Chapter 271
Rebecca’s POV
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Lucas beamed as I pinned his artwork to my small design board, right next to my technical sketches. In that moment, watching my son s pride in contributing to my work, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for this balance I was finding–between motherhood, pack responsibilities, and my rekindled passion for design.
Ella’s soft cooing drew my attention to the bassinet near my desk. I peered in to find her awake, her tiny fists waving in the air as the gurgled contentedly. Her eyes, already showing hints of Dominic’s deep blue, followed the movement of my hands as I leaned down to stroke her cheek.
The door opened, and Dominic entered with a cup of tea. “Thought you might need this, he said, setting it on my desk. His eyes moved to Lucas’s drawing on my board, and a smile spread across his face.
“I see we have a new designer in the family,” he commented, ruffling Lucas’s hair.
Lucas giggled. “I help Mama!”
“He certainly does,” I agreed. “His color sense is impeccable.”
Dominic leaned over to look at my sketches. “These are coming along beautifully. The sustainable collection?”
I nodded. “We’re focusing on evening wear that incorporates traditional craftsmanship with innovative materials. This one uses a bamboo silk that drapes like liquid silver.”
As I explained the technical aspects of the design, Lucas climbed down from my lap and returned to his play area. Ella made a small sound of discontent, and Dominic lifted her from her bassinet, cradling her expertly against his chest.
“How was your session with Adrian today?” he asked, his tone casual but his eyes watchful.
“Productive,” I replied honestly. “And he mentioned he’s been dating someone from his Paris program. He’s considering applying for a position at a London fashion house.”
Dominic’s expression relaxed slightly. “Good. That sounds like he’s moving forward.”
I stood and stretched, moving to Dominic’s side to stroke Ella’s downy head. “This balance–it’s working better than I expected,” I admitted. “Being able to pursue design while still being present for the children and my Luna duties.”
Dominic kissed my forehead. “You’re extraordinary at everything you do, little doe. I never doubted you’d find your way.”
Lucas chose that moment to return, tugging at my pant leg and holding tip a small handprint he’d made on one of my sketch papers. My initial reaction was dismay–it was a technical drawing I’d spent hour on–but as I looked closer, I realized his little blue handprint actually enhanced the asymmetrical design I’d been struggling with.
“Lucas,” I said slowly, “you just solved a design problem I’ve been having.”
Dominic peered at the sketch. “He did, didn’t he? The placement of that handprint creates a beautiful counterbalance to the drape on the
left.”
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I lifted Lucas up, planting a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, my little artist.”
He beamed, completely unaware of the creative breakthrough he’d just facilitated. Ella made a satisfied gurgling sound from Dominics arms, as if adding her own approval.
Standing there, surrounded by my family while holding my work, I felt a sense of completeness I hadn’t experienced before. The pieces of my life weren’t competing–they were complementing each other in unexpected and beautiful ways.
The day of the exhibition at City Arts Academy arrived with a flurry of activity. The main gallery had been transformed into an elegant showcase for the sustainable fashion collection, with my designs prominently featured in the center of the space. Each piece was displayed on a custom mannequin, with detailed descriptions of the sustainable materials and techniques used in its creation.
I stood back, taking in the culmination of months of work. My series incorporated elements of Silver Moon aesthetics–subtle lunar phases embroidered along hemlines, fluid draping reminiscent of moonlight on water, and innovative use of naturally silver–toned sustainable fabrics. Yet I’d been careful to translate these pack influences into designs that would resonate with the human fashion world.
“They look even better than I imagined,” Adrian said, appearing beside me. He was dressed formally for the occasion, his usually casual professor look replaced by a sharp charcoal suit. “Your moon phase evening gown is already drawing attention from the press.”
I smoothed down my own outfit–a midnight blue dress of my own design, made from the same sustainable silk as several pieces in the collection. “It’s surreal seeing them displayed like this.”
Adrian nodded. “You should be proud. Your perspective brought something unique to this collection.”
Before I could respond, I spotted Dominic entering the gallery with Marianne, who was carrying Ella. Lucas walked between them, his eyes wide as he took in the unfamiliar setting. My heart swelled at the sight of them, my family coming to support me.
“Excuse me,” I said to Adrian. “My family’s here.”
He followed my gaze, his expression flickering briefly before settling into a polite smile. “Of course. I should check on the refreshments
anyway.”
I made my way through the growing crowd to my family. Lucas spotted me first, breaking free from Dominic’s hand to run toward me.
“Mama! Your dresses are here!” he exclaimed, pointing excitedly at the displays.
I scooped him up, planting a kiss on his cheek. “Yes, they are. Do you remember helping me with some of the drawings?”
He nodded enthusiastically, then pointed to the evening gown with the asymmetrical design. “My hand!”
Dominic reached us, his pride evident in his smile and through our bond. “The collection is stunning, Rebecca. Truly remarkable.”
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Marianne adjusted Ella in her arms. “You’ve captured something special in these designs, dear. There’s an essence of Luna strength in them, subtle but undeniable.”
I felt a flush of pleasure at their words. Through our bond, I could feel Dominic’s genuine admiration and pride, warming me from within.
A fashionably dressed woman approached us, introducing herself as an editor from a prominent fashion magazine. “Mrs. Sterling, your work is extraordinary. The way you’ve incorporated sustainable materials without sacrificing luxury or elegance–it’s exactly what we’ve
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been looking for in our upcoming special issue on eco–conscious fashion.”
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As we discussed the collection, I noticed Adrian across the room, expertly explaining the technical aspects of the sustainable fabrics to a group of interested attendees. He caught my eye briefly and gave a small, acknowledging nod before returning his attention to his
audience.
The editor excused herself after expressing interest in featuring my designs, and Dominic slipped his arm around my waist.
“You’re a sensation,” he murmured, his lips close to my ear. “I can hear what they’re saying about your work. They’re impressed–and they should be.”
