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Violet waved that away. “Yes, yes, but a lot of those pieces were still too big on you, Bryn. It’s time you have something cute, something you can meet people in.”
Tavi grinned. “You knew I was going to ask her, Violet?”
“Of course, dear. I know everything,” She winked. “Now come here, Bryn. We have to see which of these are good enough for you to officially meet the pack in.”
About half an hour later, I stood in the sitting room in the outfit Violet and Tavi had chosen for me—tight blue jeans, a baby-blue top that hugged my chest before puffing out, and a thin black jacket. The boots completed the outfit.
“You look amazing,” Tavi gushed.
“Th-thank you.” I pushed my hair behind my ears, my face warm. Tavi had also brought over some makeup and hair supplies and had given me a full makeover. My wild brown hair fell around my shoulders in soft, voluminous waves. My lips were coated in a thin layer of pink gloss, my cheeks had a bit of blush, and my eyelids shimmered with silvery-blue powder. It was the first time I’d ever worn makeup or had my hair done like this, and I felt like a princess.
“And it looks like your escort is here,” Violet said. “I’ll go and get him.”
“Um, Tavi?” I said gently. “Why would you go through all of this trouble when it’s your birthday?”
Tavi smiled, looking into my eyes. “Because you’re my friend, Bryn. And after I heard what happened to you on your birthday, well…” she shook her head. “Everyone deserves to feel beautiful on their special day, don’t you think?”
I was too emotional to speak, so I settled on a nod.
“Besides, girl,” she looped her arm through mine, “first impressions are everything, and we have to make sure that you make waves today.”
“Y-yeah!” I quickly dabbed away my tears with my fingertips before they could ruin my makeup. “Let’s go!”
At the front door, Dom and Violet laughed about something he’d said before Tavi and I arrived. He looked up as we approached, and his eyes widened slightly before settling into his usual easy smile. It was brief, but I noticed that his gaze lingered on Tavi.
“I can’t believe you two lovely ladies got all dressed up for me,” Dom said. “If I’d known, I would have worn better pants.” His were covered in old splotches of paint. No doubt they were the ones he wore when he repaired things around the compound.
“Oh, Dom, please,” Tavi said, lightly hitting his arm. “You say that to all the girls who’re just trying to enjoy their birthday with their friends.”
“But when I say it around you, I mean it, Tav.”
She snorted at that and walked past him, still holding me close. “Sure you do.”
I looked up at my friend and found Tavi’s cheeks slightly red. I felt as though I’d just witnessed something private between the wolves, but I couldn’t be sure. Female and male wolves paired off so quickly in the Kings’ pack that I wasn’t sure what the courting process was like for them. Is there something there, or am I just reading into things?
“Either way, happy birthday, Tav,” Dom said, jogging to catch up with us.
“Why, thank you.” She turned to smile at him, and the blush I had caught had already disappeared. “I intend to ring it in with unreasonable amounts of meatloaf.”
“Really?” Dom looked at me. “Don’t you think she should do something more elaborate, Bryn?”
I laughed and looped my arm around Tavi’s waist. “Nope! I can’t think of a better way to celebrate.”
Tavi giggled. “Right? Good food is all that matters.”
Dom released a long, belabored sigh. “The two of you are peas in a pod, huh?”
“Of course! We were destined to find each other.”
My chest warmed at Tavi’s words. The three of us continued to chat as we walked, and I was surprised at how normal and right I felt. It was so fulfilling to laugh and joke like this. If having friends was this sweet, I never wanted to be alone again.
Though I was in high spirits on the walk leading up to the mess hall, my mood changed as we stood at the entrance. The moment we arrived, Dom left us to speak to another wolf. As we stepped inside, every head turned to take in the new human. My gaze immediately dropped to the ground. I didn’t want to risk reading disgust in their eyes.
“It’s okay,” Tavi whispered. “You’re okay.”
I wanted to trust her, but I couldn’t be sure that she was right. As we walked toward the buffet, I fought with myself about whether to keep my eyes on the ground or attempt to read the Wargs’ expressions. I decided to avoid looking directly at individual wolves in favor of taking in the overall room. The Wargs’ mess hall was smaller than the Kings’, but that gave it a warmer, more intimate feel than what I was used to. Families were practically piled on top of each other, but no one seemed to mind. Aside from the glances thrown my way, laughter and lively conversation filled the space.
At the buffet, I felt a shiver down my spine. I risked another glance at the dining hall until I found a table with far fewer wolves sitting at it. Two individuals stood out to me—one was Dom, and the other…was Night Shepherd. He was looking right at me, but I couldn’t read the emotion in his eyes.
