Page 95 of Chased By My Grumpy Alpha
The shopkeeper presents me with the wrapped book, and I immediately press it into Astra’s hands. Her fingers close around it involuntarily, even as she continues to look conflicted.
“You wanted it,” I say simply. “If you want something, I’m going to make sure you get it.”
I open the door for her, and she walks out silently, clutching the book to her chest like a lifeline. As we head back into the square, she finally speaks.
“Thanks.” The word comes out grudgingly, like it’s being pulled from her throat. “For the book.”
“Anything you want, just get it. Let me worry about the money.”
“This is the first book I’ve ever bought.” Her voice is quiet. “The pack bookstore wouldn’t sell to me.”
My hands clench into fists by my side but my voice is carefully neutral. “Is that so? Maybe we should swing by your old pack. I’ll pluck their eyes out. If they wouldn’t let you read, they shouldn’t be able to, either.”
“Wh–what?” Astra’s shocked voice has me pausing, and I glance down at her.
“What?”
“That’s—” She struggles to find the right word, so I cut her off.
“Cruel? Monstrous?” I ask casually. “That is what I am. You should get used to it.”
I expect her to look a little fearful. Instead, she narrows her eyes and mutters, “I know you’re a jerk most of the time. Don’t know about the other two things.”
“Jerk?” I give her an offended look. “I hunt for you every day. I cook for you. I even let your feline use me as a scratching post.”
She blinks, and to my surprise, color floods her cheeks. “Yeah, well…”
Luna, who has been on my shoulder the entire time, purrs contentedly.
“Yeah, well?” I tug at Astra’s hair lightly. “That’s all you have to say?”
She bats my hands away. “Fine. I’m sorry. You’re not a jerk.”
“Good.” Looking at her red face, I can’t help but feel satisfied.
I pull out a small leather pouch and hand it to her. The weight of the gold coins inside makes her eyes widen in shock.
“My money is yours to spend as you wish,” I tell her.
“Lucian, I can’t—” she starts, but I don’t let her finish.
“Come.” I usher her toward the clothing stall before she can protest further.
When we get there, the merchant holds up the blue tunic I selected. “Will this work, sir?”
I gesture to Astra. “She’ll need matching pants, as well.”
“I can pick out my own clothes,” Astra insists.
“You had your chance. You wandered off instead.”
She looks like she wants to argue, but the merchant is already wrapping up her new outfit. Once he’s finished, I look at Astra expectantly.
When she only stares back at me, I glance at the pouch in her hands. She holds it out to me, but I shake my head.
“You’re going to manage my money from now on,” I inform her. “Pay the vendor.”
She blinks at me in confusion, then carefully counts out the appropriate coins to the merchant, who accepts them with a grateful nod.
