The Alpha and The Enforcer [TATE]

Chapter 20

Ellie's P.O.V

I sighed for what felt like the hundredth time today, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My hair was still damp at the ends from the long, steamy shower I'd just taken — thirty whole minutes spent letting hot water pound against my skin, hoping it would help kill time and maybe calm my nerves. But it hadn't. If anything, it only heightened the awareness that I still had an hour left.

To say I was excited was an understatement. I was thrilled. Ecstatic. There weren't even words big enough to capture the way my chest buzzed with energy, the way my stomach fluttered with nerves and joy.

Grinning, I turned and walked into my bedroom, stopping in front of the box that still sat unopened on the bed where I'd left it earlier.

Slowly, almost reverently, I opened it.

My breath caught. "Aunt Mariah's got style," I whispered, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Even if it's just black and white."

The outfit inside was everything. Sleek black leather pants with sharp white accents that added an edge, a plain black long-sleeved blouse that felt like silk under my fingers, and a tailored jacket with black, white, and gold detailing that practically shimmered under the room's warm light. Folded beneath it were soft black boots with low heels and sturdy soles — perfect for comfort and presence.

I stepped into the bathroom again, the floor cool beneath my feet. My skin already smelled faintly of lavender and clean musk from my lotion. I slipped into the outfit piece by piece, the leather hugging my curves perfectly, the blouse fitting like it had been made just for me. The jacket settled over my shoulders with surprising weight, like it belonged there.

When I brushed my hair out, it gleamed under the soft overhead light. A few waves framed my face in that effortless kind of way I'd never mastered before today. I applied some makeup — subtle but defined — smoky eyes, contoured cheeks, and lip gloss with a satin finish, not too shiny. Just right.

What? It's a special day. I wanted to look good.

I walked back into my bedroom and stood in front of the full-length mirror. My breath hitched.

The outfit did more than fit — it defined me. It clung in all the right places, accentuating the strength in my body, the discipline it took to get here. With the makeup and jacket, I looked... powerful. A little dangerous. Like someone who belonged in command.

I looked like an Enforcer.

My hand reached for the door, but before I could turn the handle, a presence tugged at the edge of my mind — the mental brush of the pack link. My heart jumped; for a moment I feared the worst. Another attack?

"Hey," came Mike's familiar voice. "I heard the leaders are stepping down today."

I let out a slow breath of relief. Just Mike.

"Yeah," I replied simply, knowing he probably already got the details from Alpha Brian announcing it to the pack.

"Well then," he said, his tone warm. "I just wanted to say — as your best friend — you're going to be a great Enforcer, Ellie. We all know it."

My throat tightened at that. I swallowed, trying to find words, but all I managed was, "Thank you, Mike. I would hug you, but..."

The emotion was too much. Too full. Too raw.

"Save the hug for after the coronation," he replied, a soft chuckle in his voice. "When you're Enforcer Ellie. But more importantly, still my best friend. I'll see you there."

The link faded, but the warmth he left behind lingered like sunlight on my skin.

With one last breath to steady myself, I stepped out of the room and descended the stairs.