Page 139 of Freeing My Alpha

“Most Omegas feel the same.” She leans in. Her cool hand on my shoulder sends a shiver down my arm. “But a good Alpha knows the timid ones come with the hottest surprises.”

My heart spikes with excitement—and fear.

She whispers into my ear. “Don’t let a label tame you, pup. I can smell the dominance within you, waiting to be unleashed. Let the dress carry you there. Indulge.”

Celestia pulls away with a wink despite me flushing down to my neck. When I realize she’s not leaving anytime soon and likely plans to help me try on dresses, I grasp Amy’s hand.

Like the best friend she is, Amy jumps in without hesitation. “Trust me, Celestia, we’re not letting her go home with anything less than she deserves.”

Celestia beams. “You have a good set of friends here, I see. Well, good. I’ll be chatting with our current Luna when you need me.”

I give her a forced smile. “Thank you for your generosity, Celestia. Truly.”

The Sexy Luna Taskforce swoops in—minus Lilian as she keeps Celestia occupied.

My friends lower their voices, but that isn’t saying much.

Kira lowers into a hiss, but only after putting her palms over Lexi’s ears. “Are you fucking kidding me?! She’s giving you the goddamn dress for free?!”

Amy grips Kira’s arm. “Shh, Kira!”

“For reals, though! What the hell did Alpha Noah do?!”

“I don’t know either, but I'm not comfortable with taking the dress without paying her for something,” I say.

My best friend is a sneaky philanthropist, though. Yasmine checks over her shoulder, deciding it’d be safer to mindlink. I can only guess she was a Rogue at some point. There are plenty of anonymous Omegas that Noah and Ritchie saved from abuse in other packs. And Noah has a terrible habit of forgetting to tell us when he encounters some seriously horrible shit. Maybe he really did save her life and kept it private for her, especially if it made her feel extra vulnerable.

Everyone’s excitement dulls into an aching sadness. I’m sure Celestia can smell it, but her eyes remain glued to Lilian.

Amy puts her arms around Kira and Yasmine, leaning in. “Alright, regroup. We’re the Sexy Luna Taskforce, and we have a job to do.”

Rainn’s classic smile returns. “You're right, Amy. What style do you like most here, future Luna? Let's try to narrow it down somehow.”

I try to stay centered, but my voice shakes through my fading smile. “I don’t even know where to begin.”

Amy frowns, grabbing my hand. “Give us a second, ladies.”

She pulls me to the back of the store, stirring my frozen legs into action.

Plopping us down on a tufted bench, Amy grabs my hand. “Talk to me. What are you thinking?”

“I'm not a goddess, let alone royalty. Everyone’s acting like it, but I’m really not special. I just want to buy a dress. What if I'm in over my head?”

“With Noah?” Amy’s eyes widen.

My wolf growls through me. “No! I'd never say that!”

Amy sputters out a laugh. “Damn, okay! Just checking!”

I grasp my temples. “God, sorry, I’m so weird today. But I love Noah with my whole soul, Amy. This is so important to me.”

“Aww, babe. Then what's wrong? I mean, maybe I’m overstepping here, but are you having trouble letting yourself be taken care of again?”

I swallow hard, looking down to my feet. “Not like I used to. I want to mate Noah in front of everyone... And I do want to wear something like this while we mate.”

“That’s incredible in itself! You were nowhere near a place to do this before. Just your interest amazes me.” Amy squeezes my arm. “But if you’re trying to force yourself into it, that’s not okay. I don't care what anyone might think, not even Alpha Noah. If you're not into any of this, we can call it off. I’ll have your back, all the way.”

My head snaps up, staring directly at Amy. “I love you, Amy. But please, don’t worry. I’m not forcing myself. I want this.”

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