The Markless

Chapter 10: Almost Beautiful, Almost His

“So whaddya think?,” I chirped while biting down my lips.

“I-Im just—”. Dave stuttered, clearly dumfounded by what he was seeing. I couldn't blame him. I was also overwhelmed too.

“Uh-huh, those luscious curves are killing me jellybeans”, Samantha quirked, giving me an approving once-over.

“YEAH! I know right!”. I giggled, giddy with excitement. Ben laughed at me, knowing full well he had just made my entire day.

“Nope, nuh-uh, I got this dress, so I think that million-dollar giggle belongs to me, thank you!”, Samantha declared. I smile at her eagerness. She had to put in the time and effort to help find this dress --- and it meant the world to me.

"Thank you.... all of you. I don’t know how to express how grateful I--" Ben stopped me mid-sentence and said,

“No need to thank you Aves, just do your best out there -- get all the boys wrapped around your fingers, you know?”

Samantha giggled at that, but Ben didn't look thrilled. I don’t think he is happy nor excited about this tour with me wearing this skimpy dress. But, I don’t care, I love the way the dress makes me feel. It gives me some sort of confidence booster to rock the day.

“So, now the dress is sorted," I said, "can we start the tour?"

“Right, now that fashion hour is over, let's fix those puffy eyelids, darling?,” Dave said.

“What?! Make-up? You?” I blinked, genuinely shocked.

“Yeah, I used to do make-up for celebrities, and let me tell you --- I’m a legend."

“And a drama queen,” I snorted.

Dave chuckled. “I hate to admit it, but yeah." Oh my, I was more vibing with Dave than I ever expected.

“I’ll leave you two to it”, Ben said, ushering Samantha out of the room.

“We’ll be out in two seconds, I promise," Dave replied.

And just like that, Dave proved his legendary status. I am in disbelief and shock at the splendid work he has done. It's still me... but better. The nude and pink tones on my eyelids brought out a soft glow in my eyes. My cheeks looked naturally flushed, and the lip gloss pulled everything together. Dave finished by curling my hair and tossing it gently for volume. I gasped at the final look. Oh my, is this really me? Is this girl staring right at me? I fan myself out because I feel like the waterworks are joining in the fun.

"Is this really me?" I whispered.

Dave smiled, nodding proudly like I was one of his masterpieces. I smiled back through the mirror and mouthed, "Thank you."

“Don’t mention it”, he replied casually.

I glanced through his various brands of makeup laid upon me --- an entire collection of luxury brands: Llanel, Astee Chauder, and others I'd only seen in magazines.

“Wow, you've got som serious brands here, ” I said.

“Yeah, perks of working three part-time jobs --- Cafe, bar, and restaurant," Dave replied,

“Wow, I never pegged you as a part-time hustler type, I thought--".

“You thought that I was a rich-spoiled who got everything handed to him”, he cut in.

I winced. “I’m sorry I misjudged you,”

"Don’t give me that smile please, at least not you," Dave said, chuckling. "I don't care what people think, but don't pity me. Got it?" He winked and stepped out.

I turned to the mirror, gave myself a quick glance and followed him out. Downstairs, Ben and Samantha --- er, Mimi now --- beamed at me with proud smiles.

“So, Aves, I’ve been meaning to tell you this yesterday," Ben said, "but you were a bit too out of it to process anything."

I nodded, I braced myself.

"Alright so, tonight, we’re going to a party, a birthday party."

“Just say it properly,

“What is this ‘Luna thingy’ you are talking about?” I sigh, is this another secret they’ve been keepin'?

“I think you know this. I told you about this a while ago, right?”. Samantha asks me, oops. That must've been when I was mentally chatting with my subconscious.

“Ye-yeah, I know it,” I lied.

"Hmmm, no you don’t. Your nose twitches when you lie”, Ben said.

“Fine. I lied. Happy now?” I huffed.

Ben smirked and continued. “The Luna Ceremony is a blessing to a pack. In short, to humans it’s like marriage but deeper. It is when a pack finally completes the hierarchy; the one at the top, the Alpha, with his Luna beside him, the second-in-command, Alpha’s Beta, and the third-in-command, the Gamma. If the she-wolf is a true mate of a Beta, she becomes the Beta female. Same for the Gamma. But the Luna? She's special."

"She can overrule the Alpha when he's gone," Samantha added.

“So, in short, Luna is a kick-ass woman who commands the Alpha,” I asked.

"Exactly," Ben nodded.

“Well then," I grinned. "What are we waiting for?" Let's go, gran and gramps!"

“Oh, you don’t get to call me gran young lady! Call me Mimi for short!” Samantha pouted.

“Alright, Mimi, I get it, don’t pout or the fae’s will curse you," I teased.

"Pop in the car, ladies, it’s going to be a long ride!” Dave shouted.

"Where are we going exactly?” I asked Ben as I put buckled in.

“I think Roselake pack," he replied, showing the map to Dave.

“Hold tight," Dave warned. "We're on a deadline, and I don't want to piss off our Alpha."

I laughed. "Ohh, savage. Careful, Ben, he's coming for your title."

Looking at Ben, I noticed his ears turning red.

“Don’t blush on us, Ben. Save some for later,” I teased.

"That was a good one!” Dave chuckled.

“Yeah? A good one would be me throwing you out of this car," Ben growled.

Whoa. Did he just growl?

“Benny, you need to calm your sh*t down, we’re just messing around," I said quickly, glancing between them. That escalate fast.

“Just drive," Ben muttered.

Soon, we were speeding down the highway like someone was chasing us.

"What’s his problem?” I whispered to Mimi, who had been unusually quiet.

“You’ll see later," she replied cryptically.

“O... kay?"

Guess I will witness something entertaining when we get there. I leaned back in my seat and closed my eyes, preparing for whatever drama or surprises awaited. One thing was clear: Ben was more than I thought. And I intended to find out just how much more.