Page 104 of Shrouded in the Dark

The nostalgic scent of leather hit just as we entered the store. Two years ago, I would have cried from grief just stepping into the building. It’d been over ten years, time healed wounds, but the scars still hurt sometimes. I wondered what he would have thought of all of this. Especially me becoming a shifter.

Actually, he’d have really liked Gary and probably would have loved all of this.

I giggled at the thought of how he’d try to intimidate the guys.

Axel titled his head at me curiously. I just shook mine.

“Just silly thoughts.”

He offered a soft smile. “I’m going to go grab some things with Jasper. Will you be alright?”

I raised an eyebrow at him without saying anything. He rubbed the back of his head as he stepped to the left, following Jasper.

“Right. That was probably a stupid question. Have fun?”

Jasper laughed at Axel as they walked toward the other side of the store, leaving me with Cody.

“Fair maiden, shall we procure you some garments fit for a queen?” Cody held out his arm in a gallant fashion. “Whatever you desire, my lady, it shall be yours!”

My animal chuffed in amusement at his antics as I slid my arms through his. My heart warmed as we walked together to the women's section.

“Should we grab a cart?” I hadn’t even thought to grab one.

“Becca, I’m the cart. These arms aren’t just for cuddles and hot sex on the floor.” His outrageous expression had me laughing as we stopped at a few racks of dresses.

I found a few dresses that looked comfortable before I moved to jeans and shirts. Cody stayed near, holding the clothes I decided on.

“I should grab a pair of shoes.” I looked down at the oversized flip flops I was wearing.

“Let’s grab those after you choose some underwear and try this stuff on.” Cody walked off with everything, leaving me no choice but to follow.

He approached the young woman who was manning the dressing rooms. She visibly tittered under his attention.

“Can we get a room? My girlfriend needs to try this stuff on before we buy it.” Cody was smooth, I’d give him that. “I’m buying this stuff for her for her birthday!”

I had to stop myself from laughing. The girl didn’t have a problem. She glanced between us and I was afraid it was going to be another pizza girl situation, but she surprised me by wiggling her eyebrows at me.

“Seems like you caught quite the catch. Let’s get you set up in the back. Do you want her to show off the clothes? There are three mirrors.” She led us to the back of the changing rooms. There was a large chair next to the mirrors she told us about that were outside of the multiple rooms. “We’re having a pretty slow day, so you shouldn’t have to worry about sharing the mirrors.”

“Thank you.” Cody put the clothes inside the room. “Do you mind if we leave these here while we grab a few more things?”

The girl shrugged. “No problem.” She walked off to continue with what she’d been working on before we’d come up to her.

Cody pulled his hair back with a rubber band he had around his wrist. He held up a dark green dress that I had not picked out. It was shorter, I’d need to wear leggings with it, and it was extremely low cut. Placing my hands on my hips, I looked at him.

“Really, Cody?” I had to fight to stop from grinning at his sad expression.

“What? You’d look dynamite in this.” He widened his eyes innocently. “Please?”

“You’re ridiculous.” I took the dress and put it back on the pile of clothes. “You’re lucky you’re cute.” I kissed his cheek. “I’m going to go grab some lady things, you can stay here.”

“Aw, but!” he whined but sighed when I just stared at him. “Fine. I’ll just wait here. Alone. So alone.”

I left the changing room, moving to where the lingerie section of the women’s clothing was located. I grabbed my size in multiple colors and styles. Cody was sitting in the chair when I got back. He looked at my arms curiously, but I put the items inside the changing room before he could get a good look.

“I’m going to try on a few things. If I like them, I’ll show you.” I started to close the door but paused and pointed at him. “Stay there.” I shut the door.

I could hear his huff easily. He’d be in here in a second if I let him. The animal inside of me rolled on her back. She wouldn’t mind if our wolf came in and I just shook my head at her.