Chapter Eighteen
Adonis didn’t let her dress up like she had to go on the strip. Instead, he had something laid out waiting for Billie, who was nearly jumping with excitement.
“The wolves are so happy you’re doing this, Fabiana. The mated pairs don’t often get to see this show.”
Fabiana looked away from the revealing dress and tried to get her heart under control, but Billie’s words didn’t help one bit.
“Don’t tell me I’m the show.”
Billie laughed. “Of course not. Your mate would rip the eyes out of any man who got a chance to see you naked. No, this is about pack cohesion.”
In the wild, wolves tended to bond together for mating or ran in packs. But they were also loaners, spending days away from each other to stretch out their territory and search for food. Pack cohesion for them involved touch and reassurance from their Alpha they were accepted members of the group. Hierarchy challenges sometimes happened for males who were more confident after spending time in the wilderness alone.
Shifters were similar, but the rolling and licking all over their Alphas wasn’t something they did.
What was accepted depended on the Alpha, but most of the time it involved rowdy parties where they let the wolf side “hang out” so to speak. These gatherings typically ended with a lot of wolves that were single when they came in leaving in pairs.
“So what does this pack do for pack cohesion?”
“The mated pairs come together for a show in the one of the dormitories. Adonis told you they have fully functional staging, right? Well, one of our shows got retired a while ago and we started having a running whenever a new mated pair cemented the mark.”
That didn’t sound too bad.
“Do single wolves go?”
Billie shook her head. “We are welcome to the other dormitory for another show. Much different atmosphere, and then some stay behind to watch over the children whose parents want to watch the mate show.”
The tradition fit the Entertainment District to a T, and Fabiana wondered what she’d see. As far as her attire, she wasn’t as sure about it.
Well, if it could really be called an outfit.
It was literally one long strip of pure-white fabric and she had no idea what it looked like when she had to wear it.
“Billie, forgive me, but what is that?”
“The Alpha mate garb. You’ll understand. Now, stop fussing and get in a bath. I’ll make sure your skin is nice and supple tonight.”
That’s what Fabiana was afraid of. It was like getting her ready for her wedding night, but Adonis had marked her nearly a month ago. There didn’t seem to be any reason to make such a big deal now. Of course, she couldn’t argue with Billie as she was pushed toward the bathroom.
Her bath was made with a different scent tonight, one she couldn’t immediately place. Notes of citrus and flowers blended into something sweet that tantalized her nose. She sank into the fragrant water, moaning as it slipped over her skin. They must have added oils because her ass slid on the porcelain.
“Are you in?”
“Yes, Mother, I’m in.”
“Don’t you sass me,” Billie scolded playfully, wagging her finger as she came in the bathroom. “I’ve got deadly hands here that might get close to some sensitive places. Show some respect.
“What are you doing?”
Billie rolled her eyes. “Nothing I haven’t done before. Just lay back and close your eyes. I promise I’ll take care of you.”
Fabiana did what she was told, forcing herself not to speak. And then she really didn’t care anymore as Billie’s fingers worked magic. From the tips of Fabiana’s fingers and up to her shoulders, she worked the oils from the water into her skin. It was part washing and massage, blending until Fabiana thought she’d fall asleep.
“Sit up, Alpha mate.”
Fabiana slid forward so she could rest her cheek on the side of the tub. No way she was going to be able to sit straight up while Billie worked. Her back got the same treatment her arms did, and then Billie helped her reposition so she could take care of her legs and feet.
By the time Fabiana climbed out the bathtub, she was more ready to go to bed than get to a show.
