Page 94 of My Broken Mate

“Did you have such harsh training today?”

“No, we didn’t,” Kata laughs. “We just had some cardio training. The mandatory one. Joel wants everyone above eighteen to do basic training in case we face an attack.”

I nod. “Smart decision.”

“I am just not made for physical work,” Ayden argues. “Are you training?” he asks me.

“Yes, I have a pretty strict schedule to follow. Sean put it up for me to highlight my strengths and to work on some weaknesses I have.” I swallow slightly. “I am not particularly strong. So, that’s my handicap.”

“But you like it? Or do you hate it?”

I frown. I have never thought about it. I just did it because it was expected of me. That said, Sean really put a lot of thought into my schedule. It’s doable and not over-exhausting to me. In fact, it always leaves me a bit refreshed and takes my mind off the heavy thoughts. “I think, I do,” I admit.

Kata kneels on her bed and leans forward to kiss me. “Me, too,” she says. “Though I am not the best.”

I let my fingers brush through her hair and claim her lips. Only a groan from Ayden stops us. “If this goes any further, I am going to leave. Kata, you wanted to discuss a problem, if I may remind you!”

“Oh, right!” Kata slaps her forehead. “I almost forgot.”

“You have a problem?” I ask, worried.

“Problem is a stretch,” she says. “But I need help with something.” She furrows her brows, sighing slightly. “I need to accompany my brothers to a meeting again, and I don’t know what to wear. It’s like whatever I choose, I am always the odd one out. And you better believe I make an effort.”

“She really does,” Ayden backs her up. “We went shopping and had the shop owner giving us professional advice. Kata stocked up on brand clothes so no one would look down on her.”

“I couldn’t care less,” Kata explains. “But I don’t want to embarrass Joel. Still, despite all the Gucci and Prada, nothing works.”

“What exactly are you wearing?” I ask.

Kata and Ayden exchange a gaze. “Wait a moment, are you offering your help?”

“I am good with styling,” I say. “Maybe I can help.” I pause, realizing I might be overstepping. “Only if you—”

“Fuck, yes!” Kata exclaims, jumping off her bed, ripping her wardrobe open and tugging out half of her clothes, throwing them on the ground. Then, she goes through her best pieces, showing them to me. “I got Joel’s credit card. He told me to buy whatever I need, but I am hopeless.”

I take a proper look at her clothes. Everything looks fine. She clearly has taste, but— “Alright, don’t get me wrong,” I say, trying not to upset her. “None of this is bad stuff, and I am sure you look good in it.”

“But?” Ayden asks curiously.

“It’s obvious you wear them because you think it’s what you should wear. You went for the popular brands on social media, didn’t you?”

“Yes, I didn’t know where else to research,” Kata says. “Did I do it wrong?”

“It’s not wrong,” I say.

Kata giggles. “Goddess, just say it. I promise I won’t be mad.”

“These are show-off brands,” I tell her. “Your brother is now mingling with alpha families of old money.”

“Like your family,” Ayden adds.

“Yes, just that Sean couldn’t care less what someone else wears,” I explain. “He does know how to dress, however, to shut them up.”

“You mean, in a way, my clothes are nouveau riche?” she asks. “Too tacky?”

“Your clothes aren’t tacky,” I reassure her. “It’s really just the brand. No one of old money would wear these obvious brands. They are popular on social media for a reason. They are not for rich people. They are for people to either show off their money, or for those who actually can’t afford it and barely scrape together the money to have a luxury item. Real luxurious or high-end brands are different.”

Ayden and Kata stare at me in shock.