n

n

nAs August continued musing about the remarkable place she found herself in, the absurdity of shopping for a formal gown in the midst of everything struck her, and she thought about her mother. About all the people she hadn't seen since running from Jonathan in the forest that day. She was secluded in a forest with mythical creatures shopping for a dress while her family—well, some of her family—was mourning her absence.

nHer mom had to be beside herself in despair. Despite Alan, her and her mom had always been so close. They were more like sisters than mother and daughter. She felt tears start to sting her eyes—all of these emotions were made that much more difficult with Graeme now being gone. His presence always seemed to alleviate the turmoil that would swell, but now he was gone… August sucked in a breath and turned to Greta.

n

"So how does this work? Is there no money here?

" The need to busy her mind with something else had her finally asking the question that had been nagging her.

n

"Oh—no. Has Graeme not explained it?

" August shook her head.

"Everything works as barter. Even with packs that aren't our own. And there are many…

"

nAugust froze, stunned at the idea of many more packs. How many? Where? She swallowed the questions down, her eyes wide.

n

"Uh—but I have never bartered with anyone…

" She grimaced with guilt. Had she wronged the people who had been so kind to her in the market before?

n

"No, not for our family—the Hallowells have full access to everything, which of course doesn't mean we take advantage of it or anything like that. But due to the history of our family as leaders, it's tradition. My mom and dad and every Alpha and Luna going back throughout the generations… their service is seen as payment, even for generations to come.

"

nAugust's face contorted. There was no way not to feel guilty about this.

"But I'm… I wasn't part of that long tradition.

"

nGreta whirled to face her.

"You are Graeme's mate. You are one of us. When pack members offer you their goods or services, it means it is an honor to them. To reject their offer or to insist on bartering in some way would unsettle them.

"

n

"Okay.

" August thought back, hoping now that she hadn't accidentally offended anyone.

n

"We all help each other regardless. I am a healer for anyone who needs or wants it, and I don't ask for anything in return. It's like you with the pups. You need to allow yourself to feel your worth here to everyone, August,

" Greta added.

n

"Everyone here does what they love, what they are interested in, and it benefits the pack or it benefits lycan kind on a larger scale. In some cases, it even directly benefits humankind. It's not common to find a lycan who is unhappy with their chosen path,

" Greta explained as she continued searching the dresses.

nAugust thought about Woody and Clara's handwoven clothing, Sam and Jack's farm brewery and pup training, Mama May's pizzeria, Sylvia's reiki, Finn's work for the council… everyone seemed perfectly suited for the work they had chosen. And they all were happy doing it and sharing it with others.

n

"Oh! I found it!

" Greta gasped, pulling a gorgeous strapless shimmering gold gown off the rack.

"It matches your eyes.

"

nAugust was speechless.

"I-it's beautiful,

" she stuttered.

"But… um…

" she scanned the gown, realizing how closely it would fit. It would leave little to the imagination, but the sleeves that extended as a sheer cape at the back with the hand-applied glitter detail and embroidery made her heart swell. It was truly breathtaking.

n

"I can tell you like it,

" Greta observed.

"Show it off, girl. Graeme may be fighting the urge to strangle every male there, though,

" she winked.

nGreta and August tried on the two dresses Greta had picked out, and there was no denying that the red and gold were perfect. August took comfort in the fact that both dresses had the same mermaid fit, so she wouldn't be alone in how closely the material would be hugging her body. She was also pleased to observe how radiant Greta looked next to her.

n

"You are glowing, Greta,

" August smiled and watched how Greta's face lit up in response.

n

"You think so?

" she asked shyly.

n

"Yes. How have you been feeling?

" August asked.

n

"I'm actually starting to get a little nauseous in the mornings. That's usually a good sign, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up,

" she answered, and August saw her smile fall.

n

"Why is that?

" August asked.

n

"We were pregnant before. We lost it in the first trimester,

" she replied quietly.

n

"Oh, I'm so sorry,

" August said.

n

"If everything goes better this time, I might actually be showing in this dress,

" Greta giggled and turned to observe herself from the side.

n

"Already? How far along are you?

" August asked, stunned. Greta wasn't showing at all right now, and Samhain was only a few weeks away.

n

"A little over a month from my last period,

" she answered. August's confused expression caught her attention.

"Oh, right. You're human,

" she giggled.

"Our pregnancies are the same duration as humans', but our babies grow faster in the first trimester. The final trimester is mostly spent developing the lycan qualities that allow us to shift.

"

n

"Oh, I see,

" August replied. Her discussion with Graeme about a baby returned to her thoughts, and she gulped. She was overjoyed for Greta and Sam, but she wasn't ready for anything like that yet. It was terrifying.

"Will there be another fertility ritual at Samhain?

" She asked hesitantly.

n

"No, not this time. Samhain really has so much tradition to fit in, a typical full moon ritual would not work well. It's been a long time since there was actually a full moon on the same night,

" Greta explained. August breathed a sigh of relief.

"You know you don't have to participate in those, right?

"

nAugust nodded.

"Okay, that's good to know. It was definitely a surprise last time.

"

nGreta chuckled.

"Well you handled it well. Don't let the thought of it bother you.

"

nOnce they had changed back into their regular clothes, they returned the gowns to Lauren.

"I'll have the alterations done later this week,

" she assured them.

"Would you like to pick out the masquerade masks today as well? I have some that will match your dresses nicely.

"

n

"Did you handmake these as well?

" August asked, admiring the feather, lace, and glitter details of each.

n

"Yes. They are so much fun,

" Lauren smiled.

"I look forward to Samhain all year.

"

n

"They are beautiful,

" August replied. She chose a mask with an elaborate black lace design that fit over the face and had a large plume of black and gold feathers adorning one side while Greta chose a simple red lace mask to match her dress.

n

"We should help each other get ready that day. What do you think?

" Greta asked as they left the shop.

"We don't want the guys trying to convince us to change, right? We'll surprise them,

" a glint of mischief played in her eyes.

n

"That sounds fun,

" August agreed, now beginning to share in the enthusiasm for the upcoming festival.. It was something to look forward to amidst all the uncertainty.

n