Wolf's Pack (Wolves Next Door #3) - Auryn Hadley Page 0,46

learn how to keep up, Mom."

"Cocoa first," I told her, "then we can do it all over again."

CHAPTER 15

* * *

The rest of the week became a rush of insanity. Tuesday, Ashley and I picked up Gabby after her drama rehearsal to go find a dress. My daughter was adamant that white and pink were not options. She found a red one that she loved, but I said no. It made her look closer to thirty. Just like I expected, that night, we found nothing.

But on Wednesday, Ashley doubled down, making a list of every single formal store in town. The moment my daughter was home from school, we were back out. Again, she found dresses she loved and I hated. Skintight, high slits, and more. But, just as tensions started to fray, Ashley came through for me, pulling out the most amazing golden gown.

It was made of a shimmering fabric that was just a bit brighter than Gabby's eyes. The top was mature but not indecent. The skirt was full and long, more like a proper ball gown. And the fit? It was close enough that she could've worn it off the rack, yet the older woman who owned the store insisted that she could make it better. Three hours of measuring and fitting later, and the woman promised it would be ready the next day.

Then, all that was left were the accessories. I really should've done this sooner. I knew that waiting till the last minute was a bad idea, but we'd only decided to actually have her quinceañera right before she turned, and then the winter holidays had been upon us. Since then, it felt like we hadn't stopped. I had no idea where the time had gone, but I could feel my hair turning greyer with each new task I remembered I hadn't done yet.

But it all came together just in time. Pax had found a DJ for the music. Ian and Lane handled decorating the community center. Heather and Kim hand delivered the pack's invitations. I had a hotel set up for my parents, but they showed up at the community gates just as I got off work. I was locking up the office when the wolf at the gate let out a sharp whistle.

"Elena?" he yelled. "You expecting company?"

I looked over to see a rental car, and my mother waving in the passenger seat. "That's my parents," I called back. "Let them in, would ya?"

The man activated the gate and then leaned closer to say something. I'd barely made it to the curb before my father pulled the car up beside me and rolled down Mom's window. Leaning in, I pointed right at my house.

"I'm the one in the very corner. Feel free to park in the drive and I'll be there by the time you're out, Papa."

I would've climbed in, but of course they'd picked the two door model, and I had no interest in wedging myself into the car for that short of a walk. My father made sure he had the right place, and then pulled away. Sure enough, I'd just stepped into my yard by the time they had the car parked, turned off, and were getting out.

"Nice place," my father said.

"Comes with the job," I admitted, "but I like it here. The school is really good - "

"There was a shooting!" my mother hissed, slamming the door to show what she felt about that.

I just sighed. "There was, but Gabby's fine, no one was killed, and the school had proper protections in place to make sure it wasn't nearly as bad as it could've been. Gabby actually just went back this week, and she said it's not as bad as she expected. Even the kids who did get shot have all completely recovered."

"Huh." My mother didn't sound impressed, but I hadn't really expected her to be.

But I led them inside. My father nodded as he looked around, clearly approving of the place. My mother glared, eyeing my furniture and decor tastes. Thankfully, just before she could open her mouth to tell me her opinion, Gabby realized we had company and rushed down the stairs.

"Abuela!" she squealed. "Abuelo!"

"Gabriella," my mother crooned, hugging her so tightly. "Look at you, all grown up."

"Just wait until tomorrow," Gabby said.

My father just lifted his chin toward me. "Is it going to be a problem getting in tomorrow too?"

"No," I assured him. "You just weren't on the list for today. I honestly wasn't sure when