The Plus Size Luna

CHAPTER 7

Coreen was lying by the pool in a neon pink swimsuit that was standing out against her pale and clear skin. In one hand was a cocktail with an umbrella, and next to it was a pineapple on a tray. She basked in all this luxury, then reached for her phone to dial Drake's number with fingers tapping impatiently for his response.

"Drake!" Coreen came out firm and commanding as soon as the call went through. "I need you to do something for me."

"Sure, what's up?" His voice, warm and eager, anticipated the call to his assistance front and center.

Coreen adjusted her position on the rattan lounge chair when she spoke in a more serious vein. "I want you to investigate my ex-step-sister. No—my fat ex-sister. I need to know why she is suddenly getting close to Alph. Find out what's really going on."

Now that spiked Drake's interest. "You want me to dig up some dirt on her?"

"Exactly," Coreen replied with an elicit smirk. "I'm really interested in this new connection. This project does sound interesting."

"Got it. I'll get on that right away," Drake confirmed.

"Excellent," Coreen said as the connection clicked off, satisfied. She set the phone back on the chair and let herself sprawl out on the lounge chair, soaking up some sun. It looked to be a really nice year, compared to the warmth and the Howling University in its year plans.

Her thoughts darkened as Maxine entered them. "That fat little s**t," she thought as her smile twisted into a sneer. "Never did I think that I would be stuck with a weak little omega, or do I even call her that? It's weird; she doesn't even have a wolf. My blood boils even more when I see her."

Coreen's mind drifted to Alph and Maxine's newfound intimacy. "Especially now that she's with my Alph. She doesn't even seem to know what trouble she's courting. Or who, for that matter."

After her dip in the pool, Coreen thought she would dress and go run an errand. Reaching for her tanning lotion, she recalled that she forgot to take it to the pool. "Damn it," she said to herself. "My maid can never remember the brand I like; I'd better just buy it myself."

Walking into the beauty store, Coreen turned the heads of the sales staff. As she entered the door, they were fawning all over her.

"Hey, Miss Coreen!" one of them said enthusiastically, eyes wide. "Uh, you look absolutely gorgeous today."

Coreen beamed right back at them. "Thanks. I need some tanning lotion. I trust you've got the best?"

"Sure thing!" another shot back, all excited. "We have everything here—top-tier products for your skin."

"You have such a perfect complexion," the first sales lady babbled on. "It's so rare to see someone like yourself with naturally glowing skin. Anything we suggest will look fabulous on you."

Coreen soaked the praise in. "I never get tired of hearing it. I'm sure you'll have the perfect suggestion."

Something was out of place and caught Coreen's eye as she scanned the shelves, someone she never would have expected to catch dead in a place like this—Maxine. She was browsing by a beauty products display; her every movement was stiff as she hesitated over one item after another. Coreen's first thought was to be irritated, to first furrow her heavy brow at the idea of Maxine in a*****e like this one.

"What does she want now?" Coreen narrowed her eyes. "And it had to be here, of all places?"

Maxine appeared uneasy, the baggy hoodie and jeans at obvious odds with the polished sophistication of the store. Coreen's lips had curled into a smirk. This was her chance at a little bit of well-deserved fun.

"Well, isn't this just epically mind-blowing?" Coreen smirked, her eyes running past Maxine. "And what do you know, a golden opportunity to ruin her day."

With a computedly leisurely pace, Coreen approached Maxine. The sales staff all watched with rapt attention as she moved; there was something in her presence that demanded attention and consideration. Coreen had always been one for asserting herself and making a statement.

"Hey there," Coreen greeted, her voice dripping with condescension. "My ex-sister."

Maxine's head jerked up, her eyes wide with surprise and fear simultaneously. "C-Coreen, what are you doing here?"

Coreen's smile broadened, her voice rich with the patronizing edge. "Shouldn't I be askin' that? What're you doin' shoppin' in a place that's clearly too upscale for your tastes?"

"I-I'm just lookin' for some ointment for my mom," Maxine stuttered, her eyes flitting around the area as if searching for an escape.

"Oh, you mean MOM," Coreen added the word with a sneer.

"I-I think I need to go. I didn't see anything I need to buy here." Maxine excused.

Coreen's smirk simply broadened. "Done in a hurry, eh? Let me help you with that." She called one of the sales ladies with a snap of her fingers. "Do you think anything here would suit her?"

The sales lady hesitated but eventually suggested, "The foundation we were also offering earlier might do for her."

Coreen raised an eyebrow. "Hmm, I beg to disagree. Can I see the contour shades you have?"

The moment the products were retrieved, the sales associates wasted no time and immediately showcased the contour products. Coreen grabbed a shade and brought it up towards her face; her eyes feigned contemplation. "Here, Maxine," she said as she extended the contour product at her side. "This might as well conceal those pudgy cheeks of yours."

The sales ladies tried to hold back their laughter as their giggling became clearly heard. "Great pick, Miss Coreen," one was able to say, trying not to laugh. "That contour is indeed a wizard."

It was almost boisterous, the expression that crossed her face as she paid for her items, basking in the ill-feeling she had been able to create, and she gave Maxine one last contemptuous look before storming out of the shop, filled with the determination to turn and walk out of that place with her head held high. The laughter of the sales ladies followed behind her. A sweet melody to the reminder of the power she held to make someone humiliated and controlled. She thrilled as she stepped into the sunlight. Her day was a success and she knew she would enjoy every moment of the next year at Howling University.