-Juliette-

After class I went back to the apartment to see if Eloise wanted to help me find an outfit for tonight, I wanted this evenings dinner to be perfect as Dorian and Eloise meant so much to me I wanted them to like each other and get along well.

But as I reached the apartment I was actually surprised to find that Eloise wasn't here, and something told me she hadn't been here since last I saw her.

I knew she was more than likely with Clementine but I thought I'd shoot her a text just to be sure. She's still my little sister and I had to make sure she was safe.

[Juliette: Trying not to pry, just making sure you're still alive.]

I was trying to go for the nonchalant funny text, and thankfully it didn't take her long to respond.

[Eloise: Alive and well, I'm actually on lunch...started work today, tell you all about at dinner.]

I was impressed, I was glad to know that she had kept her word and found a job, this way I knew she'd keep out of harms way and be making some cash of her own.

[Juliette: super proud of you kiddo, see you tonight.]

[Eloise: I hate when you call me that I'm practically 18 already...send the address for the restaurant I'll meet you there.]

I rolled my eyes but had to admit that my little sister was more grown up than I cared to admit. Now that I think about it I suppose I should start planning a party for her birthday.

I text her the address and then decided since I had the day to myself I would visit the spa for a little much needed pampering.

__________

"What time is Eloise getting here?" Dorian asked as I helped him with his cuff links.

"She isn't, she has to meet us there because apparently she is just getting off of work."

"Good for her." He sounded impressed, "I like that she isn't just waiting around bored all day."

His words were meant as praise for my sister but I couldn't help but feel a little hurt from them as I found myself waiting around for him quite a bit.

"Well then, shall we?" He asked with his full smile in display.

As we left the room he help me down the stairs and then ushered me outside and into the car, as we drove to the restaurant the talk was sparse.

"I think I want to plan a party for my sisters birthday." I informed him.

He nodded, "when is it?"

"She'll be eighteen in the beginning of July."

"I think a party is a great idea, and by that time she will have been here a couple of months so I'm sure she will have met most of the pack by then."

At this I nodded, "she's hit it off well with Clementine and her friends."

"Those are good friends to have." He said as we pulled up to the valet station. "Clementine comes from a good strong family...any chance you've changed your mind about telling her about Us?"

He asked carefully.

I nodded, "I don't want to just trust it upon her like 'oh by the way my boyfriend isn't really my boyfriend because I'm really his wolfs mate'."

He smirked and shook his head.

"That being said...I've been dropping little things here and there, hoping she'll pick up on something to maybe spark some sort of curiosity in her surroundings."

The valet opened my door and I got out of the car, Dorian came around to my side and offered me his arm before walking us inside, It was a pleasant treat to have Eloise already there and looking quite fashionable. She came over and hugged me before turning to Dorian.

"It's a pleasure to see you again Dorian." She said politely as she smiled prettily.

"The pleasure is all mine Eloise, and may I say you look quite lovely this evening.

She smiled once more, "I apologize, I had planned on getting more dressed up but when I got the call about the job I didn't realize I would be getting out so late."

I was thankful that the two seemed to find such easy conversation.

"Nonsense, you look great." I put in before we followed the gentleman to our reserved table.

Dorian ordered red Wine for the table before he excused himself to take a call.

"I was just talking to Dorian, I know you'll protest but I'm going to throw you a birthday party."

"Jules." She sounded with despair. "I'm not really a birthday party invite hundreds of people sorta girl."

"I know, but hear me out...it would be a great way to officially introduce you to the community, sure you will have met most of the people by then plus your birthday can kick off summer too, so think of it as us throwing a summer party and acknowledging your birthday as well."

I knew she couldn't argue against that.

"You're the boss." She sounded.

"Speaking of?" I sounded, "tell me about your job."

"Oh...I'm a Receptionist for this independent company, I get paid $11 an hour plus I get an hour lunch and I'm guaranteed a full 80 hours every two weeks with the option of getting over time."

She nodded. "What company are you working for?"

"..."

"Sorry it took so long" Dorian sounded as he returned and took his seat. "What are we talking about?"

"I was telling Jules about my new job." Eloise said.

"Oh yeah, congratulations on you new endeavor by the way."

"Thanks, it's just a receptionist job. No big deal, I answer phones and transfer the calls to the proper departments."

"Hey a job's a job Eloise, your sister is proud of you and I'm proud of your determination to make something of yourself."

"Thanks."

She looked down at her phone just as Dorian looked down at his, I could tell they were both texting people and while I wouldn't normally mind, tonight I wanted it to just be about us.

The food finally came and they put there phones to the side for the time being, Eloise checked her phone every so often and before dessert was offered she announced that she needed to head home soon as she had work in the morning.

"Yeah we should be heading out too, I didn't realize it was getting so late and I have to email some documents to my father...also my parents want to have dinner tomorrow night." He said to me.

I watched as Dorian got up to take care of the bill and Eloise looked at me.

"Everything alright Jules?"

"Not really looking forward to dinner with Dorian's parents, while his mom is cordial they aren't the friendliest people, also they are the old...leaders of our community so they expect things to be done a certain way." I tried to fill her in without saying too much, "let's just say I'm not looking forward to the super stiff and cold dinner I'm going to endure tomorrow."

She gave me a hug, "that sucks, you'd think they'd love you since you're Dorian's mate and all."

I looked at her, "what'd you say?"

She giggled a little, "I know you don't like to talk about it too much, but you and Dorian are soulmates, I can tell."

She smiled at me and I couldn't help but smile back at how blissfully innocent my little sister is, she didn't have to worry about Were hierarchy, traditions, appearances, marking, becoming a Luna...or having a son.

I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders and I didn't have anyone to vent to.