Digging

The elders were digging into records of deaths and births of omegas and what they had on slaves. There was something fishy in the death of Deanta and her sister. Something very wrong indeed. Their deaths were ruled natural causes, but one coroner named Smithe had reported something else. It was since redacted but the file was easily found when the right palms were greased. He reported both having incredible amounts of cyanide, wolvesbane and burn marks between their toes. Almost like repeated silver needle puncture marks. Joshua scratched his head and figured he'd have to do some more sensitive digging or apply force in a few key areas. But he would find the truth one way or another.

Now to find out who parented Jessa. There had to be some way to trace her roots. She didn't look like other wolves, though he knew she was a wolf. He could sense hers inside, and sense it was strong. Maybe the blood work the doctor did would shed some light on the matter.

Across town Jessa sat pouring through books about proper Luna roles and behaviors. She had several of Luna Mae's friends as well as tutors all in the sitting room. She needed to learn her new role and her duties. It surprised everyone including herself that it all seemed to come so naturally to her. Almost like some innate sense.

She'd always been a good and quick study. That's what she put it down to. She could read the recipe books maybe twice and make anything in it on the fly. She had a memory for these things.

She wouldn't be expected to remember it all immediately, of course not, and Luna Mae would still be there to help her through it all, but for herself she wanted to know it all. She was dying to prove herself, any way that she could, that she DID belong beside James. That she WAS better than a nobody omega.

No one could question Amelia or Caleb's statuses anymore. They were proven. That useless pack might have stripped them of their rightful titles but only amongst themselves. No one could strip them of their blood and birthright. But what was hers? No one knew where she was from, no one knew who she was. Not even herself. And why, why did she feel like part of her was missing? Constantly yearning for something or someone else, like she was only half of a whole. She usually chalked it up to being alone and in the dark of her parentage.

Even if she'd been stolen from another pack someone had to know who at least her mother was. Maybe she could send word to packs near her old one. See if anyone had a baby go missing after rogue attacks. It couldn't be that hard surely. Someone would know of it. She had to hold on to that hope.

She didn't realize she'd wandered off in her thoughts until Luna Mae gently cleared her throat and lightly tapped her on the arm.

"Oh, I am sorry Luna, I got lost in my thoughts. You were saying?" she said with a blush riding high on her cheeks.

"I was saying to Mary here that your colors are definitely more fall colors. Reds, oranges, browns, nudes, tans, greens for sure, and golds. Medium to dark blues too. Your hair is such a striking color. I have seen it somewhere, but I can't recall where."

"I agree Luna, she is a fall complexion. Her paleness is an enhancement rather than a disadvantage. Of course, that's if you don't mind my saying so, future Luna. You remind me of a forest fairy." Mary remarked.

Mary had been dressing Luna Mae for nearly thirty years. She knew fashion, she knew high society couture. She might not be much for the body-hugging club wear girls these days seemed so into, but she could certainly dress a proper Luna and lady. From tasteful pantsuits to elegant ball gowns. Speaking of….

"Future Luna, I heard you were in my shop in the mall with Lady Amelia, Lady Anna and your lady in waiting. You purchased some of my dresses and suits. It's an honor to have you wearing my clothing. I am truly thrilled. But may I suggest making some alterations to your gown? I can shorten the length pf skirt to better suit your height or perhaps the bodice?"

"No need Mary, I found the perfect heels that take care of the length." She said secretly thrilling over the 5-inch heels she picked out. She was vain enough to love what they did for her legs, and the curves of her butt in them. She only hoped they'd drive James just as crazy.

"Your Grace, let me shorten the dress. Honestly, I couldn't fathom dancing all night in such a pair of heels. Your feet would never forgive yourself or me. It would be a simple matter." Mary insisted.

"Oh alright, as I don't think I can honestly dance in those blasted shoes all night either, I will concede, but please can I make a request?"

"Of course, Future Luna, anything."

"Could you take the excess fabric and make a small clutch and choker out of it? Something to match perfectly to my dress for the ball."

"Oh! What a wonderful idea! Now why didn't I think of that myself?" Mary exclaimed aloud.

Later on, as she slid into a tub of hot water Jessa thought about the battle to come. She wouldn't hear James as he tried repeatedly to talk her into staying behind. This was something she needed to do for herself. Same as Amelia and Caleb, and he wasn't trying to talk them out of going. Just her. He didn't think she could prove herself. She'd show him. Her training with Sabrina, Vivian and Lola was going fantastically. She was gaining more skill and speed by the day. She would pull her own in the battle. She was determined. No one would accuse her of not fighting in her own war.

She got out of the bath and sat rubbing lotions and creams into her skin as a knock came from the door. She wrapped her robe around herself more securely as Vivian and Anna entered. It was half past noon, and the girls had the serious shopping business faces on.

"I have both the black cards AND two wonderful big brothers downstairs waiting to escort us to the second half of our fabulous shopping spree. Amelia is downstairs waiting too. So, dress yourself smartly big sister and let's do some damage!" Anna bounced.

Vivan came forward with a silk blouse in a light tan and a pencil skirt with matching jacket in a deep russet along with comfortable and stylish pumps for her to put on while Anna pawed through what little jewelry she'd collected so far and chose a gold necklace with a leopard printed pendant and simple gold stud earrings.

As Anna applied makeup to Jessa, Vivian twisted her hair into a sophisticated ponytail she secured with a clip and let the curls fall back over it like a fountain. In less than 20 minutes they had her dressed, ready and in the limo with James and the others. As they rolled towards the mall Jessa thought she saw someone standing out in the woods but when she blinked, they were gone.