Return to Seven Fountain

Shopping, Laughter, and Sparks

Simoné strolled through the mall, trying to shake off the tension that always seemed to cling to her these days. She glanced over at Chrisanne, who was happily skipping a few steps ahead, her arms full of shopping bags. Chrisanne had always been the carefree one, despite being the Alpha's sister, and she had convinced Simoné to take a break from the pack and come shopping. After all, they both needed it—a little retail therapy and girl time after the recent training session that had consumed their lives.

"Juliet, you're too quiet!" Chrisanne called out, a mischievous grin on her face, calling Simoné by her favourite nickname. "Come on, you're supposed to be having fun! How about this?" She held up a delicate lace lingerie set, the kind that would definitely make a statement.

Simoné raised an eyebrow. "You're really not letting me leave without buying lingerie, are you?"

Chrisanne laughed, tossing the set into the pile of items she was carrying. "Nope! We need to keep things interesting. Plus, you never know when you might need it."

Simoné rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. Chrisanne was the best kind of friend—always pushing her outside her comfort zone, whether she wanted it or not. As the sister of Alpha Keenan, Chrisanne had a way of making the heavy responsibilities of life feel lighter, and Simoné appreciated that.

Still, today had been a whirlwind. After the sparring sessions and hitting almost every store in the mall, Simoné's arms were aching from the weight of the bags she carried. It had been too long since she had allowed herself to relax, but she was beginning to realize just how much she needed it. She had been away from the pack for a while, focusing on her education, physical training and learning her new 'special abilities', as Alpha Charl used to call it, and now, she was back—stronger, more confident.

As they headed towards the food court, Chrisanne's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I'm starving. Let's get burgers. Big, greasy burgers."

Simoné chuckled. "Sounds perfect."

They found a table near the centre of the bustling food court after ordering their meals, and Simoné allowed herself a rare moment of peace. The chaos of clattering trays and chattering voices around them seemed distant as she bit into her burger, the savoury taste reminding her just how hungry she really was.

But before they could even finish half their meal, Chrisanne's eyes shifted, and a slow smile spread across her face. Simoné noticed the familiar glint in her friend's eyes and turned in her seat, already knowing something—or someone—was about to disrupt their afternoon.

A group of guys was approaching. Not just any group, though. Alpha Clint of Mystic Hills, along with his Beta, David, and his Gamma, Tyron. Simoné felt her heartbeat quicken. She hadn't seen Clint in years, not since high school, but he still carried the same confident aura that had always set him apart from the rest. Dark-haired and broad-shouldered, Clint had grown into the power of his role as Alpha. His eyes, however, were what drew Simoné's attention—intense, piercing, and locked directly on her.

"Well, well, well," Chrisanne said playfully, leaning back in her chair. "Look who it is. The Mystic Hills crew."

David and Tyron greeted Chrisanne with easy grins, exchanging a few friendly words as they pulled up chairs to join the girls at their table. But Clint was different. He stood just behind his Beta and Gamma, his eyes never leaving Simoné, the air between them thick with unspoken history.

"Simoné," Clint said finally, his voice deeper than she remembered, sending a small shiver down her spine. "It's been a while."

Simoné swallowed hard, keeping her cool as best she could. "It has."