Blessed Luna Rising - Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Tara’ POV
Once I finally pulled myself together and stopped crying, I got up to shower and change my clothes.
“Um… I don’t really know what I’m doing. Do you think you could teach me? I say before walking to the bathroom.
“What do you mean?” Deidre asks with a puzzled look on her face.
“I mean… Well… No one ever taught me how to properly wash my hair, shave, or take care of myself.” I say looking down in embarrassment.
“Oh honey. Come on. I got you.” she says before grabbing my hand and pulling me to the bathroom.
Deidre had me lean over the side of the bath tub so she could really scrub my scalp and get my hair clean. Since I had never really been taught how to properly wash my hair she told me everything she did out loud and I tried desperately to remember everything she did. Once my hair was clean, she used a towel to dry it a little bit before grabbing something she called a Moroccan oil hair mask. She combed it through and after about 10 minutes she rinsed my hair out thoroughly. Deidre and Serenity decided this was officially a makeover so I could not see anything until they were done. Deidre handed me an exfoliating glove and some Dove Sensitive Skin body wash. I got in the shower and washed my body better than I was ever able to at Flaming Fangs. Deidre taught me how to shave my legs and under my arms without hurting myself and even though I was embarrassed, she never made me feel bad. Serenity walked in just as we finished to check on us and I started getting choked up.
“Thank you for all of this, guys… Deidre knows but you don’t, Serenity. My mom died when I was 8 and I never had anyone to teach me how to properly bathe, shave, or anything.” I say with tears in my eyes.
“Oh honey. It’s no problem. You’re my sister now and I’m glad to help. I’m sorry you have had it so rough.” Deidre says as she squeezes my hands.
“That’s right. You’re our sister. Anything you need, we will help.” Serenity says as she squeezes me from behind.
“Let’s teach you a little bit about skincare and give you a mini facial before Serenity starts playing dress up with you.” Deidre laughs as she side eyes her sister and I nod with a smile.
“Don’t be jealous, D. I can dress you up too so you’re not so frumpy.” Serenity says causing Deidre to gasp.
“I am not frumpy. Get out of here brat. I’m teaching Tara about skincare.” she shouts and Serenity just laughs as she walks out of the bathroom.
“Now where were we before we were so rudely interrupted.” she says and turns to the vanity. “Right. Skincare. We are going to do this step by step so you can really get a sense of it. Ok?” she asks and I nod with a smile.
She starts off exfoliating my face, cleaning it with a mild cleanser, toner, and then moisturizer. My face feels so soft and I don’t know what to do with myself.
“Final step is sunscreen. Yeah we don’t age like humans or really get sunburn but it’s never a bad idea to take care of your skin.” she says as she applies sunscreen to my face.
Next stop, Serenity. We try about a dozen things on. She gave me new underwear and a new bra. They don’t quite fit right but she said she would make sure I got a good one tomorrow when we go shopping. She settles on a pair of denim capris and a lavender v-neck t-shirt with some black flats.
“We’ll have to do another shopping trip when you gain some weight. You’ll start to fill in now that you’re loved and taken care of right.” Serenity says and Deidre nods in agreement with a smile.
“Now for your makeup then you’ll be ready for dinner with the Committee of Elders.” she says.
“Let’s keep it as natural looking as possible. We don’t want her to look too crazy.” Deidre responds. Serenity huffs clearly displeased with what Deidre says but after about 25 minutes she tells me to close my eyes so she can walk me to the mirror.
“3… 2… 1… Open your eyes, Tara.” Serenity and Deidre say very giddily. I open my eyes and my eyes fill with tears immediately.
My hair is a vibrant red and kinky curly like it used to be when my parents were alive. My green eyes no longer look dull. My skin is ivory in color and so soft and smooth. My freckles are prominent across my cheek bones and nose now. I haven’t looked like this in ten years. The make up is to die for as well. Light pink blush tinting my cheeks, red lipstick on my lips, and a light brown smokey eye with black eyeliner and mascara just make my eyes stand out.
“I love it.” I say barely above a whisper.
“Thank you so much, guys. I had no idea I could look like this.” I say a little louder trying not to cry and ruin my makeup. Both of them hug me tight with huge smiles on their faces then Deidre’s eyes do the familiar clouding over.
“I told Killian we’re done. He’ll be here in just a minute. He’s been linking me every 5 minutes to check on you since he left us with you.” she says and I can’t help but smile. Then the insecurity sets in and shakes my confidence.
“I hope he likes it… I know I’m not what an Alpha would want in a mate.” I say looking down at my hands. Deidre and Serenity both take one of my hands in their own and squeeze them.
“He loves you as you are. Killian believes in the mate bond and has been waiting for you for years.” Serenity says. I look to Deidre and she smiles as she nods.
Just then I hear the bedroom door open and his scent fills my nose and before I lay eyes on him.
“Girls? I’m out here. Can I have my mate back now?” Killian shouts.
“See! I told you. He’s wrapped around your finger, girl. You are EXACTLY what that big bad Alpha needs.” Serenity says as we all giggle at his antics.
“I can hear you. You’ve got three seconds and I’m going to come in there and get her myself.” he shouts back and we laugh louder.
“Hold on you grumpy old Alpha. We are doing the finishing touches.” Serenity says and we all stifle our laughs as he huffs loudly.
I stand up and walk out of the bathroom to meet him in the bedroom. I’m shaking with nerves as he comes into view. He’s beautiful and seeing him calms me down.
He’s wearing a pair of light blue jeans with a black belt, his all black shoes, a plain white t-shirt that hugs the curve of every muscle, and a black flannel over the t-shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He’s texting or something on his phone. He hasn’t noticed that I’ve entered the room but as I was getting ready to speak he sniffed the air and turn in my direction.
“Wow, you look beautiful.” he says after staring at me for what felt like forever. He walks towards me and closes the distance between us with four long strides.
“I can’t believe you’re mine.” he says as he rubs my cheek with the back of his hand. Without thinking, I lean in to hug him and I feel one hand on the back of my head while the other rubs my back.
“The Moon Goddess sure did bless this grumpy old Alpha.” he says causing me to giggle into his shirt.
“I could listen to that sound all day. I’ll do anything to make you laugh and see that smile.” he says as he tilts my face up to look at him and I feel my cheeks heat up. I nuzzle back into his chest to hide my red cheeks and he laughs out loud.
“I think I could listen to that sound all day too.” I whisper and he squeezes me.
“Don’t mind us. We’re just gonna sneak out of here.” Serenity says and Deidre huffs.
“Shut up. You ruined their moment. Get out.” she says pushing Serenity out the door as Killian and I laugh at their bickering.
Not even their bickering could get me to move from this warm, cozy chest I was currently snuggled against. I take a deep breath and sigh as we stand there holding each other.
“I’m safe.” I think to myself. I’m finally safe.