Page 149 of A Broody Mate for the Human

“Esme, do you need something in particular?” Annie asks, her eyes grazing over her kindly.

Esme shifts around nervously. “I don’t want to be a bother.”

“You aren’t.” Ella chuckles.

“Why does everyone always think that?” Celine asks amusedly. “We just had a very similar conversation a while ago with Finn’s mate and her friend.”

“Right, Dave, you don’t know yet!” Annie exclaims. “Finn’s mate has brought her best friend along, and she is my brother’s mate. Isn’t that great?”

“Really?” I beam. “I’m so happy for him, Annie. That’s awesome.” I eye them curiously. “And Finn’s mate? How is she?”

“She is great,” Annie reassures me.

“She’s smart and pretty tough. I instantly liked her,” Celine agrees.

“She fits Finn perfectly. She is equally brave and has a kind heart. He is so happy with her.” Ella shows us one of her rare, gentle smiles. “They are head over heels for each other.”

I sigh in relief. “That’s good to hear. I can’t wait to meet her.”

“You will,” Annie promises. “They are still trying to free her pack, though, and are planning an attack. But once everything is settled, we’ll make sure to meet—all of us.”

“And your brother’s mate?” I ask curiously.

Annie’s eyes light up in joy. “She is such a sweet girl.” She turns to look at Celine. “Is she settling in well in Moon Blood?” Annie asks her.

“She is. Don’t worry, Annie, Marius, and I will keep an eye on her,” Celine reassures her.

Annie nods in relief before turning towards Esme. “See, we love making new friends! So, nothing to feel guilty about. We are happy to have you with us.”

Celine nods her agreement. “We love going shopping.”

“Talk for yourself,” Ella snorts. “I’m just here to protect my luna.”

Esme smiles. “I’m not too much of a shopping-queen myself, but I need a few things.”

“Now we’re getting somewhere,” I exclaim. “What do you need?”

Esme brushes a few strands of hair out of her face. “Hayden wants to take me on a date, and I just brought casual clothes with me when we fled from our old pack.”

“We’ll make sure to get some date outfits for you,” Ella promises.

“And lingerie,” I add with a grin.

“I knew you’d say that.” Celine chuckles. She ties her long blond hair into a ponytail as if she was ready to go to battle. “Let’s go, everyone; we are on a tight schedule.”

Celine is a pro. Just like me, she loves to help others find their perfect outfit, and she has a great eye for styling. She is my long-lost shopping sister, because unfortunately my two besties aren’t too much of a fan.

We make sure to find some outfits for Esme. She told us her budget beforehand, not wanting to go overboard as she and Raffy haven’t been able to retrieve their inheritance yet. It’s when the girls go through some evening gowns that I spot a well-known figure passing the shop. As if we are in a cheesy romance movie, he looks to the side too, instantly noticing me. He pauses for a moment, staring at me wide-eyed before he blushes and turns his head away like he is embarrassed, or worse, scared to see me.

“Excuse me for a moment,” I mutter to Annie.

She looks at me curiously, her eyes following my gaze outside. “Oh,” she says. “Of course, Dave. Do what you need to do.”

I nod thankfully before hurrying outside. “Matthew,” I call out before my first-chance mate can run away from me.

Matthew halts in his tracks, slowly turning around as if he dreads talking to me. “I…I’m sorry,” he stutters. “I didn’t know you were here, or I wouldn’t have come.”

I blink. “Why? I don’t have the plague.”