CHAPTER 223: CHAPTER 223 - INTERVIEW PREP

The scent of fabrics and the scents they’ve been washed in, as well as that chemical cleaner all stores seem to use, fills my nose as I enter the boutique. Anise looks up from arranging some accessories over on the counter.

"Citra! Right on time. You look like hell."

Her face immediately brightens, then darkens as she greets me bluntly. I’d managed maybe three or four hours of sleep before waking up and diving into modeling research until my eyes burned.

Anything to avoid replaying everything I got up to last night. Not that’s it’s not interesting at all to think about, but it’s really very embarrassing altogether that I cannot simply picture it a *little*... without feeling aroused and sad at the same time.

"Good morning to you, too."

"Well, I did ask you to come to me for a reason. What are these color combinations? Lets get those off and into something he can’t say no to."

Setting down my bag - something I bought on the way here, because I still haven’t found the time to condition the leather one from the second hand store - she led me to the back where outfits hung waiting.

After a short back and forth, we settled on a sophisticated charcoal turtleneck, burgundy high waist skirt, and a set of tall boots with a bit of a heel. Though she was a bit more adamant that I had no choice but to use the seamless, nude thong and matching strapless bra she prepared for me.

And hip-to-toe opaque tights. I’ve never worn these before!

View the correct content at free.w e bn.ov(e)l(.)com.

I was too proud to admit that and ask for a demonstration, so I excused myself for a bathroom break while taking my phone with me to watch a tutorial. It really wasn’t too hard, though I may have taken too long to get an even fit when I came back.

It also seemed like dreadful ’vertical runs’ and small ’snags’ from fingernails, rings, or other jewelry is incredibly common - a real ’danger’ if not consistently careful and vigilant. Nothing like just pulling on a pair of socks quickly.

"Chances are they won’t ask you to change into anything today, even if his staff takes a few test shots - but if they do and his assistant gets a look... it will be a big plus in your favor."

She explained to me the importance of minimizing ’visible panty lines’... something that I’d already looked up in all the links that were sent to me by Claire. But the fact that she prepared me such high quality undergarments again was nice of her.

Meanwhile, yesterday I focused on cheap jog-wear, athletic bras, swimwear, and taking it all off to run the forests with-

"I understand. Really, I didn’t even refuse so I’m not sure why you are being so stern about it."

My wolf huffs at how I cut off my thoughts from those moments for the thousandth time. It’s still a little unhappy with me about how things were left.

"Because you’re looking different and I can’t put my finger on it. So I’m being extra cautious in case this is a case of your nerves... you look positively wired. Like you drank too much coffee."

Her pale blue eyes sweep over me again as I slip on the turtleneck first. I had doubts it would fit right with my chest size, but it seemed to be made well... making me realize I shouldn’t doubt a clothing stylist’s choices.

Especially when she goes on about fine-gauge merino wool versus cashmere, further versus fine-ribbed knit cotton blends for ten whole minutes. Though I’m still somewhat doubting the need for her to watch me dress in each part today.

I won’t say I’m feeling shy, exactly - I am still vainly snapping pictures every so often. But the expensive soft fabric against my still kind of sensitive skin keeps reminding me of touching Kyrie just so lightly.

Pulling on the skirt was the same, the non-pleated a-line skirt hugging my curves without looking inappropriate - even though it felt that way as the soft wool-blend brushed against the tights.

The boots also added just enough height that it changed how my whole silhouette was sculpted. My posture was refined as my body sought the new form of balance - and my rear looked so much more prominent that I regret not wearing these when I bent over by the poolside!

"No, seriously. there’s something... different. Good different. Your posture, maybe? Even before the boots. The way you’ve been holding your shoulders is both more relaxed and more confident..."

"I researched modeling techniques and mimicked them. Wanted to be prepared."

My deflection came instantly as I busily take another photo of myself... with a smug smirk at the entire outfit. It was a touch warm with it all on, but it looked lovely. When I turn my head, I see she wasn’t buying it, judging by her narrowed eyes.

"Uh-huh. I’m sure that’s all."

The blonde mercifully let it slide, but really is too observant at times - and I’m starting to think this is going to be a case of her working it out no matter what I do or say. But that doesn’t mean I have to give her the answer.

"Well, let’s get you even more camera-ready with some details. I know you don’t have any piercings, and that’s actually a good thing. He hates them. Though if you ever need any, my collection has clip-ons!"

I do miss having jewelry. Though I’m not sure there is an easy way for me to even get a piercing with werewolf regeneration. At least, it would probably close up quite rapidly if I ever took it out.

"Hm. Thinking about what he *does* like, these silver pieces should-"

"No silver."

My words were quick and commanding. Anise paused and looked up at me with a silver necklace and watch dangling from her fingers. Picked out of a jewelry box she seemed to have brought in for today.

"No metallic silver. I don’t... it disagrees with my skin."

Correct content is on freew.ebno(v)e\l.(c)om.

I repeat myself more carefully, knowing it probably gives something away if she already wasn’t sure before. A slow smile spread across her face. But she doesn’t seem scared.

I guess that means whatever her connection to our kind, it’s a positive one?

"Hmm? An allergy just like a certain CEO, is it? Did the two of you meet on some support group?

"I have no idea what you mean."

My courtly intuition can’t tell if she’s messing with us or not.

My wolf clearly can’t tell either... and while | Mother’s Intuition | seems to give me a feel for when people are lying with bits of malice in their hearts - like why I felt that first stalking rogue was not telling the truth about who he worked for - I’m not sure it will do anything over ’white’ lies.

"You know it’s actually the tin content in the alloys that most people are allergic to, not the silver itself. At least that’s what my niece told me when she asked for the receipt to return my last birthday gift."

"Still, it’s safer to avoid all of it."

"Of course."

She put the silver necklace back and pulled out... a different silvery one instead. But my instincts didn’t really react to their presence this time. Not like it did to that first necklace and not like it does to the weapons in my Stash.

That I still haven’t gotten rid of yet!