The Wolf in Sheep's Skin

Chapter 22

Gwen

Three days passed, and the shop was still dead. Quinn was up on the pedestal in the big room, wearing her Coming-of-Age gown. I’d been working on it late every night, making sure it would be finished by her party.

She’d been begging me to try it on, and I’d given in, since the shop was dead anyway. Today was only a fitting, to make sure the dress fit perfectly before I started on the jewels.

It was a poofy champagne silk ballgown. It went to her ankles, so it would show off her heels, which she’d already gone out and bought. Quinn frowned at the bottom of the skirt, where I hadn’t finished cleaning up the edges.

“I know it looks rough, but we’re only seeing if it fits. How does it feel?” I put my hands on my hips, watching her.

“It fits good.” She did a little twirl and nodded.

“Bend over and touch your toes.”

She did as I said, and I walked around, making sure her br**sts weren’t falling out. Some tulle was sticking out weird in the back. I grabbed my pins and rolling stool and got to work. I made Quinn do all kinds of motions, making sure I got the dress pinned just right.

“I really like the color. I think it makes my hair look shinier somehow.” Quinn tilted her head, smiling at herself in the mirror. I was in front of her, up close to her chest as I pinched and folded the fabric.

“It makes your eyes pop too.” I grinned up at her, warmth spreading through my chest.

“How long does it take to put the jewels on?” Quinn asked. Her eyes sparkled as she looked at herself in the mirror. Maeve came in and I could feel the anxiety rolling off her, the bitter scent permeated the air.

“We haven’t had customers in a week, and the electricity bill came today!” Maeve huffed and I frowned. Can’t this wait?

“The jewels take a week. I should have it altered in the next few days.”

“You’re sure you can finish it on time?” Quinn asked.

“We haven’t even gotten a call. No one is coming in, what are we going to do?” Maeve paced between me and the three-way mirror.

“Your dress will be done on time. And it’s only been a week Maeve. We’ll figure something out.” I scowled at the fabric pinched between my fingers, refusing to do what I needed.

“We have bills! Loans! How are we supposed to pay them?” Maeve said.

“We can talk about this later.” I said, trying to use a calm tone. I finished putting the pin in.

“We don’t have time! If we don’t figure something out soon, we’ll have to close down!” Maeve snapped. Anger flared in my gut, and I stifled a growl. I squeezed my eyes shut and took a deep breath. She’s just stressed. It’s fine.

But when I opened my eyes, I locked eyes with Quinn. Hers were watery, like she was trying to stop herself from crying. Rage burned in my chest, and I swiveled to Maeve.

“We shouldn’t have-“

“That’s enough! Now is not the time! I’m in the middle of something important. We can talk about this later.” I growled, reaffirming myself. I stood up straight, glaring at Maeve. She flinched and she glared at me, looking me in the eye. But her eyes flittered up at Quinn, and the hateful look dropped.

“I… I’m sorry. I just, I’ll go step outside. Calm myself down.” Maeve cleared her throat and walked out. I sighed and my head buzzed like it was full of bees. I glanced up at Quinn. A somber look crossed her face, and we locked eyes.

“Is the shop going to close?” She whispered. I pursed my lips together.

“No. The shop is going to be fine.” I said, surprised at the conviction in my own voice. But I met her eyes with a sharp gaze, and knew I’d do anything necessary to keep the shop open. “Now, what kind of pattern are you thinking for the jewels? Where do you want them to stop?”

We talked while I worked, and I tried to keep the focus on her and her ceremony. But even after talking about the decorations she wanted, the tone stayed somber. She slipped out of the dress, and I went to find Maeve.

I found her outback, sitting on the roof of her car. My heart was in my throat as I approached her. She lifted her head up, looking at me with worried blue eyes. I shouldn’t have snapped at her. But she was ruining Quinn’s moment.

“I’m sorry… I should’ve waited.” Maeve said to the ground. Her shoulders were slumped and I could smell how upset she was.

“Don’t apologize, it’s fine. I know it’s stressful. We do need to figure out what to do about the shop.” I sat next to her, making the car squeak.

“We put everything on the line for this store.” Maeve huffed and closed her eyes.

