His

Blood Is Thicker Than Water

"All the girls in the pack already love you because they get to go to the gala. So you're off to a good start."

I smirked at Sadie. We were getting our hair and makeup done for the party tonight. She had insisted on having thick winged liner and red lipstick but I had been able to keep her away from the eyeshadow, claiming she'd look more striking with just liner, mascara, and lipstick. And it was true. Her porcelain skin made the stark black and red look amazing. Her hair was being arranged in a perfect bun high on the back of her head so that the red satin choker Daphne had sold her on could be shown off. I choose the same thick liner, added some soft pink lipstick and had my dark brown curls pulled back and braided with a bow.

Eyes closed, I smiled in amusement. "That's good, I guess."

My arm was pinched and I opened them again to look at Sadie.

"Why are you always so blaśe about everything? It's very annoying."

I pursed my lips in thought, knowing full well that my attitude was annoying.

"I think... this kind of thing isn't exciting anymore. My family went to these parties a lot. I guess the magic just wore off," I explained honestly.

Sadie sat back in her chair, her shoulders sinking a little. Guilt finagled into my stomach. This was probably one of her first big parties. The least I could have done was get hyped up with her. My face twisted up as a thought occured to me. I needed something real to talk with her about - she was too smart to fall for anything fake.

My wolf pressed into my mind. "Be a good person."

I rolled my eyes quickly and then cleared my throat.

"I don't know how Lochlan will react when he sees me tonight."

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sadie sneak a peak at me in curiosity.

I ground my teeth together, "I don't know why I care exactly. And it's deeply irritating that I do. But I sort of want him to be impressed." I jumped back on that, disgusted by my words, "no, that's not the right word-"

"No, that's the word. You want him to think you're sexy," she butt in.

My face got hot and I shifted uncomfortably in my chair. The stylist grabbed my shoulders and forced me to sit still.

"I hope your boyfriend likes an outspoken girl with no filter," I muttered, keeping in mind that we were in a human salon.

Sadie smiled, looking rather smug.

"I know he will. But that's beside the point. He'll think you're beautiful, I know it."

The stylist stepped away to grab the bow I had picked out and Sadie leaned over, more earnest.

"I know you don't want to like Lochlan and believe it or not, I understand why. But don't beat yourself up for wanting to look nice for him. He's your mate and because of that, those types of feelings are out of your control."

I smiled rueful. "You're a lot more wise than you should be, Sadie." I arched a brow at her, "you remind me of myself. Knowing far more than you should at your age."

The bow was placed in my hair, we paid, and I drove us back to the territory. Sadie insisted we go in through the back of the house so that no one saw us all done up, even if it was just hair and makeup. She also had me get dressed in her room so that Lochlan couldn't see me until I walked into the Hall. I fingered the zipper on my garment bag thoughtfully.

"I wonder when I'll get to meet your parents. It's funny that I'll basically meet everyone but them first."

Sadie turned away from the TV and looked at me strangely. Then, she pressed her lips together.