Page 88 of Claiming the Wolf Daddy

“Really? Because of Travis?”

“No, not necessarily. It’s something I’ve been considering for a long time,” I admitted. “Since the whole thing happened with Curt on the beach. But Cole doesn’t want me to do it. He says it’s too risky.”

“Yeah? I mean, I guess he isn’t wrong,” she allowed. “But do you want to become a shifter? Is that what you want for yourself and your life?”

“I’m not entirely sure,” I admitted. “But it’s hard to think clearly about it when even talking about it upsets him. Some of our arguments have gotten really heated and...I don’t know. After Wyatt, I just want to be with someone who respects my autonomy. Who will support me in something because it’s important to me, even if it causes him worry.”

“Hmm,” Lana said, propping her chin on her hand as she gazed at the road ahead.

“Hmm?” I repeated. “Kind of a non-committal response from you.”

“Huh? Oh, no, I’m just kind of distracted, that’s all. Where are you taking us?”

“Oh, there’s a new department store in the area where Syl and I went to recruit people. I thought we’d go there. Is that fine?”

“Fuck, yeah! Day trip, let’s do it.”

We drove on the highway, listening to music and chit-chatting. The conversation turned to safer topics, like restaurants we wanted to try and gossip about Ginger and Paulette. We reached the mall in no time, or at least it felt that way with our carefree conversation making things nice and light. We parked and hopped out of the car before grinning at each other conspiratorially.

The mall exterior unfolded before us, a sprawling expanse of modern architecture against the sky. The department store’s entrance was a seamless blend of glass and steel, a reflective façade that mirrored the changing hues of the day. A wide expanse of sleek, tinted windows beckoned shoppers, their transparency offering a glimpse of the bustling activity within. Tall, pristine pillars that seemed to touch the sky flanked the entrance. Above, the mall’s name was displayed in bold, sophisticated lettering, a promise of the myriad possibilities that awaited within. The meticulously landscaped flowerbeds on either side of the entrance provided a burst of color against the backdrop of concrete and glass.

Inside, the mall hummed with an energy that mirrored our own excitement. Shoppers bustled past, drawn by sales displays and tantalizing offers. The air swelled with laughter and conversation as families browsed the racks, children in tow. An atmosphere of camaraderie permeated the space, with strangers united in the pursuit of retail therapy.

I hadn’t been shopping in a long time, not for anything aside from the absolute necessities for work or some kind of souvenir for someone on a trip. After passing several sections, we eventually arrived at the department dedicated to bedding and bath linens.

Countless rows of crisp sheets, plush duvets, and luxurious pillows surrounded us. Fragrant candles infused the air with scents of lavender and sandalwood, creating an ambiance of relaxation and indulgence. Our fingers drifted over velvet throws, softening with each stroke along the silken fabric.

“We need to find bed linens for Noah before I get too distracted,” I said with a laugh.

“Let’s start with the comforters, then move on to the sheets,” Lana suggested.

“That sounds good to me,” I agreed.

Together, we began looking through different styles of comforters. Well, it was more like we looked at the various children’s comforters. Noah had a dinosaur one that he loved, but I thought it would be fun to give him a new set, especially since we’d be helping him get re-acclimated to living at the big house.

“What about these ones?” Lana asked, holding up a bed set that had everything we needed. It was a set of Adventure Hour sheets and blankets, complete with a double-sided comforter. One side featured a large print of the main cast of characters, and the other had a tiled pattern of different kinds of imagery related to the show.

I gasped and grabbed it from her. “Oh my god, it’s perfect. He’s going to love it!” I squealed. Then, after looking at it a little more, I said, “Man, I kind of want one of these for myself.”

“Ha! You could use a bit of whimsy in your life!” Lana teased.

“True,” I conceded with a small smile. “But seriously, wouldn’t this make Noah’s room look absolutely adorable?”

“It totally would,” Lana agreed. “Plus, it would make you the mom of the year. I can only imagine he’ll brag to all the kids at school about them.”

I smiled and nodded. “Yeah, I think these are the winners.”

Our journey continued down the row of various bed sheets. We searched for the most comfortable options available. As we sampled each type, we discussed thread count, durability, and potential allergies.

“So...” Lana said. “I don’t mean to pry, but...when Cole and Noah move back into the beach house, are you going with them?”

“Yeah, I think so. Why wouldn’t I?”

“Well, it’s just that the way you were talking in the car. It sounded like you were getting ready to dump Cole.”

“I’m really hoping it doesn’t come to that,” I said. “But you know, I’m trying not to lose myself in another man the same way I did with Wyatt. I don’t want to get bossed around and told what I can and can’t do, even if it’s for my supposed benefit. Like I said, I’m not even sure I’m going to transition, but it’s the principle that Cole wants to forbid me from something that’s bothering me.”

“That’s fair,” she said, but she said it with a sort of airiness that implied she had a caveat to add.

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