Page 54 of Dream Girl
“Where next?” I asked.
“Shoe store.” Riley took my hand and dragged me across the mall.
Taking a seat, I watched as the girls tried on athletic shoes.
Jett walked in and came over and gave me a kiss. “Hey, Baby.”
“Hey, Hot Stuff. They didn’t put you on leave, did they?” I asked, worry pooling in my belly.
“No, but I’m on desk duty and I’m done for the day. Thought I’d work on Katie’s action items she made to help keep our pack out of trouble.” He rolled his eyes. “Youare one of them.”
“Me?” I picked up a pair of sneakers that might work for Grace.
“She wants us to stay close to you in public.” He grinned and got very close, nuzzling me.
“Get a room, motherfucker.” Riley grinned.
“Ri.” Jett fist-bumped her.
My sister held up combat boots. “For Grace?”
Jett nodded. “I think she needs a leather jacket. Like the one she liked in the movie we were watching the night she arrived.”
“Why not.” Mmmm, she’d look cute in it. I couldn’t wait.
Jett brought a bunch of things to my car, and we continued our shopping. The accounts were getting a workout today.
While the girls tried on ridiculous dresses in an upscale department store, I got a couple of nicer things for Grace, as well as a messenger bag with equations on it. It was professional enough for work but cute enough for every day, and probably more than I should be spending on her. She did have a birthday coming…
“Hey, sorry, I stopped and got her a leather jacket and boots.” Jett looked around the store. “Where are the girls?”
“In dresses,” I replied as we went across the aisle to that department.
“That’s perfect. But my alpha is right, you girls shouldn’t be here alone,” a voice I couldn’t see stated as Riley swished in front of the mirror in a long black gown.
“We’re not alone. Like I said, my brother is over there buying shit,” Riley said. “Evan, where the fuck are you?”
“Right here,” I called. The scent of tulips hit me as I wove through the racks of designer dresses and froze. So did Jett, his amber scent going bitter.
“Still, if they really cared, they’d keep a closer eye on you,” she prodded. That voice. That silky, judgmental voice.
“Evan, please? For the dance?” Riley ran over to me and posed.
“You look amazing.” I couldn’t catch my breath. No. It couldn’t be. She’d left the city and found a wealthy pack in the South.
A voluptuous, perfectly coiffed brunette turned and smirked at us, cleavage nearly spilling out of her designer blouse. “Why, hello, boys. I didn’t expect to see you in a place like this. After all, this is a store for people withtaste.”
“Uncalled for.” Riley made a face. She turned to me, “Evan,pleasecan I have it?”
Forcing myself to take a deep calming breath, I focused on my sister. “Of course you can. It’s perfect for the dance. Why don’t you change, and we’ll buy it and get dinner?”
“You’re ignoring me?” Caroline smirked, holding onto her alpha like he was a trophy. “But you’ve always been a clueless oaf, haven’t you?” She tossed her hair.
While she looked the same, the feelings of insecurity didn’t come. Neither did anger. I didn’t even feel pity.
“I have nothing to say to you.” All the things I’d wanted to say to her evaporated. She wasn’t worth the words.
“Hey, bitch, leave my brother alone.” Riley scowled.
