Page 23 of A Beta Protects

Not everyone was born and raised in Wylder. Tricia is a relatively new transplant. She gave up her corporate job in New York three years ago to work on building her dream boutique business. She’s been happy here, and has no intention of leaving.

There’s something about Wylder that makes a person want to stay. I hope to infect Kira with whatever that special something is.

Like most businesses, it’s about riding out the quiet times, taking advantage of the big shoppers from the city to earn big in the peak spring and summer season.

I cross my arms as I prepare to wait for however long Kira needs to pick out new clothes for herself. “That’s what I thought. When my friend is ready, if she happens to mention something about me buying clothes for someone else as a birthday present, please play along.”

Friend doesn’t come close to describing what Kira means to me, but calling her my mate isn’t an option. Girlfriend just seems tepid.

Tricia leans toward me. “Who is she buying clothes for?”

“I am buying clothes for her.” I speak out of the side of my mouth, giving Kira a reassuring smile when she glances at me.

Tricia’s voice lowers. “How many outfits?”

“I said five or six. More if she could be encouraged to?—”

“Leave it with me.” Tricia straightens, determination in every line of her body. “Prepare to watch a master at work.” She takes a step, then pauses, tilting her head toward me. “Budget?”

I shake my head. “No budget. And she needs everything.”

Tricia doesn’t ask why Kira would need everything. She just nods to show she understands the mission I’ve set for her. She’ll cover all bases. Clothes, nightwear, and lingerie. Everything.

“Then prepare for maximum damage.” She steps around the counter and strides purposefully toward Kira, who’s reaching for a pretty floral blouse, looking like a deer caught in headlights at Tricia’s rapid approach.

An hour later, and true to Tricia’s word, she has delivered on maximum damage.

Maximum damage to the tune of six thousand dollars and more bags than I can carry. I have eight. Kira has two, and that’s only because the bags have thin handles that mean I can’t slide them up my arms and carry more.

“Come back soon,” Tricia says, holding the door open for us.

“Thanks.” I add in a quieter tone, “You truly were masterful.”

She preens, pleased. “Well, I have new stock coming in soon. Blue brings out your friend’s eyes and I can set aside a couple of dresses for her.”

Message delivered and understood.

“I’ll stop by,” I promise.

“That was a lot of clothes,” Kira says as we step outside, her eyes on the bags in my hands. “And money. The shop owner kept forgetting who the clothes were for. She had me try stuff on a ton of stuff.”

“I mentioned it was for Rose, and you’re about the same size, so I guess she wanted to make sure things would fit properly,” I lie, leading the way to my car.

I’d caught Kira smiling and laughing as she was sucked into the shopping experience. As I’d paid, I’d added a generous tip for Tricia as thanks for delivering on her promise because seeing my mate happy like that is priceless.

Popping open the trunk, we place the bags inside and I slam it shut. I turn to suggest asking for a job at the ice cream parlor, so I have an excuse to buy Kira an ice cream when my wolf snarls a warning.

I stumble into Kira, apologizing as a sharp pain pierces my side.

She blinks up at me. “Dom? Are you okay?”

I smile at her as I grip her elbow and lead her around the car to the passenger seat, using my body to shield her. “Fine. Just tripped. Are you ready to head back now?” I help her into the car, not giving her the option to say no.

The bleeding is slowing, healing shifter quick, as I slide into the driver’s seat and start the engine, but I need to get out of town before whoever shot me tries it again. I just hope no one saw the blood before I got in.

“I thought we were going to more shops?” Kira says, buckling her seatbelt.

I buckle my seatbelt as I pull away from town, my eyes darting to the rearview mirror to confirm no one is following. No one is, so I relax. “I’m a little wiped out from all that shopping. We can do this another time, if you want.”

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