Chapter 88 Glitz and Glam
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I stripped off Alpha Jaxon's blue jersey t-shirt and the red flannel pajama bottoms that Sophia had given me, then turned on the water in the shower. A thud came from the bedroom—I realized someone was knocking on the door. Impatience trembled through my consciousness, my groggy body eager to stand under the warm water flowing from the showerhead. I desperately wanted to ignore the noise, but the knocking grew louder and more demanding. I knew if I didn't answer, there was a high chance whoever was there might just break down the door.
I reached for the plush robe hung behind the door and sighed, then approached the bedroom door and twisted the doorknob.
"About time," Beta Don replied, his eyes scanning my robe before bolting behind me to ensure I was alone.
"If you're going to interrupt me this early in the morning, you know you could have shown up with a coffee in hand," I snarled and stepped aside, allowing him to enter. I crossed my arms impatiently, knowing the warm water was still running in the shower.
Beta Don shook his head and moved inside. He seemed strangely standoffish compared to his usual self.
"What makes you think I didn't? Today is a long-awaited day, Luna, and we intend for it to be flawless for the Alpha and Luna of Midnight Moon," he replied as he reached backward and rolled in a cart. Three younger maids scurried in behind him, all glaring around the room in awe. I recognized one as Sarah, her smile shining brightly at me.
Beta Don picked up a large red rectangular box and handed it to me. "This is what I was trying to deliver this morning. I don't know the circumstances between you and Alpha Christian, but Adeline, please be careful. Alpha Jaxon thinks I'm overreacting, but I don't particularly like him near you or Sophia."
I tilted my head to the side, narrowing my eyes at Beta Don. "I'm a big girl, Beta Don. I'll be just fine," I said sarcastically and winked at him. Beta Don grinned and pressed his lips together as if holding back what he really wanted to say.
I placed the large box on the bed and carefully unraveled it, feeling the three maids peering over my shoulder, eager to see the contents.
My mouth went dry when I opened the box—a combination of roses and moonflowers arranged in a heart shape with a little white envelope sitting on top. I ripped open the envelope, eager to see what it said. My heart pounded so hard I could hear it in my ears. My eyes widened as I read the note, feeling heat flood my cheeks.
"Are you going to read it out loud?" Beta Don joked, clearly aware that the note was anything but appropriate.
I pressed my lips into a tight line and shook my head. "It's Alpha-Luna stuff," I teased, pushing the note into the pocket of my robe.
"Oh, please, Luna! The love the Alpha has for you is one we all hope our mates will have one day when we meet them," Sarah begged from the other end of the room.
Feeling backed into a corner, I pulled the note from my pocket and cleared my throat. I could hear Beta Don stifling a laugh under his breath.
"To My Luna, today is the day I've waited an entire lifetime for. Today is the day I make you mine for eternity—with the help of our pack and the Moon Goddess herself. I couldn't help but toss and turn all night, desperate to taste every inch of your body over again. I love you, my Luna."
I felt my face turn a mix of red and pink as the girls giggled and cooed. As much as I hoped they wouldn't, they were all acutely aware of what Alpha Jaxon implied.
Who I assumed was the youngest of the three stepped forward with a piping hot cup of coffee in her hand. "Luna Adeline, my name is Riley, and I am proud to be your dressing maid today."
I smiled at her and took the cup. "And I am proud to have such a fantastic team to get me ready for today," I responded, sipping the coffee and feeling the caffeine kick in almost instantly.
"If you'll excuse me, I was about to take a shower before someone surprised me at the door," I said, my eyes twinkling at Beta Don.
"Very well," Riley responded without missing a beat and turned on her heels toward the door, lugging in bags and boxes.
I placed my half-finished coffee on the dresser and returned to the washroom, closing the door behind me and hanging my white robe over the hook. I reached for the note, rereading it and feeling my wolf press against the surface. Alpha Jaxon had a way of making all my fears disappear somehow. I had just seen him, yet I missed him so much it nearly pangs in my chest.
I showered quickly, knowing time was of the essence today. When I wrapped a towel around my body and stepped out, I found Sophia had traded places with Beta Don. Her hair was tied in a high bun, and she wore her red flannel pajamas, enjoying waffles near the breakfast cart the maids had brought in.
The three maids were in the walk-in closet, chatting about the day's celebration.
"What was that all about?" I whispered as I approached Sophia.
She shook her head. "I have no idea what's gotten into Beta Don. Alpha Christian was nothing short of a gentleman, but oh my goddess, he's a total babe," she admitted.
"Keep it in your pants, Soph!" I teased, shoving a waffle into my mouth as the three girls returned to the bedroom looking for me. I noticed a faint blush cross Sophia's soft features—no doubt Alpha Jaxon wouldn't be too pleased to discover his baby sister had a crush on his friend.
Riley picked up a large black tote and gently placed it beside the leather chair on the other side of the bedroom, smiling at me like she was silently signaling it was time to begin preparations.
I paced to the chair and sat down, feeling the cold leather beneath the towel. Riley dropped her gaze to the floor, causing me to shift uncomfortably in my seat, before cheerfully asking, "Ready to get started?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, smiling to help her feel more at ease. Even though I was about to be mated to the Alpha, I was still a normal person, and I didn't like others behaving differently around me.
Riley quickly got to work, blow-drying my hair with care to avoid overheating.
I heard the other two girls softly bickering in the closet about who would steam my dress and whether it was the right shade for my skin. I had never felt so important in my life.
After Riley finished blow-drying, she pulled out a curling iron and began curling the ends of my long raven hair. She nodded, grabbed hairspray, and loaded my curls with lacquer. I coughed lightly from the fumes, which immediately worried Riley; her face fell in regret.
"I'm fine, really! Just sensitive," I said, laughing to ease her worry.
Riley continued styling, parting my hair in the middle and pulling the loose curls behind my ears. I stared in awe at the mirror—I could see why she was picked as a dressing maid with all the raw talent in her hands.
"Do you like it, Luna?" she whispered, pressing her lips together.
"You're a miracle worker, Riley. This is incredible," I replied, sliding my hands through my hair.
The other two maids approached with black pouches on a cart. I watched as they mixed colors with small brushes, then applied makeup on my eyes, carefully blending everything.
Sophia shrieked from across the room, "Addie! Wow. Just wow. Wait till my brother sees you!"
The three girls agreed, and my jaw nearly hit the floor when I finally looked in the mirror. I felt like I'd just walked out of a magazine—the whole look made me feel flawless. The two girls had given me a smoky eye and even added fake eyelashes, which I had never worn before. They paired it with pale pink lipstick and light blush. All three nodded approvingly at Sophia's comment, clearly impressed with the final look.
"My turn!" Sophia squealed, yanking my arm from the chair. I rolled my eyes playfully and headed to the walk-in closet to get dressed. Riley started working on Sophia while the other two followed closely.
My breath nearly left my chest when I saw the stunning gold sequin gown set out on the mannequin, waiting for me.
