it would make me seem youthful and enticing, but in the future it was a good top for showing off their claim. I liked to get clothes I would wear multiple times, not really enjoying going overboard with my wardrobe. Simple pieces that I could mix and match were really what I wanted.
At the marketplace I went to the jewelers and picked out a few stainless steel pieces that were displayed alongside the silver. To non-wolves the difference was hard to spot and I had always enjoyed the look of silver even if I couldn't wear it. I selected a simple link bracelet, a long necklace chain with a rough cut emerald colored gem at the end, and a set of earrings with black onyx inlays.
I was about to leave the market when I noticed a shop selling leather braid wraps, little pieces of leather that went around the bottom of a braid and covered about 3 inches of the hair. They tied with small thin ties and came in a number of colors. One was silver colored with black and purple accents, reminding me of both of my Alphas and the clothing they had been wearing earlier that day.
Satisfied with my purchase I stopped in one of the little bakeries on my way back up the hill, getting a pasty and a coffee before heading to the studio to get dressed. The full length mirrors and personal wash room that they afforded would make getting ready much easier.
I blushed as I realized that I had worn a set of matching underwear and bra in black lace that day. The top covered the straps, but when I moved the neck occasionally offered a hint of black lace from the top of the cups, which made me feel sultry and seductive.
I finished dressing and put on my jewelry before plaiting my pale hair, pulling a few pieces out to frame my face, Pulling the braid around to the left side of my neck I tied it off with the new braid wrap. A tiny bit of mascara, some lip gloss, and a spritz of my favorite rose perfume finished off the outfit.
Turning in front of the mirrors I was satisfied that I looked appropriate and ready to meet my new pack members. I looked attractive in a way that I hoped my mates would appreciate but I didn't look trashy or like I was trying too hard. The platforms gave me a few inches of height so I wouldn't feel so small and I felt confident.
I pulled out my phone to text Rugal and let him know I was ready and then settled in to wait. 5 minutes later he and Leyla knocked on the door, letting me know it was time to go. I grabbed my purse and put my phone inside, steeling myself to get this day over with. Their appreciative looks and affectionate nuzzles let me know that I had made a good choice. Leyla even nipped at my shoulder, making me wish we didn't have to go.
The lunch meeting was held on the roof, where about 300 people and a set of caterers were present. My alphas and I were at a table in the far back with 3 other members of the pack. Those who were already seated stood when we walked in and waited for Rugal to pull out first Leyla's chair and then mine before he seated himself. When everyone was seated again the lull of conversation began anew.
I had been expecting the event to be somewhat formal, but it seemed that the event was just as casual as they had made it out to be. The people seated at my table were Rugal and Leyla's betas. A set of brown eyed twin males who introduced themselves as Kenneth and Keith and an older gentleman who told me to call him Danny. The twins worked for Rugal and were both Beta ranked and by designation while the older Beta called Danny seemed to actually be an Omega. A glance at his neck showed an old and faded mating bite, the mark of someone who had lost their mate.
We made pleasant conversation over the lunch of Salmon, salad, and fresh fruit. For desert there was chocolate lava cake, one of my favorite things to eat! My Alphas and their second in command wolves discussed the different problems facing the pack while I looked around and appreciated the view. Being only a few blocks from the ocean the view was amazing.
The patio itself was covered in trellises with small grape vines all over them, blocking some of the sun but also making the space feel more at one with nature. It was truly a beautiful place to be and I was happy that I had been invited along. After we ate a few people came over to introduce themselves, but no-one was overly formal and everyone was really polite. It seemed that I had been worrying for nothing. This pack was the most welcoming one I had ever seen.
Everyone lingered until about 4:30 just talking and relaxing. I realized that this was how a city pack spend bonding time. In smaller more rural packs everyone was around everyone else all the time strengthening the pack bonds and just being together. Wolves are pack animals by nature, we don't really like to be alone. It was nice to be included in this event despite not being marked.
Leyla whispered something to Rugal while everyone else was leaving and I found myself being led down a set of stairs hidden from sight and then boarding an elevator I hadn't seen before. Before I had a chance to question Rugal explained.
"These stairs lead to our private floors here, we keep quarters here for if we don't make it home and to relax. Leyla is taking you to her room to grab a swim suit and then we thought you might like to go for a swim?"
I hadn't realized that there was a pool in the building, but it made sense as I had smelled chlorine a few times and most wolves enjoyed spending time in the water. It must be down below in the basement as I had been on all the other floors.
In Leyla's room she stripped and pulled on a emerald bikini before throwing me a deep blue one in the same style. I blushed and walked into the bathroom to put mine on and folded my clothes along with my jewelry and put them in a basket she had left for me outside the door.
Leyla looked good in the bikini, her body well toned despite the long hours she worked. Her hair that was normally down was pulled up into a tight ponytail and her skin had a lovely tan that made my mouth water. My wolf was pleased with how beautiful my mate looked and I had to agree.
We pulled on flip flops and headed to yet another elevator, going down to meet Rugal.