Chapter 4 - The To-Do List

Lilly's POV

It has been two weeks since Beta Zack's visit, and things are slowly changing for the better.

The warrior brothers, Jacob and James, were now practically living here with us and were staying in the guest room—they were instructed to keep a watchful eye on me.

It felt good to be noticed for once and safe—well, sort of. Angelica's and Sade's glares were nerve-wracking. I wasn't sure when the two would strike.

My wounds had healed, and the scarring was almost nonexistent—all thanks to Beta Zack's proper care.

"Lilly," James called down the hallway. He was the friendlier of the two warrior brothers.

"In here," I replied, setting down a dish in the dry rack.

A moment later, he and Jacob appeared at the kitchen entrance, both carrying a box. They were smiling broadly and seemed a bit excited about something.

"What's this?" I asked, coming around the counter.

"Just a little something," James replied and placed the boxes on the counter.

Jacob handed me a white envelope.

"For me?" I gasped in surprise. I had never received a letter before.

Jacob nodded.

I glanced at the envelope, seeing my name neatly printed on the front.

Who would want to send a letter to me? I was a nobody.

I turned the envelope over, noticing the golden royal seal on the back. My body stiffened, and a whimper escaped my lips.

Was in trouble?

Did I do something wrong?

"Open it!" James urged.

With trembling fingers and a racing heart, I managed to open the envelope and find a neatly handwritten note inside.

Dearest Lilly,

I believe you need something special for tonight's occasion...

We took great care in selecting this; we hope it is to your liking.

Best wishes,

Zack.

A strange and unknown sensation twisted in my abdomen. I wasn't sure what the feeling meant.

"Is this really for me?" I whispered as tears threatened to spill over. No one has ever been this kind and generous to me.

The two brothers smiled and nodded.

"Open the boxes," Jacob urged, gesturing to the one he just carried inside. "We want to see what they have picked for you."

"They? Who's they"? Sade spat, coming down the stairs. She was wearing a silver robe, and her hair was already done for tonight's occasion. Was she eavesdropping on our conversation—again?

In the past two weeks I received regular gifts from Beta Zack. They were mostly necessities—which made her envious and jealous. She couldn't understand that someone of such a high rank liked me.

"The future king and his beta, of course," James answered, smiling.

The air was knocked right out of my lungs. I didn't expect to learn that Prince Lex was involved as well.

Sade's gaze darkened—she didn't like the idea that Prince Lex was giving me any attention at all.

"Come on, Lilly," James pouted. "Show us what they chose for you!"

I hesitated, looking back at Sade. She was now standing in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe.

"Show us," she sneered. "We all want to see your new private collection..."

"No, no, no," I shot the suggestion off. "I'll take a look at it some other time. Besides, the ball is only later tonight, and I'm still busy with my chores..."

"I insist," Sade said, leaving a cold feeling running down my spine. "You must show us at once! You can't have the royal warriors waiting—they have been so fond of you. It's the least you can do to thank them!"

I swallowed hard, my gaze shifting to the two brothers. They seemed a bit surprised by Sade's attitude.

"Please show us," Jacob pleaded.

"We're leaving in an hour," James added. "Then we might not get a chance to see how pretty you will look..."

"Okay," I gave in. "I'll do it!"

I couldn't believe that I was pressured into opening these boxes. I hesitantly reached for the first box and opened it. My eyes widened, and I let out an audible gasp.

"This… is… too… much!" I whispered, removing the lid completely. "I can never accept this!"

"You really don't have a choice here," James mused. "You can't offend the future king."

I smiled weakly as my gaze traveled over the expensive accessories—each item was neatly packed in a separate container. The box held a white diamond-colored clutch bag. It was the most beautiful little thing I ever laid my eyes on. I moved my fingers over it, too afraid to even lift it out of the box.

Jacob saw me hesitate, and he carefully lifted it from the box and handed it to me—it was surprisingly heavy.

A screeching sound escaped from Sade's lips, and I hurriedly returned the bag back in its container.

"Try the shoes next," James exclaimed. "A little birdy told me they were imported from a famous designer."

My fingers trembled as I carefully lifted the white diamond-strapped stilettos from the box—they were gorgeous and glittered in the late afternoon sun.

Sade's eyes burned out of desire.

"Rumor has it that there is only one in existence," Jacob said.

"They are really something spectacular," James added.

I nodded in agreement and placed them back into the box.

The jewelry that accompanied the rest of the accessories was even more breathtaking.

I couldn't bring myself to touch the jewelry—it looked far too expensive to even consider.

"The gown next," James chirped, pointing at the larger box.

"Do I really have to?" I asked.

The brothers pouted, making me giggle.

"You two are the world's worst manipulators," I said, opening the box.

My breath caught in my throat. I couldn't help the whimper that escaped my lips. Inside the box was a soft, powdery yellow chiffon dress.

"I am going to look like a real princess," I muttered in disbelief, unable to take my eyes off it.

I slowly pulled the dress from the box, and I gasped.

It was made to my size. It was perfect. It was beautiful. It was my favorite color.

How did they know?

I held the dress before me and spun around. I felt so happy. I was so excited!

Someone cleared their throat; I abruptly froze, and my gaze snapped toward the sound.

Angelica was descending the stairs, her face was hard, and her eyes were cold. She passed her daughter and stopped in front of me.

"You'll only be going when all your chores are done," she said.

A smile formed on Sade's lips—this was her doing.

I knew trouble was coming. She was about to add increasingly more to the to-do list—just to make a point.

"That's unfair!" James exclaimed.

"Yeah," Jacob added. "Besides, all unmated she-wolves must attend the ball, including Lilly."

"True," Angelica said. "But the invitation didn't specify a time she should arrive...."

I knew she would find some kind of loophole to ensure my absence.

"Is that so?" James asked, a mischievous smile following on his lips. "Where's the list of things that need to be done?"

Angelica hesitated.

"Come on, show us," Jacob snarled.

Angelica pulled a list from her pocket. Jacob grabbed and unfolded it and showed it to James.

"When all those chores are done," she said vilely. "Your little Miss Muffet can attend the ball."

James smiled, and a moment later his eyes glazed over.

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