“Take all the time you need,” I say, though my wolf chafes at the delay. It wants to claim her now, mark her, breed her. But the human part of me knows better. “How about we go out on a date today and take things slow? We can go shopping.”
“Um, sure,” she says, her face pink. She picks up her fork and begins to eat her omelet, clearly using the food as anexcuse to gather her thoughts. I watch every expression that crosses her beautiful face. I’ve waited decades to find an omega. I can wait a little longer for her to come to us willingly.
But not too much longer.
The Wolf Isle Mall gleams with luxury, all marble floors and gold accents lining the store walls.
Anya walks between Lorenzo and me, her eyes wide as she takes in the high-end boutiques and exclusive shops. Her small hand occasionally brushes against mine as we walk, sending little jolts of electricity up my arm each time.
She’s still wearing that red sundress that makes my mouth water, though now she’s added a pair of strappy white sandals we bought her in the first store we visited. I can’t take my eyes off her. She’s captivating in the way she moves, the subtle sway of her hips, the delicate curve of her neck when she turns to look at something that catches her eye.
We pass a jewelry store, and she suddenly stops, her attention caught by something in the display. I follow her gaze and see a diamond necklace resting on black velvet in a cascade of brilliant stones that catch the light perfectly.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispers, leaning closer to the glass.
I study the way her eyes widen with wonder, the slight parting of her lips. She stares for a moment longer, then straightens and begins to walk away.
“Wait,” I say, catching her wrist gently. “You like it?”
She looks back at the necklace, then at me. “Of course. It’s stunning. But we should keep going. I’ve already let you guys spend way too much on me today.”
Without hesitation, I turn and walk into the store. Behind me, I hear Anya’s surprised gasp, then her hurried footsteps as she follows.
“Alaric, no!” she hisses, catching up to me as I approach the sales counter. “You don’t need to buy that!”
I ignore her protests, addressing the cashier behind the counter. “I’d like to purchase the diamond necklace in the window display, please.”
The saleswoman’s eyes light up with recognition. “Of course, Mr. Blackwood. Right away.”
Anya tugs at my sleeve, her voice dropping to an urgent whisper. “Are you insane? That has to cost a fortune!”
I look down at her, taking in her flushed cheeks and wide, anxious eyes. “Do you want it or not?”
“That’s not the point! I just met you yesterday, and you’re buying me diamonds?”
“Yes,” I say simply.
The saleswoman returns with the necklace on a display cushion, placing it before us. Up close, it’s even more impressive. It’s a waterfall of perfectly matched white diamonds set in platinum, each stone catching the light with fierce brilliance. The matching earrings look just as stunning.
Anya stares at it, then at me.
“I don’t need this,” she says, but the longing in her eyes betrays her.
“I never said you needed it,” I reply, pulling out my black card and handing it to the saleswoman. “I asked if you wanted it.”
As the saleswoman processes my payment, I catch Lorenzo’s amused smile from where he leans against a display case. He gives me a subtle nod of approval. We both know what we’re doing. We’re a pack showing her that with us, she’ll never want for anything again.
That she will always be provided for.
And I will always spoil my omega.
“We’d like to have this delivered to the house,” I tell thesaleswoman, who nods with the practiced efficiency of someone used to wealthy clients.
“Very good, Mr. Blackwood. Is there anything else I can assist you with today?”
I glance at Anya, who’s still staring at the necklace with a mix of awe and guilt. “Not at the moment, thank you.”
As we leave the store, Anya remains uncharacteristically silent. I place a hand at the small of her back, guiding her gently.
