“Huh?” Stefan was barely paying attention. His eyes were glued to a black diamond ring that was edged with a ruby on either side.
“You’re notjusthelping me look for Emma, are you?” I asked flatly.
Stefan cast a glance over at the other end of the salon. Delmare was far away. He whispered, “If I’m being honest, not particularly.”
“You know Delmare is wary of marriage, right? It was hard enough getting her to date you.”
“That wasbeforeshe saw my awe-inspiring manhood, in all its naked glory.”
I resisted hitting him. On the other side of the salon, Odette was tugging on Theo’s arm and gushing over rings.
“And what kind of jewel does the young lady like?” the jeweler asked. Apparently, she figured Theo had more money than I did, because she’d zeroed in on him.
“Pink, please!” Odette pleaded.
Theo laughed. “Maybe one day, my love. We have other things to be concerned about in the meantime.”
“Oh, yes. Ourinvestmentin the dance studio.” Odette scrunched up her nose and pushed her glasses up. “You’re right, Theo. Business first!”
The jeweler scowled, and I tried not to wince. As was typical, my friends were being obnoxious.
“What about you?” the jeweler barked at Kiara, assuming Alexei was her mate. “Anything catch your eye?”
“Not really. I’m not convinced I’ll marry anyone,” Kiara said, and Alexei stilled. “I won’t take just any man. I want therightman. And if he doesn’t meet my standards, I don’t see the appeal of being married much at all. Being a priestess is more than enough fulfillment for me.”
I heard the hidden meaning behind her words. If she couldn’t have Alexei, she didn’t want anyone else.
The jeweler let out a huff. She began wiping down a glass counter, keeping her eye on us, as if she figured we were going to steal something. I turned my back and ignored her.
“Ethan, you need abigdiamond,” Odette insisted.
“No, something small,” Kiara argued, pointing at a petite ring in the corner that I was sure was more her taste than Emma’s.
“Just pick something already. She’s going to say yes,” Delmare complained. “Does it really matter— oh, no, notthatone, Ethan. Gods.”
I scowled. I was beginning to think I’d brought along too many people to help me decide. There were far too many opinions. Everything I felt was worthy of her was out of my budget. Even looking at the best rings, none of them wereright.
I felt dejected. Going from filthy rich to completely broke had done a number on me.
There was a resoundingcrashbehind me. Stefan had accidentally knocked over one of the cases, spilling pearl necklaces everywhere. As his cheeks reddened, I facepalmed.
The jeweler was furious. Her eye twitched as she said, “I am going to have to ask you and your party toleave, sir.”
“Yes. We apologize, madame.” I bowed to her quickly. After Stefan paid for the broken case, we left the shop in a hurry.
“Well she was apleasantindividual, wasn’t she?” Alexei grumbled.
“She had something stuck up her butt!” Odette cried, and the rest of us agreed with her. I didn’t particularly care if we’d left the jewelry shop with nothing. I wasn’t sure I wanted to make a purchase from such a condescending woman.
We checked a few more jewelry shops, but again, nothing felt right. Stefan checked his phone around noon and said, “Mom’s making lunch, if you guys are interested. Might be a good idea to take a break.”
There was a mumble of agreement. The boys changed, to carry the girls up the mountaintop on their backs.
I was grateful they stuck with me to walk— the rest of them could fly up— but still felt a little bothered. I was the only one in the group left without wings, and yet I’d been through so much. When would I finally earn them, if ever?
Miroslava had laid out an assortment of chicken salad, cheese and croissants on the table once we got to the Slasky mansion. The others dug in, but I wasn’t very hungry. I was too focused on my task, and how difficult it seemed to be.
Miroslava pulled me aside with a gentle touch to the arm. “Having trouble, Ethan? Stefan told me you were looking for a ring for Emma.”
