When I took the card from her, my fingers brushed hers again. That sa complicated electric sensation passed between us... with the sa mont of being on tenterhooks over what was going to happen to .
> Will you stop being so excited? It's making judge my own feelings. <
Her brown eyes grow orange when she's about to shift... and flicker like a candle when she's holding it back. I shouldn't be letting myself find that so intriguing.
But I was never very good at listening to people telling not to do sothing just because it was a little dangerous. Including myself.
"I want to clarify that taking this does not an I am agreeing to anything else. Is this acceptable to you?"
The closed lip smile she gave was controlled and professional... calm on the surface. To hide either her disappointnt or excitent over what I said, I cannot tell.
Even wanting to know which of the two it is must surely be the pull of this unperford mate mark nonsense. After all, I shouldn't care more... than whether I will be safe to escape soon or not.
"If you're happy with that, then it is acceptable."
Sothing in her brown eyes suggested she understood precisely what was being negotiated between us by my question.
Not just use of her funds she offered without strings. But the careful preservation of my autonomy.
As well as the balance of trust I am letting her bank... that she hopes to continue storing away in . I look down and pay so of that back upfront, in a quiet voice.
"...Thank you."
Perhaps more than anything else in these few minutes - a few minutes that has burned through my energy and drained my willpower more than all these days in this world - is that perception and willingness of hers to notice and wait... that has made wonder who exactly Kyrie Voss really is.
> Why is a female Alpha of a werewolf pack in this world so willing to even engage in the rest idea of her fated mate being another she-wolf. You are genderless, but we are not. <
My wolf of course has no answer. But, that does not seem normal to ... even coming from a vixen used to sneaking into the boudoir of rich daughters.
Another word that is strange to know...
More and more, I'm surprised at the ability of a human mind to rember things they've only heard a couple tis. Though it is a little frightening that my spirit is starting to pick them out of her mories so quickly.
How much will being here in this world, having access to Helene's mories, affect if I ever return? Or if soone marks ... or the contract I've already made.
While my overwheld mind wanders in worry about this, she backs away behind the curtain quickly and returns with a small sothing. She twists it in her fingers before sighing and looking at as if she is uncomfortable.
> Will you stop suggesting I go nuzzle her to make her feel better?! <
This wolf is so shaless!
"Since you are taking that from ..."
Kyrie begins to say sothing as she holds up the small device. My stomach tightens instantly.
There's always a condition, always a hook hidden beneath the generosity in people. I brace myself for whatever demand is incoming. Or whatever threat.
"...will you please allow to schedule an appointnt for you? At the spa I ntioned before."
She pauses while examining my face, which has in all likelihood shifted from guarded to confused in a pretty comical fashion. Which I do not find that funny. Her hand quickly raises up in a calming motion.
"I promise it will be the last thing I try... for today."
The tension in slowly eases as she looks at with hope, though I'm still wary. About taking more. About being led to a specific location of her choosing.
"A spa..."
I repeat the term slowly, letting the idea settle. Helene only knows the general idea and has never been to one. But her knowledge is enough to picture being clean.
Being pampered.
There are tis that I hated the attention of our royal servants, but never have I been so long without... anyone to rely on for anything.
"Yes. It's the best in the city. Frankly, the best in this part of the country. They're well known for their discretion... and privacy."
She shows off the small device again and I realize this ti what it is. A white colored 'wireless earpiece'.
"One call, and you'll have priority treatnt. No waiting. Taking as long or as little ti there as you want or need."
I can't help but feel a flash of irritation at how easily she wields such luxuries as gifts. But for that brief jealous mont, I can't tell if it was because I once wielded similar privilege... or because she seems so practiced at giving out the things a woman would want.
> No, I am not going to nip at her so she knows not to pay attention to others. What is wrong with you? <
With a bit of a sneer that is more to assert my independence than because I'm genuinely considering refusing, I ask her sothing.
"And if I decline this offer?"
Yet despite my arrogance, this Alpha calmly gives a slight shrug.
"Then you decline. The card is yours to use regardless."
I look for deception, but find none. Just that sa restrained intensity. Like a snowstorm barely contained behind the glass outside of a forest cabin.
, the petulant child looking out at the weather. Refusing to think of the fun I could have when things calm down - and only considering how they are stuck inside right now.
> Why am I being so difficult? Is it because I'm hungry? <
"Fine, make your call."
The decision is partially driven by practicality. This body needs proper care, especially now that it carries a child. And I need to look presentable if I'm to navigate this world effectively.
A hot shower will get clean enough for that, but the rest? My hair... I'm not accustod to taking care of it myself. She ntioned they have clothes that I need.
I could at least shop for that myself. With this card. Spend the day visiting multiple places.
But...
> I'd rather just go eat and then I can decide whether to actually follow her plan or not. <
Seeing that I've agreed again to her 'too good not to take' offer... Kyrie nods once. Then the CEO becos all 'efficiency'.
A slip of the earpiece over her ear. The slightest turn away from facing .
She gives the impression of creating a small professional boundary. Or rely to minimize confusion over who she is talking to?
"Claire? I need a full service appointnt."
My breath hitches and fingers clutch tight to the still slightly warm piece of plastic I'd taken from her. The body heat trapped in her suit was cooling slowly from it and being replaced with mine.
Her voice... changed. I only thought she was being domineering before, but my legs shake again. Every syllable held an even more authoritative bite that I hadn't heard from her speaking to .
"Yes. Crystalline Spa. Within an hour. Priority."
> If she'd used that tone on , I wouldn't have had any chance. <
My wolf wags its tail... and I just know it would 'rat out' if it could only connect directly with hers. The rodent shifters would not be happy to learn their kind is seen as untrustworthy here.
For a long few seconds, she appears to be listening to the other person talk. But those brown eyes drift back to look at . Like she can sense the change in my mood.
"Yes. Everything is fine. Single booking. Under my na."
The sheer effectiveness of that gaze as she speaks that way causes to tilt my head and et it head on. It's not important whether I feel like swooning or not - the key is that I don't!
"It's done. They'll be expecting you."
The tone changes again as she finishes the simple sounding interaction with... what I assu must be a private secretary. I take a steadying breath.
"And how exactly am I supposed to find this place? I'm good with directions. I just need the general location."
Nervously tapping the bank card against my other palm, I check on the status of the various system glyphs. Goddesses, almost every single one is pulsing...
"Seventh Avenue, just past the intersection with Lunar Drive. You won't be able to miss it."
When I let the map take over the center of my vision, almost imdiately, a red marker appears. I thought it might only note this intersection she detailed, but it seems to be a little ways off from a crossroads.
Convenient. It knows where other people are talking about leading . Is it stealing that information from their heads or sowhere else?
"I know what I said, but would you like to arrange transportation? It's about twenty five blocks from here."
The pack leader of the Ricoat offers - and I shake my head. There was such a thing as too much. I probably have already long crossed that, but I will not add more weight to my sins!
Nor should I let her think that continuing to push and push will make agree.
"I've been walking for days on end. What's another hour at this point?"
Apparently, a line like that was the way to make her stop being so calm.
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