Chapter 42

Amelie

After Gideon went up to take a shower, I turn to dad and Logan, “What was that all about?”

Logan has moved over to mom and has wrapped his arm around her waist, “I did the same thing when your mom was pregnant with your brother Riley. It’s instinct, and it’s hard to control.” Logan was not one for PDA, so it was sweet to see them like that.

Dad also cuddled up to Celeste, “It’s natural he will work through it. Just be prepared when it happens.” Seeing the love fest going on made me want Gideon. I turn my attention to the kitchen to help Becky with lunch. When I turn around, Becky and Benjamin are all cuddly too. I can’t help but start crying for no real reason but only that I want Gideon right that second.

As soon as I start crying, Gideon comes rushing into the kitchen, no shoes on, a shirt in hand, jeans on only. “What is it what happened?” He’s on guard and looks around, confused about what is going on and why I am crying.

I fight to get words out through my nonsense tears, “I missed you! Everyone was with their mate, and I was lonely.” I am sobbing. Again, it is all hormones at this point.

“You scared me. Ulv and I could feel you were upset and rushed down.” I wrap my arms around Gideon’s waist and rest my head on his chest. He puts his arms around me. I calm down quickly after that, just from his touch.

I look up at Gideon, “How am I going to handle these crazy emotions?” Tears are welling up in my eyes again.

He chuckles, “We’ll figure it out as we go, I guess.” He rubs my back, “Let’s eat lunch. You had a long morning, and you are eating for two now. The moving truck will be here soon. I have to make sure all your stuff is loaded to go back to the Druit Guard Pack tomorrow. You have to get your dress for the Luna ceremony. Just focus on getting everything done, and it will be fine. OK?”

I take a deep breath, “Yeah, you are right. I am calm now. Thank you for coming down so quickly. You should put your shirt on.” I giggle. I was so wrapped up in crying for no reason that I didn’t care. My mate is walking around half-dressed.

We all eat lunch without incident. Gideon kept trying to get me to eat more, and everyone would laugh. We finish, and everyone separates to their afternoon plans. Mom, Celeste, and I drag Matt, Benjamin, and Uncle Lucas out shopping. Gideon, Becky, and the other Druit Guards go to help load the truck. Becky is there for proper adult supervision. Dad, Logan, and James retreat to dad’s office for more heir training.

We arrive at the boutique this time without a detour. I’m so distracted I cannot focus. I plop down on a high wing-back chair and let the sales clerk, my mom, and Celeste chose dresses to try on. The only actual requirement is that it has to be strapless. All my marks must be visible. Mom, Celeste, and Hope will also be wearing strapless dresses showing their divine right to rule. I’ll try anything on at this point. I hear Mom and Celeste going back and forth about color themes, but it’s the last thing on my mind.

I just keep thinking about Rose and Daisy. I have not even met them yet, and now I was going to bring them a brother before I really even get to know them. I was more worried they would feel like I took their dad away from them. How do you explain to a three-year-old that you are not taking their dad away but becoming their mom and giving them a brother a bigger family? How did my parents do it with me? I was so young I don’t even remember. I was deep in my thoughts when I realized I was in a dressing room, and a sales clerk was trying to help me undress.

“Oh, I’m sorry! What dress should I try on first?” I snap out of my haze and look through the dress they have pulled from me. I put aside the full ball gowns and overly embellished. They felt more like a prom dress or too young. I wanted to look elegant, feminine, and mature. It’s essential for me to look my age so that the pack would know I’m not a kid but an adult making decisions on their behalf. Most of the time, already being 30 was not to my advantage, but being Luna, it was. I also want to have exuded a regal undertone without coming across as cocky. I was an Ashwood, and we were pureblood werewolves; if I can’t be confident about that, then when can I. I narrow it down to three dresses. One is deep green satin mermaid style. It has a sweetheart neckline with an off-the-shoulder sleeve which would work. The next was a very light, almost white, but a blue jersey crape fitted bodice with an A-line skirt. It also had a simple but elegant rhinestone belt that gave it just a bit of sparkle. The last was deep plum chiffon, and it was almost Grecian in style. It had a fitted bodice, but the chiffon gathered on the top and opened up to an A-line at the waist. It had fantastic flow and movement. I decided to try them on in that order.

I came out in the first dress, and as it was pretty and fit me like a glove, I felt it was more of a party dress. Mom and Celest agreed. It was on to dress number two, the light blue one.

I came out, and it was pretty, but the color washed me out. Mom and I both look better in deeper colors. I thought it would look better on Hope than on me. I did tell the clerk I would take it in a size up for Hope. It’s just a little gift for my sister. On to dress number three, which I had high hopes for.

As soon as I put it on, I knew it was right. The deep plum complimented my pale olive skin and dark hair. I walked out, and I got a gasp from Mom and Celeste. I was right; this was the one. The skirt was actually in separate panels, so it moved even more, when I walked, and my legs were exposed. It was just sexy enough for me to tease Gideon. Mom got up and came back with the perfect pair of copper-colored strappy high-heeled sandals. I had the perfect pair of copper earrings too, I just so happen to make them a few weeks ago when I was making crowns for the twins. I head back to the dressing room, and on the way, I notice formal dresses for little girls.

That was it! I was always included in everything important growing up. I was never treated any differently. Before the Luna ceremony, I want to complete the family bond with the girls, and I want them to wear the same color as me and the crowns I made them. I need to talk to Gideon, but I want to incorporate them into the ceremony somehow, even just a little. I want them to feel and to know they are special to me. I quickly change, and mom and Celeste help me look through the little dresses. We find the perfect pair. Almost the same plum chiffon, but the skirt had tiny rhinestones dotting all over it. I knew they would feel happy. They would be wearing the same color as their new mom and extended family. I bought all four dresses, and we headed home for the last time.

It was all bittersweet. So much in the last 30 days changed but at the same time stayed the same because I was still at home with my family and pack. That would all change tomorrow.