Page 27 of Knot Your Pucking Mate
“Retail therapy can solve any problem,” she says with a nod, placing my books into a carry bag. “I’ve got to send through an order for some of your backlog. We’re getting low. Your newfound popularity is doing great things for sales.”
I beam at her. Knowing that what I’m doing isn’t only helping me, it’s helping others as well, gives me the warm and fuzzies.
“That’s amazing! Send it through and I’ll get the stock to you asap. Do you want to have release day here again? We probably need to start organizing it soon.”
“I’d love to. I’ll start brainstorming and send you some ideas.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Leaving Lust & Lore with some new goodies, I decide to head to Proud O’s—my all-time favorite clothing store. I don’t really need any new clothing, but it doesn’t hurt to look, does it?
That’s what retail therapy is all about, right?
Proud O’s is a clothing store targeted towards providing loud, bright, colorful clothing. They stock all sizes, from petite to a full plus-size range, and you can find anything from sleepwear to evening gowns, all in these gorgeous patterns designed by their in-house art team.
It’s dopamine dressing at its finest.
I browse the store, taking my time. I grab a new sleep shorts and tank set in a ‘Magenta Leopard’ pattern, as well as some new rainbow scent blocking panties. Having my scent matches around means I’m soaking my panties a lot more often than I was before, and I need a few more to last me through my wash cycles.
Taking one last glance around the shop before heading to the register, a purple satin gown catches my eye, and I can’t help but go check it out.
The dress is pale purple with a lilac pattern embroidered in a pale pink thread. It’s a fitted, floor-length gown with a thigh-high split. On one shoulder is a simple purple spaghetti strap; on the other is a full-length sleeve covered in pink and purple fabric lilacs. It’s stunning, and I can’t help wishing I had an event to wear it to.
Hesitantly, I reach for the price tag. When I read the figure, I drop the tag like it’s on fire and take a step back.
Proud O is generally affordable, but sometimes they employ well-known designers, and that’s when their prices hike right up. This dress must be from one of those designers.
A little disappointed, I head home, wondering if the release of this book might be worth splurging on that stunning dress.
Right outside my building, I run into Chase standing against the brick wall looking a weird mix of sheepish and defensive. My eyes note the Lust & Lore bag in his hand. Weird coincidence.
“Hey,” I say with confusion. “What are you doing here? I didn’t expect to see you or Axel today. Did we have something planned?”
“No,” he answers stiffly. “I came to check on you. Axel said there’s been a lot of reporters hanging around you. It doesn’t seem safe to leave you unprotected.”
A snort escapes me. “Unprotected? What are they going to do? Flash me to death?”
If I didn’t know better, I’d say Chase is feeling protective and possessive.
“Well, no. But you’re an omega. And becoming well known now. You could be at risk. Any alpha could—”
“Stop right there. I’ve been an omega for far longer than you’ve known I’m an omega. I can take care of myself. Have you been following me?” I ask, my eyes daring to the bookshop bag again.
“Yes, but—”
“No. No buts. Not unless they’re hockey butts.”
Chase’s expression is one of pure confusion, and I can’t help but giggle at his expense.
“Inside joke. Chase, don’t bring this possessive alpha crap into things.”
“I can’t fucking help it, Mandy. I am an alpha. And you’re my mate. My scent match. It’s driving me nuts knowing you’re out here by yourself.”
“Chase, we’ve just started talking again. You haven’t even taken me on a date. You can’t do this.” Who does he think he is?
He steps off the wall, moving into my space. I have to tilt my head to look up at him. His size should intimidate, but I find myself weak at the knees and a little breathless at his proximity. Inhaling, I take in his rich, forest-rain scent before trying to step back. He doesn’t let me, his hands gripping my hips and holding me where I am.
“Then come on a date with me, Mandy.” There’s no bark, but the dominance rolls off of him in waves and I can’t refuse.
