Page 37 of When Embers Become Ashes

“Creed and Jenson did warn you she wouldn't wear heels, babe,” Brayden says to a now-pouting Miles.

I take a deep breath.

“Miles, can I wear flats if I stop arguing about the dress? Also, do you have shorts or something for underneath so I feel less vulnerable, please?" That's my main problem with the dress; too much skin is on display. Even my mating marks show through the fabric too much, making me feel like I could be rejected multiple times.

Miles seems to understand what I mean, takes the heels from Brayden, and disappears into my closet.

He emerges with blue and purple diamond-patterned high-tops and what looks like black cycling shorts.

"These are meant to be worn under dresses and things to help with chub rub; I got you some ankle socks, too." Then he seems to freeze and sputter,

“Not that I’m calling you chubby or fat! You may not be a twig like the other girls here, but your curves are amazing and natural, and you look...” He struggles for the right word; I wasn't insulted to begin with.

Miles is still sputtering, trying to dig himself out of the hole he created, when Bas rumbles behind me,

"Healthy; she looks healthy." He smiles down at me when I turn and just nods toward the mirror. I notice the small braid tucked into a Viking braid, adorned with different colored hair, charms, and feathers. Bas points at it,

"This has some of mine and Declan’s human hair, along with some from Dex and Levi’s tails. The charms and feathers are from Bou's collection, my bear, and some I’ve carved myself." He blushes, and I hug him.

" thank you big bear”He mumbles a welcome and leaves to get changed. I look back at my reflection; I have a thick braid where my center parting would be, with two small braids on either side, resulting in five braids overall. The central larger braid is teased so it appears looser, while the four side braids combine into two and stop at my nape. The single large braid stops at my crown, and my natural curls fall down my back. Brayden comes up behind me and hooks a wooden dog tag on a leather cord around my neck.

Wide-eyed, I stare at him in the mirror.

"You have always been part of this pack,sister. Dad will probably get a leather cuff made for you, but for now, you can have my tag since I only wear one of them anyway." The tag has a triple moon carved into it. He pulls me into a hug, which I return. As I hear the click of a camera, as he whispers,

“I love you, baby sis,” into my hair.

“Thank you for always being there; I may have given up a few times,” I say, rubbing my wrists.

“But having your wolves there in the dark saved me more times than I can count.” I hold him tight. I hear Miles sniffle, so I hold out a hand to him, and he joins our cuddle. We all seem to take a breath and pull back. I look at Miles.

“Come on, pretty kitty, otherwise your makeup will smudge.” He squeaks and spins to the mirror. I go to the desk and grab the charm I made for Miles. I look over to him and decide to turn it into a bracelet.

Grabbing the supplies I got from Alma, I use a leather cord and wooden beads—redwood, rowan, and yew—threading them together to create a stacker bracelet effect, with my charm, made from oak, holding the stack together.

“Miles, I made you this; it should help with all the Dominance floating around.” The charm has two Xs standing on top of each other with a line straight down the middle, a rune for protection. Miles takes it as Brayden sniffs.

“Why can I smell your blood on it,Setsra?” Miles freezes as Brayden raises an eyebrow at me.

“Unless someone with stronger Alpha blood than me tries to command Miles, it won’t affect him while he’s wearing the charm,” I state, not looking at my brother but at his omega mate, who slips the bracelet on, shudders, then pounces at me.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” It takes five minutes, and Jace knocking on the door to stop Miles from smothering me.

“Miles, can you do outfit checks, please? River and J mentioned something about...” He doesn’t get to finish as Miles kisses my cheek and dashes off to Brayden.

“I’m going to follow, or he may end up making someone change like last time,” Brayden says as he kisses my crown. Jace chuckles at the shared memory.

Jace

Ember nervously moves around, tidying the already tidy room. I push the door, leaving it ajar, so we both have an escape route.

“Ren showed us all your mate marks.” I see her stiffen.

“Mine is among them. I want to get to know you before anything happens.” I’m looking at my feet now, but she speaks; her voice is small and vulnerable.

“I don’t expect any of the other marks to accept me. I fully expected all of them to reject me because of my oddities, but I’m happy to accept friendships, even if that’s all it will ever be.” She has a shy smile but a guarded look. The door opens, and my mirror image appears, and he’s pissed off.

“Any fucker that rejects you, I will use my abilities so they never cum again but will have a 24/7 erection!” he states before approaching her, kissing just below her eye.

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