“We’re changing that now, aren’t we?” Mason said, refusing to let me talk my way out of this. “That was my whole purpose in taking you shopping.”
“Their interruption changes nothing,” Cade agreed. “In fact, it just gives us more time to get to know you as a group. I meant what I said, Lana. You were ours to protect the moment Conrad asked us to, but now the stakes are even higher. Your scentchanged, it calls to me now. We’re mates, and I intend to prove to you that we’re worthy of your trust.”
He didn’t wait for me to respond, backing us out of the driveway and heading across the city.
The thing was, I believed him. They were already showing me that they were attentive. I also knew that realistically there was no real way to know if they’d stay that way, but I wasn’t going in blinded by infatuation and big talk. I was working past a fading bond, and they were this amazing even before they could truly scent me.
There were just a few things I needed to make sure they understood.
“I’m not diving into another relationship,” I finally said, breaking the quiet that had grown a bit too tense.
“We know what you’ve been through, princess. We’re not going to rush you,” Mason promised. “Despite what you know of me, I can, in fact, be patient when I have to be.”
“We’ve waited a long time for you. We can wait a little longer,” Cade added.
“And if I say that I want to pay for everything today and pay for my own things in general, would you stop me?”
They both fell quiet, and Cade narrowed his eyes.
“That depends,” he said. “Is it going to be an every-time thing?”
I thought it over, considering it from their side as well. “No, I don’t think so. I like the idea of my pack spoiling me every once in a while. I just need you guys to know that I can take care of myself from time to time, and I think this time I need to pay for myself.”
“We would never deny you what you need,” Cade said gently, though the conflict in his eyes was loud and clear. “Even if it goes against our instincts.”
“Our instincts simply tell us to take care of you,” Mason added. “And again, if this is what our omega needs?—”
“Thanks. I think I just need to know that my boundaries will be respected. That you guys won’t erase me to fit whatever trophy version of a partner you have in your minds.”
“We will absolutely listen to your wishes on things like this,” Mason said, his words careful. “We have boundaries of our own. My request is that you can’t compare us to your exes. I understand you’ve been through hell with them, that you’re going to need reassurance, and from time to time comparisons might happen. But if you’ve written them off, then let them stay there in that box you’ve shoved them into. Let them go, and live in the moment with us. We aren’t, and are never going to be, the same.”
He was right. If I truly wanted to let them go, then I had to let them go. I couldn’t keep using my past relationships against them. We would all be miserable.
“Okay,” I relented. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
The silence was more thoughtful than tense this time. I slowly breathed through my swirling thoughts, shoving away my worries for now. I wanted to enjoy today with them.
By the time we pulled up to the mall and Cade parked, Mason was already out of his seat and opening my door before I could even try.
“M’lady,” he offered, holding out his hand.
I bit back a smile and let him pull me out of the car. He didn’t let go of my hand when I got out, and my stomach fluttered as Cade took my other after locking his SUV. They led me into the mall like that, my hand in both of theirs.
Cade was quiet but happy to follow along as Mason and I bounced from store to store. Conrad was right about Mason being the right choice. He helped me pick out potential clothes for my future job, professional outfits that were still cute. Hebarely knew me, but he had my style down easily, paying attention when I lingered on certain pieces.
“Hello. Are you interested in testing out some products?” a woman asked as we walked past. I hadn’t even realized we were near the makeup counter until she spoke. “We got a new line in and have free makeovers to give away. I love a willing target. I can even call in the hair girls if you want the full experience.”
“We do,” Mason answered for me with a grin. “I would kill for a smoky eye.”
“You know what? Hell yeah,” she said before calling out. “Melody, we have some victims!”
An excited beta rushed over, her curls bouncing. She had the healthiest hair I’d ever seen. It was long and glossy. I was more than a little jealous, especially since my hair was straight and didn’t do much of anything.
“Two victims? What did we do to deserve this?” Melody sang out before giving me a wink. “Don’t worry, Bethany and I are incredible. You’re going to feel like a new omega and delta by the time you’re done.”
Mason looked excited, and a little relieved, at their easy acceptance. I was just glad I wasn’t going to have to kick anybody’s ass for being rude to him. I liked this side of him. He was open and relaxed, not putting on his usual flirty act.
They promptly sat us both down in the chairs, Melody setting up her products while Bethany studied us like blank canvases she couldn’t wait to start on.
