Chapter 13

Today was the DAY.

After endless nightmares, I went for a run. I felt lighter, my steps had more bounce, and for once, even the city seemed less dirty and dull.

I arrived at Mary's restaurant in no time and pushed open the door, the bell's familiar chime ringing through the place.

"ALEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! I AM SO, SO, SO EXCITED I COULD ALMOST GO FOR A RUN WITH YOU!"

I smiled. She must be, because sports were definitely not her thing.

"A smile?! I'm sorry, who is this?"

"Okay, okay. I might be excited too. Don't tell anyone, though—I have a reputation to maintain."

"No problem. I'll be as silent as a grave. I love seeing you smile."

I sat down at our usual table, unbuckling my crossbody bag and setting it on the bench. Mary went off to serve an elderly couple at another table, her energy as peppy as ever.

I admired that about her. No matter what happened, she never turned bitter like I had. I didn't know how she did it, but that—her ability to stay warm, to stay kind—was the real strength.

She returned, placing a steaming cup in front of me with an exaggerated flourish.

"Your coffee, MADAM."

"Thanks. I needed that." I took a sip, sighing in relief. "Hey, how did it go with Valentina?"

Mary wiggled her eyebrows. "Oh, you know! She was great, but I wanted something else. And I also wanted to be free today—to do what, or who, I wanted."

And then she winked.

I laughed. She was impossible.

Every year, during the Gathering, she went all in. Dancing, drinking, sometimes taking Goddess-knows-what, and sleeping with multiple wolves. If you stuck around long enough—and were wild enough—the party always turned into a full-blown orgy.

I had been a few times, but I always stuck with just one or two partners. Having multiple at once wasn't really my jam.

Mary hurried off again, the restaurant nearly full. The werewolves were out and about today, and it was a beautiful sight.

Through the window, I watched people wander the streets, laughing and talking, this early in the morning. The sun was shining, the sky was an endless bright blue, the air was warm.

I could cry.

My phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen. A text from the Shady One.

Urgh. I really didn't want to deal with that today.

But curiosity got the best of me.

Thank you for your business. That buyer won't be on our list again.

Interesting.

And refreshing.

Almost a relief.

If I didn't know he was still alive.

If I didn't know he wouldn't let go of his idea.

If I didn't know he'd probably seek revenge.

I didn't want to kill a human, not after everything we'd been through. But he was definitely becoming a pain in my ass.

Mary returned with my usual meal before rushing off again, too busy for a break. Not that she seemed to mind. She loved talking to people, chatting about the Gathering, planning, gossiping.

I devoured my food the second I got it—delicious, as always—then finished my coffee and paid.

I waved at Karin and tried to say goodbye to Mary, but she was buzzing from table to table, busy as a bee.

Outside, I found myself drawn back to the boutique where I had bought my dress.

I had a little money left from the transaction. And after yesterday's mess? I deserved to treat myself.

The same girl was at the cashier. I waved, and she waved back, humming some tune through her headphones.

I wandered through the store, scanning the displays.

A rhinestone knife with a matching garter caught my eye.

Gorgeous. I loved it.

The shop had so much cool stuff. Belts designed to hide knives all over your body, accessories laced with hidden compartments.

At the end of the knife aisle, I found jewelry—bracelets, earrings, necklaces—but also more unusual things: ankle chains, waist jewelry, body chains, hairpieces, chokers.

And then I saw it.

A delicate gold half-crown, almost Greek-like, woven with tiny leaves, flowers, and pearls that shimmered like stars.

Next to it, silver butterfly hairpins, their intricate details breathtaking.

I bought everything.

Then I headed back to the apartment for a well-earned shower.

I pampered myself—exfoliating, using my lavender body butter—then made a latte with instant espresso powder and milk.

"ALEEEEEE!!!!! I need a shower too! Oh my God, my feet smell!"

"Yeah, I can smell you from the kitchen. Go ahead, I'll wait."

While she showered, I blasted AC/DC in my room and curled my hair.

I braided two strands and pinned them back, then placed my goddess crown on top.

White lace lingerie. Midnight dress.

I turned to the mirror—

THUD.

I spun around instantly.

Mary stood in the doorway, mouth open, her big bottle of vanilla body cream lying on the floor.

"Jeez, Alee. You look like a queen. If I didn't have this much respect for you, I'd jump you right now."

I laughed.

She had actually tried once, when we were younger.

But females weren't my jam either.

I picked up a small mesh bag from my nightstand and held it out to her. "I got you something from the store. A gift."

She took it, opening the bag and letting the tiny silver butterflies slide into her palm.

Her eyes widened. "Oh, wow! These are beautiful! Thank you, Alee. I love them!"

She hugged me tight, squeezing the air out of my lungs.

"Let me do your makeup, Alee!"

"Urgh. You know I'm not a big fan of makeup. It feels like chemicals clogging my pores."

"I know, I know—nothing too intense, I promise!" She pressed one hand to her heart and lifted the other in a dramatic vow.

I rolled my eyes. Drama queen.

She grabbed her makeup bag and sat on the bed.

I let her do her thing. She applied something shimmery to my collarbones, shoulders, arms, and face—then added a few light touches, avoiding anything heavy.

"Okay, all done! I'll get ready, and then we can go!"

I turned to the mirror—

And gasped.

I looked like a night goddess.

She had only highlighted my features, using glitter and subtle touches to make my eyes stand out.

And it was perfect.