by Kat Zaccard
After piling into the Jeep and heading out of the school grounds, we began to chat about where we wanted to go once we got to Cedarburg. There was really only one main street with suitable shops and boutiques. Jack had to run errands for the school, so he would drop us off on Main Street and leave us to our own devises for a few hours. The plan was to meet at a restaurant for a quick dinner and then head back to the school before it got dark. The days were getting shorter now, so we’d have to be on the road by five. We agreed to meet at the Cedarburg Café around four.
That didn’t leave us a whole lot of time to shop, but Shea and I meant business. We dragged the boys along to the first boutique, but it was soon apparent they were not at all interested in looking at dresses. We suggested they wander off and agreed to meet in an hour for a smoothie. By then we hoped to have dresses and could give them something to color coordinate. I was pretty sure they both groaned a little, but off they went.
Shea and I hit three shops before we both found dresses in the cutest vintage shop. They were both 40’s or 50’s style with wide straps and flouncy skirts that stopped at the knee. Shea found the deep blue one first. It made her eyes look like sapphires. It had a sweetheart neckline and a large bow that tied in back. The bodice had delicate boning and subtle lace details in a paler blue than the dress. It looked amazing on her. I was pleased to find a sunny yellow dress that looked great with my dark auburn locks. My dress had a square neckline and tiny sparkling jewels corded around the waist. And the best part? The dresses were in our price range. I was relieved that Shea could simply enjoy the new dress without worrying about the cost. She gulped a little when she handed over her hard earned bucks, but the dress was too perfect not to get. She brushed away my attempt to pay for both dresses, telling me it was a matter of principle not pride. But I was certain a gift would be all right.
When Shea wasn’t looking, I added in a lovely antique comb that had deep blue stones with cubic zirconia. The clerk looked at me and asked if I’d checked the price tag. When I did, I gasped. Scratch that. Real diamonds and sapphires. The comb was more expensive than both of our dresses! But it was perfect for Shea, and I’d never really had money to spend before. My birth parents had left me a very generous allowance for school until I turned eighteen and was allowed access to the rest of my inheritance. I didn’t know what I was worth, but I knew my allowance could cover the splurge.
“Wrap it up.” I grinned at the clerk and handed her the black debit card I’d been given by Headmaster Giovanni with the sternest warnings that a strict allowance would be deposited into my account on the first of the month with absolutely no possibility for further funds than that. He would spit if he saw the total bill, but I hadn’t bought much of anything else since I’d arrived at school, so what the heck.
The clerk glanced at Shea, who was browsing a nearby rack then back at me as she looked at the name on the black card. “Can I see some ID, please?”
I smiled and handed her my ID even though I was a little annoyed by her tone of voice. Better to be safe than sorry, though, so it was good she was making sure I was me.
Her eyes widened a little, and she did a double take, smiling at me a little too widely. “Oh, it’s so nice to meet you, Princess Alice.” She actually curtsied a little behind her desk, rang up my purchase, and handed me back my card, suddenly super pleasant. “Did you find everything? Could I suggest this accessory for the yellow dress?”
I was starting to get annoyed that my status was changing her customer service, but when I saw the earrings she held up, I melted. They were the most beautiful teardrop chocolate diamond earrings. One look at the price tag and I knew they would wipe out my savings from the last two months and then some. They were simply too much.
“Oh, they are lovely,” I said earnestly, “but outside my budget today. Thanks!”
She harrumphed a little, like she didn’t believe me, and handed me my bag. Forcing a smile, she added, “Well, come on back if you change your mind.”
We thanked her and left. I mentioned my annoyance at the clerk’s change in demeanor when she saw my ID.
Shea shrugged. “You have to expect that, Alice, you’re a royal. The American equivalent would be like running into Lady Gaga or something.” We both laughed, picturing me in some crazy outfit, giant shoes, and fake hair, waltzing into the dance ala Lady Gaga. After a few more shops, we both found suitable shoes, and I found lovely glass earrings that were much more affordable.
We were both giggling when we walked into the smoothie place to meet the guys. Adam was there with a half-finished smoothie, but Logan was nowhere to be seen.
