Chapter 33
ased Slave
Rachel’s POV
Nathan simply walked away. To be honest, his words had pierced my heart, leaving me drowning in a sea of sadness. I stood there, rooted to the spot, watching his retreating figure, feeling a profound sense of loss and disappointment well up inside me.
But let it be. Anyway, I’m just a nobody.
I paced the length of the room, my fingers nervously playing with the ends of my copper hair. The impending dinner with Raymond and his daughter Madison filled me with dread.
Something about the Goldshore Alpha made my skin crawl, especially the way his eyes had lingered on me earlier. And Madison… her cold hostility and her claim of being Nathan’s future Luna still stung like a fresh wound.
I sighed heavily, moving to the window where the harp stood. Running my fingers across the strings, I coaxed out a gentle melody. This was how I’d rather spend my evening–alone, with my music, not being paraded before people who saw me as nothing more than Nathan’s plaything.
But I had no choice. As a breeder, my wishes didn’t matter.
When Tyler had informed me that Victoria would come help me prepare, I’d imagined a simple affair–perhaps pinning up my hair and donning whatever modest dress Victoria could find.
I was wrong. So very wrong.
A knock interrupted my thoughts, and I opened the door to find Victoria pushing in a rack filled with colorful gowns and carrying an enormous leather case.
“Ready for your transformation?” Victoria asked with such enthusiasm that my gloomy mood immediately lightened.
“Victoria, why do you need so many dresses?” I asked, running my fingers over the fabrics on the rack.
The beautiful array of colors and beadwork was more extensive than anything my stepmother Isabel had ever owned. I found myself drawn to them despite my reservations.
“Well, because I didn’t know what you’d want to wear. So we’ll see, and you can try on whatever you like. But first, hair and makeup,” she replied with a grin.
My eyes widened. I’d showered as Victoria requested before her arrival, but I hadn’t expected her to go to such lengths for a dinner.
I never imagined she’d give me the “full royal treatment“-something I’d never experienced before.
“Don’t you think this is a bit much for someone like me? I mean… I’m just a breeder. I don’t even know why I’m going…”
nd you need
Victoria’s expression softened. “Rachel, this is the Alpha’s order. And you’re not nobody–you have Alpha bloodli to let me turn you into the princess you already are.” Her eyes narrowed playfully. “I’ve had enough of that Madison woman!”
She gave me a reassuring smile and patted the vanity seat in front of her.
“Thank you,” I answered, offering her a small smile in return.
An hour later, I barely recognized the woman staring back at me in the mirror. My copper hair cascaded in elegant waves over my shoulders, perfectly framing my face.
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The makeup enhanced my green eyes, and the deep wine–red on my ps made them appear fuller, bolder against my delicate features.
I was shocked by my appearanc–1 never thought I could look this radiant.
“What do you think?” Victoria asked, arms crossed over her chest, grinning widely.
1–I don’t even-” Words failed me.
Victoria’s smile widened. “Perfect. Now let’s look at the dresses and see what you like.”
As Victoria took my seat, I slowly approached the rack and began examining all the gowns. I wasn’t sure what would be appropriate, but I figured since Victoria had brought them all, any would be fine.
My hand stopped on a deep wine–red gown, drawn to the crystals and silver embroidery decorating the strapless bodice. It was stunning and beautiful, but perhaps too elaborate for a breeder.
I sighed and put it down, starting to look for something more modest.
“That’s the one I was hoping you’d choose,” Victoria’s voice pulled me from my trance, and I turned toward her.
“I can’t possibly wear this. It’s beautiful, but I can’t wear something like this–it’s too showy for a breeder.”
“Rachel, you don’t have to hide who you are anymore. No one here will hurt you like your father and stepmother did, and you have a chance to step out of your shell a little. If you don’t want to wear it, you don’t have to. There are plenty of choices. But I think that
one is perfect for you.”
Victoria was right–the dress was absolutely stunning. With slight hesitation, I took the gown and went to the bathroom to change.
Standing before the mirror, I ran my hand over the delicate silver thread embroidery, shocked at how the dress fit perfectly to my
now–healthier curves.
The slit on the left side ran up to mid–thigh, but it didn’t look trashy–rather, it was elegant yet feminine.
What will Nathan think…? The thought crept into my mind unbidder.
Victoria knocked on the door. “Rachel, let me see. You’ve been in there forever.”
い。
“I–I don’t think I can wear this,” I stammered, and Victoria promptly opened the door.
Her eyes widened, and I immediately regretted putting it on.
“Oh, Moon Goddess, Rachel…”
“See, I need to take it off… I can’t wear this!” I felt embarrassed.
“No!” Victoria shouted, startling me.
A smile spread across her face. “You must wear it. You look absolutely stunning–Nathan will be mesmerized.”
Are you sure this appropriate?” I asked, still uncertain.
“Yes, of course! I promise! Madison will be green with envy when she sees you!”
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my breathing. That’s when I noticed Victoria was already prepared, wearing a similar gown in
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emerald green.
“You…” I began, gesturing to her attire.
“Yeah, I thought I’d wear something similar in style to yours so you’d feel more comfortable. Just a different color–emerald green
works better for me.”
“Thank you,” I said softly and sincerely, trying not to cry.
“No, don’t cry, you’ll ruin your makeup. Tonight you’re going to shing! Victoria stared at me for a moment, then gave me a warm smile. “Just be confident and elegant, be yourself! Look, nobody likes that Madison woman. If she bothers you, just gracefully ignore her.”
A knock on the door caught my attention. I followed Victoria out of the bathroom into the room as she went to answer it.
“Are you two ready? Alpha is waiting,” Tyler’s voice drifted in through the open door.
“Come see,” Victoria said, letting him in.
As Tyler walked in, I saw his eyes brighten. He looked handsome in his dark suit with an emerald green tie that matched Victoria’s
dress.
Tyler was quiet for a moment, which made me slightly uncomfortable, wondering if something was wrong.
“Rachel, you look… stunning,” he finally said.
“Hopefully not too much,” I replied, still doubtful about my choice of attire.
“No, you look perfect for the occasion,” he said, giving me a reassuring smile that matched his sister’s.
“It’s time for the dinner. Nathan is already waiting.”
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