Chapter 138: The Boutique Confrontation
Chapter 138: The Boutique Confrontation
(Celeste’s POV)
The boutique, a lavish symbol of power gifted by Regina Blackwood, was in utter chaos.
Designer clothes scattered across the pristine marble floor told a story of disorder. Staff
members huddled by the counters, their wolves trembling in quiet submission.
The air crackled with tension. Something was distinctly wrong.
The tension thickened as we reached the source of the commotion.
There she was, Princess Katherine Blackwood.
Seated with the arrogance typical of royalty, Katherine lounged in an antique chair that had
been dragged into the center of the room like a makeshift throne. Her long crimson robes cascaded elegantly, enhanced by the gilded embroidery that shimmered with every flick of her
wrist.
Her violet eyes glinted menacingly, matching the cruel expression on her face. She radiated
dominance, her wolf exuding an air of deadly superiority that made ordinary wolves shiver.
Around her, two royal guards disguised in standard beta wolf security uniforms stood like sentinels. Their muscular forms remained stone–like as they loomed over the trembling store
staff kneeling on the floor.
My eyes scanned the scene quickly. The store manager knelt closest, his head bowed low. His
lip was swollen, and bruises ran across his cheekbones, fresh and dark.
“Business integrity?” Katherine’s melodic voice dripped with venom, her every word cutting like a blade. “How quaint and useless.”
She tapped her polished nails against the armrest of her chair. The sound carried throughout
the silent room, setting everyone’s nerves on edge.
“I asked for something simple. A ceremonial robe. And yet, here we are,” Katherine continued,
her tone soft, almost sweet, before it hardened like steel. “Must I repeat myself? Life matters
more than integrity, wouldn’t you agree?”
Her threat caused the manager’s wolf to whimper audibly. He raised his voice again, trembling. “Your Highness, as I’ve explained, the ceremonial robe is reserved. It’s already been paid for.”
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Chapter 138: The Boutique Conf…
The clarity in his tone shook slightly, fear creeping in despite his visible effort to remain professional.
Katherine tilted her head lazily, looking at him as if he were nothing more than an insect under her boot. “Do I strike you as someone who cares for excuses?”
Her lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, and those violet orbs glowed faintly – a warning from her royal wolf..
I stepped forward, interrupting her moment. “Your Highness.”
Katherine’s regal head turned toward me slowly, her expression shifting initially to curiosity.
“Who are you?” she demanded, her melodic voice carrying an edge of irritation at the interruption.
Ignoring Nina’s protective gesture to hold me back, I met Katherine’s gaze steadily. The memories of Moon Shadow Prison sparked at the back of my mind – the chains, the cold silver burns, and her face watching with cruel fascination. I swallowed the bitterness rising in my throat.
With controlled grace, I bowed just enough to honor her station without lowering myself completely. “Celeste Winters, Your Highness. The new owner of this establishment.”
I produced the deed Regina had handed me, the gold–etched document glinting under the
warm boutique lighting.
The staff immediately turned their attention toward me, their wolves sensing a possible shift in the balance of power. The manager blinked in confusion at my boldness but seemed somewhat reassured by my intervention.
Katherine, however, studied me more closely. Her violet eyes narrowed with suspicion.” Owner?” she repeated, leaning forward slightly as if trying to place me.
“Yes,” I confirmed, my tone polite but firm. “This boutique now belongs to me. Perhaps we
could resolve this situation in a more civil manner?”
The subtle shift in her wolf’s energy signaled interest – not in compromise, but in figuring out
my motives.
The store manager quickly took the opportunity to confirm. “Indeed, Your Highness. Lady
Winters recently acquired the property.”
Katherine arched one perfectly sculpted brow, clearly unimpressed but willing to proceed.”
Then you can resolve this. I want the moon–blessed ceremonial robe.”
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My grip on the deed tightened slightly, but my face remained composed. “I’m afraid that particular piece was reserved six months ago.”
Katherine’s expression darkened, her wolf bristling with annoyance. “By whom?”
I turned to the order book nestled on the counter. Flipping the pages deliberately, I allowed the
silence to linger. Finally, I read the reserved name: “Alexander Steele, Your Highness.”
The simple mention of his name made her wolf surge with raw emotion.
“Alex?” she asked, almost too quickly before correcting herself with a more royal tone.”
Alexander Steele reserved it?”
Her wolf’s reaction confirmed what I already suspected. Subtly, my eyes studied her, noticing
the faint flush along her cheekbones and the agitated way her fingers gripped the chair’s
armrest.
“Yes,” I replied evenly. “The robe was commissioned in preparation for his upcoming
engagement ceremony.”
Her violet eyes snapped back to mine, a flicker of rage flashing within them before she
controlled it.
“Engagement?” she said sharply, her tone dripping with disdain as though the word itself
insulted her status.
“Yes,” I replied as if oblivious to her growing animosity. “To the Second Daughter of the
Winters Pack.”
A sharp intake of breath came from one of the staff members kneeling nearby. Katherine’s
expression turned unrecognizable, twisting into something violent and bitter.
“That little nobody,” she hissed under her breath, though her words carried enough force to
chill the air.
I didn’t reply immediately, letting the insult hang for all to hear. Instead, I adjusted my posture
and added carefully, “The ceremonial robe would truly complement her natural charm. Its
ancient pack magic enhances the grace of the wearer.”
My tone sounded innocent, but the latent provocation wasn’t lost on her.
Katherine leaned back slowly, her nails now tapping rhythmically again. Her wolf pulsed with
restrained power, but I could tell she was calculating her next move.
I decided to push further, keeping my voice polite yet firm. “Perhaps Your Highness might discuss the matter directly with Alexander.”
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The suggestion caused her royal wolf’s aura to spike. “Are you suggesting I beg a Beta’s son
for a piece of fabric?”
“Of course not, Your Highness,” I replied, lowering my eyes in mock humility. “But Alexander Steele is known as the strongest warrior in the Alpha King’s region. Such matters would surely
be settled more directly between the two of you.”
She crossed her legs deliberately, her violet eyes narrowing. “You’re bold,” she commented dryly. “For someone in your position.”
I offered a small smile, neither confirming nor denying her words.
Silence stretched between us, thick with tension. Then, unexpectedly, Katherine laughed – a
sound both beautiful and unnerving.
She rose gracefully from her chair, her commanding presence filling the room. As she approached me, each step seemed deliberate, her heels clicking softly against the floor.
Her scent, laced with royal dominance, brushed against my senses, but I refused to flinch.
Katherine stopped just a breath away, tilting her head as she studied me more closely. The amusement in her gaze didn’t hide the calculating glint lurking beneath it.
“How interesting,” she murmured, her voice lowered now to something far deadlier. “Are you trying to use me to get rid of that little nobody?”
My wolf stiffened slightly, but I kept my gaze level. “Your Highness, I wouldn’t dare presume-”
She cut me off with a dismissive wave of her hand. “Enough.”
Her eyes bored into mine, and her lips curled into a cruel smile.
“Winters‘ daughter…” she said softly, dragging out the title before her smile widened
maliciously.
“Oh no… Marcus’s claimed mate,” Katherine added, her tone shifting to unmistakable
mockery.
My heart skipped a beat, but I quickly composed myself.
Katherine leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. “I remember you now.”
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