Page 15 of Seraphina (Castle Omega)

“The only difference I see is an extra layer of dust,” she retorts. “We could just rent a dress, you know.”

“Like buying one from those swanky boutiques and wearing it with the tags still on?” I raise an eyebrow, knowing full well that’s what she’s hinting at. “No way, I’m way too clumsy for that.” Knowing my luck, I’d end the night with some sort of food on the dress.

“Fine.” She pouts. “Guess it’s better than nothing.”

“There’s the spirit.” I swing my door open and climb out into the bright afternoon sun. Shielding my eyes, I take a quick look up and down the street. We’re in that weird middle ground of Central City—not too shady, not too fancy, just right in the heart of it all.

The street is lively, with people meandering about, bags in hand, their laughter creating a cheerful ambiance. I gently shut the car door and turn to see Violet still glaring skeptically at the little shop.

A man’s voice cuts through the air, reaching us. “Ladies.”

Violet’s hazel eyes widen in surprise as she looks behind me. Sighing with a hint of annoyance, I turn around and force a smile. Three alphas are approaching us. At first glance, they seem normal enough, but there’s something off about their scents—sour, almost bitter. Definitely not a good match.

I quickly assess each one, wondering if I can just whisk Violet into the dress shop without further ado. “Fellas,” I say, flashing a strained grin. I make a point of locking my car, the beep loud enough to signal that I’m ready to hit the alarm button if needed.

“Ladies, are you looking for a dress for tonight?” the front alpha asks. He’s tall and conventionally handsome, but there’s a slimy vibe about him that’s hard to ignore.

“Well, I did park in front of a dress shop,” I reply with a laugh that’s more forced than charming, sounding a bit like nails on a chalkboard, but hey, I tried.

“Yes, you did,” he says, his eyes wandering over me in a way that makes my skin crawl. He licks his lips, and I can’t help but think he couldn’t be more blatant.

“Well, we’re going to head in and, you know…” I say, stepping toward the sidewalk, eager to distance ourselves.

“Maybe we’ll see you when you come out,” he suggests, laying what he probably thinks is charm on thick. “Or tonight. Save me a dance?”

Ugh, as if, but I don’t let my irritation show. “We’ll see,” I reply noncommittally, gently grabbing Violet’s arm and steering her toward the thrift store. The sooner we’re inside, the better.

Not if my life depended on it.

I giggle, forcing a blush by thinking of Max in, well, less than proper attire. Grabbing Violet’s hand, I give the alpha one last glance, then hustle us both through the shop doors.

As soon as they close, Violet shoots me a glare. “You should get an Oscar for that performance.”

“You’re welcome,” I reply with a shrug.

“Uh-huh,” she retorts. “That little show was just leading him on.”

I throw my hands up in exasperation. “And what would you have me do? Snap at him?” I glance around, hoping we haven’t drawn too much attention.

“You’re playing with fire,” she warns, peeking over her shoulder. “They are gone now.”

“Exactly.” I exhale, relieved. “Being mean to alphas like that isn’t a good idea. They don’t take rejection well.”

“Let’s just focus on dress hunting,” she says, already moving past me, her eyes scanning the countless racks of dresses.

I can tell she’s annoyed, and I get it, I really do. I’ve explained enough about Thea for her to know it’s sometimes safer to play nice than to be confrontational, which is often my go-to move—like at the bakery, or with Max.

Max... He had a totally different vibe. He was grumpy at first, sure, but not hostile. He seemed curious about why an omega like me was even working there, not like he owned me or something. The alphas today had a predatory look in their eyes, like they saw me as something to possess.

I leave Violet to her dress hunt, trying not to dwell too much on my decision to play it safe. Instead, I focus on the racks of colorful dresses, hoping to find something that’ll turn this day around.

I’m immediately drawn to an emerald green dresses, and I’m starting to pull a few options when the sales associate bounds over to us. “Oh my gosh, I didn’t even hear you two come in!” she exclaims, her face lighting up with a smile.

The woman, a gamma probably in her early forties, has a cherubic face that instantly reminds me of Celeste from the castle. Her matronly scents and easy smile put me at ease. If those alphas dare to step foot in here, I’m sure she’d shoo them away without a second thought.

“You look like a perfect size six,” she chirps, her brunette barrel curls dancing around her face. She eagerly takes the dresses from my arms, then from a stunned Violet. “Go on, go on, I’ll find the perfect dresses for you two!”

As she sorts through the dresses, muttering to herself, I head into a dressing room. The first dress I pull down is silk. Nope, it’s not happening. “No silk,” I declare, returning it to the gamma, who just nods, still lost in her thoughts.

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