Page 213 of An Omega for the Lycan Prince

Liam and Elden keep telling me to just be myself. Dante too. Men just don’t get it, it seems.

Flora, however, knows my struggle and understands it, which is why she decided to take me shopping for the ceremony. I’m not sure what kind of dress to even look for.

We make it a girls’ outing. Flora and my mother join us, of course; and Ella and Aryanna. I wish I could ask Celine and Harmony too, but it’s impossible considering how much work they have to do at Moon Blood. Aurel and Jun are the only men who join us, mainly to drive us and keep us protected. Flora has them take us on a two-hour drive to a shop specializing in dresses for specific occasions. “You can’t go dress-shopping as you would for prom,” she tells me. “It needs to be more… high-end, more sophisticated. You need a dress suited for a princess.”

My mother nods, taking my hand and squeezing it. “Flora said there is a shop that has one-of-a-kind type of dresses. Each of their dresses is unique, never to be made again.”

“They also tailor at the last minute and give perfect advice,” Flora adds. “Great service. A lot of high-ranking she-wolves buy their dresses there.”

Ella frowns. “Goddess, Annie, I really don’t envy you right now.”

“Same,” Ari agrees.

“Don’t worry,” Flora beams. “We will find that one dress for you, Annie. That’s what I’m here for. I know what I’m doing. Went through it myself. The place I’m talking about works internationally. They have customers worldwide and are used to fulfilling special wishes. They have the reputation of finding the one perfect dress for you.”

The shop Flora leads us to is in the middle of nowhere. Had I not known that there was a shop here, I would never have found it. I assume that’s their intention, though… to remain hidden and exclusive.

There are two ladies and a man working there who already expect us. They greet Flora immediately, recognizing her instantly. We get treated like princesses too. This is so uncomfortable! But not just for me… . Ari looks like she wishes she could be anywhere else. Ella looks close to having a panic attack. And my cute mom shifts around nervously.

Okay, man up, Annie, I tell myself. Or rather, woman up.

I recall the talk I had with Flora a while back and her advice towards me. I step up, standing next to Flora and politely shake the shop manager’s hand. “I’m Annalise Preston,” I tell her. “Thank you for having us on such short notice.”

The woman bows slightly. Her eyes are warm and friendly. “It’s we who are honored that you chose our store. We won’t disappoint you, Miss Preston.” She smiles warmly.

“I’m certain you won’t,” I agree.

Flora throws me a very pleased gaze before she addresses the woman. “Dora, this is my daughter-in-law, as I told you. You know the occasion already,” she eyes her intently. As Flora told us beforehand, the lady is a wolf herself, but the others aren’t. “I don’t want this to be a dress everyone can wear. When she walks out on the stage wearing it, she needs to be a princess. She needs to be the most radiant person in the room. All eyes need to be on her. The dress needs to radiate strength, beauty, dignity and elegance. For this evening, I want her to be everyone’s dream.”

For the next half an hour, the team leads us through the store. They show us different dresses out of different fabrics. There are all kinds of styles, more pompous ones but also elegant and modest ones. They are prepared for all kinds of occasions. They take my measurements and my height and analyze my skin tone, hair, and eye color. They hold various dresses towards me, and each of them is stunning, but Dora shakes her head and continues her search each time.

“Are you going to change your hair for the… event?” Dora asks.

I nod. “I’ll cut it shorter again, right above my shoulders.”

“Good,” she nods her approval. “It gives us the advantage of showing off your shoulders and neck. These are two of your assets.”

“She’s right,” my mother agrees, looking at me lovingly. She seems to be coming out of her shell now once she realizes that they are trying to find the perfect dress for me and are professionals about it. “You have such beautiful slender shoulders and an hourglass-shaped body.”

“I would love to have at least half your curves,” Ella mutters.

“Yeah,” Ari whispers. “Us flat-chests know the struggle.”

I roll my eyes at them, glad that the others haven’t heard them. Both are beautiful the way they are.

They put a wig on me that will be close to the style I’m going for to make sure we get the whole image. Then Dora approaches us again. “A year ago, we got an exclusive commission to design a dress for a young princess. I made a few drafts and designs. Each of them is special, but one of them was my personal favorite. We went with a more flowery style for that girl, but the original design lingered in my mind. So, I made it and kept it hidden. I was waiting for the right woman to drop by and spark that imagination in my mind.” She looks at me thoughtfully. “Miss Preston does. It’s the warmth around her, her aura…” she pauses, her eyes shining slightly. “Her skin tone and body shape would fit it too.”

“I’m intrigued.” Flora nods.

My first thought when I hold the dress in my hands and touch it is… no way. This is way too expensive… it looks like it was made out of gold. How can little Annalise wear something like this?

“Wow,” Ella mutters in awe. “I’m not one for dresses normally, but this one looks beautiful, Annie.”

Mom and Flora help me put it on.

It’s a mixture of light brown and ochre, almost going into golden. The subtle brown under-tone takes the tacky out of the gold, making it look like something made for a Persian princess. A flowy satin silk material snuggles around my body without sticking to it, flowing down like water running over my body. It’s floor-length. The style took inspiration from various ancient cultures, it seems, but was worked into something more modern. It’s sleeveless, and there is no cleavage as the upper part is snug around my neck, but it's form-fitting and emphasizes my neck and shoulders. There is no glitter or pearls on it, but the top is made of embroidery, the underlying fabric sheer, allowing my skin to show through. Now I know why Dora analyzed my skin tone before because I’m just toned enough for it to work in my favor. It doesn’t look tacky or revealing. It’s elegant and gives me an air of dignity and pride while also giving the promise of more beneath the dress.

Ari stares at me with wide eyes. “Good thing Liam has already marked his territory. Honestly, I would make a move on you otherwise.”