The words of celebration for the victory over the rogues spread throughout the pack. It made the pack members even happier. Everyone was busy with the preparations for the party. Women went to buy apparel while men busied themselves cleaning the pack. The servants were also busy decorating the packhouse.
Ruby and her friends were excited as well.
"How about we go shopping in town?" Nia suggested.
"It's a fantastic idea," the blonde exclaimed, clapping her hands.
"Wait, wait, wait…" Ruby silenced them. "Let me speak with Zane first. His wounds have not yet healed. I have to look after him. You have seen how clingy he has grown lately." She was eager to go shopping but pretended to be concerned about Zane.
"Oh, Ruby… You really care about him." Nia looked at her with admiration.
"You should go get permission from him," the blonde advised. "I am sure he won't stop you."
"I know." Ruby wrinkled her nose, nodding. "He won't say no to me. But I don't want to leave him alone."
"Please, please, Ruby…" Nia pleaded, holding her arm. "Come with us. There will be no fun without you."
"Yes, Ruby. Talk to him."
"Okay, okay…" Ruby held up her hands. "I will go talk to him. Wait for me." She got to her feet and exited Nia's room.
She looked for him everywhere in the packhouse but couldn't find him. She grew anxious, assuming he had gone to see Eleanor. Her stomach knotted as the rage started coursing through her veins. She ran out of the house.
Her steps halted when she noticed him approaching with Lucas. It was only then that she heaved a sigh of relief.
"Zane…" she dashed over to him.
Lucas groaned inwardly, looking at Ruby. "Don't lock yourself in the bedroom," he murmured in his ear before going away.
Zane glowered at his back, feeling a flash of irritation. But he had no way of punishing him. It was his fault.
As the future alpha of the pack, he should prioritize its security. Only if he ensured security could everyone live in peace and safety. But he had spent time with Ruby, forgetting about his responsibilities.
He was fortunate this time to have the opportunity to kill the rogue leader. It enhanced his popularity in the pack. Otherwise, everyone would have praised Connor.
He pulled up his face as he turned to her.
Ruby threw her arms around his neck and said, "Everyone is talking about you. I am so proud of you." She drew back and took his hands in hers. "My friends are praising you non-stop."
"Hmm…" He mustered a smile, hiding the dissatisfaction in his heart. "The soldiers fought valiantly. This is our victory."
"And we will celebrate it with zeal." Her eyes twinkled with joy. "My friends are going shopping in the town. They want me to join them. But I'd like to go with you. Will you come with me?" She smiled coquettishly, fluttering her eyelashes.
"I have things to do." He turned her down right away. "Enjoy your time with your friends. Take as much money as you want from my wallet."
Ruby wanted to jump and scream. But she suppressed her excitement, pouting. "You are not coming with me."
"Ruby…" He winced and pinched his brow. "Try to understand. The pack is preparing for a party. I have to ensure the security. Go with your friends."
Ruby figured she should leave before he got further irritated. She was already aware that he wouldn't stop her from going with her friends. She came to see what he was up to. After hearing his words, she was sure that he would be busy arranging the pack's security.
"Okay, okay… I am not going to bother you anymore." She held up her hands in defeat. "I will go with my friends." She linked her arm to his and asked, "What do I bring for you?"
"Nothing." He drew his hand back. "Just be careful out there." He marched in the direction Lucas had gone.
Ruby was a bit disappointed with his indifference. But she didn't think much since the excitement of the party and shopping overcame her. She hurried back to her friends.
Later that afternoon…
In the market…
"You have no idea how beautifully decorated the packhouse is," Cecilia said. Her eyes crinkled as she smiled. "Everyone is so excited about the party. I am super excited. My birthday and the victory party are going to happen on the same day. I hope Mamma and Papa get back soon."
"I miss them," Eleanor said sullenly.
"Oh… Don't make that face." Cecilia pouted. Her smile resumed in the next minute. "I noticed new outfits in the boutique. Let's go look at some dresses."
"And who is going to take care of the shop?"
"We can keep it locked for a while. Come on." Cecilia tugged on her arm. "Let's buy dresses for the party."
"I don't need a dress. If you want, buy one."
"Eleanor…" Cecilia groaned in frustration. "Why are you so impossible? Can't you have some fun in your life?"
"I am happy."
"Yeah…" Cecilia rolled her eyes. "It is useless to argue with you." She stomped out of the shop.
"Cecilia…" Eleanor called her, but Cecilia had already left. She sighed dejectedly and slumped on a stool, pulling her chin down. "I didn't mean to make you unhappy. How can I have fun while the murderer of my parents goes free?"
Sadness gripped her heart when she remembered her parents. She held the pendant, brushing her thumb over it. "I miss you," she whispered.
"Your cousin seemed mad at you. What is the matter? Did you guys fight?" A deep voice made her lift her head.
Eleanor was taken aback when she saw Connor walk in. Her mind wandered to the image of his bare chest. Her face instantly flushed.
"You… What brings you here?" she asked, rising to her feet.
"Are you disappointed to see me?" He cocked his head.
"Well…"
"I am here to return your bowl," he said, putting the bowl on the counter.
"Oh… thank you." She stuffed it in the drawer.
Connor smirked. "I should thank you for the paste. Take a look." He pointed at his cheek. "It works like magic on my wounds."
Eleanor glanced at his face. The scar that looked deep and ugly in the morning was not deep anymore. Only a faint mark was visible. The paste certainly enhanced the healing process.
"This is for you." He placed a carry bag on the counter that he had been holding the entire time.
"What is it?" She asked curiously.
"Check it."
Eleanor peered into the bag, only to find a white dress. "A dress? Why?" She looked at him with astonishment.
"I want you to wear it at the party tomorrow," Connor said, his tone demanding.
"I have a dress," Eleanor retorted. "I can't take it." She pushed the bag towards him.
Connor came in closer to the counter. "My friends always tease me about not having a girlfriend. I'd like to introduce you as my girlfriend to them."
"I am not your girlfriend," she exclaimed, panicked.
"This is only to silence them," he assured her. "I won't force you to do anything. Just be at the party with me."
"Connor…"
"Listen, Eleanor." He interrupted her. He leaned towards her and added, "This is not only for my benefit, but also for yours. Don't you want Ruby to stop bullying you? This is your chance to show her that you are not alone. She won't dare trouble you after learning that you are with me. Think about it."
Eleanor blinked, mouth agape.
Connor reached out to stroke her cheek. "I'm sure you will look stunning in that gown. I can't wait to see you wearing it."
A pair of prying eyes had seen it all from the shop on the opposite side. Those eyes radiated fire as they switched from black to hazel.