“I know. I’m doing everything I can. Eleanor is coming in later to pick up that green dress. That’s some kind of income.” I put my hand on her shoulder. She took a deep breath and gave me a small smile.

“Quinn?”

“She’s alright.”

“We could do a sale. Do online orders outside of the pack?” Maeve offered, but her tone didn’t have enthusiasm. I tapped my fingers on the hood of the car and chewed the inside of my lip.

“That could hold us over for a while.” We’ve never had a sale. There’s never been a need for it. But if things don’t pick up soon… I sighed and stared up at the puffy clouds, floating in the breeze.

“I hate this. Can’t you go rough up Olivia?” Maeve glanced at me. I’d done it before in other packs. Commanded people to stop messing with our family.

It was a tempting idea, and I knew it would be satisfying. Seeing Olivia shocked, learning I really was more dominant than her. She’d only cause more problems for me. And Lilith enjoys it too much. It’s too risky.

I shivered, thinking about the last time I’d done it. I’d lost control and started a fight. We’d had to move.

“No.” I sighed and slumped my shoulders, staring at the ground. If only I could get Olivia to like me. But that seems unlikely after how the committee went. “I should get inside; Eleanor should be here soon.”

Maeve nodded, and I went inside. It didn’t take long for Eleanor to show up, and soon I had her up on the pedestal. Maeve came in, and the four of us were in the room. Maeve and Quinn sat in the white chairs in the corner of the room, while I sat in my little wheely chair, adjusting Eleanors dress.

It fit perfectly, and she oohed and aahed at it, twirling, watching herself in the mirror. The emerald gems twinkled in the shops light.

“You’ve outdone yourself! I think it’s even better than when I first bought it!” She kept posing, staring at herself. “Do you think it would be too much for the next party? You did go to that meeting, didn’t you?”

“I did. The themes French.” I said, focusing on the fit of the gown, making sure there were no frumpy spots.

“French? How original.” She scoffed, keeping her eyes on herself, turning, and staring at her *ss. I wish I had confidence like that.

An idea popped into my head, and I blinked at her, thinking it over. Would that work? Will she do it? I stared up at her, watching her twirl around. I thought of the group of women that had followed her around at the pack event. How they seemed to worship her, hanging on her every word.

She has influence in the pack. Maybe not as much as Olivia, but if people could see the quality of my work…

“Eleanor, would possibly do me a favor?” I asked tentatively, chewing my bottom lip. She blinked down at me, raising a brow.

“Perhaps.” She looked me up and down.

“You were here when Olivia collected everyone out of the store. And, well, things haven’t gotten better. Even with me trying to smooth things over. Are you going to the next pack event?” I asked, tilting my head.

“Spit it out, dear.” A curious look crossed her face, and my stomach twisted into knots.

“Would you wear one of my dresses to the next pack event? To show it off?” I bit the inside of my cheek, waiting for her response.

She tilted her head, glancing up at the ceiling. She sucked her cheeks in like she was in deep thought. “You want me to antagonize the Beta’s mate?” She glanced down at me, her eyes lighting up in a playful look.

“It’s a perk, isn’t it?” I gave her a little smile, and she broke out into a grin.

“I do dislike how inflated she’s become. What dress do you have in mind?”

A wide, cheek splitting grin spread out across my face. I jumped from my little chair, and raced out of the dressing room, into the front. Quinn followed me, and I grabbed the dress I had in mind.

When I’d made it months ago, I knew it would need a confident woman. It was a flowy, with soft wisteria-purple taffeta, a plunging front, and was backless. Jewels were on the top, spreading down the gown like it was raining gemstones.

I showed it to Quinn, and her eyes widened, and she grinned at me. I practically bounced up and down and went into the dressing room.

“How about this?” I held up the wisteria purple dress. Eleanor’s eyes lit up, and she grinned.

“Quick, I need that on!” She practically jumped out of her dress and into the purple one.

She twirled in it, watching herself. Her smile never left her face.

“I have great grandchildren, you know. I’ve thought of myself as an old woman for a while now, but this… it makes me feel young again.” Her eyes sparkled with the dress as she moved, letting the light bounce off the jewels. “Do you think it’s foolish for an old woman like me to wear something so risqué?” She looked at her exposed back in the mirror.

