Coldsnap: The Billionaire Alpha's Fated Pregnant Princess (GL)
Chapter 155 - Killing Moods & Fracturing Hearts

Chapter 155: Chapter 155 - Killing Moods & Fracturing Hearts

I’m less than surprised that someone saw me coming in and alerted her. Shifting the nice bags over an arm, I raise my chin and look coolly at the same auburn haired werewolf who made my visit unpleasant the last time.

> At least her type is easy enough to deal with. I know everything is an attack. <

"I didn’t realize you lived at the spa. But I shouldn’t be surprised."

My opening felt a little weak - and a little low quality. But it doesn’t matter, as engaging at all was what she wanted me to give her. I just needed to say something so she didn’t start screeching at me to get a reaction.

"Oh, I have a standing appointment for maintenance treatments. One must keep up appearances when representing the family in social circles."

After suggesting how important she is, the woman makes a point of letting me see her eyes sweep over my packages. So I essentially know what sort of verbal attacks to expect.

"You seem to be making quite the investment in appearances yourself."

"I believe in looking presentable. Is that somehow problematic to you?"

"Not at all. I’m simply curious about how a recently arrived... visitor... manages such extensive shopping trips. The boutique here isn’t exactly the sort of budget-friendly environment someone without a job can afford."

The pause before ’visitor’ was deliberate. She wanted to say ’rogue’, but Anise was standing and watching this unfold behind the counter with her hand on her cheek. For some reason... I picture her as thinking she wished she had a beer.

> Probably accurate. She seems to love interpersonal entertainment. <

"While I appreciate your concern for my financial situation, I’m not sure that’s any of your business."

Victoria’s smile sharpened once more as she took a few steps closer. Clearly I’ve provided an angle of attack and she is working toward committing to it.

"Oh, I’m not concerned. I’m simply observant. It’s fascinating to me how quickly some people adapt to overly generous circumstances."

The implication was crystal clear - she thought I was taking advantage of Kyrie’s generosity. Which, until today, hadn’t been entirely wrong. But her assumption that I was still dependent on charity stung more than it should have.

I’d only spent my own money today - and outside of paying for the rideshare, I hadn’t spent any of Kyrie’s funds in days. Granted, I was not in the city or anywhere able to use her card, but she’s making it sound like it’s all I have used the Alpha for.

"Adaptability is a useful trait."

"Oh?"

A cackling laugh that grates as bad as she smells. I know that humans can’t detect her particular pheromones and it makes me wish for the first time in my life that I was not a shifter. Vrika was as displeased as I, tail flicking in agitation.

"What is it that you think of when you hear adaptable, I wonder? For me... scurrying cockroaches, ants, and beetles come to mind."

"Let’s see... I think of dogs used to being on short leashes. When you let them roam on their own, don’t they get into all sorts of trouble?"

Both of us were too well-bred to descend into outright hostility in public, I thought. But the undercurrent of challenge was unmistakable. She was here to anger and upset me - and I was only staying until she grew bored.

> Maybe she’ll leave us alone permanently if she decides I’m not interesting enough. <

"Oh, but don’t they?"

Victoria’s expression shifted and took on an air of mock concern that immediately put me on guard. An intrigue was coming that was somehow related to what I’d just said.

"I do hope you’re taking proper care of yourself, by the way. Word gets around in a community this size when newcomers visit our medical facilities."

My blood went cold. She knew about the clinic visit. Probably about the pregnancy. But my etiquette training was as solid as the slab of Composure. Plenty calm enough still to lie without batting an eye.

"I’m perfectly healthy, so I’m not sure what you mean."

"Oh, come now. Clinic visits aren’t exactly state secrets. People gossip. Though I suppose discretion varies - as does the value of rumor."

She was enjoying this, waiting for my poise to crack around the edges. Not exactly like a pastime - but like it was something she needed. I knew her type. The kind that wanted to be in charge and in control of others.

"Rumors?"

"Well, when someone from your former pack sends official demands claiming pregnancy and bloodline rights, naturally the important people talk. But thank goodness our Alpha clarified that such claims were completely unfounded."

Victoria’s quiet voice and smile was almost predatory - and my mind just... stopped. Barely registering the tinge of false sympathy in it all.

"Good thing you aren’t pregnant or our Alpha wouldn’t be sticking up for you this much. She has quite a reputation for protecting what she considers hers, but even she has limits. Lucky, lucky you."

These words hit so hard that my wolf yowled and the representation of Guardian’s Composure fissured and resealed slowly. That my pregnancy was somehow known by the pack and father of this child was terrible enough.

But the implication that Kyrie’s protection would evaporate if she learned the truth made that mental boulder become a mountain between us. All while this... this bitch was watching my face and waiting.

I felt the warm presence of the system perk resettling over my stuttering thoughts. Mother’s Intuition also tingled and made assessments appear in my head. That the woman was telling the truth, as she knew it.

> On all counts. Including that I’m *not* pregnant. She doesn’t know anything. She’s fishing. <

If she wanted to play games with information, I could play too. I laugh and stretch. Lowering my shoulders and sticking out my chest. Smiling with the smuggest expression I can make as I step closer and speak quietly.

"You seem so concerned about me that I’d almost think you are trying to steal me from her. Does the Alpha of your pack just take everything you want and leave you scraps?"

I managed to inject just the right amount of cool-headed amusement to it all... and Victoria’s smile turned over immediately into a frown. She hadn’t expected me to recover so quickly.

> Neither did I. My chest still hurts. I still want to find a cave and cry. <

None of the court women ever expected me to turn everything around on them like this either. To get close and speak not threats, but provocative terms to insult their intent. Confuse them with a twist of sexuality rather than being only the Haughty Princess.

"I’m sorry to say that I consider myself a full meal. No nibbles from naughty wolves allowed. So you should start sniffing at another woman’s haunches, Victoria, and leave mine for Kyrie."

"Harlot. No wonder they think you were pregnant. I take pack matters seriously. Outsiders with such questionable-"

"Speaking of our Alpha..."

I interrupted her rather smoothly. With an utterly relaxed and casual shift to my side, all while drawing out the phone. Waving it in front of her - while suddenly sneering - I almost feel the moment when all the power comes back to me.

"I should probably respond to her dinner invitation. Should I tell her you wanted to join us?"

As I made a show of opening Kyrie’s message - glancing at the picture she sent of the restaurant’s menu because she’s that thoughtful - Victoria’s face went through several interesting color and shape changes before the woman settled on anger and disgust.

> But I’m not done. I’m angry and disgusted too. With no one good to aim it at. <

"Actually, how often does Ms. Whitecrest get invited to private dinners with the most important person in the city, I wonder? You’re such an important person yourself, right? Must be nice to have such direct access all the time. I really am jealous."

The barb hit home as I smirked without any innocence. While my heart had cracked, I’d never really given anything away. But I can see hers open right up and reveal the fury underneath.

"You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. Know your place, rogue."

Glowing orange eyes and canines a bit too large are there as she starts to talk, but she hissed low enough that the seamstress couldn’t hear. Matching her tone, but with more control over my anger than she has, I re-shifted the bags on my arm.

"Get back to... whatever it is you do here. Maintenance treatments, was it? They really have their work cut out for them."

I walked away before she could respond or sputter, but I could feel her glare burning into my back with every step. Not my finest reason to ever smile, but the only one I had at the moment.