Coldsnap: The Billionaire Alpha's Fated Pregnant Princess (GL)
Chapter 40 - Ugly Jackets Over Pretty Dresses

Chapter 40: Chapter 40 - Ugly Jackets Over Pretty Dresses

"Yes, white. She made it her signature. Though she does branch out into other colors for specific occasions or purposes."

A long, palate cleansing drain of her ’beer’ ends in a satisfied sigh. I lick some of the fish oil from my lips while imagining the experience.

I had been ordered not to ’drink’ after an incident in my youth and for the most part I have kept to that promise I once made. For the most part.

"The red blouse you’re wearing is similar to pieces and accessories she’s favored. Her hair and skin tone makes the color pop. Ah, so jealous..."

I paused mid-bite after her words, staring at the remaining red roe on the platter.

The evaluation of hers was right, of course. But it only makes me feel...

> You’re wondering if I stood next to her, would it match? Yes, it would. She’s beautiful but Helene is actually rather attractive when she is cleaned up. Now, can you stop *pairing* us for maybe even an hour? <

Vrika is scolded by my fox form, with my smaller paws slapping down on his snout repeatedly. It only sits there and takes the tantrum, since it does not actually hurt other than being irritating.

Which is irritating! How come calming the spirit’s behavior down is riling me up?!

"Here, if you’re still hungry."

When the stylist saw me poking at the little remaining food like a child, she slid over what was left of her dish. It makes me sort of want to go dig a hole in the forest and scream into it.

"T-thank you. Are you sure?"

"You remind me of my niece; happier when eating. So yes, take it."

Mortified. It costs me many seconds to actually reach over and take the offering.

> Food should not be wasted. <

"You know, the city’s Winter Gala is coming up next month. It’s quite the event. Most of Vossden’s prominent figures attend."

I nod and push the information to the back of my mind. Social gatherings of the elite were likely similar regardless of the world, if the ’media’ Helene consumed were to be believed.

Opportunities for alliance, advancement, and occasionally, thrilling ambushes that lead to ’car chase’ scenes.

To be honest, I was a little disappointed that I did not see one of those on my walk into the city. Television made them seem so common.

"Ms. Voss... typically makes a statement with her ensemble."

"Is that something you help her with?"

A grin grows as her eyes narrow at me. Somehow... I feel like I have just been had.

That’s the look on her face, at least. As if I just let something interesting slip.

"When she requests it. She has quite a clear vision for her clothes, though. I merely execute it."

"I see."

"Will you be staying in Vossden long?"

Anise suddenly asked with a slight change in the conversation. I imagine she is trying to tell if I would make it to this event she mentioned.

My answer wants to be an immediate no so she stops whatever silly assumptions she is forming. But I consider it carefully... because whatever I say may just get back to that Alpha.

"I haven’t decided yet. It depends on a number of factors."

"Well, should you choose to remain, I always welcome returning clients that are as pleasant as you have been to work with. Especially those with connections to my other favorites."

> Better not to respond. <

The last piece of what was her dinner is swallowed down by me before I stand. I’ll consider the food payment for amusing her.

"I think I’m ready to try the dress on now."

"Lovely, I can’t wait to see how we can bring it together for you."

She called out as I retreated. And it did... feel like a retreat.

⧖ ☾ ❄ ☽ ⧖

The material’s fit skimmed over my figure in a way that was very flattering. All without being anywhere near as restrictive as a ceremonial outfit.

It fell to just above my knees. A practical enough length for walking through the streets.

Yet, the illusion neckline really was elegant enough to blend into more refined settings if necessary. The black, sheer lace topped shoes also provided the extra touch of symmetry.

"You really are good at picking things that are beautiful with a purpose."

The compliment was muttered while I examined my reflection out in the shop proper, in a different mirror than the private room. Anise had been steadily bringing accessories like the shoes that might be to my liking.

A red silk sash changed the midriff entirely, which altered the entire look. I’ve been upsold, for sure.

Same with the off-whitefurred scarf around my neck she brought out next, which I actually thought looked rather nice juxtaposed against the black twin-tails.

But the hand over her mouth clearly hides a smile and the request she just made to take a picture...

"...Why?"

"I just thought you might like to have some good ones to send to... whoever you’d like to see you like this. If I’m being too much, I apologize."

She doesn’t look like she is apologizing at all. That rose-colored device is still raised like she is ready to start taking... or is she already taking a video?

Chad certainly would be. But for some reason, I don’t find this sort of experience quite as rude or evil natured, if so.

> Is it because I’m soft on women who were nice to me? <

"My phone is... lost at the moment."

"Oh, that’s not good. Do you have any idea where you might have dropped it?"

Silly lies only necessitate more aversions, omissions, or better yet... weaving some truth into the matter. I look at the system clock quickly.

"I do and I intend to retrieve it soon. It is getting late, so we should probably wrap this up, Anise."

The woman stuffed her phone in that cleverly hidden pocket and smiled professionally.

"Which pieces would you like to purchase today?"

I spend a minute separating out what I feel is a minimum. I have nowhere to put it all right now, anyway.

No large wardrobes to fill. Only an old backpack already stuffed with a coat.

Two neutral tops, the red one I ate in, and the cardigan. Black wool pants and two pairs of denim ’jeans’... as well as two sets of the same undergarments.

> No one is going to see them anyway, stop looking at the white and red ones. <

As well as the simpler, low heeled flats that would be easier to kick off before transforming.

"These will do."

I stated a little imperiously. Maybe my tone conveyed more satisfaction than the words themselves, because her smile warmed again.

"Excellent choices. Does that include the dress, or would you like to wear a different outfit out?"

After looking down at myself for a while, tempted beyond reason to keep it, I finally sigh loudly. Why did she have to give me this card?

Did she sense - as someone capable of such impressive restraint - that I have the opposite particular lack of self control when it comes to money?

"Yes, please. And the red sash."

"Shall I package everything together?"

A defeated nod meets her as she walks over to tally and box the items.

"Excuse me, but I only have this to take everything in. Can they be folded tight into a bag that fits in here?"

She looks over at me with an awful look and I know just why. Not for my question.

While she wasn’t looking, I retrieved the backpack and picked up the jacket I had taken out of it earlier.

But it would take up extra space inside, so I wore it. It does not flatter the dress, at all.

"Uh, of course. I can do that. If that’s fine with you."

Part of me feels bad watching her struggle to look away. The other part wants to smirk in revenge.

"Oh, and you can take that picture now. Go ahead. Send it straight to her if you like."

"Spare me, please."

A friendly laugh tore through the boutique when she realized I was teasing her.