Page 151 of Bred

SPRING BLOSSOMS

KITT LYNN

LILY'S BEDROOM

LILY

"Areyounervous?"Summerasked, pulling the brush through her long blonde hair. It was still frizzy even though she had been brushing it for the last twenty minutes. The young omega had managed to play with every object on my vanity, not touching the bouquet she was supposed to trim.

"A little." I forced a smile. In truth, I was so nervous that I hadn't eaten properly in days.

"You're going to look amazing." Summer looked at my dress with a longing expression.

The red knee-length gown hung from my wardrobe. The silky, red fabric was fitted at the bodice and flared from the waist. Tiny beads decorated the waist and neckline, making it shimmer. The fact that I was going to get to wear something so lovely still felt like a dream. While I grew up with everything I ever needed, my parents were simple bakers. My clothes were plain and functional. But my bonding dress looked almost magical.

Summer leaned in and dropped her voice. "Have you seen his thing yet?" Her bright blue eyes widened with excitement.

My mouth dropped in shock. "You are far too young to be asking questions like that!"

"You're only two years older than me." She playfully swatted my arm with the back of the heavy wooden brush.

I settled my hands on my hips, glaring at the youngling. “You’re supposed to be trimming those flowers, Miss Still Underage."

"I'm only underage until the end of spring," she pouted, looking every bit the child she was.

Ignoring her, I pulled my hair tie out and threaded my fingers through my black tresses. It had been a very long day of preparations, and my scalp hurt from wearing it up for so long. Like a bee to honey, my eyes pulled back to my dress. By this time tomorrow, I would be mated. I was barely able to contain a squeal of excitement.

"I cannot wait to be an adult." Summer tossed the brush onto my bed and picked up a hair ribbon, tying her hair up. "Only two cycles of the Moon, and then I'll be free to kiss whoever I want."

I laughed. "As if your father would let you run around, ruining your reputation."

"Just you wait," Summer smirked, her blue eyes bright at the idea of her sordid future. "I plan on being wild. I'm going to kiss all the alphas and maybe even a few betas."

"Your lips are going to fall off," I teased.

"Sounds like you'll be very busy." My best friend, Mina, pushed my bedroom door open, her arms loaded with a mountain of red tulle and a sewing box. She leaned forward and kissed my cheek, then blew another to Summer. The young omega pretended to catch it, pressing it to her heart.

"How is Ivor?" I asked.

Mina sighed as if caught in a dream. "He's wonderful," she hummed, letting the tulle fall to the floor.

She was mated only this winter, and I swore she hadn't stopped smiling since. She floated. She was all wavy dark hair, wide eyes, and pure bliss. And every time I saw her and Ivor together, they were touching as if even an inch of separation was torture. Honestly, it seemed a bit inappropriate at times, but I couldn't blame them. They didn't get to court. Their union was sudden and scandalous, and I prayed my mating to Rowan would be just as passionate.

Mina pulled my dress off the hanger, then motioned me forward. I had lost some weight over the last few weeks, forcing her to make alterations. I simply couldn't find my appetite.

Pulling off my fluffy pink robe, I stepped into my dress. Mina quickly cinched the waist, giving my small bust a lovely shape. I turned to look in the mirror, and the reality of what was coming slammed into me. I clasped my right hand over my wrist, letting my thumb run down the thin scar along the side. I had spent weeks bouncing between pure excitement and deep-seated fear. It was exhausting.

"You know," Mina hummed, smoothing the fabric down my hips, "I did an excellent job on this, if I don't mind saying so myself."

I smoothed my hands over the soft lace along the bodice. "It's the most amazing gift.” I leaned into my friend, hoping she could feel my deep gratitude. “I can never thank you enough for making me such a perfect dress."

She blushed and hugged me hard before looking at my reflection in the mirror.

I looked so grown. Not a pup, but a woman. And even though I was twenty-one, a part of me still felt like a baby. Too young to take a mate.

"Your waist is so tiny," Summer said, turning to Mina and poking her middle. "I'm a little surprised Ivor hasn't put a pup in you yet."

My hand moved on its own, settling over my flat stomach.