Page 39 of His to Hunt

“Well, now Mother Fate and the universe have both remembered you,” I growl. “They’ve remembered me, too. Providing for my mate is one of my most basics instincts. Now, are you going to go in there and let me take care of you like a good girl, or do I need to put you over my knee until you stop arguing with me?”

“I mean…” she looks down for a moment, a blush creeping up her neck. “I guess I could use a few things, if it’s not too much trouble. Clearly, you’re not struggling in quite the same way I am if you can buy a Land Rover on a whim. I just feel like I’m taking advantage of you.”

“I told you I was no hero,” I growl. “Silver Pack takes down a lot of bad people, and those people usually have a lot of resources. We’ve never felt bad about profiting off what we do. I’m not a billionaire like Saul, but I’ve got enough to live comfortably. Enough for you to live comfortably.”

Her eyes widen slightly. “Taking down bad guys is that profitable?”

“It’s not why we do it, but it’s a nice bonus,” I say. “So, look at it like this: you’re just spending money that would have been used for something much worse than a new wardrobe. I think you can put it to much better use.”

“Okay,” she says, a half-smile tugging the edge of her lips. “I guess I can look around.”

“Only one rule,” I add, looking into her eyes and grinning. “If you want me to buy it for you, you have to model it for me first.”

“Oh gosh,” she says, blushing slightly.

“Come on, mate,” I chuckle, opening my door. “Let’s see what dirty money looks like on you.”

When we reach the boutique door, I hold it open for her. There are two women working who quickly notice Taryn’s attire. I flash my black AmEx before they have a chance to say anything that would make me angry.

“She gets to try on anything she wants,” I instruct the women, looking around the boutique. “If she likes it, we’re buying it.”

Any objections the sales associates may have had quickly evaporate into enormous smiles. They’re the kind of smiles the sight of this card usually brings. I’ll have to remember to thank Saul for convincing me to get one rather than walking around with my pockets stuffed with cash like I used to do. It’s certainly made things easier, now that I’m actually spending some of the money I’ve been hoarding for years.

The sales associates are named Jennifer and Susan. They escort us to a private area in the back of the boutique. They pour some champagne for us, and I get comfortable in one of the chairs while Taryn looks around. I’ve got the best seat in the house, because I get to watch her try everything on.

I don’t intentionally eavesdrop, but I listen to the conversation rather than tuning it out like I usually would.

“This blue would look incredible on you,” Jennifer says. “It’ll bring out the blue in your eyes, too.”

“My eyes are gray,” Taryn mutters.

“Yes, but there is some blue in them,” Susan says. “You just need something to draw it out.”

“And this dress will match your complexion perfectly,” Susan adds. “Let me find some shoes to go with it.”

Taryn glances at me from across the room, like she’s checking to see if I’m already annoyed. I’m not annoyed; I’m enjoying it, even if Taryn is a little uncomfortable.

Watching my mate get fussed over by women who know how to make her look even more beautiful than she already does is a much better use of my time than sitting outside her house like a feral beast. I take a sip of champagne, but the bubbles do nothing for me. The only thing I want to taste is still standing across the room, looking overwhelmed by fabric.

“I don’t really wear dresses,” Taryn says hesitantly.

“Just try it on,” I say. “Maybe you’ve been wrong about what you should wear.”

Taryn’s cheeks turn pink, and Jennifer gives me a quick look. Almost amused. Almost nervous. Smart woman. She should be nervous. Anyone who gets near my mate should be nervous, whether they’re a threat or just trying to help her find clothes.

“I can pick out some everyday things for you to try, too,” Susan says quickly. “Jeans. Tops. A few sweaters. Some pajamas.”

“No pajamas,” I growl.

All three women look at me. I chuckle under my breath, because I’m sure Jennifer and Susan catch my drift, even if my mate doesn’t.

Taryn’s eyes widen. “What’s wrong with pajamas?”

“Nothing,” I say, leaning back in the chair. “Buy as many as you want. Just know I’m going to take them off you the moment you put them on.”

Her blush deepens, and the scent of her arousal blooms in the air. It takes everything in me not to grin like the savage wolf I am. She can glare all she wants. Her body likes when I talk to her like that.

Jennifer clears her throat. “I’ll, um, set up a dressing room.”