Chapter 5

“There’s no way,” I retorted, “It was over a thousand dollars when you first rang everything out.”

Ava grinned at me cheekily, “It’s my shop. Besides, you can’t honestly tell me you’ll be back in three months to use your birthday discount.”

“Well, I- I mean, well- th-that is- I” My mouth snapped shut when I felt my words begin to catch in my chest as I became more flustered. Ava smiled kindly, the warmth of her smile made her hazel eyes sparkle.

“Exactly,” she said softly, “truthfully Emilia, it’s no secret that you’re planning to leave when the pack recognizes you as nineteen, and I don’t blame you. I couldn’t imagine having to live among those who weren’t my own kind. Let me do this, please?”

“Okay,” I consented. I pulled out my pack ID and tapped it on the reader. Relief that I was only losing a week’s wages allowed the tension in my shoulders to dissipate. A small ding from the register let me know the transaction had gone through.

“Why don’t you go change into something and we’ll get rid of what you’re wearing now? That should satisfy Al- uh Willow.” I accepted the royal violet sweater and black bootcut jeans from Ava. My eyebrow quirked at her slip.

“Alpha ordered Willow to have me go shopping?” I inquired.

“I never said that,” was her reply as I was ushered into the changing room once more. By the time I emerged, Ava had everything packed into bags, she was standing at the counter holding the dress bag that covered the gorgeous gown I was to wear to the festival.

“I’ll help you carry these home.” She said in a tone that left no room for argument. I was spared a second glance and she added, “You look nice, like you actually belong here for once.”

I gritted my teeth at her remark, the backhanded compliment stung and was yet another reminder that I remained an outsider. I grabbed the remaining parcels from the counter. Before we exited the shop I turned to Ava and met her eyes. I had to protect Darrien’s dignity with this girl, “Have you been over where we live?”

Ava nodded, “I know, and I know what you’re trying to do. Darrien’s choice to live in poverty so he can create a better future for himself is commendable, not something to be ashamed of.”

A small smile flitted across my face at Ava’s comment. I responded with a soft ‘thank you’ and lead Ava to our condemnable home on the outskirts of the village. I walked without speaking while Ava made comments about small things as we passed through the village.

“The daffodils are blooming early this year,” She said, “we’re in for a hot summer.”

When I made no reply, she changed the subject. “I’ve seen a lot of newly pregnant wolves around the village, I may have to begin carrying a maternity line.”

“New pups would be good for the pack, don’t you think Emilia?” She pressed, trying to draw me into a conversation. I looked ahead to see the place I’d called home for the past fifteen years and instead replied. “We’re here.”

Ava glanced past me and sighed. “I’m eager for Darrien to pass the exam and begin official training. It’ll be good for him to be able to move on from this place.”

I hummed in agreement. The door swung open easily. It revealed the rotting interior of the house. I refused to look at Ava as I said, “Thank you for your help, but you shouldn’t come inside. You could fall through a soft spot in the floor.”

“Nonsense,” she retorted, “I’ll step where you step.”

“Ava, I really appreciate your help, but Darrien really likes you and I’d feel awful if you got hurt because of this place. Besides, we both know wolf bone density is higher than humans, which means that along with your muscle mass and higher blood flow, you probably have fifty pounds on me easily.” I argued, turning to face the brunette she-wolf. She allowed my words to hang in the air, along with all the things I hadn’t said. That Darrien was the one good thing in my life and I’d give up anything to see him happy and successful. That we both knew that if Ava got hurt in this house I might bear the brunt of the blame, but Darrien’s exam prospects would be affected. That if something were to happen here Ava’s parents would likely refuse to bless Darrien and her union. Finally, after a moment she asked softly, “Then how does Darrien get in?”

“I get home before him and open his window. He uses his wolf to jump up through there, the second floor is less rotted since the water settles on the main floor.” A wave of discomfort washed between us. I looked away in frustration before Ava softly replied, “Alright, I should see about grabbing something to eat anyways.”

I took the garment bag from her, turned, and carefully made my way into the house. I knew Ava would be gone by the time I returned for my bedding which was still hung on the tree from this morning. After I made my way upstairs I carefully placed the new clothes in the closet at the end of the hall. Since it was the one space without a window or leaking roof I felt safe placing the bags on shelves in the space. I also hung the dress from the bar in the closet. Barely offering my spoils a second glance I made my way back into town to see Willow and prove I’d upheld my end of Darrien’s conditions to continue training.

I found Willow in the kitchens as usual, she oversaw the beginning of the evening meal prep. I approached her respectfully, “I’ve done as you’ve asked, ma’am.”

Willow turned from her task to eye me critically. She blotted her hands on her apron as she assessed my new attire. “Not bad, I’m surprised you were able to find clothes without having to shop in the pups’ sections. Shoes too, I see. Very good, now, are you ready to work?”

“Yes, ma’am,” I replied, the insult to my size barely made me blink, I knew I was severely underweight. My body did still look like a child’s compared to the other girls my age. For the first time in over a decade, I pulled an apron from one of the many hooks and wrapped the fabric around my slight frame. I had to hike the mid-section of the apron, folding it so the hem wouldn’t drag or cause me to trip. I can’t say what came over me at that moment, but an insatiable curiosity caused me to blurt, “If I may, what’s different about this festival? I’ve been confined to the kitchens in the past, but never tasked with changing my wardrobe.”

“It’s been long overdue,” Came Willow’s curt reply. I nodded and chewed the inside of my lip. I knew this was all I would get from the head chef, if I pushed the matter I could only expect a beating. Still, I couldn’t help the uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. Somehow, this year was different.