Chapter 33: Lottie

Hunter is very good at distracting me for the next few days. We remain within the safe confines of his house and yard. Not straying into the forest for a run or walk like we used to. I hope that changes soon. Hunter promises it will. Which is good because although I enjoy all my time captive with Hunter, I would really like to regain my freedom to go where I want when I want. Being cooped up inside is vastly overrated at this point.

Thankfully, tonight is the full moon and eclipse. Hunter says many shifters like to gather at his place before and after the run; it's become an unofficial community gathering. Even though, from my observations, Hunter doesn't always participate in town events, this is one he's always present for.

I was worried about having people around and going out into the woods, but Hunter promised me there wouldn't be an elf or one of Vincent's men for miles. They're not stupid enough to risk being around so many shifters under a full moon. So, I relax and instead worry about the decision I need to make before the moon rises tonight.

Will I bond with Hunter? A large part of me is screaming; yes, do it! Where the other small and still paranoid part of me questions if it's a good idea to commit to something so permanent so quickly.

I figure the best thing to do is let my gut and heart choose for me. When the time comes, I'll know if it's right or not. It won't be driven by lust, even though I have a lot of it for him. It won't be driven by someone else telling me I should be with him. With no outside interference, the decision will come from me. From my inner beast, my natural instinct.

I don't know what breed of non-human my ancestors were, but I don't think I have an inner beast. When I look inward, I see music. I hear the sounds of the world around me and the emotions they emit. It may sound stupid, but it's true. I don't know what non-human species would have such thoughts, internal feelings, or powers. I don't recall Ginger or Hunter mentioning any non-human that is connected to sound or music. They'd probably tell me to ask Fynn. I've come to learn he's the go-to with all the questions I have on, well, anything.

Trying not to freak out or have an anxiety attack while contemplating my possible decision tonight, I fill my time with Hunter until Ginger shows up with a rolling suitcase in hand and a mischievous smile on her face.

"Why do you have a suitcase with you, Ginger?" Hunter asks.

Glad to know I'm not the only one curious about it. I thought at first it might just be normal for her to bring it over on full moons with a change of clothes and whatnot for after her run.

"None of your business; it's girl stuff."

Hunter raises his hands in surrender, not caring to get into an argument over a suitcase. However, as a girl, I think I can ask.

"What kind of girl stuff?"

Ginger smiles at me, and for the first time, I see her canines poking out longer than normal. The sight is chilling but also makes me want to laugh because she looks far too pleased with herself.

"Oh, you'll see. It's for you."

"For me?" I ask, shocked.

I take a second long look at the bag as if I'll suddenly possess x-ray vision to see what's inside. It doesn't look too full. I narrow my eyes at the bag and then her.

"Yup. This is your first lunar eclipse, and possibly a very important one. So, you're going to celebrate in style. It's not mandatory, but I think you'll like it."

She looks at her brother over my shoulder, and I take a small peek back at him. He's sitting at the kitchen island, sipping on a cup of coffee, his expression unreadable.

Ginger grips me by my elbow and steers me away from Hunter and towards the stairs.

"Come on. I'll show you."

There's no room for protest with Ginger. She's kind of an imposing figure when she wants to be. I don't argue or resist; there's no harm in letting her decide my outfit. Truthfully, I was fretting over what to wear. Is it a casual event? Do they all walk around nude for easy shifting?

Hunter's been very casual about it, so I assumed whatever I wore would be sufficient. Although Ginger mentioned it being a more important night than just a standard lunar eclipse. Perhaps Hunter mentioned wanting to bond with me tonight? I haven't spoken with Ginger much over the last couple of days and haven't had a chance to discuss it with her more than the first night she explained everything to me. I now know she left out a few details.

We end up in Hunter's large bedroom, and Ginger shuts the door behind us, effectively blocking Hunter's curious gaze. Placing the suitcase on the bed, she opens it swiftly, revealing a small pile of clothing and beauty products.

The sight has me sighing regrettably. Picking out an outfit is one thing, doing the whole hair and makeup and couture gown is another. I'm burnt out from so many people putting designer pieces on me and teasing and curling my hair until every last strand is "perfect." I just want to be me for once.

"Ginger, I don't know about this. I'm really not in the mood to do the whole hair and makeup thing. I just want to be comfortable."

She turns to me, frowning, but quickly smooths it out when she sees my contrite expression. Dropping the curling iron back in the suitcase, she crosses the room to me. I perch against the dresser, crossing my arms over my chest, instinctually guarding myself.

"We don't have to do anything you don't want to. I just thought if you do end up solidifying your mate bond with Hunter, you might like to wear something that will not only be comfortable and cute but," she cringes and curls her lip in disgust. "Will allow for easy access. The last thing you'll want is to slink back to the house wearing a ripped shirt, trying to cover yourself because your pants are somewhere in shreds in the forest."

The image has my tight posture easing. Ginger rubs her hand up and down my arm, trying to soothe my tension. I give her a week smile, grateful she's willing to be so open with me. It's refreshing to have people just speak to me candidly.

"So, Hunter told you about wanting to solidify the mate bond?" I ask.

She smirks and winks at me, her smile returning which only puts me more at ease. "Nope. I'm just really good at paying attention to things. I know about the mate pull, and from what I've seen, I kind of figured he might want to do it as soon as possible. Especially with the whole Vincent lurking around town and stalking you."