“Do I think it’s risque for a woman to feel s*xy and confident? Absolutely not. And men never have to worry about that.” I waved my hand at her, and she laughed.

“You look stunning!” Quinn added. Eleanor blushed and twirled, eyeing herself in the mirror like she was thinking.

“What’s your plan?” Eleanor asked, beaming at me.

She’ll do it? I smiled, barely able to contain my excitement.

“Just go to the pack party, wearing that, looking like your fine self. And when people ask you where you got the dress, tell them about the shop. Olivia can hate me all she wants, but my gowns are beautiful. They just need to opportunity to speak for themselves.” I said, looking at the purple gown sparkling in the light.

“You want it naturally brought up. Understood.” Eleanor nodded and looked at herself in the mirror. We talked a bit more, and I helped Eleanor out of the gown.

We all went up to the front counter, and Maeve and Quinn were excitedly talking to Eleanor while I clicked at the computer.

“I recall you were picking out your Coming-Of-Age gown last I was here?” Eleanor asked Quinn. Maeve was holding the green and purple gowns, both in their own protective sleeve. She kept sneaking glances at me, beaming.

“Yeah, I picked the one you saw.” Quinn bounced on her heels as she spoke.

“And you’re still not having the ceremony at the pack house? You know, it’s traditional to have it with the pack.” Eleanor searched through her purse

“Our family has always had them together. At our house. It’s become our own little tradition.” I said, clicking the final button on the computer. “You can put your card in the machine now.”

“I’m not a fan of crowded events either. I think a nice, quiet night will be good.” Quinn nodded.

“Well, whatever makes you happy. It’s your party after all.” Eleanor smiled and glanced down at the little screen. She frowned. “That can’t possibly be enough.”

“Consider the purple gown a gift.” I smiled at her. “It was meant to be, it didn’t even need altered.”

“It’s not like I’m renting it. I’m paying for it, put it on the charge.” Eleanor snapped, glaring at me. I opened and closed my mouth and clicked away on the computer. She watched the little screen and smiled when the price changed. After she finished paying, she grinned at me.

“I look forward to seeing you this weekend.” I returned her smile.

“I think this will be rather fun.” She wiggled her brows at me, giggling as she left the store.

The sun was still up but would settle over the horizon soon. I pulled up in the driveway and parked. Bridget and Henry were nearby, at their car talking. Henry ran out of the car and up to the house. Quinn climbed out of the car, joining him.

Bridget! Of course, why didn’t I think of it earlier? She’s friends with Olivia; they seemed to get along at the meeting. Maybe she can put in a good word to her? Ask her to talk to Olivia about the shop?

I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel. It wouldn’t hurt to ask, would it? She’s family, and the shop benefits us all.

I grabbed my keys and jumped out of the car.

“Bridget!” I went over to her. She was grabbing a stroller out of the trunk of their car. It was big, and she struggled with it, like it was stuck. “Would you like some help with that?”

She turned and glared at me, a hateful look. I recoiled and stared at the stroller. Oh, was her day that bad? Maybe now isn't a good time?

“Take this out while I get bags out.” She moved out of the way before I could answer. She could've asked nicely. I scowled at her back, but pulled at the stroller, finessing it to come out.

“Troubles finding a house?" Is that why she's in such a bad mood?

"All the houses are sh*t around here, and Erik wants to renovate a house now.” She sighed and stood up with bags in her arms. “It’s such a hassle. Open that up.” She nodded to the stroller, and I did as she said. She plopped the bags into the stroller and walked towards the house.

I pushed it, following her. There was awkward tension, and crickets sang nearby.

“Bridget, I was wondering if you could do me a favor?”

“What makes you think I have time to do you a favor?” She stopped and snapped at me.

“I… the shop isn’t doing well. You seem friendly with Olivia; I was wondering if you could talk to her? About the shop?” I chewed my lip and stared at the ground.

“You want me to talk to Olivia about the shop?”

“If it’s not a hassle, of course. We’re not getting customers and she seems to hate me.”

“You’ll watch Henry and Ava this Saturday?” She crossed her arms.

“All day.” If that’s all it takes, I’ll watch them for a whole month at this point. The bank statements flashed before my eyes.

“Deal. I’ll talk to Olivia about the shop.” She gave me a huge grin and walked away, and we went inside.