CHAPTER 12
As soon as we arrived at the clothing store, Harper pulled me inside, and we started browsing through all the clothes hanging in the room.
I spotted many items that I would love to buy, but they were all too revealing. I knew I couldn’t wear them without everyone seeing my scars–at least not without my leather jacket on top.
However, there were a few nice sweaters, hoodies, and long–sleeved shirts that caught my eye. I also needed more jeans, but what I was really interested in were yoga pants because they are the most comfortable pants I have ever found.
As we were about to pay, Harper took my bank card from me, tucked it into her back pocket, and paid for everything.
“I’m not letting you pay for my clothes,” I insisted.
“Yes, you are. This is Landon’s credit card. The least he can do is buy his new wife some
clothes,” she laughed.
“Oh my goddess, you’re going to get me killed,” I said, hanging my head in disbelief.
“He knows how much I spend on clothes, so he won’t even think twice about it,” she replied.
“So, what’s it like out there?” I asked as we walked out of the shop with our bags.
“Out where?” Harper replied, looking confused.
“Out in the world? Out of a werewolf pack?” I clarified.
“Haven’t you ever been out of a pack before? I thought you said your mother used to take you
to the beach,” she said.
“She did, but there was never anyone else there. It was always just the two of us,” I explained.
“Oh, so you’ve never actually interacted with humans? Even though you are technically one of
them,” she remarked.
“Nope. I’ve been stuck in a pack my whole life,” I said.
“Well, we’re going to change that,” she declared.
“But you never answered my question,” I pointed out.
“Well, it’s not organized like a wolf pack. It’s a lot bigger, but there are still people in charge – the government, politicians. They’re all untrustworthy, and not many people have faith in them,
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” she said, causing me to scoff.
“I might actually fit in out there,” I replied, but Harper paused to look at me.
“Are you planning on leaving?”
+8 Porte
“What? No, I can’t. If I did, it would cause a huge war between Vincent’s pack and ours. I can’t
live with that kind of bloodshed on my hands,”
“Okay, because I don’t want you to leave,” she replied.
“I’m sure you have plenty of other friends,” I suggested.
“That’s not the point. They are my friends, but they’re also my friends because they want my
brother. You’re different; you’re married to my brother, but you don’t want him. So I know you’re
not using me,”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize,” I said.
“How could you? And don’t worry about it. I have fun with them, always leading them on and
”
letting them think they’re going to meet him, but when we get to the pack house, he’s not there,
she said.
“I take it you know he’s not there,” I smirked.
“Exactly,” she responded.
“Hey, what’s going on with the warriors? I’ve seen them running around all morning,”
“There was another incident last night. The savior was close to us; he appeared at a pack
about an hour away from here. Landon is trying to gather information from the people who
were there,” she explained.
“Landon really wants to find this guy, doesn’t he?” I asked.
“Are you kidding? It’s practically an obsession at this point,” she scoffed.
We had a lot of fun shopping that day, and I felt Harper and I were getting closer. However, I eventually had to go home. When I returned to the pack house, I walked in through the front
door.
I figured if Landon was going to confront me, I might as well get it over with. Sure enough, as soon as I walked in, I heard him calling out to me.
I followed his voice into the living room and saw him sitting with a family I hadn’t met before. They had luggaage with them so I was assuming that they weren’t from around here.
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“This is my wife, Arabella,” Landon introduced me, smiling.
What the f**k?
48
* Points >
I was really confused, so Landon walked over, took my hand, and led me to the other side of
the room. He made me sit on the couch next to him while I noticed Hayden standing by the
fireplace. He wore a neutral expression, making it hard to tell what was going on.
“Arabella, this is a family that has been looking for a pack to join since theirs was destroyed in
the war. They have felt practically homeless for years. When they heard about our marriage,
they thought this pack would be the best fit for them,” Landon said, still smiling at me.
And that was it. He was using me. He needed to build up his pack, and our fake marriage was
his tool. Acting like we were the happy couple just to attract new members.
“Well, that’s great. I hope you all can see this pack as your new home,” I said, forcing a smile
at them.
“I think this pack will be perfect for my family. Thank you so much for allowing us to join,” the
man replied.
“It’s really not a problem. We’re happy to have you,” I said.
“Hayden, do you think you could show them to their house?” Landon asked.
“Of course. Please follow me,” Hayden replied.
The parents, along with their two small children, stood up and bowed their heads in a sign of
respect.
As soon as they were out of sight, I stood up and moved a little away from Landon.
“What’s your problem?” he asked, remaining in his seat.
“If you’re planning to use me like that again, why not just send me a text instead of
ambushing me?” I replied, picking up my shopping bags.
“At least now I know how you act under pressure,” he said. I simply looked at him before
leaving the room.
Once in my room, I closed the door and set the bags on the floor inside my wardrobe. I turned
back toward the bed and noticed a box sitting on it.
I walked over and opened the box to reveal a beautiful dress, along with some jewelry and
matching shoes. I laid the dress on the bed and picked up the note to find out who had sent it.
Hey,
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* Point >
I’m taking you out to dinner tonight. Don’t worry. I’ve already cleared it with Landon. I’ll pick you up at 7. I found this dress and knew that you would look beautiful in it. Can’t wait to see you.
Kai
As I looked at the dress, a wave of panic washed over me at its revealing design features I’m not comfortable showcasing. I hurried to my wardrobe, searching for something to wear over it that would match.
Then I paused to consider the situation. Landon was completely fine with his head warrior taking me out to dinner.
But wouldn’t the rest of the pack find that odd or inappropriate? They would definitely start asking questions.
Something about this just didn’t seem right.