Page 28 of My Possessive Alpha

It was nice to do as I wanted and to see a different way of living.

“I heard the boutique just down the street is receiving some new items today. Did you want to check them out?” Zoe asked, hitching her thumb in the direction of the shop.

“That sounds really nice.”

“Perfect!” She said, hooking her arm in mine as we walked out with our drinks.

Thanks to our rekindled friendship, my heart felt full, and after being without that companionship for so long, I was beginning to realize how much I missed it.

Leaving Zoe and Sebastian behind was difficult, but I became more and more grateful every day for the chance to be around them both again.

As we meandered around town, flitting from store to store while we laughed together and reminisced, I found myself getting lost in the moment and forgetting all about the less-than-ideal situation I came from. It felt like no time had passed, and it was easily becoming one of the most fun days I had had in so long.

Sifting through a rack of shirts, I pulled one out that caught my eye and lifted it to get a better look.

“No way!” Zoe suddenly said, looking at my wrist instead of the shirt. “Isn’t that the bracelet you gave Sebastian forever ago?”

Remembering that I was even wearing it, I smiled and felt as a faint warmth crept into my cheeks. “Yeah, he kept it all this time. I was just as surprised to see it.”

Her shock melted into a gentle expression as she considered the idea before absently sifting through the clothes. “I guess deep down, maybe his wolf always knew. And to think I tried to stop you from making it.”

We both chuckled at the thought, easily recalling how adamant she was in stopping me from giving it to Sebastian.

“You were afraid I’d embarrass myself by giving it to him,” I said, amused by the memory as I straightened out the bracelet. “In a sense, you were kind of right. But I guess it worked out anyway.”

“I’m glad it has.”

Hearing that from Zoe instilled a sense of reassurance in me. Given that I was her brother's mate, it seemed like a tricky path to navigate, but she was taking it better than I imagined. It was a weight off my chest.

“Speaking of Sebastian,” I murmured, moving with Zoe to the other side of the boutique. “Do you know about anything that might be going on?”

She paused and thought for a moment before shaking her head. “Not that I know of. How come?”

“He’s been extra protective lately, and I have the feeling there might be something he isn’t telling me.”

This made Zoe look at me for a moment while she pondered it more deeply, yet she seemed to come up empty still. “Maybe he’s still feeling the effects of the new bond? He could be more tense now that he has you here with other males around.They can get a bit…finicky when it comes to that. Given how he’s the alpha, I’d imagine it’s even worse for him.”

While the mention of it was somewhat embarrassing, I considered her words. It did seem likely, and if that was all, then I had nothing to worry about, and I liked that idea more.

“That makes sense,” I hummed, scanning the clothing racks without looking. “Maybe I’m just overthinking it.”

“Personally, I think you might be,” Zoe said gently with a smile, not meaning anything else behind it. “Sebastian had been restless for months, but for once, he seems completely centered again. This bond is really good for him, and I’m sure everything’s fine.”

Exhaling deeply, I mirrored her expression and urged myself to relax. “You’re right. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

On the same page again, Zoe let go of a sigh and finished the last of her latte. “You know, the only downside of this whole thing is that I can’t pry into your sex life. I’m choosing to stay far away from that one,” she said with a grimace, waving a dismissive hand.

Unable to hold it back, I laughed, aware of how uncomfortable that conversation would be for her. “Noted.”

***

After spending the afternoon with Zoe, wandering around town, and talking as if no time had passed, I forgot about Sebastian’s subtle shift in behavior. It was nice, but it was hard to miss when dinner came around, and I found myself sitting with Sebastian at the table.

Sebastian was being a bit quieter than usual as he ate, and I was left to question what was going on silently.

“How was work?” I asked after some time, hoping to lighten the mood.

Glancing over at me, he acknowledged the question with a quick nod. “It was good. Nothing too exciting, but everything is in order for our next launch.” After a beat, he returned, “How was your day with Zoe?”