Garrett stood on the grand balcony of his luxurious villa, his emotions in tumult as he watched Kelly and Lily talking in the garden. Lily seemed so happy speaking with his mother. He was pleased that she was having a wonderful time with her as he had no doubt his mother would be kind to Lily.
'I told you we need to just challenge him,' Berric said, still agitated by the conversation.
'I do not want to lead his pack of unruly monsters. I don't want to live like that,' Garrett responded. His relationship with his father had always been strained, and the idea of being a part of the pack held little appeal for him now.
Kelly's soft voice filled Garrett's mind which immediately caused the muscles in his body to relax. 'Garrett, my son. Are you spying?' Kelly spoke softly, her voice tinged with amusement.
'No, I'm just clearing my head,' Garrett responded.
'I am glad that your conversation with your father was mostly civil as your home hasn't been burned down,' Kelly responded. There was a pause before she continued as if she was collecting her thoughts. 'Lily is a special young woman, and I implore you to look after her. She needs your support and protection."
'Isn't that what I am doing? I am treating her like her own person not an object that can be bargained and sold,' Garrett responded.
'You know that is not what I meant. We had to be sure of her since her family are questionable at best,' Kelly answered. 'I get the feeling that there is more to Lily than just being a strong and resilient she-wolf. You must make sure you protect her mentally and physical. She is such a delicate bud.'
Garrett couldn't deny the deep affection he held for her, but the weight of his family's expectations and his own internal struggle loomed large. He yearned for a different path, one that would allow him to forge his own destiny, independent of his father's influence.
'I promise, Mother,' Garrett replied. 'I will do my best to protect Lily and support her, but I will not rush her into anything.'
'Or are you worried about yourself rushing into something? I know it's difficult, my dear. You are more than capable to follow your own path, but do not forget your family. Regardless of how you feel about your father, you are still family and no she-wolf wants to be a part of shattered home. Be open with her and perhaps you both will find clarity on how to move forward,' Kelly said firmly.
"Come, Luna, we must go shopping," Adam declared, holding the door open for Lily as she stepped into the black limousine.
Lily's eyebrows furrowed in surprise. "Shopping? I brought everything I needed. I have enough clothes," she protested, though she complied and settled into the car. She couldn't help but wonder if this was another one of Garrett's plans.
Adam closed the door, taking a seat in the front as he started the engine. "Yes, but you need different attire for the Wintermoon Celebration," he explained, glancing at her before focusing on the road ahead. "It's an event of grandeur, and as the Luna, you must make a statement."
Lily's confusion deepened. "I didn't know I was allowed to go," she admitted, her voice laced with a mix of surprise and uncertainty.
Adam cast her an incredulous look. "What do you mean? All weres are welcome to the celebration," he clarified, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
A touch of sadness washed over Lily's features. "My father never allowed Omegas to come," she confessed. She remembered being so happy to go when she was of age only to be told that she couldn't. Because even though she was a daughter of an Alpha, she was still an Omega.
Adam's frown deepened, a surge of anger coursing through him. It was almost illegal to deny a wolf the right to attend the Wintermoon Celebration. The more Lily revealed about her upbringing, the more he aligned himself with Garrett's desire to confront and challenge her father.
"Well, that is going to change, Luna. Since this will be your first time, we will make sure you have a wonderful experience," Adam assured her. "We will spare no expense."
Lily shook her head, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "No, that's not necessary. I have plenty of dresses. I don't need another one, but thank you," she politely declined, appreciating Adam's gesture.
Adam met her gaze with through the rear view mirror, his face serious. "As a Luna, you need to look the part. A simple dress won't suffice. I'm sure Luna Kelly explained this," he insisted as he parked the vehicle. "We have arrived."
Stepping out of the car, Lily found herself standing before the entrance of Prophecy Clothes. Her eyes widened as she took in the beauty of the high-end boutique. It was a place her parents could never afford, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of disbelief.
"I... I think there must be a mistake," Lily stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes scanning the lavish store and noting the other boutiques in similar style.
Adam shook his head, a reassuring smile on his face. "No, ma'am. We're at the right location," he affirmed, his voice carrying an air of certainty. "Alpha Garrett made it clear that no expense would be spared. Come, we have little time and more stores to visit."
Guiding Lily through the entrance, Adam's confident presence deterred a cashier who was about to approach them with suspicion. Adam swiftly presented Garrett's Sapphire Card, firmly instructing the cashier, "You will assist her and provide her with everything she needs."
The cashier nodded obediently, her doubtful expression replaced with one of attentiveness. She approached Lily with a friendly smile. "Let me help you, ma'am. I'm Janet, and I'll be your stylist for today. Based on your size and hair color, I have some selections in mind. Feel free to browse while I gather them for you," she offered before bustling away.
As Lily perused the racks of clothing, a familiar voice broke through her concentration. "Lily? That couldn't be you."
Startled, Lily turned around to see her half-sister Brandy standing before her, accompanied by two other women.