Page 43 of Brutal Alpha's Sold Mate
She rolls her eyes. “Let’s just do this before you start bossing me around again.”
We stroll toward the first row of shops. A few other wolves from my pack wander around, but they give us space, probably sensing I don’t want to discuss pack matters right now. Kai tugs me toward a store with a wooden sign overhead. The place sells hygiene items and random everyday essentials.
Inside, she starts perusing the shelves. I stand behind her, trying not to look too out of place in the aisle full of shampoos and lotions. She picks up a few items, checks the labels, and glances back at me. “Any idea if your pack’s got allergies to these ingredients?”
I shrug. “Not a clue, but you’re shopping for yourself, so I’d say go for it. My pack can manage if the smell offends their delicate noses.”
She laughs, and the sound dances through the store. I realize I like hearing her relaxed like that. It’s rare. Usually, she’s on edge and full of focus, training novices, planning new combat drills. Here, she’s just… Kai.
She grabs a shampoo bottle. “This one should help wash out the leftover chemical stench from that potion. Jade might be working on my insides, but I still feel grimy.”
“Pick whatever helps. I’m paying.” She starts to protest, but I cut her off. “Don’t argue. Consider it a small apology for all the ways I messed up your life.”
Her shoulders tense, then loosen. “Fine. You’re paying.” She tosses the bottle in a small basket. “You know how to ruin a moment, don’t you?”
I let out a breathy chuckle. “I’m trying to fix stuff, not ruin it.”
She eyes me with a mix of amusement and curiosity, then nudges my side. “All right, big spender. Come on. I need that new jacket.”
We step back onto the sidewalk. The day is bright, and the sky is clear overhead. Black Cauldron bustles with wolves and a few humans passing through. Kai points to a boutique at the corner, and we wander inside. Jackets, shirts, and other garments hang in neat rows. She starts flipping through racks, checking sizes.
“Looking for anything in particular?” I ask.
“Something sturdy. My last jacket got torn to pieces in that scuffle. Don’t want to risk more cheap stuff.”
“Makes sense. Try that one.” I point to a dark, fitted style on the rack. She slides it off the hanger and holds it up to her torso. She looks amazing without even trying it on.
She glances in my direction, noticing my stare. “What?”
“Nothing,” I say quickly, “just… suits you.” I’m not lying. The color complements her eyes perfectly.
Her cheeks turn the tiniest bit pink, but she masks it by shrugging the jacket on. “Zipper works. Sleeves fit. Not bad.”
“Check the price. I’m no billionaire alpha, but I can afford something decent.”
She peeks at the tag. “Not cheap, but not crazy.”
I grin. “Deal.”
As we check out, the owner offers a mild greeting. Kai slides the jacket over her arm, beaming at me in a way that makes my chest flutter. I can’t remember the last time I felt this free. No border disputes, no watchers trailing behind me withdire reports. Just me and the woman I never expected to want by my side.
Outside, I spot a small café and nudge her. “Hungry? You said you skipped lunch. Maybe something sweet?”
“Sugar,” she agrees. “Great for a warrior’s diet.”
I lead her toward the café, ignoring any stares from passing wolves. The place is cozy, with a few tables scattered around offering pastries and drinks. I order something sweet for us both, some sort of pastry drizzled with icing. She eyes it warily, then takes a bite, groaning at how good it is.
“Okay,” she mumbles around a mouthful. “I can’t even pretend this isn’t delicious.”
I laugh, polishing off my pastry. “Told you.”
She swipes a crumb off the corner of her mouth, studying me. “You’re in an unusually good mood. Usually, you’re all gruff and alpha-y.”
I lean back in my chair, stretching my legs. “Ever think maybe I’m tired of being gruff and alpha-y?”
“Yeah. I can see that.”
We finish our pastries, sipping on drinks that are a bit too sweet for everyday taste but perfect for this moment. Once again, I get the feeling we’re on a date—an actual date, not a forced mate arrangement or a pack strategy meeting. My heart skips a beat, which is ridiculous, because I’m an alpha, right?
