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      As Claire showered, relishing the hot water pelting her back, Colin organized his home and texted Lily and Kali. As much as he loved the idea of Claire wearing only his clothing, wrapped completely in his scent so that everyone knew who they both belonged to, he knew that she couldn't show up to dinner at the packhouse in his sweatpants. 

      Within minutes of sending the text, his sisters were knocking on the door, their mates in tow with trunks of Lily's work. "What's her favorite color?" were the first words out of Lily's mouth as she got right into work mode. 

      Lily was a designer and a rather talented one at that. Wolves and other supernatural creatures from around the world came to her for special events. The embroidery she did was beautiful, and people were willing to pay hefty prices for it. 

      Colin ducked his head, a bit embarrassed. "I don't know," he mumbled. 

      Lily rolled her eyes and opened the trunks. Neatly folded shirts, pants, skirts, dresses, and jackets were arranged by color. Lily had brought her entire sample collection. Colin smiled, thanking her. 

      Claire had heard the door open, as well as smelled the arrival of Colin's siblings. She stayed in the shower longer than intended, nervous to see them. They seemed kind. When she could no longer hide in the steamy bathroom, she hugged the oversized tee shirt to her body and opened the door. 

      At the sound of the knob unlocking, Colin looked up, a goofy smile on his face. She was wearing his clothes, and it was better than he could imagine. The way their scents mixed made him excited; a little too excited. He knew how he would spend at least the first few minutes of the shower. He ran his fingers through his hair and said, "I should go shower." 

      Claire didn't want him to leave. She knew that he trusted his siblings, but she still did not want to be left alone. She wasn't sure if she could trust herself. 

      Before she could even begin to figure out how to voice her unease, Joe cut in. His voice was deep, a funny contrast to his mate's squeak. "You actually owe us a beer first." 

      Reed gave him a confused glance but shrugged and got some beers from the fridge, popping open the tops with his thumb. 

      Lily and Kali approached Claire immediately. "I have the perfect dress for you to wear tonight! Do you like dresses? If not, I have pants too," Lily squealed, excited to have a new doll to dress up. 

      Claire smiled politely, "Dresses are fine." 

      "My dresses are more than fine!" Lily laughed, shooing Claire into the bedroom. Kali followed along, rolling her eyes at the men before closing the door.

      "What's up?" Colin asked casually as he sipped his beer.

      Joe snorted, "What's up? You're having dinner at the packhouse." 

      Colin quickly put a hand to his lips, hushing the pair. I haven't spoken to her about it yet, he explained through the mind link. 

      Joe rolled his eyes. And when were you planning to?

      I'm not sure how, he sighed, gripping his drink. I honestly never thought I'd have to. I assumed I would join whatever pack my mate was in.

      You plan on just throwing her in without any warning? Reed cut in.

      Colin flinched. Do I have another choice? He had really wanted them to have an answer, and when they just sipped their drinks in silence, he got mad. So, what was the point of bringing it up if you aren't going to help?! Unless you're just reporting?

      Watch yourself, Reed growled; he had a lot of patience for his brother, often too much. But he would not take accusations like that lightly. 

      Too much had happened in the past week for Colin to keep calm. Again and again, he had failed his mate. But at least then, he had been able to try. Now, he was the one escorting her into a trap. And he could do nothing about it.

      "Both of you, shut up," Joe snapped aloud. "Colin, don't be an idiot, you know we are just worried about you. Reed, don't be an ass."

      Before the argument could continue, the door opened. "My fair gentlemen, may I introduce the star of the evening, Miss Claire Green!" Lily announced in an exaggerated British accent, giggling as Kali made trumpet sounds. 

      Claire, blushing, stepped out of Colin's room. Colin jumped to his feet, smiling so broadly it hurt his cheeks. She looked beautiful. 

      Lily had given her a dark green dress that fell a bit above her knees. Silver and gold embroidered flowers rang along the seams, catching the light as Claire walked over in heeled brown boots. The dress was not form-fitting, but it still hugged her wide hips. The thin straps showed off her defined arms and back. For a moment, a jealous spark ran through Colin; he did not want anyone else to see her like this, looking so stunning. Reed fought back a chuckle as he smelt the possessiveness surrounding his brother. 

      "You're so beautiful," Colin finally managed to speak. 

      The blush on Claire's cheeks turned deeper as she thanked him. Her hair was still wet, but she had clipped it partially up, letting the curls fall down her back. A few stray pieces fell out as she tried to cover her face.

      Both she-wolves stood a bit away from Claire, as if they still weren't sure how close they could get. Claire was far from offended; she was grateful. The world around her was far too unfamiliar for even the most mundane physical familiarities. As Lily had tied up the lacing on the back of the dress, her hand had brushed against the new scar of Claire's spine, causing a growl to erupt out of her throat. The men hadn't heard it due to their arguing; but if they had, Joe would've broken down the door. Lily and Kali both played it off very well, pretending as if they had heard nothing. But to Claire, it was just another sign that there was something wrong with her.