She waves her hand flippantly, sneering when she says Vincent's name.

"Personally, I would love for you two to bond. Having another girl in the family would be a blessing. Brothers are a pain in the ass, let me tell you."

Returning to her open suitcase, she digs through the neatly folded clothing, pulling out a bundle of white eyelet material.

"Now, I know you don't want to get all gussied up, but I think you might like this option. We can do whatever you like with your hair and makeup. Although I would highly suggest keeping your hair light and soft. No hairspray or perfume. Remember, shifters are very sensitive to smell, and mates have a very special and alluring scent. You don't want to cover it up."

"And what about the makeup?" I ask, watching her shake out the fabric, which looks like some sort of dress.

"We don't have to do much if you like. Keep it simple or none at all. Your choice. You're pretty enough without all that makeup you used to wear anyway."

I snort laugh because she has no idea how much I hated wearing so much makeup.

"Wasn't my idea. Stylists can be very pushy. I was basically their Barbie doll. My opinion had no place in the decision-making."

I hear Ginger growl for the first time ever, sounding more like her brother than I could have imagined. He growls all the time, usually because he likes something I'm doing and is aroused. Kinda weird, actually, to hear it from Ginger. I hope it's an irritated growl and not a horny one. I like her and all, but that'd be really awkward with me being with her brother and all.

Seeing the scowl on her face, I conclude it's an angry growl.

"Did you really have no say in your own life? Like at all?"

"Nope." I pop the p in exasperated emphasis.

"Fucking assholes. I love your music, and not gonna lie, I did love some of those designer dresses and would kill to go to Paris fashion week or meet even a fraction of the celebrities you have."

Overhyped if you ask me.

"But now I really don't think you should return to work with them. They don't deserve you or your voice. You know, if you asked him to, Hunter would build you a recording studio. Building shit is kind of his thing," she concludes, obviously slipping in her vote for me bonding with Hunter.

My cheeks heat with a blush. I don't think Hunter would ever tell me no if I were to ask anything of him.

"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

The thought of building my own recording studio and making my own music has never been anything more than a fantasy. I've been part of a large studio for so long that it didn't even occur to me I could do it myself. There's always been someone or a team to do everything for me.

Now that I'm considering the possibility of making my own music, other ideas are forming. I could teach music to others, open a shop to bring music and instruments to town. There was an empty storefront right next to Tall Tails that would suffice.

My spiraling daydream is interrupted when Ginger leads me over to the full-length mirror in the corner, spinning me to face it and standing behind me. She brings the white eyelet dress in front of me, draping it over my front and showing me how it would look. It's short, hitting mid-thigh with an empire waist and low scooping neckline that would probably show a bit of cleavage but not too much. The sleeves are soft but bubbly. The overall look is sweet but with just enough appeal to be sexy if worn right.

"I think my brother would bite his own tongue off if he saw you in this."

Reaching up, I brush my hand down the short, gathered skirt of the dress. It'll have a little volume but nothing too poofy. It's very cottage-core-meets-baby-doll.

"Where did you get this?"

"I may have had a friend in town whip it up for you. Fairies can be very good with fabric. I'll introduce you to Larken sometime. Whenever I have a craving for something I see on a runway, I go to her."

I have no idea why fairies would be better for the job, but I'm guessing this Larken is a seamstress of some sort. That would be useful way out here, where access to certain things can be limited.

Staring at my reflection, I take in the white dress and the soft smile on Ginger's lips. I may not want to wear any makeup, but that doesn't seem to apply to her. She's just as put together as ever, with pristine application of a smoky eye with winged liner and a deep crimson lip with her auburn hair in a stylish soft wave. My assumption is that when she shifts, it doesn't affect her human form. Must be nice.

Again, my mind snags on the white dress. White doesn't seem an appropriate color for being chased through the woods and then fucked under a full moon. It would seem to be the absolute worst color to choose since it would get dirty in about three seconds. But if bonding is like marriage to shifters, white would be appropriate.

My mind stutters at the thought. That is effectively what I'd be doing, marrying Hunter. I look at the white dress a little differently now. Realizing this could be my wedding dress, and that's why Ginger picked white.

Seems strange to possibly be getting married with so little pomp and circumstance. No invitations or registries. No bridal party or flower arrangements. No photographer or ring bearer. Hell, beyond Ginger, no one else even knows we might be bonding tonight. Am I taking away something special for Hunter and his family by keeping it secret? Will his parents hate not being there?

Ew, never mind, his parents should definitely not be there. That's something I don't want them to see; I would be eternally mortified. But would they want to know beforehand? Does it matter to them?

"Ginger," I start, quietly trying to mentally form the question I want to ask.

"Yeah?"

"If Hunter and I bond as mates tonight, am I ruining some sacred ceremony by doing it this way? Secretive and all."

She smiles, and the affection in her expression has me holding my breath.

"No. You're not ruining anything, and trust me, no one will be upset. We don't have big, rehearsed ceremonies for it. But if you want a human wedding or party later, I will gladly make it happen."

My shoulders drop, and my heart bursts with a sparking joy I never knew myself capable of.

"Thanks, Ginger."

She nods and steps away, leaving me alone to stare at my reflection. Rosy-cheeked, smiling like a fool, and deciding that I think I am going to wear the white dress tonight.