“Hey, Adam, where’s Logan?” I asked
He frowned a little, then quickly smoothed out his features. “Oh, we got pulled in different directions. I wanted to check out the art supplies store so we agreed to meet you girls here.”
“Oh, that’s cool.” I tried not to be disappointed that the guys weren’t having as much fun together as Shea and I were. I guessed it was a little naïve to want the perfect foursome friendship. I was determined not to read into it and asked Adam what he bought at the art store. He lit up as he showed us the watercolor pencils he bought, and wow, I’d never seen anyone so excited about paper before.
“You see, it’s the heavy weight Italian printmaking paper. It’s perfect for pen and ink drawings.” He smiled like a supernova. I told him I couldn’t wait to see what he’d draw next; he was such a great artist. I’d sincerely meant it. I’d seen what he’d been working on in class. Sometimes it made me want to break my pencil and try a new hobby, but mostly it inspired me to keep trying. He had talent. He smiled and assured me it only took practice.
“It’s like one part skill and ninety-nine parts practice,” he affirmed. Shea kicked me under the table.
“What?” I asked her, annoyed. Werewolves are stronger than they think. Luckily we heal fast, too. I rubbed my shin, feeling the bruise rise.
“Look!” she hissed pointing out the window. Logan was across the street talking to someone. They looked to be arguing, large arm gestures and flipping hair. Wait a minute … The girl turned, and I saw it was Jillian. She slapped Logan and stormed off. We all inhaled sharply.
“What the heck was that all about?” I tried to laugh, but it came out dry and strangled. Adam frowned and looked anywhere but at me.
Just then, the door chime tinkled and in walked Logan looking stormy. He saw us all look up at him, surprised, and he quickly smiled and shrugged, while rubbing his cheek. “Someone doesn’t like to hear ‘no.’”
“Are you okay?” I had to ask, but I didn’t want to seem too concerned until I knew just what had happened.
“Yeah, I wasn’t expecting to run into Jillian here.” He tried to peek in my bag, but I swatted away his hand and his attempt to change the subject.
“What were you fighting about?” I asked super casually. Shea was focusing all her attention on her smoothie, but I knew her ears were straining to hear his answer.
“Oh, well, I probably should have told you, but Jillian kind of thought we would go to the Fall Fling together. But you showed up, so I figured she’d realize we weren’t together anymore.”
“You used to have a thing with Jillian? How long ago?” My tone was less casual. Adam looked uncomfortable, and Shea just gaped at Logan like he’d grown a second head.
“It was before I met you,” he said, then added, “I mean, we are betrothed, Alice.”
“Argh!” I screamed. “Did you actually just say that?” I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry; I wanted to do both.
“Yeah.” Now Logan looked annoyed. “What’s the big deal? That’s how it is.” He’d said it with so much finality.
“Do you even like me?” I hated the way my voice sounded so small. I didn’t even notice Adam and Shea had sneaked off outside.
Logan rolled his eyes. “Jeez, is every chick I know going to give me grief today? What do you want to hear, Alice? I barely know you, but that doesn’t
matter, we will have our whole lives to get to know each other?”
I was a little stunned that he simply accepted this betrothal as fact. Shelving the “chick” comment and taking a breath, I considered my options. At least as I restated my question, I felt less meek and more affronted. “Would you have asked me out if I wasn’t your betrothed?”
Now he smiled. “Did I ask you out?”
My cheeks burned. Why humiliate me now? Wasn’t this conversation awkward enough?
“Well, what about Jillian? You two seem to have had a thing. Would you be pursuing her if the Lost Princess hadn’t been found?”
Logan scoffed. “Jealousy is so unattractive. And likely I would, because my father would want to align the family with the next most powerful clan. Regardless, you were found and we are betrothed. And when you turn of age and claim your inheritance, we can rule the Great Pack as king and queen. I mean, queen and king, of course.” He actually looked proud of himself, with his chin lifted and his green eyes catching the light. He wore his entitlement like a crown.
Now I went from insecure to horrified. “Is that what this is to you—a power play, a business deal?”
