The storefront glowed with tasteful lighting that highlighted a collection of
leather bags
in rich colors. Each one was arranged with an artistic precision on minimalist stands.
Nothing especially
ostentatious
. Just clean lines, quality looking materials, and clearly
skilled craftsmanship
.
My hand unconsciously moved to adjust the
bookstore tote
hanging from my shoulder. Entirely
unfashionable
in comparison, but completely usable.
"This is ridiculous."
> Why am I even worrying about how they look when I’m perfectly content to use the jacket I was given and the backpack I found... is it because I’m technically the one that chose to buy them this time? This is how she’ll get her claws in. Small indulgences that become dependency. Eroding my will to resist. Before I know it, I’d allow her bite to mark me just for more luxuries. I- I won’t be bought with baubles! You think I’m being too harsh again... Even with them, she was about my size. You really have no concept of economics or pride in collectibles. So maybe you are more okay with... That was unfair. I know you understand more than I give you credit for after living inside Helene all this time. But you know, Vrika... when all I can tell is that you think I’m being foolish... it is easy to become defensive. To think you are the one who doesn’t know anything. Stupid wolf, I’m apologizing not- I’ll take your advice into consideration. I’m already resisting something arguably far harder. It should be easy! <
A fated mate bond from an
impressive specimen
. My wolf’s blue eyes insist this is one of the biggest things
I’m being foolish about
.
Whether I
agree
or not isn’t important!
I know
she helped
when she didn’t have to. I know the
need to become mates
is pulling at her and her wolf just as it tried to pull at us.
However, I’m not ready to trust in the
longevity
of anything quite yet. Not when I
arrived here
right at the break of such an ’intended to be permanent’ bond.
Not when there is even the
slightest hope
I might wake up as the real Citra Lomdi and find this has all been some
coma dream
.
The library came into view exactly as it had been described. A grand stone building with
classical stone columns
that seemed almost out of place among the more
modern structures
surrounding it.
[Vossden Public Library] was even
carved
high above, over the wide steps leading up to the entrance. I paused at the bottom of those steps to check and make sure I have not gained or completed some
new
Task again.
But all that remains there... is that same one I am
absolutely not doing
. Forming more of a connection with the Alpha.
Anyway, at least in a library, I couldn’t
impulsively
spend any money, right?