Chapter 33

Another week had passed and it was once again the weekend. Arthur was pulled away again on business. I had the entire day to myself. And I had no idea what to do.

I meandered around the house, having explored the whole thing already. I felt restless. I supposed after going non-stop, I didn’t know how to relax anymore.

One of the staff passed by, carrying a large vase of neatly arranged flowers. It gave me an idea and I mentally slapped myself for not thinking of it earlier.

I turned to Kaylee, who was following me like always. “We’re going out of town. Do you mind driving me? It’s a bit far for public transportation.”

Kaylee didn’t say anything. She just nodded. I smiled and made my way to the art studio Arthur had set up for me. I grabbed my favorite painting that I had done recently, then headed to the huge garage where numerous luxury cars were lined in neat rows. I went to the least expensive looking one and climbed in.

“Where are we going, Ms. Almara?” Kaylee asked as she took the driver’s seat.

“It’s called ‘The Wild Peony.’ It’s a flower shop that’s located in Woodsbury. You should be able to pull it up on a map,” I say excitedly as she starts pulling out. It had been way too long since I’d gone to the shop. I missed my friend who worked there.

“If you want flowers, you could just have them delivered,” Kaylee said and I knew she wasn’t just talking for the conversation. If I didn’t go out, she wouldn’t have to work as hard to keep me safe.

“I know, but this flower shop is very special,” I told her and sat back, watching the landscape go by as we headed to our destination.

By the time we got to the shop, I was practically bouncing in my seat. I hadn’t seen my friend since before the cruise and I absolutely missed her. I practically flew out of the car, grasping the painting carefully in my hands.

The bell above the door rang out in a familiar peal as did the voice from the back. “I’ll be with you in a minute, dear.”

I couldn’t keep the wide smile off my face. I stood next to the counter, rocking back and forth as I waited. Kaylee stood next to the door, scanning the stands of roses, lilies, daffodils and other assorted flowers. I didn’t think there were any dangers lurking in their petals, but I left her to it.

A slow shuffling came toward us and my friend finally appeared. Her snow white hair fell across her shoulders in loose waves and her wrinkled, yet wizened, face split into a grin as her green eyes came to rest on me.

“Almara! It’s been too long! How are you, girl?”

“I’ve been good! Just busy. I’m sorry that I haven’t been by! I’ve missed you,” I said as I hugged her. Even though she was in her seventies, her body was still as strong as ever. I wasn’t worried at all that I would hurt her when I hugged her even tighter.

“It’s alright, dear. I heard the news through the grapevine. I’m so happy for you! I hope that alpha is treating you right. I don’t need to bite him, do I? Because I will!” Dorothea threatened, baring her teeth. She looked so cute that I couldn’t help but laugh.

“He’s treating me very well. There’s no need to worry!” I told her, slipping my arm into hers as she led us into the back room. Like her shop, the back room was filled with flowers, but there were two cozy armchairs amid the garden and we sunk into those. Kaylee had followed us, but remained just on the other side of the doorway, giving up some privacy.

What do you have there?” Dorothea asked, motioning to the painting I still held in my hand. I handed it to her and watched with nervous anticipation as she took it in. She moved her fingers over the canvas, tracing all the tiny details.

“It’s for you. I wanted to say I’m sorry for being away for so long and I also wanted to thank you for encouraging me to keep painting,” I answered, grateful tears welling up behind my eyes.

“None of that now or we’ll both be blubbering. You’ve gotten so good! I guess studying with Noah Cunningham has really paid off! I’m so happy that you’re getting everything you’ve ever wanted. You deserve it,” she said vehemently, patting my arm. Warmth spread throughout my chest.

“Now, tell me. Are you excited about your wedding? I know you were excited about the last one,” Dorothea added, mischief sparkling in her eyes. Coming from her, the words didn’t sting. It just seemed funny.

“Of course I am! You know me! But we haven’t set a date yet so I haven’t done much wedding planning,” I told her, leaving out the fact that there might not be a wedding if his ex-fiance came back. Or that the marriage would be over once a baby was born.

“Oh, I’m sure that the wedding will happen sooner than you think. Mark my words. I’m sure you already have him wrapped around your finger. Just look at that mark he left on you. Did you give as good you got?” she asked, nudging my arm with her elbow teasingly.

My face heated. I put my hands over my face and tried to scrub out the embarrassment. “NO! I don’t think I’m ready for that yet!”

Dorothea chuckled. “No need to be embarrassed, girl. I’m old, but I’m not that old. I remember how it was.” She got a dreamy look in her eyes that I couldn’t help but smile at.

We spent the next few hours just chit chatting and catching up. I would have stayed longer, but Kaylee cleared her throat loudly and I knew that was my cue to leave. I guess she’d gotten word that Arthur was on the way back. After the whole William debacle, I had strict orders to return home before he did.

“Before you go, dear, I’d like to give you something as well. Just think of it as an early wedding present,” she said and waved off my protests. She went to a little drawer and pulled out a purple velvet drawstring bag.

I opened it carefully, revealing a stunning silver charm bracelet. Stars, moons and wolves hung in varying patterns and lengths. It vibrated with its own energy and I knew that this was something special.

“That’s been passed down in my family for generations. Worn by all the lunas of my pack. Well, except the last one. I didn’t want to give it to her. But I don’t have anyone to give it to now. I want you to have it. I know you’ll make a wonderful luna.” She took the bracelet away from me gently, undoing the clasp and wrapping it around my wrist. I stared at it, eyes wide as her words sunk in. I couldn’t believe she was just giving it to me. I didn’t deserve it.

I also knew better than to argue with her. She was a stubborn old woman. I just gave her a word and whispered my thanks. I promised that I would come out and visit more often. Well, as often as I could with two jobs.

She walked me to the door, threatened Kaylee a bit about making sure she protected me, and waved us off as we left. I took in a deep breath, feeling lighter than I had in days.