“Alice.” He sounded so perplexed. “Don’t be like that. You know we’re legally bound to wed. This was always our parents’ business deal. We might as well get to know each other, and well, you know … see how we’ll fit before we get married.” His voice had gotten softer, trying to soothe.
Now I was livid. “Okay, look, buster, I may be new to this whole wolf princess bullshit, but I’ll be damned if I marry for money or power or anything but love. If I am to be queen, I’m going to change the damned law. But if you just see me as dollar signs, then buzz off.”
I grabbed my shopping bags and tore out of the café before I could hear any more of Logan’s “reasoning.”
I was halfway down the street before I noticed Shea and Adam jogging after me. “Hey! What’s up Alice? What happened?”
I turned back and saw Logan standing outside the café, looking totally flustered.
“Not here.” Tears were threatening, and I wasn’t going to let Logan see me cry.
We rounded the corner and headed down the block to a small park. I sniffed back my tears as I relayed my conversation to Adam and Shea.
They both looked angry, but Adam spoke first. “I’m sorry, Alice. Maybe I should have told you Jillian and Logan used to be a couple. I just figured it was over so it didn’t matter.” He looked guilty, but I didn’t blame him.
“It’s not your fault, Adam. Logan should have told me, and I guess I should have asked.”
Now Shea sprang to my defense. “You did nothing wrong, Alice. Logan should have made things clear with Jillian.”
“It shouldn’t … it doesn’t … I mean, why is she so surprised he’s going to the dance with me? And are we even going now? He is just doing what he’s told because we’re … blah—betrothed!”
Shea shook her head. “I don’t know, sweetie. Werewolf culture is pretty new to me, too. Logan’s been raised with this stuff. It sounds like he really was confused. Don’t get me wrong, he should have told you about Jillian, and I mean you definitely want to like the guy you’re going to marry.…” Shea trailed off, realizing she was talking herself in circles.
I angrily brushed the tears off of my cheeks. “I just don’t know how to tell if he really likes me or not. I hate that I even care so much! I’m supposed to be a strong independent woman … were-woman … werewolf—whatever!”
We all laughed as I broke the tension. Adam said soulfully, “You do have a right to love, Alice. Love doesn’t weaken you; it can only make you stronger.” Shea aww-ed and squeezed his hand. He smiled back at her, and I marveled at how easy it was for them to show their affection for each other. Love should be easy, right?
“How did you get so smart?” I asked him grumpily.
He chuckled. “I’ve been raised in a werewolf home my whole life, but my parents are bonded. They’re true mates, and their love just radiates. It’s incredible.”
“Wow, that whole true mate thing is real?” I asked. “Not just a scare tactic to keep us away from the opposite sex?”
“Yes, it’s real. I’ve seen it. As far as the betrothal thing, I don’t know. Logan is a royal; he grew up expecting to be arranged into marriage. He knew about the betrothal before he even met you. He even kind of resisted it at first, but I think he really does like you.”
“I do.”
Startled, we turned to see Logan walking up the path toward the park bench where we were sitting.
“Alice,” he said, “can I talk to you?”
I shrugged and followed him to a big oak tree in the middle of the park. The leaves still clung to the branches, shaking with the wind like a tiny fairy orchestra. All around us, multi-colored instruments crunched beneath our feet.
“Alice, I’m sorry. I forget that you are new to werewolf culture. I don’t know how to fix this other than to say, ‘Hi, I’m Logan. I think I like you and I know we are betrothed, and maybe we should explore that. But if you want nothing to do with me, okay.’” He grinned and held out his hand. I could see he was trying to make light of the whole thing. I didn’t want to just shrug off my bad feelings, but he did have a point. I was new to this culture, so maybe I should cut him some slack.
“Hi, I’m Alice. I don’t believe in betrothal. If you still want to take me to the dance, we can start there.” I crossed my arms and glared at his outstretched hand.
He chuckled and swept me into his arms. I resisted for a moment, then let him fold me into a stiff hug. “Okay,” he murmured into my hair. “We’ll start there.”
