Page 13 of Knot The Only Onee

Which explained why Simon was well aware of what was happening and why Alena took Bridget.

“Just don’t say anything when they get back, okay?” Simon added. “Wouldn’t want her to get too embarrassed.”

I nodded, a plan already formed in my mind. “Hey, can I get your help with something?”

At his nod, I started explaining. A smile formed on his face as I told him of my plan. “Absolutely. Go. I got you. She loves penguins, by the way.”

Simon was an absolute lifesaver.

I got to work, heading back down the stuffie aisle to grab a penguin pillow like Alena’s flamingo.

What other sort of penguin stuff could I find?

Less than ten minutes later, I hid my extra purchases in the back of my SUV and jogged back into the store.

Bridget was browsing through some clothes with Alena, and Simon stood behind them, keeping guard. He smiled at me and nodded as I joined the group.

“That would be super cute on you,” I complimented as Bridget held up a blue and white sundress.

She shook her head and put it back on the rack. “It’s not practical. I don’t need it.”

I didn’t say anything as I watched her choose the most economical and utilitarian clothes. Plain white underwear in a multipack. Simple bras. Jeans, one pair of khakis, and plain colored shirts.

My brow furrowed as she made her selections.

This would just not do.

Simon and I slowly looked at each other, our eyes reflecting the same thoughts.

Without letting Bridget see, I gathered items into another cart as she went through the last racks.

She looked longingly at a pair of fuzzy penguin pajamas, and I grinned, thankful I’d grabbed them during my first round through the store. She was even looking at the size I had picked up. Thank the fashion gods.

“I’m good, let’s go.” Bridget sighed.

“I’ll meet you upfront. I need to go grab something from the pharmacy.” Alena smiled and strode toward the pharmacy. Simon followed, taking my secret cart along with him.

Smiling warmly at Bridget, I placed my hand on the small of her back and led her to the front of the store. She remained quiet, nibbling on her bottom lip as we walked. “You okay, baby girl?” I didn’t lean further into her, although I desperately wanted to. I loved the feel of her body against me, her warmth, her scent.

While I may not be an alpha, I was still intoxicated with her strawberries and cream perfume. The natural scent drew me in and wrapped around me.

Noah, James, and I needed to have a discussion because I think we all were very much aware that this curvy omega would be ours.

Bridget nodded, still not speaking. A delicate blush crept up her cheeks as she locked her eyes on her feet.

I didn’t want to distress her, so I led her silently toward the registers at the front of the store. The cashier rang up her bland purchases, and I ground my teeth in frustration. I would be ordering her a lot more stuff when we got home.

Before she could reach into her back pocket for the small wallet she had, I’d already swiped my card and paid for everything.

“Lucas, no,” she whispered and shook her head.

“Nope, no arguments.” I gathered the bags and put them back into the cart. I noticed Simon and Alena chatting excitedly near the exit, their cart filled with bags.

“Fine,” Bridget muttered as we rejoined Simon and Alena.

“Ready to go?” Simon asked cheerfully.

“Yeah, let’s get back.” We made our way back out to my SUV to load the remaining bags. Alena and Bridget climbed into the back, and we were returning to the ranch.