Heir of Luna

~13~

Issy has dragged me around several stores today and I must have tried on hundreds of dresses. None of them look right on me.

We head into an alternative looking store and start looking through all the options. My gaze catches on a dark gold dress with black lace overlay. It is so unique looking.

I pull it from the rail and head into the dressing rooms to try it on. The dress slides on perfectly, it has a beautiful sweetheart neckline.

Looking in the mirror just confirms my suspicions that this is the dress.

I step out from the changing room as Issy rounds the corner with arms full of dresses. She pauses upon seeing me and drops the contents of her arms. “Oh goddess, that’s it.”

I nod in agreement and struggle to contain the grin on my face.

After paying we head into the food court and order a hotdog each before sitting.

“So, it was quite satisfying watching you put Drake in his place this morning.” Issy says around her first bite.

I roll my eyes at her, “I would not exactly say that.”

She giggles before taking another bite.

“Josiah also told me about your little chat in the cupboard.” She looks at me expectantly.

I sigh before setting my hotdog down, “I can’t explain what it feels like to meet your mate. It is so different than any other feeling. You feel instantly connected to them in every way.”

She studies me as I speak.

“You might change your mind about staying here once your wolf emerges,” she suggests. “Have you taken that into consideration. How will you cope being so far away?” She shovels another bite in. “Josiah on the other hand, lives in the pack.”

I glare at my best friend, “you are making it abundantly clear which brother is your favourite Issy. Does Drakos not deserve the same loyalty from you? Here you are… picking out ceremony dresses with me. Whilst also trying to convince me to switch brothers?” I slide my chair back and walk away with a scoff.

“Cleo wait!” She calls but I just walk away faster.

I spend the rest of the day hidden away in my room. Issy knocks but I ignore her and choose not to let her in. I am surprised my foot tracks aren’t scorched into the carpet at this point, I have been pacing so much.

A light knock sounds followed by Drakos’ voice. “Can I come in darling?”

I hesitate a moment before walking over and opening the door. He comes in and closes the door behind him. I sit on the edge of the bed and fiddle with my hands.

“Did you find a dress you liked?” He asks whilst hovering by the door.

“Yes, it is hanging in the dressing room,” I gesture to the left and he nods.

He steps closer and squats before me, taking my hands in his. “What’s wrong darling? You seem upset? If you don’t want to do this today then we don’t have to.”

I shake my head, “it’s not that.” He waits patiently for me to continue. I pull my hands free and pat the bed beside me. He rises and sits next to me.

“Due to you being older I do not know you all that well. But, Josiah and Issy, they have been the only consistent positive in my life. I value their friendship above all else.” I begin to explain.

He looks genuinely confused, “okay?”

“So I don’t know what to do about the fact neither of them are supporting me through this.” I look down at my hands in my lap again.

“What do you mean? Issy is okay, she went dress shopping today. And Josiah just needs time to adjust.” He shrugs.

I swipe at a lone tear escaping down my cheek. “She keeps trying to convince me to reject you and to choose Josiah instead.” I blurt the words and Drakos’ chest rumbles.

“And Josiah?” He asks through clenched teeth.

“Pointed out that he would choose me to be his mate,” I say the words softly.

He growls and I quickly stand before him. I clasp his face and lean forward so my forehead meets his.

“I need you to know that there is no hesitation, no choice to make. I am yours.” I declare the words clearly.