I felt myself melt into him as I exhaled the breath I’d been holding. I smiled as he nuzzled into my neck. It really was easier to pretend we weren’t betrothed and this was a normal blossoming romance. I sighed, biting the inside of my cheek. I looked into his green eyes and relented. I could pretend a little while longer.
The rest of the afternoon, was much more relaxed. Logan was on his best behavior and made an effort to chat with Shea and joke around with Adam. Thankfully, we didn’t see Jillian again. Grateful to put the awkwardness behind us, we had a pleasant afternoon. We met Jack for dinner at a great little barbecue restaurant, and headed back to school on time. Jack’s presence curtailed any romantic goodbyes, so we simply waved goodnight and lugged our purchases inside. Shea thanked me for the outing which I thought strange. She rolled her eyes, but refrained from reminding me to check my privilege. She saw the wheels click in my mind and hugged me goodnight before I could slap my forehead.
That night, I tried on the dress, shoes, then earrings and twirled in front of my laptop for my mom. She applauded the dress and cautioned me to not have too much fun at this dance. I rolled my eyes and assured her there would be plenty of supervision. She tried to ask about Logan, but quit prying when I kept sidestepping more difficult questions. I wanted to tell her all about my concerns and the betrothal, but telling her would make it even more real. Plus, how could she understand when I barely understood it myself? I was a totally different species! I had to get used to my new life and my new role in it. One thing the shop girl and Logan showed me today was that I couldn’t ignore my heritage. I couldn’t escape the fact that everyone else knew who I was and what was expected of me. Talk about pressure!
After I’d logged off my computer and got into bed, I turned Logan’s words around in my mind, trying to analyze the conversation now that I was calm and rational. It’s the betrothal thing, not the royal thing that had me weirded out, I decided. But somewhere in the back of my mind, a voice, one that I sternly squashed with my pillow, asked how could I ever know if someone loved me for me and not for my royal bloodline?
Chapter 9
The next two weeks went by in a flash. I was starting to get comfortable with the afternoon routine at school. I learned to trust my nose when we practiced hunting skills, even in human form, and I soon learned that my instincts paid of
f. I was often the first to find whatever hidden item Coach Murry had planted for us. Soon after that, I was always picked first for teams. It was weird to find myself the center of attention. Slowly, I was winning people over. Jillian gave me a wide berth, but I did catch her glaring daggers at me more than once. I couldn’t help feeling like it was only a matter of time before I had to deal with her drama again.
The night of the dance was fast approaching. Shea and I had little time to spend with the guys other than our usual walk after lunch. Harvest was over this week, and we’d all have more free time when we weren’t spending the late afternoon in the orchard. It was exciting to see other people from Dryden come out for harvest. I noticed Diego and his mom, Luciana helping out, but there weren’t a lot of young people besides the students. I did meet a girl named Sequoya during harvest who told me a little about living in the village. Sequoya was fourteen, almost fifteen she said, and would be starting school at Mt. Henley next year. She invited me to lunch at her house in the village. It sounded like fun and a great way to see a werewolf family home … er, den? I agreed to go without knowing if it was allowed. I mean, hello? Are we prisoners here? I guess most boarding schools feel that way, even if they don’t have a super-secret society of supernatural creatures that could literally bite your head off. Yeah, when you put it that way, I guess I could see why we were isolated.
Luckily, Ms. Grissle gave me permission to walk to the village with Sequoya. We were halfway to Dryden, and chatting pleasantly, before it dawned on me that I might have accidentally used my royal privilege to get this long lunch. Sequoya suddenly stopped walking and talking. I looked at her, guilty that I’d gotten distracted for a minute. But she wasn’t looking at me; she was sniffing the air.
“Do you smell that?” she asked. I shrugged, but lifted my nose to sniff the air. We’d been practicing accessing our wolf senses while in human form during our afternoon training classes. I closed my eyes and tried to tap into my wolf and extend my senses. I registered Sequoya’s scent and my own trailing down the path behind us. I turned and smelled the woods, damp with rotting leaves. I moved past the damp smell, registering individual scents, green moss, brown mushrooms, white puffball spores, animal scat—wait, there … something sharp and tangy.