Chapter 4
Julia's POV
"Hold still!" Amber commanded, brandishing an eyeliner pencil like a weapon. "Seriously, Julia, I can't work my magic if you keep squirming."
I sighed but complied. We'd been at this for nearly thirty minutes, with Amber insisting on giving me what she called a "welcome ceremony makeover." Our small dorm room was now a makeshift beauty salon, with cosmetics covering every inch of my desk.
"I really don't see the point," I muttered as she applied something cool to my eyelids. "It's just an academic ceremony."
Amber paused, hands on her hips. "Just a ceremony? Julia, this is our official welcome to the nursing program! Plus, half the faculty will be there, not to mention that super hot Alpha alumni speaker." She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "Your skin is absolutely gorgeous, by the way. What's your secret?"
I shrugged, uncomfortable with the compliment. "Good genes, I guess." Or beta genes, more accurately. Being a beta's daughter did have some benefits—clear skin, fast healing, enhanced senses.
"Well, whatever it is, keep doing it." Amber stepped back, critically examining her work. "You barely need any foundation. Just a little concealer under the eyes, some blush to highlight those amazing cheekbones, and..." She brushed something across my lips. "Perfect!"
"Po-tay-to, po-tah-to." She grinned, stepping back again. "Okay, I think we're done. Take a look!"
She spun my chair toward our small mirror, and I froze.
The woman looking back at me was... me, but not the me I was used to seeing. My usually dull brown hair fell in soft waves around a face that looked somehow more defined, more present. My eyes, normally hiding behind my bangs, now appeared large and expressive, framed by dark lashes. My lips had a subtle color that made them look fuller.
"This... this really is me?" I whispered, touching my face in disbelief.
"Of course it's you!" Amber bounced excitedly. "I just enhanced what was already there. You've got killer bone structure, Julia. And that body! Tall and curvy in all the right places. Half the girls in our class would kill for your figure."
I blushed, unused to such praise. Back in Star Shadow, I'd always been the weird one, the girl who spent too much time with herbs and not enough time on her appearance. Even my family had subtly reinforced that message.
But since I'd learned about my acceptance, knowing I would eventually escape, the weight had lifted from my shoulders. Even though I'd still spent those last three months living in Star Shadow pack, I became healthier. The knowledge that freedom was coming had been enough to change me. The constant stress-eating had stopped, and I'd developed a healthier relationship with food. The daily walks I took to clear my head had toned my muscles.
"Thank you," I said softly, still staring at my reflection. "I've never... I mean, no one's ever made me look like this before."
"Well, get used to it," Amber declared, already packing up her makeup. "Because we're going to be roomies all year, and I plan to drag you to at least three parties a semester."
"Now I just need to do my own eyebrows," she said, picking up a small razor. "They're getting a little—"
Suddenly, someone shouted her name from the hallway. Amber jumped, the razor slipping and catching her skin just above her eye.
"Ow!" she yelped, dropping the tool.
"Let me see," I said immediately, moving closer. A thin line of blood was already appearing on her skin. "You cut yourself."
Amber touched the spot gingerly. "It's fine. Wolf healing, remember? It'll be gone in an hour."
"That doesn't matter," I said firmly, already reaching for a clean tissue. "That eyebrow razor has been sitting in your makeup bag. If there's any cosmetic residue on it, you could get an infection before it heals, and that could leave a scar."
"But—"
"On your face, Amber. Right above your eye." I gave her my best no-nonsense stare, the one I'd practiced for future difficult patients.
She sighed dramatically. "Fine, Nurse Julia. What's the treatment plan?"
"I'm going to the campus health center to get some antibiotic ointment," I said, grabbing my purse. "Just keep pressure on it until I get back."
The campus health center was quiet, with only a few students waiting for appointments. I approached the pharmacy counter in the back, where a middle-aged woman was organizing medications.
"Excuse me," I said. "I need some antibiotic ointment. My roommate cut herself with a makeup tool."
"Of course," she replied, turning to a cabinet behind her. "Is it a serious cut?"
"No, just superficial, but it's near her eye so I want to make sure it doesn't get infected."
As the pharmacist searched for the ointment, the door to the doctor's office opened, and a man stepped out. Even from the side, I could tell he was striking—tall with broad shoulders, dark hair that curled slightly at the collar, and an air of authority that made several people in the waiting area glance up.
"Your usual prescription, Mr. Collins," the doctor said, handing him a small bottle. "But I have to say, you've been going through these rather quickly lately."
The man pocketed the bottle with a tight smile. "I appreciate your concern, but my sleep issues are under control."
"Of course," the doctor replied. "Just remember, prolonged use of sleep aids isn't ideal, especially with your work schedule."
Something in the man's posture—a slight tension in his shoulders—caught my attention. Before I could stop myself, I spoke up.
"Excuse me," I said, immediately regretting it when he turned toward me. He was even more handsome from the front, with striking blue eyes that seemed to see right through me. "I couldn't help overhearing. If you're having trouble sleeping, there are some natural alternatives that might help."
Those blue eyes narrowed slightly, but with curiosity rather than annoyance.
"I mean," I continued nervously, "sleep medications can be effective, but they often have side effects with long-term use. Lavender essential oil has been clinically shown to improve sleep quality, or valerian root tea about an hour before bed can help. Both work with your body's natural processes instead of forcing sleep chemically."
There was a moment of silence, and I mentally kicked myself. Who was I to give unsolicited advice to a stranger?
But then, to my surprise, his expression softened. "That's an interesting suggestion. Are you studying herbalism?"
"Nursing," I replied, feeling my cheeks warm. "But I have a background in herbal medicine."
He nodded thoughtfully. "Valerian root, you said?"
"Yes. It's bitter, so honey helps with the taste. And if you make a ritual of it—same time each night, maybe with some soft music or reading—it can signal to your brain that it's time to wind down."
The man studied me for a moment, then offered a small but genuine smile. "Thank you. I may give that a try."
Our eyes met, and for a brief second, something passed between us—a connection I couldn't explain. Then the pharmacist handed me the antibiotic ointment, breaking the moment.
"Good luck with your studies," he said, nodding politely before leaving.
I stood frozen, watching him walk away, Kaia suddenly alert and interested in a way she hadn't been since Nathan's rejection.
