“Does it matter?” I say instead.
“I’m not going.” Her arms cross over her chest.
“You don’t get to decide that.” I give her an amused look. “Alpha’s orders.”
Her gaze sharpens. “I don’t have anything to wear.”
I bite back a smile at the obvious attempt at manipulation. “That’s why we’re going shopping.”
“I don’t have money for fancy clothes.”
“Don’t worry,” I say solemnly. “There’s a budget for you.”
All the fight leaves her posture, her body deflating slightly. I can see her running through other excuses in her head, trying to find a way out.
I close the distance between us and catch her chin, tilting her face up to mine. “We leave in twenty minutes. We’ll get something to eat on the way.”
She makes a face at me. “Why do we have to go shopping together?”
“Do you want to go ask the Alpha that?” I ask, and she blanches. “That’s what I thought.” I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, and she bats my hand away.
“Where are we going?” she asks, her tone carrying a hint of annoyance.
“I know some places here in the human district.”
That makes her stop and think for a moment. “Why here?”
“Because I know you won’t feel at ease shopping at shifter-owned stores.” I pull on my shirt. “I want you to be comfortable while we do this. Besides, humans have more creative designs than shifters. I’ve checked.”
She sneers. “Are you ashamed of being seen with me in the shifter business community?”
I raise a brow. “Not at all.” I begin walking toward the kitchen. “If you want to go to our shops, by all means—”
“No.” Her voice is quiet now, more subdued. “The human district is better.”
I smile slightly.
Stubbornlittle thing.
The human districtsprawls across the western edge of our territory, where pack influence fades and human commerce thrives. Tall buildings, crowded streets, the constant hum of people who have no idea what walks among them.
I’m glad Violet agreed to shop here. I want to be able to be myself with her. I want to spoil her to the fullest extent without anyone watching, judging, interfering.
I park in front of an upscale boutique, ignoring Violet’s increasingly anxious looks.
“This place looks expensive,” she says.
“It is.” I come around to open her door, offering my hand. “The company’s covering it.”
“The company.” She takes my hand, but her gaze sharpens. “Your father’s company.”
“Pack business requires proper attire.” I guide her toward the entrance. “Consider it part of your benefits package.”
A sleek woman in all black greets us at the door. “Welcome to Meridian. How can we help you today?”
“She needs a dress for a gala,” I say, keeping my hand on the small of Violet’s back. “And everything that goes with it.”
The woman’s eyes light up with the particular gleam of someone who smells a large commission. “Wonderful. Right this way.”
