Chapter 14
“Alright, I’ll come find you when my shift ends.”
Lucas gives me a wave before heading back to his own table. After our chat, the rest of my shift seems to pass much more quickly. There’s a sense of relief knowing Lucas is looking out for me, and my excitement about my date returns.
When my workday ends, I catch Lucas’s attention, and he joins me outside by the staff entrance. He walks with me all the way to my apartment, and I feel at ease in his company.
Once we climb the two flights of stairs, I pause at my door. “Don’t judge the clutter, okay? I hardly ever invite anyone over.”
I’m not sure what state my place is in, but typically it’s a bit untidy. It never gets out of hand, but there’s usually a heap of laundry on the floor and some unwashed dishes lying around.
Lucas lifts his hands in a gesture of reassurance. “No judgment from me.”
Nervously, I bite my lip, hoping he means it. I unlock the door and step inside. The apartment isn’t at its worst, but I still wouldn’t call it ready for guests. I walk in and sweep my arms out, indicating the space. “So, this is it. Nothing special, but it’s served me well over the years.”
For a split second, something sad crosses Lucas’s face, but it’s quickly replaced by a smile. “It feels homey. And the fact that you’ve managed all this by yourself is really something. I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done without a pack for so long.” He claps a hand over his mouth, suddenly realizing his words might be out of place.
His reaction makes me laugh. “It’s fine, really. Being without a pack doesn’t bother me anymore. I’ve gotten used to it, and I think I’ve done alright.”
Lucas lowers his hand and offers a warm, encouraging smile. “You should be proud.”
His support touches me. Usually, pack members just criticize my choice, calling me foolish for staying on my own so long. They always act like it’s my fault I’m alone, yet still refuse to accept me.
My experiences with Elijah’s pack so far are nothing like that. For the first time, I feel hopeful that things could be different.
“I’m going to hop in the shower. Make yourself at home. I’m not entirely sure what food I have, but you’re welcome to check the fridge.” I begin heading toward the bathroom when Lucas calls out to me.
“Would you mind if I look around a bit? Alpha asked me to check for anything that might point to your attacker.” He sounds a little uneasy as he asks.
“Oh, sure. Go ahead.” With that, I continue to the bathroom, eager to wash off the day. After a full shift on my feet, I feel dirty from not showering, and the idea of hot water is inviting.
I let the steam envelop me longer than usual, enjoying the warmth easing my muscles, especially since I’m still not feeling completely back to normal.
After finishing, I dry myself off and wrap a towel around me. I step out of the bathroom to find some clothes, but I stop in my tracks when I notice Lucas standing there, his eyes fixed on me. Since I’m used to being alone, I slip back into my usual routines.
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“Um…” I hesitate, feeling a wave of embarrassment.
“Have you thought about what you’d like to wear this evening?” Lucas asks, making an effort to keep things from getting awkward.
I clutch the towel more securely. Since he’s acting casual about it, I decide to do the same. “Honestly, I don’t know. I haven’t been on many dates.”
“That’s exactly what I was hoping to hear!” Lucas nearly dances over to my closet. I watch him, my brows knitting together, as he rummages through my clothes. “When I was poking around your apartment earlier, I found this dress and knew you just had to put it on tonight.
Alpha will lose it when he sees you.” Elijah turns with a red dress held out in front of him.
I completely forgot about that dress. It was a birthday gift from last year that I never wore. It always felt too bold for me.
The dress has two thin straps for sleeves and a deep neckline. It hugs my figure and stops halfway down my thighs. There’s a slit up the side that would show even more of my leg.
“Are you positive that’s not over the top?” The thought of wearing it makes me swallow nervously.
“You’re going to look fantastic, Charlotte! You just have to wear it.” Lucas bounces over and presses the dress into my hands. “I’ll step outside so you can get changed.” He exits the apartment, leaving me alone holding the dress.
I exhale quietly. Lucas seems so certain about his choice, and I sense he’d be let down if I don’t wear it. I don’t own much formal clothing anyway, so there aren’t many alternatives. I pull the dress on, but struggle to zip it up. “Lucas! You can come back in now.”
Immediately, the door swings open and Lucas’s jaw drops. “That’s even more incredible than I pictured! Alpha is going to be speechless.”
Heat rushes to my cheeks. “Can you help me with the zipper?”
“Definitely. Now, where do you keep your makeup? I want your look to match the dress. Oh! I could do your hair, too.” Lucas looks like he can barely contain his enthusiasm.
His excitement makes me laugh, and I direct him to my makeup in the bathroom. I get the sense Lucas has always wanted to style dolls, and now I’m his real-life version.
When Lucas finishes my makeover, I barely recognize myself. I put on makeup sometimes, but never this extravagantly.
Dressing up used to be something I enjoyed in my teens, but after losing my family, I lost interest. I forgot how much fun it could be, and I feel my eyes start to water.
“Come on! Don’t cry-you’ll mess up your makeup. Is something wrong?” Lucas grabs a tissue and passes it to me.
I gently dab at my eyes, making sure not to mess up the makeup Lucas applied. “No, no, it’s just that all of this reminded me of some happy times. It’s been ages, though.”
Lucas pulls me into a firm embrace. “That’s good. I don’t want you to feel down. Plus, Alpha will be here any minute.”
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Right on cue, someone knocks at the door. The idea of seeing Elijah makes me smile. I hurry over and
swing the door open. Elijah’s mouth falls open the instant he sees me.
