Medley gazes at me, puzzled, and steps closer, attempting to touch my neck. 'Surely the Alpha has marked you?' she says.
I react quickly, grabbing her wrist before she can move my hair aside to check. 'You will keep your hands to yourself,' I warn her sternly.
Startled, Medley steps back and frees her wrist from my grip. 'Luna, forgive me; I am so sorry. I was completely out of line. It's just unheard of not to mark your mate right away, especially an Alpha's mate,' she explains, sincerely apologizing.
'You can take my word; he hasn't marked me because I have not allowed him to,' I inform her firmly.
'Please try on some of the clothes while I find you more casual attire. Again, I'm very sorry,' she says genuinely and hurries away.
After a series of trips back and forth, Medley returns with a selection of carefully chosen clothing. Among them, I pick three casual dresses, two pairs of jeans, a few tops, a jumper, a hoodie, and two cardigans to pair with the dresses. Medley also brings sets of bras and underwear into the fitting room.
I pass Medley the outfits I've chosen. 'These are the clothes I've chosen. Can you please take them to the counter along with the undergarments you're holding?' I request.
Medley smiles and nods. I follow her to the counter, where she arranges the items into a bag.
Ryker takes the bag and smiles at me. 'Is there anything else you need, Astrid?' he asks.
I ponder for a moment. 'Maybe a nightie to sleep in?' I suggest.
Ryker nods. 'There are other clothing stores we can go to here,' he offers.
I thank Medley for her assistance and follow Ryker out of the store. We pass by two more shops before entering a store that specializes in nightwear.
A lady with short blonde hair and glasses approaches us. 'Alpha, it's a pleasure to have you here. What may I owe the pleasure?' she says, her eyes bright and a friendly smile gracing her lips.
'Daisy,' Ryker says, 'This is Astrid, my mate. Astrid, meet Daisy,' Ryker introduces us.
Daisy's smile widens with excitement. 'Oh! We finally have a Luna! The elders must be thrilled, and you, of course, Alpha!' She exclaims, her enthusiasm bubbling over as she moves to hug me.
I flinch uncomfortably as pain shoots through my ribs at the contact. 'Luna, I'm sorry. Are you okay?' Daisy asks with concern in her eyes.
'I'm okay; my ribs are still healing, that's all,' I reply, trying to reassure her.
Ryker and Daisy exchange a meaningful look, and then Daisy gasps. 'Luna, I'm so sorry!' She exclaims, as if suddenly realizing what might have caused my injuries.
'It's fine, Daisy. You didn't know, so you didn't mean to hurt me,' I assure her.
Ryker turns to Daisy. 'Astrid needs some nightwear,' he informs her.
Daisy smiles and leads me deeper into the store, helping me choose different pyjamas to try on. She escorts me to the changing room area and leaves me to change. I try two simple nighties suitable for warmer weather and then slip into a pink flannel top and matching bottoms. Lastly, I decide to try on the onesie, which is incredibly snug and warm. However, I run into trouble as I try to zip it back down.
'Ryker,' I mumble, frustration building.
'Astrid?' he responds.
'The zip is stuck. Can you help me, please?' I ask, realizing I need assistance.
Without hesitation, Ryker enters the small changing booth, making the space feel even more cramped. He closes the curtain behind us, and I feel a mix of vulnerability and intimacy as he attempts to fix the zipper.
Ryker slowly unzips the onesie, his fingers grazing my skin gently, and I shiver at the touch. His hot breath against my bare back sends an electrifying sensation down my spine, and I can't help but arch my back, letting out a soft moan in response. Ryker growls softly, his desire evident as he continues to unzip the outfit.
Turning to face him, I find our bodies irresistibly drawn together, the magnetic pull between us impossible to resist. Our faces hover mere inches apart, desire in both our eyes. Ryker's hand gently cups my cheek, and I close my eyes at the warmth of his touch. Our bodies inch closer, and our lips are on the verge of meeting when Daisy abruptly opens the curtain.
'Luna, how are you going in there? Oh, my goodness! I am so sorry!' She exclaims, her face turning beet red as she quickly turns away, giving us privacy.
Ryker and I straighten ourselves and move apart, both of us embarrassed. 'It's fine,' Ryker says to Daisy before leaving the changing booth and casually browsing other sleepwear options.
Feeling embarrassed, I close the curtains and remain alone in the changing booth.
Ryker approaches Daisy. 'These are nice too. Astrid should try these on,' he suggests. Medley enters the change booth and hands me a two-piece set of maroon silk pyjamas. The top buttons up and has short sleeves, while the bottoms are shorts. They look modest and feel incredibly soft against my skin as I wear them.
Exiting the changing booth, I smile at Ryker. 'I like these,' I say, twirling to show them off.
'Great, add them to the rest,' he replies, then grins mischievously. 'And maybe try this set on too.'
Returning to the changing room, I put on the new pyjamas. When I step out again, Ryker and Daisy are both giggling. I look down at myself and then back at them in confusion. 'Is there something wrong?' I ask.
Daisy blushes and averts her gaze, while Ryker smiles and crosses his arms. 'Nope, nothing is wrong.'
As I head back to change, I spot the back of my shorts in a mirror. There's a message printed on them that reads, 'Bite Me!' I quickly change into my day clothes and toss the shorts at Ryker, who struggles to suppress a smirk.
'Nice try, Ryker,' I scold him, and he laughs heartily.
Ready to leave the clothing store, Ryker carries the shopping bags in one hand while firmly holding my hand with the other. He suggests, 'Do you want to look around the other shops?'
I shake my head and smile. 'No, thank you. I think we're good to return to the pack house now.'
'Alright,' he agrees with a smile. 'Let's go.'