The realization is both sweet and unsettling. Instantly, I think of Snow, though he has no natural scent at all; I’ve already noticed he’s on a pheromonal suppressant. The only hint of his Allure was the hoodie, but it was too faint; so I could not correctly interpret our level of mateship.
The trend of using blockers has been growing stronger in society, many people relying on them, mostly for professional reasons. Company workers often use mild suppressants or masking deodorants to cover their Allure, all in order to prevent so-called mating games in the workplace.
"I have a feeling that a few of my sons might turn out to be quite compatible with you as well," Lake says, voicing what I had already concluded in my own mind.
I don’t answer. Getting that one awkward sentence out has cost me enough. I’m trembling a little inside, frustrated by how difficult speaking still is, how every word feels like prying open heavy gates.
We make our way to the register, and I pay for everything. Lake tries to pay for his own things, but I’m faster, tapping my phone against the scanner to cover both our carts.
"Thank you, sweetheart. You really don’t have to. We’re not struggling, you know. My husband used to be in a music band years ago, and I myself got a huge settlement from the two criminals who had bought my marriage contract. When Omega Red Line Agency took up my case, they stripped them of everything they owned, and it was plenty, since they won the lottery back in the day. Aiden and I invested wisely and set up trust funds for all our sons to secure their future, so you don’t need to worry about finances. You’re part of our family now, Sun’s brother-in-law, and an important guest. Please, don’t trouble yourself about money. We’ve got that covered."
I don’t say anything, because what is there to add? I’ve already guessed the Nolans aren’t poor, but it still eases me to know I don’t have to rely on their generosity, that I have my own means if I need them.
Together we leave the clothing store and start down a walkway toward the parking lot. Lake may have deliberately chosen a different route than before, since we still don’t know what happened with those two alphas.
We go down to a lower level and take a side corridor, and at one point I notice a pet store to my left. Something in the window catches my eye.
Behind the glass is a display of beautiful aquariums. I slow, then stop, and Lake pauses with me.
I stare for a long moment at the goldfish drifting in the tank. They look magical.
"You like them?" Lake asks with a smile.
I don’t answer, just nod.
"Would you like to go in and see more? Looks like they have plenty of aquariums and animals for fish lovers."
Seeing me hesitate, he leads the way inside, and I follow, relieved that it’s his suggestion.
The shop is lined with aquariums and terrariums. You can buy lizards, chameleons, turtles, or even a snake, but none of that interests me as much as the fish. I wander slowly from one tank to another, marveling at the bright colors. What surprises me most is that I know the names of every species. Does that mean I used to be into aquariums more deeply?
At the end of an aisle, I spot a small tank sold as a complete starter set. Inside swims a single fish, but it’s stunning. A large betta with a massive veil tail, golden with pale violet streaks and silver undertones. I love it instantly.
When Lake stops beside me and tilts his head, I point at the aquarium with the tip of my finger.
"You’d like to buy it?" he asks.
I nod.
"Of course. Perfect. Aquariums are such a beautiful, calming hobby. When I was a kid, I had a turtle, but its death hit me hard, and I never wanted another pet after that. But I can see this fish has really caught your attention. Let’s talk to the clerk."
Lake approaches the stout man behind the counter, who watches us from under thick brows.
"We’d like to buy this tank. Can it be sold as is?"
"Yes, but all the components are priced separately," the man says, handing us a slip. "Here’s a list of everything required for it to function properly."
I nod quickly, letting him know I’m ready to pay for everything.
He smiles and says, "Of course, but the fish can’t be transported in the tank. The water has to be drained."
I nod again.
He gets to work efficiently, first transferring the betta into a plastic bag, then draining the water, and finally packing the tank into large styrofoam boxes stacked in the corner.
The whole process takes about twenty minutes. Then we pay, and I’m handed the little bag with the fish.
We have to grab a second cart for the aquarium. Pushing two is awkward. Lake guides his with one hand while steering mine with the other, and I push with one hand while holding the fish in the other.
