A Gift from the Goddess

Book Two – Ch.#27 “What about this one?” Allison asked, holding up a floor-length red gown.

It was a little more elaborate than I normally wore. Typically, I leaned more towards subtle coloured dresses, ones that showed off my body without needing to be the brightest in the room. But this… this one was definitely a statement.

…Not that it really mattered here, I guess. Maybe the new me could like brighter colours.

“That’s fine. Just add it to the pile,” I said, nodding to where I’d thrown a few others. They were all laying on the cash register’s bench, ready for when I quickly checked out. I didn’t want to drag this out for any longer than I had to.

But she gave me a strange look at that and hesitated instead. “…You’re not going to try it on first? I’d hate for you to buy something so expensive only for it to not fit. Or… we also have a few other stores that you might like. There’s no need to rush.”

Oh, but I did.

I was learning to suppress that feeling inside, the discomfort I felt from being around her. But it didn’t mean I wanted to test my fortitude on the matter. Besides… I could always return them later. “Don’t worry about the price,” I told her. “My father can just write it off as a b—.”

And I almost choked on my words as I bit my sentence short, stopping myself from saying’ business expense’. As in, implying I was working right now. Which I wasn’t.

…Was I?

I internally shook my head. No, I definitely wasn’t working. I didn’t know what to do about my father’s missing documents but I had no plans of leaving Kieran anytime soon. Not now after I’d had a taste of how good things could be. I was completely hooked and had every intention of staying here for as long as possible. …And so I cleared my throat as a cough, attempting to disguise my slip. “-…Birthday present,” I slowly finished.

“Oh, that sounds nice,” she smiled.

I wasn’t sure if she picked up on the lapse or if she was just being polite. Either way, I returned her smile with a forced one of my own and quickly turned my attention back to the row of garments.

And a silence filled the air.

What did girls normally talk about in situations like this?

Even putting aside my own issues, I didn’t know how to initiate a normal conversation with her. What do wer

s discuss? Her… Goddess? Pack?

TICI. VV Ilal UU VVCICVVULLBI1IJU.

…Shifting?

I shuddered at that last one, the nausea filling me. Truthfully, I could do without ever experiencing that one again. Not after everything I’d been through. It was probably the topic I least related to her on. Probably right next to how it feels to kill a man, assuming she had no personal knowledge of that one herself.

I sighed.

We were… very different. And though that wasn’t enough to justify the strange way I felt around her, it certainly didn’t help.

“It’s been nice having you around,” she then said, breaking the silence. I looked up in surprise. “In the pack, I mean. Everything has been feeling very… lively. You’re the talk of the whole town.”

ISITH

Right… that wasn’t the first time I’d been told that. But I guess I could somewhat piece together why now. “Because… I’m Kieran’s mate?” I asked, a little unsure over using the term for the first time.

seemed to take

she asked, a tone of excitement in her voice. “Did he finally tell

“…Yes?”

noise that was so piercing it made me wince. “Oh, sorry!” she quickly said. “I’m just so happy to be able to talk to you about it now. After you arrived, I was given strict instructions to not say anything. In fact, we all were.” She then laughed a little. “Kieran even went as far as to give us all a list

“…He did?”

I ever saw, if you ask me. A mate trying to ensure you aren’t overwhelmed, making an entire pack conform just so you’re comfortable.” She sighed whimsically. “I hope my mate is like that one day.” “Oh… yeah, I hope so too…

for having to give special treatment. “It’s been a good thing for everyone though, don’t worry,” she continued, almost reading me as her

mean he…” And she giggled at my question before pausing. “Mmm, actually, I probably shouldn’t

pressed, wanting her to

devilish intent showing as she debated with herself… and Ujen promptly seemed to cave,

at times; just usual immature boy attitude. But your presence has made him show a caring side publicly that only

I could see how that was the case. He’d been a bit cocky to me too when we’d first met, treating my lack of understanding as a game to have

still had that sense of humour. Not that I really minded. It usually meshed perfectly with my

turned a little sad, her fingers starting to fidget with a clothes hanger. “He does care a lot. Sometimes a little too much… especially when he treats me like glass.

felt like I was a generation older; both physically and mentally. At her age, I was off on assignments almost every day, doing… unpleasant things. Whilst she’d had the luxury of a much more sheltered upbringing, even despite her mother’s

no it’s fine. I… enjoy hearing stories

that. A commonality in the person we both cared deeply about.

very first time, I smiled

of these dresses,” I said, putting down the one in my hand. “Did you want to show me the other

I’d never seen someone’s face light up in excitement

eagerly. …And she abruptly grabbed at

reaction I

low warning growl sounded from my lips involuntarily, I had to swiftly pull myself back away… leaving us to

only thing I could think of in that very moment; I tried

I’m coming down with something, “I lied, patting my chest. “Probably just the change in environment. Don’t worry though. Let’s just

her confusion clearly evident, but I lightly touched her shoulder for her to lead the way, hoping

could do for now.

some more and about her family. I enjoyed learning new things and hearing stories of the two siblings growing up. Plus, the historical information she gave me was interesting too;

is the town square,” she said. “I’m sure Kieran already showed you it, but it’s the place people usually come to eat lunch during the day… or to come to look at the fountains. That one in the middle there, the one with the statue… that’s meant to be a

was pointing but, before I could do so, I then felt

snapped to

was no stranger to. It was the look of a man who was both angry… and had given up. As if they’d already lost the fight and were taking

charged towards me with purpose in his stride… and I instinctively reached for my dagger. …A dagger I wasn’t equipped with, having thought

Shit.

time.. I was out of time and knew Allison was too close to me, in range of being hurt during close combat. And all I could think about was how Kieran would

I did

out the way. A movement

safety, I’d left myself open to the assault, his knife grazing my arm as I brought it up defensively. But I’d rarely let a scratch stop me before. No, before he had time

didn’t look scared. Not even a lite bit. Even now, he just stared back at me with so much animosity.

in my face. “Filthy outsider,” he hissed. “I

forcefully shoved himself out of my grip, running out of the square immediately before I could

just… let him get away. I didn’t know what a rogue was, but I could get the gist of what he

you okay?!” Allison screamed